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Power of Gratitude - Uncommon Peace
What enables us to have such uncommon peace? - Commonality

  • Relationship with God
  • Decision to make Jesus Lord of our lives
  • Basic mission - to seek and save the lost
If we in a battle together, we are unlikely to attack one another

Stay committed to God with the mission and discipling firmly in place, our unity will remain

Three warning signs, if not doing:

A. Daily diet
  • Time in the Word daily - Acts 17:11
  • Daily prayer - Luke 11:1-4
  • Share our faith daily - Acts 17:17
  • Open with our lives daily with one another - Hebrews 3:12
B. Lack of commitment
C. Lack of discipling

Power of Gratitude - Uncommon Peace
What enables us to have such uncommon peace? - Commonality

  • Relationship with God
  • Decision to make Jesus Lord of our lives
  • Basic mission - to seek and save the lost
If we in a battle together, we are unlikely to attack one another

Stay committed to God with the mission and discipling firmly in place, our unity will remain

Three warning signs, if not doing:

A. Daily diet
  • Time in the Word daily - Acts 17:11
  • Daily prayer - Luke 11:1-4
  • Share our faith daily - Acts 17:17
  • Open with our lives daily with one another - Hebrews 3:12
B. Lack of commitment
C. Lack of discipling

Power of Gratitude - Uncommon Peace
What enables us to have such uncommon peace? - Commonality

  • Relationship with God
  • Decision to make Jesus Lord of our lives
  • Basic mission - to seek and save the lost
If we in a battle together, we are unlikely to attack one another

Stay committed to God with the mission and discipling firmly in place, our unity will remain

Three warning signs, if not doing:

A. Daily diet
  • Time in the Word daily - Acts 17:11
  • Daily prayer - Luke 11:1-4
  • Share our faith daily - Acts 17:17
  • Open with our lives daily with one another - Hebrews 3:12
B. Lack of commitment
C. Lack of discipling

Power of Gratitude - Uncommon Peace
What enables us to have such uncommon peace? - Commonality

  • Relationship with God
  • Decision to make Jesus Lord of our lives
  • Basic mission - to seek and save the lost
If we in a battle together, we are unlikely to attack one another

Stay committed to God with the mission and discipling firmly in place, our unity will remain

Three warning signs, if not doing:

A. Daily diet
  • Time in the Word daily - Acts 17:11
  • Daily prayer - Luke 11:1-4
  • Share our faith daily - Acts 17:17
  • Open with our lives daily with one another - Hebrews 3:12
B. Lack of commitment
C. Lack of discipling

Be Still My Soul - Quiet Time

Jesus deeply valued his time alone with God

Jesus sought out quiet time
"Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest" - Mark 6:31b
"Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed" - Luke 5:16
Occasional devotions are OK but should never replace our private time with God

Jesus found a quite place
"But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father" - Matthew 6:6
If you have no quite place - your relationship will be shallow and limited

Jesus urged alertness
Jesus pleaded with them to be awake and alert in prayer - Mark 14:37-42
Be "clear minded and self-controller" so that we can pray - 1 Peter 4:7

How long? until a sense of peace and closeness with God

How much time in prayer and study? mix it up; our relationship should not become stale

"Remain in me, and I will remain in you" - John 15:4-8



Be Still My Soul - Time Away

Jesus often withdrew

  • Jesus often withdrew - Luke 5:16
  • Spent the night praying - Luke 6:12
  • Jesus was praying in private - Luke 9:18
  • Jesus... took Peter, John, and James .. to a mountain to pray - Luke 9:28
  • Withdrew to mountain by himself - John 6:15

When was the last time you withdrew an entire night, day, or week?
We wonder why we are stale, unmotivated, joyless, and weary and have not grown
It takes awhile to detact from the world

A retreat can be unforgetable, life-changing time
You have to plan it to make it happen, Satan will try to stop you



Be Still My Soul - Time Away

Jesus often withdrew

  • Jesus often withdrew - Luke 5:16
  • Spent the night praying - Luke 6:12
  • Jesus was praying in private - Luke 9:18
  • Jesus... took Peter, John, and James .. to a mountain to pray - Luke 9:28
  • Withdrew to mountain by himself - John 6:15

When was the last time you withdrew an entire night, day, or week?
We wonder why we are stale, unmotivated, joyless, and weary and have not grown
It takes awhile to detact from the world

A retreat can be unforgetable, life-changing time
You have to plan it to make it happen, Satan will try to stop you



Be Still My Soul - Time Away

Jesus often withdrew

  • Jesus often withdrew - Luke 5:16
  • Spent the night praying - Luke 6:12
  • Jesus was praying in private - Luke 9:18
  • Jesus... took Peter, John, and James .. to a mountain to pray - Luke 9:28
  • Withdrew to mountain by himself - John 6:15

When was the last time you withdrew an entire night, day, or week?
We wonder why we are stale, unmotivated, joyless, and weary and have not grown
It takes awhile to detact from the world

A retreat can be unforgetable, life-changing time
You have to plan it to make it happen, Satan will try to stop you



Be Still My Soul - Time Away

Jesus often withdrew

  • Jesus often withdrew - Luke 5:16
  • Spent the night praying - Luke 6:12
  • Jesus was praying in private - Luke 9:18
  • Jesus... took Peter, John, and James .. to a mountain to pray - Luke 9:28
  • Withdrew to mountain by himself - John 6:15

When was the last time you withdrew an entire night, day, or week?
We wonder why we are stale, unmotivated, joyless, and weary and have not grown
It takes awhile to detact from the world

A retreat can be unforgetable, life-changing time
You have to plan it to make it happen, Satan will try to stop you



Be Still My Soul - Persistence

We "should always pray and not give up" - Luke 18:1

Disciples who are not close to God are simply not being perisistent

Examples of persistent prayers:

  • Elisha - prayerd 7x before the promised rainfall came down  -1 Kings 18:42-45
  • Jesus - returned three time to the garden of Gethsemane to surrender to God's will - Matthew 26:36-FF
  • Paul - prayed three times before given an answer he did not want - 2 Corinthians 12:7-9
  • Early church - prayed all night for Peter's deliverance - Acts 12:1-17


Falling in Love with God - Fear

The other emotional response that undermines our love for God

Perfect love drives our fear - 1 John 4:18
Fear greatly affects our ability to love; renders lifeless our love for God

Fear one of the most powerful and universal tools Satan uses for:

  • Keep man from the knowledge of God
  • Experience of God's power
  • Experience grace in our lives
  • Taking our eyes off of God and onto our circumstances and insecurities

There is healthy fear (like fearing God) but unhealthy fear is one that controls us and causes us to turn away from God's direction
Fear is rarely rational

  • Why are you so afraid - Matthew 8:26
  • Don't be afraid - Matthew 14:27
  • Don't be afraid - Matthew 17:7
  • Don't be afraid - Matthew 28:10
  • Don't be afraid - Mark 5:36
  • Don't be afraid - Luke 5:10
  • Don't be afraid - Luke 8:50
  • Don't be afraid - Luke 12:7
  • Don't be afraid - Luke 12:32
  • Don't be afraid - John 6:19-20
  • Don't be afraid - John 12:15
  • Don't be afraid - John 14:27

God understands the destructive nature of fear
He simply commands us to deal with our fears through our relationship with him



Falling in Love with God - Fear

The other emotional response that undermines our love for God

Perfect love drives our fear - 1 John 4:18
Fear greatly affects our ability to love; renders lifeless our love for God

Fear one of the most powerful and universal tools Satan uses for:

  • Keep man from the knowledge of God
  • Experience of God's power
  • Experience grace in our lives
  • Taking our eyes off of God and onto our circumstances and insecurities

There is healthy fear (like fearing God) but unhealthy fear is one that controls us and causes us to turn away from God's direction
Fear is rarely rational

  • Why are you so afraid - Matthew 8:26
  • Don't be afraid - Matthew 14:27
  • Don't be afraid - Matthew 17:7
  • Don't be afraid - Matthew 28:10
  • Don't be afraid - Mark 5:36
  • Don't be afraid - Luke 5:10
  • Don't be afraid - Luke 8:50
  • Don't be afraid - Luke 12:7
  • Don't be afraid - Luke 12:32
  • Don't be afraid - John 6:19-20
  • Don't be afraid - John 12:15
  • Don't be afraid - John 14:27

God understands the destructive nature of fear
He simply commands us to deal with our fears through our relationship with him



Falling in Love with God - Fear

The other emotional response that undermines our love for God

Perfect love drives our fear - 1 John 4:18
Fear greatly affects our ability to love; renders lifeless our love for God

Fear one of the most powerful and universal tools Satan uses for:

  • Keep man from the knowledge of God
  • Experience of God's power
  • Experience grace in our lives
  • Taking our eyes off of God and onto our circumstances and insecurities

There is healthy fear (like fearing God) but unhealthy fear is one that controls us and causes us to turn away from God's direction
Fear is rarely rational

  • Why are you so afraid - Matthew 8:26
  • Don't be afraid - Matthew 14:27
  • Don't be afraid - Matthew 17:7
  • Don't be afraid - Matthew 28:10
  • Don't be afraid - Mark 5:36
  • Don't be afraid - Luke 5:10
  • Don't be afraid - Luke 8:50
  • Don't be afraid - Luke 12:7
  • Don't be afraid - Luke 12:32
  • Don't be afraid - John 6:19-20
  • Don't be afraid - John 12:15
  • Don't be afraid - John 14:27

God understands the destructive nature of fear
He simply commands us to deal with our fears through our relationship with him



Falling in Love with God - Fear

The other emotional response that undermines our love for God

Perfect love drives our fear - 1 John 4:18
Fear greatly affects our ability to love; renders lifeless our love for God

Fear one of the most powerful and universal tools Satan uses for:

  • Keep man from the knowledge of God
  • Experience of God's power
  • Experience grace in our lives
  • Taking our eyes off of God and onto our circumstances and insecurities

There is healthy fear (like fearing God) but unhealthy fear is one that controls us and causes us to turn away from God's direction
Fear is rarely rational

  • Why are you so afraid - Matthew 8:26
  • Don't be afraid - Matthew 14:27
  • Don't be afraid - Matthew 17:7
  • Don't be afraid - Matthew 28:10
  • Don't be afraid - Mark 5:36
  • Don't be afraid - Luke 5:10
  • Don't be afraid - Luke 8:50
  • Don't be afraid - Luke 12:7
  • Don't be afraid - Luke 12:32
  • Don't be afraid - John 6:19-20
  • Don't be afraid - John 12:15
  • Don't be afraid - John 14:27

God understands the destructive nature of fear
He simply commands us to deal with our fears through our relationship with him



Falling in Love with God - Rediscovering each other
Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him - Luke 24:13-32

They did not see Jesus because they lost hope and did not see him in a new light

There is no joy like rediscovery - ex. rediscovering your spouse

Some today:
  • "We are not compatible anymore"
  • "We have both changed"
  • Think about an old boyfriend or girlfriend
We need to "rediscover" our spouse if we have lost hope

We need to "rediscover" Jesus if we have lost hope of connecting with him again
  • Because of Jesus we can be one with Him
  • He has not changed
  • He is thinking of me, I am I thinking of him?


Falling in Love with God - Rediscovering each other
Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him - Luke 24:13-32

They did not see Jesus because they lost hope and did not see him in a new light

There is no joy like rediscovery - ex. rediscovering your spouse

Some today:
  • "We are not compatible anymore"
  • "We have both changed"
  • Think about an old boyfriend or girlfriend
We need to "rediscover" our spouse if we have lost hope

We need to "rediscover" Jesus if we have lost hope of connecting with him again
  • Because of Jesus we can be one with Him
  • He has not changed
  • He is thinking of me, I am I thinking of him?


Falling in Love with God - Rediscovering each other
Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him - Luke 24:13-32

They did not see Jesus because they lost hope and did not see him in a new light

There is no joy like rediscovery - ex. rediscovering your spouse

Some today:
  • "We are not compatible anymore"
  • "We have both changed"
  • Think about an old boyfriend or girlfriend
We need to "rediscover" our spouse if we have lost hope

We need to "rediscover" Jesus if we have lost hope of connecting with him again
  • Because of Jesus we can be one with Him
  • He has not changed
  • He is thinking of me, I am I thinking of him?


Falling in Love with God - Rediscovering each other
Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him - Luke 24:13-32

They did not see Jesus because they lost hope and did not see him in a new light

There is no joy like rediscovery - ex. rediscovering your spouse

Some today:
  • "We are not compatible anymore"
  • "We have both changed"
  • Think about an old boyfriend or girlfriend
We need to "rediscover" our spouse if we have lost hope

We need to "rediscover" Jesus if we have lost hope of connecting with him again
  • Because of Jesus we can be one with Him
  • He has not changed
  • He is thinking of me, I am I thinking of him?


Falling in Love with God - Rediscovering each other
Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him - Luke 24:13-32

They did not see Jesus because they lost hope and did not see him in a new light

There is no joy like rediscovery - ex. rediscovering your spouse

Some today:
  • "We are not compatible anymore"
  • "We have both changed"
  • Think about an old boyfriend or girlfriend
We need to "rediscover" our spouse if we have lost hope

We need to "rediscover" Jesus if we have lost hope of connecting with him again
  • Because of Jesus we can be one with Him
  • He has not changed
  • He is thinking of me, I am I thinking of him?


Falling in Love with God - Rediscovering each other
Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him - Luke 24:13-32

They did not see Jesus because they lost hope and did not see him in a new light

There is no joy like rediscovery - ex. rediscovering your spouse

Some today:
  • "We are not compatible anymore"
  • "We have both changed"
  • Think about an old boyfriend or girlfriend
We need to "rediscover" our spouse if we have lost hope

We need to "rediscover" Jesus if we have lost hope of connecting with him again
  • Because of Jesus we can be one with Him
  • He has not changed
  • He is thinking of me, I am I thinking of him?


Falling in Love with God - Rediscovering each other
Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him - Luke 24:13-32

They did not see Jesus because they lost hope and did not see him in a new light

There is no joy like rediscovery - ex. rediscovering your spouse

Some today:
  • "We are not compatible anymore"
  • "We have both changed"
  • Think about an old boyfriend or girlfriend
We need to "rediscover" our spouse if we have lost hope

We need to "rediscover" Jesus if we have lost hope of connecting with him again
  • Because of Jesus we can be one with Him
  • He has not changed
  • He is thinking of me, I am I thinking of him?


Falling in Love with God - Rediscovering each other
Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him - Luke 24:13-32

They did not see Jesus because they lost hope and did not see him in a new light

There is no joy like rediscovery - ex. rediscovering your spouse

Some today:
  • "We are not compatible anymore"
  • "We have both changed"
  • Think about an old boyfriend or girlfriend
We need to "rediscover" our spouse if we have lost hope

We need to "rediscover" Jesus if we have lost hope of connecting with him again
  • Because of Jesus we can be one with Him
  • He has not changed
  • He is thinking of me, I am I thinking of him?


Falling in Love with God - Rediscovering each other
Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him - Luke 24:13-32

They did not see Jesus because they lost hope and did not see him in a new light

There is no joy like rediscovery - ex. rediscovering your spouse

Some today:
  • "We are not compatible anymore"
  • "We have both changed"
  • Think about an old boyfriend or girlfriend
We need to "rediscover" our spouse if we have lost hope

We need to "rediscover" Jesus if we have lost hope of connecting with him again
  • Because of Jesus we can be one with Him
  • He has not changed
  • He is thinking of me, I am I thinking of him?


Falling in Love with God - Rediscovering each other
Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him - Luke 24:13-32

They did not see Jesus because they lost hope and did not see him in a new light

There is no joy like rediscovery - ex. rediscovering your spouse

Some today:
  • "We are not compatible anymore"
  • "We have both changed"
  • Think about an old boyfriend or girlfriend
We need to "rediscover" our spouse if we have lost hope

We need to "rediscover" Jesus if we have lost hope of connecting with him again
  • Because of Jesus we can be one with Him
  • He has not changed
  • He is thinking of me, I am I thinking of him?


Falling in Love with God - Rediscovering each other
Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him - Luke 24:13-32

They did not see Jesus because they lost hope and did not see him in a new light

There is no joy like rediscovery - ex. rediscovering your spouse

Some today:
  • "We are not compatible anymore"
  • "We have both changed"
  • Think about an old boyfriend or girlfriend
We need to "rediscover" our spouse if we have lost hope

We need to "rediscover" Jesus if we have lost hope of connecting with him again
  • Because of Jesus we can be one with Him
  • He has not changed
  • He is thinking of me, I am I thinking of him?


Falling in Love with God - Rediscovering each other
Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him - Luke 24:13-32

They did not see Jesus because they lost hope and did not see him in a new light

There is no joy like rediscovery - ex. rediscovering your spouse

Some today:
  • "We are not compatible anymore"
  • "We have both changed"
  • Think about an old boyfriend or girlfriend
We need to "rediscover" our spouse if we have lost hope

We need to "rediscover" Jesus if we have lost hope of connecting with him again
  • Because of Jesus we can be one with Him
  • He has not changed
  • He is thinking of me, I am I thinking of him?


Falling in Love with God - Rediscovering each other
Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him - Luke 24:13-32

They did not see Jesus because they lost hope and did not see him in a new light

There is no joy like rediscovery - ex. rediscovering your spouse

Some today:
  • "We are not compatible anymore"
  • "We have both changed"
  • Think about an old boyfriend or girlfriend
We need to "rediscover" our spouse if we have lost hope

We need to "rediscover" Jesus if we have lost hope of connecting with him again
  • Because of Jesus we can be one with Him
  • He has not changed
  • He is thinking of me, I am I thinking of him?


Falling in Love with God - Rediscovering each other
Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him - Luke 24:13-32

They did not see Jesus because they lost hope and did not see him in a new light

There is no joy like rediscovery - ex. rediscovering your spouse

Some today:
  • "We are not compatible anymore"
  • "We have both changed"
  • Think about an old boyfriend or girlfriend
We need to "rediscover" our spouse if we have lost hope

We need to "rediscover" Jesus if we have lost hope of connecting with him again
  • Because of Jesus we can be one with Him
  • He has not changed
  • He is thinking of me, I am I thinking of him?


Falling in Love with God - Rediscovering each other
Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him - Luke 24:13-32

They did not see Jesus because they lost hope and did not see him in a new light

There is no joy like rediscovery - ex. rediscovering your spouse

Some today:
  • "We are not compatible anymore"
  • "We have both changed"
  • Think about an old boyfriend or girlfriend
We need to "rediscover" our spouse if we have lost hope

We need to "rediscover" Jesus if we have lost hope of connecting with him again
  • Because of Jesus we can be one with Him
  • He has not changed
  • He is thinking of me, I am I thinking of him?


Falling in Love with God - Rediscovering each other
Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him - Luke 24:13-32

They did not see Jesus because they lost hope and did not see him in a new light

There is no joy like rediscovery - ex. rediscovering your spouse

Some today:
  • "We are not compatible anymore"
  • "We have both changed"
  • Think about an old boyfriend or girlfriend
We need to "rediscover" our spouse if we have lost hope

We need to "rediscover" Jesus if we have lost hope of connecting with him again
  • Because of Jesus we can be one with Him
  • He has not changed
  • He is thinking of me, I am I thinking of him?


Falling in Love with God - Rediscovering each other
Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him - Luke 24:13-32

They did not see Jesus because they lost hope and did not see him in a new light

There is no joy like rediscovery - ex. rediscovering your spouse

Some today:
  • "We are not compatible anymore"
  • "We have both changed"
  • Think about an old boyfriend or girlfriend
We need to "rediscover" our spouse if we have lost hope

We need to "rediscover" Jesus if we have lost hope of connecting with him again
  • Because of Jesus we can be one with Him
  • He has not changed
  • He is thinking of me, I am I thinking of him?


Falling in Love with God - Rediscovering each other
Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him - Luke 24:13-32

They did not see Jesus because they lost hope and did not see him in a new light

There is no joy like rediscovery - ex. rediscovering your spouse

Some today:
  • "We are not compatible anymore"
  • "We have both changed"
  • Think about an old boyfriend or girlfriend
We need to "rediscover" our spouse if we have lost hope

We need to "rediscover" Jesus if we have lost hope of connecting with him again
  • Because of Jesus we can be one with Him
  • He has not changed
  • He is thinking of me, I am I thinking of him?


Falling in Love with God - Rediscovering each other
Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him - Luke 24:13-32

They did not see Jesus because they lost hope and did not see him in a new light

There is no joy like rediscovery - ex. rediscovering your spouse

Some today:
  • "We are not compatible anymore"
  • "We have both changed"
  • Think about an old boyfriend or girlfriend
We need to "rediscover" our spouse if we have lost hope

We need to "rediscover" Jesus if we have lost hope of connecting with him again
  • Because of Jesus we can be one with Him
  • He has not changed
  • He is thinking of me, I am I thinking of him?


Falling in Love with God - Rediscovering each other
Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him - Luke 24:13-32

They did not see Jesus because they lost hope and did not see him in a new light

There is no joy like rediscovery - ex. rediscovering your spouse

Some today:
  • "We are not compatible anymore"
  • "We have both changed"
  • Think about an old boyfriend or girlfriend
We need to "rediscover" our spouse if we have lost hope

We need to "rediscover" Jesus if we have lost hope of connecting with him again
  • Because of Jesus we can be one with Him
  • He has not changed
  • He is thinking of me, I am I thinking of him?


Falling in Love with God - Communion
Biblical communion at some meals:
  • Here a dinner was given in Jesus' honor; he reclining at the table with them - John 12:2
  • Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table - Luke 22:14
  • Here reclined at the table with them - Luke 24:30
To fall in love with God, we need to relax and "recline at the table" with our maker
We need to let our guard down

Our relationship with God must be a feast, not a protein shake or an energy bar

Intimacy with God must a priority above all else

Falling in Love with God - Communion
Biblical communion at some meals:
  • Here a dinner was given in Jesus' honor; he reclining at the table with them - John 12:2
  • Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table - Luke 22:14
  • Here reclined at the table with them - Luke 24:30
To fall in love with God, we need to relax and "recline at the table" with our maker
We need to let our guard down

Our relationship with God must be a feast, not a protein shake or an energy bar

Intimacy with God must a priority above all else

Falling in Love with God - God Finding Us

When does seeking really start?

Romans 3:11 - there is no one that seeks God
John 6:44 - No one can come to me unless the Father draws him

Studying the Bible is simply allowing ourselves to be sought by God

If it was our own effort - baptism may seem like the end of the quest

We need to active learners

When we were young, we understood obligation  - "I gotta go to school"
After high school, we may go to college and narrow our focus of learning and become passive learners

  • We listen to the voice of our experience as the final authority
  • We learn mostly from our mistakes
  • We learn when we are forced to out of control - crisis, illness, death

Treasures are for those who will continue to seek forever; not for those who want tips and tricks for being "effective"

If there were ever a moment to be a passive learner, it would be when you walk with Jesus

Luke 11:1-13 - where would we be if the disciples had not asked about praying to the Father? - not know how to address the Father

We need to take responsibilty to get deep and ask questions



Falling in Love with God - God Finding Us

When does seeking really start?

Romans 3:11 - there is no one that seeks God
John 6:44 - No one can come to me unless the Father draws him

Studying the Bible is simply allowing ourselves to be sought by God

If it was our own effort - baptism may seem like the end of the quest

We need to active learners

When we were young, we understood obligation  - "I gotta go to school"
After high school, we may go to college and narrow our focus of learning and become passive learners

  • We listen to the voice of our experience as the final authority
  • We learn mostly from our mistakes
  • We learn when we are forced to out of control - crisis, illness, death

Treasures are for those who will continue to seek forever; not for those who want tips and tricks for being "effective"

If there were ever a moment to be a passive learner, it would be when you walk with Jesus

Luke 11:1-13 - where would we be if the disciples had not asked about praying to the Father? - not know how to address the Father

We need to take responsibilty to get deep and ask questions



Falling in Love with God - God Finding Us

When does seeking really start?

Romans 3:11 - there is no one that seeks God
John 6:44 - No one can come to me unless the Father draws him

Studying the Bible is simply allowing ourselves to be sought by God

If it was our own effort - baptism may seem like the end of the quest

We need to active learners

When we were young, we understood obligation  - "I gotta go to school"
After high school, we may go to college and narrow our focus of learning and become passive learners

  • We listen to the voice of our experience as the final authority
  • We learn mostly from our mistakes
  • We learn when we are forced to out of control - crisis, illness, death

Treasures are for those who will continue to seek forever; not for those who want tips and tricks for being "effective"

If there were ever a moment to be a passive learner, it would be when you walk with Jesus

Luke 11:1-13 - where would we be if the disciples had not asked about praying to the Father? - not know how to address the Father

We need to take responsibilty to get deep and ask questions



Falling in Love with God - God Finding Us

When does seeking really start?

Romans 3:11 - there is no one that seeks God
John 6:44 - No one can come to me unless the Father draws him

Studying the Bible is simply allowing ourselves to be sought by God

If it was our own effort - baptism may seem like the end of the quest

We need to active learners

When we were young, we understood obligation  - "I gotta go to school"
After high school, we may go to college and narrow our focus of learning and become passive learners

  • We listen to the voice of our experience as the final authority
  • We learn mostly from our mistakes
  • We learn when we are forced to out of control - crisis, illness, death

Treasures are for those who will continue to seek forever; not for those who want tips and tricks for being "effective"

If there were ever a moment to be a passive learner, it would be when you walk with Jesus

Luke 11:1-13 - where would we be if the disciples had not asked about praying to the Father? - not know how to address the Father

We need to take responsibilty to get deep and ask questions



Falling in Love with God - God Finding Us

When does seeking really start?

Romans 3:11 - there is no one that seeks God
John 6:44 - No one can come to me unless the Father draws him

Studying the Bible is simply allowing ourselves to be sought by God

If it was our own effort - baptism may seem like the end of the quest

We need to active learners

When we were young, we understood obligation  - "I gotta go to school"
After high school, we may go to college and narrow our focus of learning and become passive learners

  • We listen to the voice of our experience as the final authority
  • We learn mostly from our mistakes
  • We learn when we are forced to out of control - crisis, illness, death

Treasures are for those who will continue to seek forever; not for those who want tips and tricks for being "effective"

If there were ever a moment to be a passive learner, it would be when you walk with Jesus

Luke 11:1-13 - where would we be if the disciples had not asked about praying to the Father? - not know how to address the Father

We need to take responsibilty to get deep and ask questions



Falling in Love with God - God Finding Us

When does seeking really start?

Romans 3:11 - there is no one that seeks God
John 6:44 - No one can come to me unless the Father draws him

Studying the Bible is simply allowing ourselves to be sought by God

If it was our own effort - baptism may seem like the end of the quest

We need to active learners

When we were young, we understood obligation  - "I gotta go to school"
After high school, we may go to college and narrow our focus of learning and become passive learners

  • We listen to the voice of our experience as the final authority
  • We learn mostly from our mistakes
  • We learn when we are forced to out of control - crisis, illness, death

Treasures are for those who will continue to seek forever; not for those who want tips and tricks for being "effective"

If there were ever a moment to be a passive learner, it would be when you walk with Jesus

Luke 11:1-13 - where would we be if the disciples had not asked about praying to the Father? - not know how to address the Father

We need to take responsibilty to get deep and ask questions



Falling in Love with God - God Finding Us

When does seeking really start?

Romans 3:11 - there is no one that seeks God
John 6:44 - No one can come to me unless the Father draws him

Studying the Bible is simply allowing ourselves to be sought by God

If it was our own effort - baptism may seem like the end of the quest

We need to active learners

When we were young, we understood obligation  - "I gotta go to school"
After high school, we may go to college and narrow our focus of learning and become passive learners

  • We listen to the voice of our experience as the final authority
  • We learn mostly from our mistakes
  • We learn when we are forced to out of control - crisis, illness, death

Treasures are for those who will continue to seek forever; not for those who want tips and tricks for being "effective"

If there were ever a moment to be a passive learner, it would be when you walk with Jesus

Luke 11:1-13 - where would we be if the disciples had not asked about praying to the Father? - not know how to address the Father

We need to take responsibilty to get deep and ask questions



Falling in Love with God - God Finding Us

When does seeking really start?

Romans 3:11 - there is no one that seeks God
John 6:44 - No one can come to me unless the Father draws him

Studying the Bible is simply allowing ourselves to be sought by God

If it was our own effort - baptism may seem like the end of the quest

We need to active learners

When we were young, we understood obligation  - "I gotta go to school"
After high school, we may go to college and narrow our focus of learning and become passive learners

  • We listen to the voice of our experience as the final authority
  • We learn mostly from our mistakes
  • We learn when we are forced to out of control - crisis, illness, death

Treasures are for those who will continue to seek forever; not for those who want tips and tricks for being "effective"

If there were ever a moment to be a passive learner, it would be when you walk with Jesus

Luke 11:1-13 - where would we be if the disciples had not asked about praying to the Father? - not know how to address the Father

We need to take responsibilty to get deep and ask questions



Falling in Love with God - God Finding Us

When does seeking really start?

Romans 3:11 - there is no one that seeks God
John 6:44 - No one can come to me unless the Father draws him

Studying the Bible is simply allowing ourselves to be sought by God

If it was our own effort - baptism may seem like the end of the quest

We need to active learners

When we were young, we understood obligation  - "I gotta go to school"
After high school, we may go to college and narrow our focus of learning and become passive learners

  • We listen to the voice of our experience as the final authority
  • We learn mostly from our mistakes
  • We learn when we are forced to out of control - crisis, illness, death

Treasures are for those who will continue to seek forever; not for those who want tips and tricks for being "effective"

If there were ever a moment to be a passive learner, it would be when you walk with Jesus

Luke 11:1-13 - where would we be if the disciples had not asked about praying to the Father? - not know how to address the Father

We need to take responsibilty to get deep and ask questions



Falling in Love with God - God Finding Us

When does seeking really start?

Romans 3:11 - there is no one that seeks God
John 6:44 - No one can come to me unless the Father draws him

Studying the Bible is simply allowing ourselves to be sought by God

If it was our own effort - baptism may seem like the end of the quest

We need to active learners

When we were young, we understood obligation  - "I gotta go to school"
After high school, we may go to college and narrow our focus of learning and become passive learners

  • We listen to the voice of our experience as the final authority
  • We learn mostly from our mistakes
  • We learn when we are forced to out of control - crisis, illness, death

Treasures are for those who will continue to seek forever; not for those who want tips and tricks for being "effective"

If there were ever a moment to be a passive learner, it would be when you walk with Jesus

Luke 11:1-13 - where would we be if the disciples had not asked about praying to the Father? - not know how to address the Father

We need to take responsibilty to get deep and ask questions



Falling in Love with God - God Finding Us

When does seeking really start?

Romans 3:11 - there is no one that seeks God
John 6:44 - No one can come to me unless the Father draws him

Studying the Bible is simply allowing ourselves to be sought by God

If it was our own effort - baptism may seem like the end of the quest

We need to active learners

When we were young, we understood obligation  - "I gotta go to school"
After high school, we may go to college and narrow our focus of learning and become passive learners

  • We listen to the voice of our experience as the final authority
  • We learn mostly from our mistakes
  • We learn when we are forced to out of control - crisis, illness, death

Treasures are for those who will continue to seek forever; not for those who want tips and tricks for being "effective"

If there were ever a moment to be a passive learner, it would be when you walk with Jesus

Luke 11:1-13 - where would we be if the disciples had not asked about praying to the Father? - not know how to address the Father

We need to take responsibilty to get deep and ask questions



Falling in Love with God - God Finding Us

When does seeking really start?

Romans 3:11 - there is no one that seeks God
John 6:44 - No one can come to me unless the Father draws him

Studying the Bible is simply allowing ourselves to be sought by God

If it was our own effort - baptism may seem like the end of the quest

We need to active learners

When we were young, we understood obligation  - "I gotta go to school"
After high school, we may go to college and narrow our focus of learning and become passive learners

  • We listen to the voice of our experience as the final authority
  • We learn mostly from our mistakes
  • We learn when we are forced to out of control - crisis, illness, death

Treasures are for those who will continue to seek forever; not for those who want tips and tricks for being "effective"

If there were ever a moment to be a passive learner, it would be when you walk with Jesus

Luke 11:1-13 - where would we be if the disciples had not asked about praying to the Father? - not know how to address the Father

We need to take responsibilty to get deep and ask questions



Falling in Love with God - God Finding Us

When does seeking really start?

Romans 3:11 - there is no one that seeks God
John 6:44 - No one can come to me unless the Father draws him

Studying the Bible is simply allowing ourselves to be sought by God

If it was our own effort - baptism may seem like the end of the quest

We need to active learners

When we were young, we understood obligation  - "I gotta go to school"
After high school, we may go to college and narrow our focus of learning and become passive learners

  • We listen to the voice of our experience as the final authority
  • We learn mostly from our mistakes
  • We learn when we are forced to out of control - crisis, illness, death

Treasures are for those who will continue to seek forever; not for those who want tips and tricks for being "effective"

If there were ever a moment to be a passive learner, it would be when you walk with Jesus

Luke 11:1-13 - where would we be if the disciples had not asked about praying to the Father? - not know how to address the Father

We need to take responsibilty to get deep and ask questions



Power of Spiritual Thinking - Emotions and Spirituality
Emotions are God-given and a blessing

Some refuse to get open and honest with their true feeling - from pride and fear

In times of crisis, we usually get past our emotional blockage and express ourselves much better

Negative emotions are not to be trusted
Unless you allow others to break into your closed system of reasoning, the illogical will continue to seem perfectly logical
Satan can use emotions in a damaging way - need to allow others to gain perspective

Emotions are needed and seen in Jesus:
  • Cried regularly - Hebrews 5:7
  • Open about disappointments - Luke 19:41-44
  • Open about struggles - Matthew 26:36-46
Thank God for those who are both emotionally based and spiritually strong at the same time

Power of Spiritual Thinking - Emotions and Spirituality
Emotions are God-given and a blessing

Some refuse to get open and honest with their true feeling - from pride and fear

In times of crisis, we usually get past our emotional blockage and express ourselves much better

Negative emotions are not to be trusted
Unless you allow others to break into your closed system of reasoning, the illogical will continue to seem perfectly logical
Satan can use emotions in a damaging way - need to allow others to gain perspective

Emotions are needed and seen in Jesus:
  • Cried regularly - Hebrews 5:7
  • Open about disappointments - Luke 19:41-44
  • Open about struggles - Matthew 26:36-46
Thank God for those who are both emotionally based and spiritually strong at the same time

Power of Spiritual Thinking - Emotions and Spirituality
Emotions are God-given and a blessing

Some refuse to get open and honest with their true feeling - from pride and fear

In times of crisis, we usually get past our emotional blockage and express ourselves much better

Negative emotions are not to be trusted
Unless you allow others to break into your closed system of reasoning, the illogical will continue to seem perfectly logical
Satan can use emotions in a damaging way - need to allow others to gain perspective

Emotions are needed and seen in Jesus:
  • Cried regularly - Hebrews 5:7
  • Open about disappointments - Luke 19:41-44
  • Open about struggles - Matthew 26:36-46
Thank God for those who are both emotionally based and spiritually strong at the same time

Power of Spiritual Thinking - Emotions and Spirituality
Emotions are God-given and a blessing

Some refuse to get open and honest with their true feeling - from pride and fear

In times of crisis, we usually get past our emotional blockage and express ourselves much better

Negative emotions are not to be trusted
Unless you allow others to break into your closed system of reasoning, the illogical will continue to seem perfectly logical
Satan can use emotions in a damaging way - need to allow others to gain perspective

Emotions are needed and seen in Jesus:
  • Cried regularly - Hebrews 5:7
  • Open about disappointments - Luke 19:41-44
  • Open about struggles - Matthew 26:36-46
Thank God for those who are both emotionally based and spiritually strong at the same time

Power of Spiritual Thinking - Money - Root of All Evil?, part 2
There are spiritual challenges for both those who have money and those who don't

God promises to give us what we need, but not what we may want

1 Timothy - need for contentment with the basic of life

Examine:
  • How much have we accumulated?
  • Why have we accumulated it?
  • How much are we using?
  • How are we using it?
  • How attached are we to it?
Colossians 3:23 - work for the Lord
Seeking advancement or seeking to please God?

How content are you with what you have? - Philippians 4:12

1 Timothy 6:9-12 - not just avoid but flee from the love of money
 - Some use people, and love money
 - God uses money and loves people

Who is master in your life? God OR Money - Luke 16:13

Avoid the extremes of loving it and envying those who have more than you

Use money to the fullest extend to serve him and bless others

Power of Spiritual Thinking - Disappointed
Mathew 23:37 - Talks about how Jerusalem killed the prophets and those God has sent to them

Disappointed people are not happy people

Disappointed = depressed or discouraged by the failures of one's hopes
Disappointment in others exposes a basic selfishness; by definition is rather self-focused

Most assume that God often views us with a disappointed heart
Luke 19:41-42 (parallel verse to Matthew 23:37) - If you only had known on this day what would bring you peace

Are you often disappointed in yourself or others?
Humility is needed - Selfishness and pride is the opposite
  • Disappointed often? Selfish often!
  • Frustrated at others often? Selfish often!
  • Angry when others have things against you? Selfish once more!
Look not to your own interest, but the interest of others - Philippians 2:3-4

Disappointment is un-Godlike; Concern is the godly quality which comes from self-denial and agape love

Power of Spiritual Thinking - Disappointed
Mathew 23:37 - Talks about how Jerusalem killed the prophets and those God has sent to them

Disappointed people are not happy people

Disappointed = depressed or discouraged by the failures of one's hopes
Disappointment in others exposes a basic selfishness; by definition is rather self-focused

Most assume that God often views us with a disappointed heart
Luke 19:41-42 (parallel verse to Matthew 23:37) - If you only had known on this day what would bring you peace

Are you often disappointed in yourself or others?
Humility is needed - Selfishness and pride is the opposite
  • Disappointed often? Selfish often!
  • Frustrated at others often? Selfish often!
  • Angry when others have things against you? Selfish once more!
Look not to your own interest, but the interest of others - Philippians 2:3-4

Disappointment is un-Godlike; Concern is the godly quality which comes from self-denial and agape love

Purpose Driven Life - Transformed by Truth

The truth transforms us

Spiritual growth is the process of replacing lies with truth

Everything around you exists because "God said so"
Job - I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread (Job 23:12)

Must accept the Bible's authority

  • Compass to be relyed on
  • Counsel to listen to
  • Benchmark for evaluating

Unrealiable authorities (at the Garden of Eden as well):

  • Culture - "everyone is doing it"
  • Tradition - "we' ve always done it"
  • Reason - "it seems logical"
  • Emotion - "it just feels right"

Must assimilate its truth

Allow yourself to be transformed by the truth

  1. Receive God's Word - Consider carefully how you listen - Luke 8:18
  2. Read God's Word - Read it as long as we live - Deuteronomy 17:19
  3. Research God's Word  - Write down insights, ask questions
  4. Remebering God's Word - Remember what is important to you; memorize; resist tempation
  5. Reflect on God's Word  - Meditate, focused thinking

Must apply it principles

  • We can fool ourselves that studying is doing
  • Applying the Word is hard work
  • Alway good to write down an action step from the result of your studying
    • Personal (involves you)
    • Practical (can be done)
    • Provable (deadline)

 



Purpose Driven Life - Thinking Like a Servant (part 1)

Service starts in the mind

Servants think more about others than about themselves

Not thinking less of ourselves, thinking of ourselves less
Forget yourselves; lend a helping a hand - Philippians 2:4
This is what it means to "lose your life"
Jesus emptied himself; taking the form of a servant - Philippians 2:7

Self-denial is the core of servanthood
Unfair situation; use the occasion to practice the servant life - Matthew 5:41

Servants think like stewards, not owners

Remember the God owns it all
No servant can serve two masters - Money not "should not", "can not"
If you have been trusted with the world's weath, than you can be trusted with true riches - Luke 16:11

 



Purpose Driven Life - Made for a Mission (part 1)
Your mission is both shared and specific

Mission = Latin word for "sending"
As the Father has sent me, I am sending you - John 20:21

Jesus understood he was on a mission:
  • As a teenager - I must be about my Father's business - Luke 2:49
  • On the cross - It is finished - Luke 19:30
God wants to redeem human being from Satan
We have been sent to speak for Christ - 2 Corinthians 5:20

Your mission is a continuation of Jesus' mission on earth
He call us not only to come to him but go for him


Purpose Driven Life - Made for a Mission (part 1)
Your mission is both shared and specific

Mission = Latin word for "sending"
As the Father has sent me, I am sending you - John 20:21

Jesus understood he was on a mission:
  • As a teenager - I must be about my Father's business - Luke 2:49
  • On the cross - It is finished - Luke 19:30
God wants to redeem human being from Satan
We have been sent to speak for Christ - 2 Corinthians 5:20

Your mission is a continuation of Jesus' mission on earth
He call us not only to come to him but go for him


30 Days at the Cross - Freedom of Forgiveness
True forgiveness - made possible by God

Jesus forgave when it was most difficult by:

Facing the truth

Jesus didn't expect life to be fair
He expected God to be fair
He accepted everything from God without question (in the end)
Judas only received kindness from Jesus
Taught forgiving your brother should be limitless - Luke 17:1-5

Feeling the pain

Jesus was totally honest with his feeling both God and man
Greatest test was at the garden of Gethsemane

Freeing his heart

He trusted his Father and focused on him rather than on his own pain
He yielded to God's sense of justice in the most unjust situation

1 Peter 2:23
  • He made no treats
  • He did not retaliate
We must follow Jesus example:
  • He honest and call sin, sin
  • Allow ourselves to feel the pain - fear or anger
  • Surrender to God or be bitter, resent, or even apathy


30 Days at the Cross - Freedom of Forgiveness
True forgiveness - made possible by God

Jesus forgave when it was most difficult by:

Facing the truth

Jesus didn't expect life to be fair
He expected God to be fair
He accepted everything from God without question (in the end)
Judas only received kindness from Jesus
Taught forgiving your brother should be limitless - Luke 17:1-5

Feeling the pain

Jesus was totally honest with his feeling both God and man
Greatest test was at the garden of Gethsemane

Freeing his heart

He trusted his Father and focused on him rather than on his own pain
He yielded to God's sense of justice in the most unjust situation

1 Peter 2:23
  • He made no treats
  • He did not retaliate
We must follow Jesus example:
  • He honest and call sin, sin
  • Allow ourselves to feel the pain - fear or anger
  • Surrender to God or be bitter, resent, or even apathy


30 Days at the Cross - Freedom of Forgiveness
True forgiveness - made possible by God

Jesus forgave when it was most difficult by:

Facing the truth

Jesus didn't expect life to be fair
He expected God to be fair
He accepted everything from God without question (in the end)
Judas only received kindness from Jesus
Taught forgiving your brother should be limitless - Luke 17:1-5

Feeling the pain

Jesus was totally honest with his feeling both God and man
Greatest test was at the garden of Gethsemane

Freeing his heart

He trusted his Father and focused on him rather than on his own pain
He yielded to God's sense of justice in the most unjust situation

1 Peter 2:23
  • He made no treats
  • He did not retaliate
We must follow Jesus example:
  • He honest and call sin, sin
  • Allow ourselves to feel the pain - fear or anger
  • Surrender to God or be bitter, resent, or even apathy


30 Days at the Cross - Freedom of Forgiveness
True forgiveness - made possible by God

Jesus forgave when it was most difficult by:

Facing the truth

Jesus didn't expect life to be fair
He expected God to be fair
He accepted everything from God without question (in the end)
Judas only received kindness from Jesus
Taught forgiving your brother should be limitless - Luke 17:1-5

Feeling the pain

Jesus was totally honest with his feeling both God and man
Greatest test was at the garden of Gethsemane

Freeing his heart

He trusted his Father and focused on him rather than on his own pain
He yielded to God's sense of justice in the most unjust situation

1 Peter 2:23
  • He made no treats
  • He did not retaliate
We must follow Jesus example:
  • He honest and call sin, sin
  • Allow ourselves to feel the pain - fear or anger
  • Surrender to God or be bitter, resent, or even apathy


30 Days at the Cross - Freedom of Forgiveness
True forgiveness - made possible by God

Jesus forgave when it was most difficult by:

Facing the truth

Jesus didn't expect life to be fair
He expected God to be fair
He accepted everything from God without question (in the end)
Judas only received kindness from Jesus
Taught forgiving your brother should be limitless - Luke 17:1-5

Feeling the pain

Jesus was totally honest with his feeling both God and man
Greatest test was at the garden of Gethsemane

Freeing his heart

He trusted his Father and focused on him rather than on his own pain
He yielded to God's sense of justice in the most unjust situation

1 Peter 2:23
  • He made no treats
  • He did not retaliate
We must follow Jesus example:
  • He honest and call sin, sin
  • Allow ourselves to feel the pain - fear or anger
  • Surrender to God or be bitter, resent, or even apathy


30 Days at the Cross - Always Remembering

Passover - it meant freedom for the Jews (from Egypt)
Jesus choose Passover to bring freedom to all through his death

It was a new relationship with God and man
God loved mankind but man hurt God with his sin

Jesus: with my life and death, you have a new relationship, now remember this
It will be forgotten in our lives if we don't make plans to remember

In the midst of our activities and pressure of life, we forget:

  • How much he went through for us
  • That we can be forgiven and start over again and again
  • Why we are doing things we are doing

He took bread and gave thanks for this very reason - Luke 22:19

Give thanks and examine yourself - 1 Corinthians 11:28
Don't forget that in Christ there is no condemnation - Romans 8:1



30 Days at the Cross - Denial Without Regret

self-denial - decision to consistently lay down our lives - not a popular topic
No one can follow Jesus without it

Jesus' struggle in Gethsemane was fought and won in prayer - Matthew 26:36-46
Without self-denial there would be no cross and no salvation:

  • Forgave his tormentors - Luke 23:34
  • Ministered to a criminal - Luke 23:34
  • Provided for his mother - John 19:27

Any limitation we put on self-denial will surely limit our usefulness to him



30 Days at the Cross - Denial Without Regret

self-denial - decision to consistently lay down our lives - not a popular topic
No one can follow Jesus without it

Jesus' struggle in Gethsemane was fought and won in prayer - Matthew 26:36-46
Without self-denial there would be no cross and no salvation:

  • Forgave his tormentors - Luke 23:34
  • Ministered to a criminal - Luke 23:34
  • Provided for his mother - John 19:27

Any limitation we put on self-denial will surely limit our usefulness to him



30 Days at the Cross - Problems or Possibilities
Suffering is a problem for us:
  • We don't like it
  • Trouble figuring it out
  • Try hard to avoid it

We spend too much time asking questions:
  • Why is God doing this to me?
  • Is this from God or Satan?
  • Why does he allow me to suffer like this?
It is the response that matters, Jesus' response was:
  • Jesus, through suffering, was made perfect - Matthew 26:36-46
  • Our Lord sympathizes with our weakness - Hebrews 2:18
  • He was without sin during his sufferings- Hebrews 4:15
  • He forgave during his sufferings - Luke 23:34
  • Accepted God's will for His life
We should not be concerned on why but how we will respond

We should:
  • Consider it a pure joy - James 1:2
  • Know it is for our maturity - James 1:3-4
  • Know it is an opportunity to prove our faith - 1 Peter 1:6
Look for the lesson, make sure your suffering counts for someone
The issue is how you respond and how you will respond in the future

30 Days at the Cross - Mistreatment but Not Misery
No way to be righteous enough, wise enough, or loving enough to avoid persecution
The world can not hate you, it hates Jesus - John 7:7

We never see a hint of retaliation, bitterness, or self-pity
When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate - 1 Peter 2:22-23
On the cross: heaped insults (Matthew 27:44) and he is asked God to forgive them - Luke 23:34

How did he get through the cruel and vicious attacks with such grace?
  • He entrusted himself to him who judges - 1 Peter 2:23
  • Kept his focus on the joy that would be his - Hebrews 12:2


30 Days at the Cross - Not for Adults Only
Even when Jesus was on the cross he had concern for his mother

Why didn't he protect her from the experience?
She needed to understand how far we must go to save the lost

Being a Christian parent does not mean you try to spare your children the cross: show them how to get on it
As parents, it is often harder to teach or to call our children to sacrifice than it is to call ourselves to sacrifice

Are you teaching?
  • Love for enemies and pray for them - Luke 6:27-28
  • Sacrifice of sleep for someone
  • Be flexible and inconvenienced for others
We are entrusted to be an example for the very souls of our children

30 Days at the Cross - Not for Adults Only
Even when Jesus was on the cross he had concern for his mother

Why didn't he protect her from the experience?
She needed to understand how far we must go to save the lost

Being a Christian parent does not mean you try to spare your children the cross: show them how to get on it
As parents, it is often harder to teach or to call our children to sacrifice than it is to call ourselves to sacrifice

Are you teaching?
  • Love for enemies and pray for them - Luke 6:27-28
  • Sacrifice of sleep for someone
  • Be flexible and inconvenienced for others
We are entrusted to be an example for the very souls of our children

30 Days at the Cross - Turning the Tables

Jesus came to turn the tables on Satan
He came to deal with the greatest of all questions and fears - death

  • He spoke about it in great length - John 5:21-30
  • He claimed to be the only solution for death - John 6:53-57
  • He raised the dead - John 11
  • He believed his death would bring others life - John 12:23-25

When he died, almost everyone thought evil won

Satan pulled out all the stops.
Jesus was in his deadly sights at all times - waiting for a bad day

7 moves to turn the tables:

  1. Pray - he is listening - Hebrews 5:7
  2. Read - he is speaking - Luke 4:1-13
  3. Believe - he is able - Hebrews 2:18
  4. Trust - he is willing - Hebrews 4:15
  5. Fight - he knows what you can bear - 1 Corinthians 10:13
  6. Seek - he has provided a way out - 1 Corinthians 10:13
  7. Find - he gives grace in time of need - Hebrews 4:16
Jesus death turned the tables on Satan

30 Days at the Cross - Turning the Tables

Jesus came to turn the tables on Satan
He came to deal with the greatest of all questions and fears - death

  • He spoke about it in great length - John 5:21-30
  • He claimed to be the only solution for death - John 6:53-57
  • He raised the dead - John 11
  • He believed his death would bring others life - John 12:23-25

When he died, almost everyone thought evil won

Satan pulled out all the stops.
Jesus was in his deadly sights at all times - waiting for a bad day

7 moves to turn the tables:

  1. Pray - he is listening - Hebrews 5:7
  2. Read - he is speaking - Luke 4:1-13
  3. Believe - he is able - Hebrews 2:18
  4. Trust - he is willing - Hebrews 4:15
  5. Fight - he knows what you can bear - 1 Corinthians 10:13
  6. Seek - he has provided a way out - 1 Corinthians 10:13
  7. Find - he gives grace in time of need - Hebrews 4:16
Jesus death turned the tables on Satan

30 Days at the Cross - Turning the Tables

Jesus came to turn the tables on Satan
He came to deal with the greatest of all questions and fears - death

  • He spoke about it in great length - John 5:21-30
  • He claimed to be the only solution for death - John 6:53-57
  • He raised the dead - John 11
  • He believed his death would bring others life - John 12:23-25

When he died, almost everyone thought evil won

Satan pulled out all the stops.
Jesus was in his deadly sights at all times - waiting for a bad day

7 moves to turn the tables:

  1. Pray - he is listening - Hebrews 5:7
  2. Read - he is speaking - Luke 4:1-13
  3. Believe - he is able - Hebrews 2:18
  4. Trust - he is willing - Hebrews 4:15
  5. Fight - he knows what you can bear - 1 Corinthians 10:13
  6. Seek - he has provided a way out - 1 Corinthians 10:13
  7. Find - he gives grace in time of need - Hebrews 4:16
Jesus death turned the tables on Satan

30 Days at the Cross - Turning the Tables

Jesus came to turn the tables on Satan
He came to deal with the greatest of all questions and fears - death

  • He spoke about it in great length - John 5:21-30
  • He claimed to be the only solution for death - John 6:53-57
  • He raised the dead - John 11
  • He believed his death would bring others life - John 12:23-25

When he died, almost everyone thought evil won

Satan pulled out all the stops.
Jesus was in his deadly sights at all times - waiting for a bad day

7 moves to turn the tables:

  1. Pray - he is listening - Hebrews 5:7
  2. Read - he is speaking - Luke 4:1-13
  3. Believe - he is able - Hebrews 2:18
  4. Trust - he is willing - Hebrews 4:15
  5. Fight - he knows what you can bear - 1 Corinthians 10:13
  6. Seek - he has provided a way out - 1 Corinthians 10:13
  7. Find - he gives grace in time of need - Hebrews 4:16
Jesus death turned the tables on Satan

30 Days at the Cross - Turning the Tables

Jesus came to turn the tables on Satan
He came to deal with the greatest of all questions and fears - death

  • He spoke about it in great length - John 5:21-30
  • He claimed to be the only solution for death - John 6:53-57
  • He raised the dead - John 11
  • He believed his death would bring others life - John 12:23-25

When he died, almost everyone thought evil won

Satan pulled out all the stops.
Jesus was in his deadly sights at all times - waiting for a bad day

7 moves to turn the tables:

  1. Pray - he is listening - Hebrews 5:7
  2. Read - he is speaking - Luke 4:1-13
  3. Believe - he is able - Hebrews 2:18
  4. Trust - he is willing - Hebrews 4:15
  5. Fight - he knows what you can bear - 1 Corinthians 10:13
  6. Seek - he has provided a way out - 1 Corinthians 10:13
  7. Find - he gives grace in time of need - Hebrews 4:16
Jesus death turned the tables on Satan

30 Days at the Cross - Turning the Tables

Jesus came to turn the tables on Satan
He came to deal with the greatest of all questions and fears - death

  • He spoke about it in great length - John 5:21-30
  • He claimed to be the only solution for death - John 6:53-57
  • He raised the dead - John 11
  • He believed his death would bring others life - John 12:23-25

When he died, almost everyone thought evil won

Satan pulled out all the stops.
Jesus was in his deadly sights at all times - waiting for a bad day

7 moves to turn the tables:

  1. Pray - he is listening - Hebrews 5:7
  2. Read - he is speaking - Luke 4:1-13
  3. Believe - he is able - Hebrews 2:18
  4. Trust - he is willing - Hebrews 4:15
  5. Fight - he knows what you can bear - 1 Corinthians 10:13
  6. Seek - he has provided a way out - 1 Corinthians 10:13
  7. Find - he gives grace in time of need - Hebrews 4:16
Jesus death turned the tables on Satan

30 Days at the Cross - Turning the Tables

Jesus came to turn the tables on Satan
He came to deal with the greatest of all questions and fears - death

  • He spoke about it in great length - John 5:21-30
  • He claimed to be the only solution for death - John 6:53-57
  • He raised the dead - John 11
  • He believed his death would bring others life - John 12:23-25

When he died, almost everyone thought evil won

Satan pulled out all the stops.
Jesus was in his deadly sights at all times - waiting for a bad day

7 moves to turn the tables:

  1. Pray - he is listening - Hebrews 5:7
  2. Read - he is speaking - Luke 4:1-13
  3. Believe - he is able - Hebrews 2:18
  4. Trust - he is willing - Hebrews 4:15
  5. Fight - he knows what you can bear - 1 Corinthians 10:13
  6. Seek - he has provided a way out - 1 Corinthians 10:13
  7. Find - he gives grace in time of need - Hebrews 4:16
Jesus death turned the tables on Satan

30 Days at the Cross - Turning the Tables

Jesus came to turn the tables on Satan
He came to deal with the greatest of all questions and fears - death

  • He spoke about it in great length - John 5:21-30
  • He claimed to be the only solution for death - John 6:53-57
  • He raised the dead - John 11
  • He believed his death would bring others life - John 12:23-25

When he died, almost everyone thought evil won

Satan pulled out all the stops.
Jesus was in his deadly sights at all times - waiting for a bad day

7 moves to turn the tables:

  1. Pray - he is listening - Hebrews 5:7
  2. Read - he is speaking - Luke 4:1-13
  3. Believe - he is able - Hebrews 2:18
  4. Trust - he is willing - Hebrews 4:15
  5. Fight - he knows what you can bear - 1 Corinthians 10:13
  6. Seek - he has provided a way out - 1 Corinthians 10:13
  7. Find - he gives grace in time of need - Hebrews 4:16
Jesus death turned the tables on Satan

30 Days at the Cross - Turning the Tables

Jesus came to turn the tables on Satan
He came to deal with the greatest of all questions and fears - death

  • He spoke about it in great length - John 5:21-30
  • He claimed to be the only solution for death - John 6:53-57
  • He raised the dead - John 11
  • He believed his death would bring others life - John 12:23-25

When he died, almost everyone thought evil won

Satan pulled out all the stops.
Jesus was in his deadly sights at all times - waiting for a bad day

7 moves to turn the tables:

  1. Pray - he is listening - Hebrews 5:7
  2. Read - he is speaking - Luke 4:1-13
  3. Believe - he is able - Hebrews 2:18
  4. Trust - he is willing - Hebrews 4:15
  5. Fight - he knows what you can bear - 1 Corinthians 10:13
  6. Seek - he has provided a way out - 1 Corinthians 10:13
  7. Find - he gives grace in time of need - Hebrews 4:16
Jesus death turned the tables on Satan

30 Days at the Cross - Turning the Tables

Jesus came to turn the tables on Satan
He came to deal with the greatest of all questions and fears - death

  • He spoke about it in great length - John 5:21-30
  • He claimed to be the only solution for death - John 6:53-57
  • He raised the dead - John 11
  • He believed his death would bring others life - John 12:23-25

When he died, almost everyone thought evil won

Satan pulled out all the stops.
Jesus was in his deadly sights at all times - waiting for a bad day

7 moves to turn the tables:

  1. Pray - he is listening - Hebrews 5:7
  2. Read - he is speaking - Luke 4:1-13
  3. Believe - he is able - Hebrews 2:18
  4. Trust - he is willing - Hebrews 4:15
  5. Fight - he knows what you can bear - 1 Corinthians 10:13
  6. Seek - he has provided a way out - 1 Corinthians 10:13
  7. Find - he gives grace in time of need - Hebrews 4:16
Jesus death turned the tables on Satan

30 Days at the Cross - Turning the Tables

Jesus came to turn the tables on Satan
He came to deal with the greatest of all questions and fears - death

  • He spoke about it in great length - John 5:21-30
  • He claimed to be the only solution for death - John 6:53-57
  • He raised the dead - John 11
  • He believed his death would bring others life - John 12:23-25

When he died, almost everyone thought evil won

Satan pulled out all the stops.
Jesus was in his deadly sights at all times - waiting for a bad day

7 moves to turn the tables:

  1. Pray - he is listening - Hebrews 5:7
  2. Read - he is speaking - Luke 4:1-13
  3. Believe - he is able - Hebrews 2:18
  4. Trust - he is willing - Hebrews 4:15
  5. Fight - he knows what you can bear - 1 Corinthians 10:13
  6. Seek - he has provided a way out - 1 Corinthians 10:13
  7. Find - he gives grace in time of need - Hebrews 4:16
Jesus death turned the tables on Satan

30 Days at the Cross - Turning the Tables

Jesus came to turn the tables on Satan
He came to deal with the greatest of all questions and fears - death

  • He spoke about it in great length - John 5:21-30
  • He claimed to be the only solution for death - John 6:53-57
  • He raised the dead - John 11
  • He believed his death would bring others life - John 12:23-25

When he died, almost everyone thought evil won

Satan pulled out all the stops.
Jesus was in his deadly sights at all times - waiting for a bad day

7 moves to turn the tables:

  1. Pray - he is listening - Hebrews 5:7
  2. Read - he is speaking - Luke 4:1-13
  3. Believe - he is able - Hebrews 2:18
  4. Trust - he is willing - Hebrews 4:15
  5. Fight - he knows what you can bear - 1 Corinthians 10:13
  6. Seek - he has provided a way out - 1 Corinthians 10:13
  7. Find - he gives grace in time of need - Hebrews 4:16
Jesus death turned the tables on Satan

30 Days at the Cross - Turning the Tables

Jesus came to turn the tables on Satan
He came to deal with the greatest of all questions and fears - death

  • He spoke about it in great length - John 5:21-30
  • He claimed to be the only solution for death - John 6:53-57
  • He raised the dead - John 11
  • He believed his death would bring others life - John 12:23-25

When he died, almost everyone thought evil won

Satan pulled out all the stops.
Jesus was in his deadly sights at all times - waiting for a bad day

7 moves to turn the tables:

  1. Pray - he is listening - Hebrews 5:7
  2. Read - he is speaking - Luke 4:1-13
  3. Believe - he is able - Hebrews 2:18
  4. Trust - he is willing - Hebrews 4:15
  5. Fight - he knows what you can bear - 1 Corinthians 10:13
  6. Seek - he has provided a way out - 1 Corinthians 10:13
  7. Find - he gives grace in time of need - Hebrews 4:16
Jesus death turned the tables on Satan

Teach Us To Pray - The God who Enjoys Hearing and Watching Us

We enjoy accomplishment: meeting a deadline, A on a test

Imagine the incredible feeling God must have experienced when he first viewed his own creation:

  • Enjoyed developing Israel into a beautiful bride - Ezekiel 16:1-4
  • Joyously san through the angels when his Son was born - Luke 2:8-14
  • When the church was born - Acts 2

How would iy affect your prayer life if you had a deep conviction that God enjoys his relationship with you?
Sometime I feel like a bother to God, a frustration to him or a source of disappointment

God Enjoys Hearing Us Talking to Him
The longer we are in the Lord, the more secure and real we should be in our prayers
David communicated whatever he felt - God was able to discipline him to be the "man after his own heart"
Do you enjoy the fact that you can be totally real with God?

God Enjoys Watching Us
Parents enjoy children playing soccer, sing in a play, and read the Bible
God is the same way



Teach Us To Pray - The God who Enjoys Hearing and Watching Us

We enjoy accomplishment: meeting a deadline, A on a test

Imagine the incredible feeling God must have experienced when he first viewed his own creation:

  • Enjoyed developing Israel into a beautiful bride - Ezekiel 16:1-4
  • Joyously san through the angels when his Son was born - Luke 2:8-14
  • When the church was born - Acts 2

How would iy affect your prayer life if you had a deep conviction that God enjoys his relationship with you?
Sometime I feel like a bother to God, a frustration to him or a source of disappointment

God Enjoys Hearing Us Talking to Him
The longer we are in the Lord, the more secure and real we should be in our prayers
David communicated whatever he felt - God was able to discipline him to be the "man after his own heart"
Do you enjoy the fact that you can be totally real with God?

God Enjoys Watching Us
Parents enjoy children playing soccer, sing in a play, and read the Bible
God is the same way



Teach Us To Pray - The God who Enjoys Hearing and Watching Us

We enjoy accomplishment: meeting a deadline, A on a test

Imagine the incredible feeling God must have experienced when he first viewed his own creation:

  • Enjoyed developing Israel into a beautiful bride - Ezekiel 16:1-4
  • Joyously san through the angels when his Son was born - Luke 2:8-14
  • When the church was born - Acts 2

How would iy affect your prayer life if you had a deep conviction that God enjoys his relationship with you?
Sometime I feel like a bother to God, a frustration to him or a source of disappointment

God Enjoys Hearing Us Talking to Him
The longer we are in the Lord, the more secure and real we should be in our prayers
David communicated whatever he felt - God was able to discipline him to be the "man after his own heart"
Do you enjoy the fact that you can be totally real with God?

God Enjoys Watching Us
Parents enjoy children playing soccer, sing in a play, and read the Bible
God is the same way



Teach Us To Pray - The God who Enjoys Hearing and Watching Us

We enjoy accomplishment: meeting a deadline, A on a test

Imagine the incredible feeling God must have experienced when he first viewed his own creation:

  • Enjoyed developing Israel into a beautiful bride - Ezekiel 16:1-4
  • Joyously san through the angels when his Son was born - Luke 2:8-14
  • When the church was born - Acts 2

How would iy affect your prayer life if you had a deep conviction that God enjoys his relationship with you?
Sometime I feel like a bother to God, a frustration to him or a source of disappointment

God Enjoys Hearing Us Talking to Him
The longer we are in the Lord, the more secure and real we should be in our prayers
David communicated whatever he felt - God was able to discipline him to be the "man after his own heart"
Do you enjoy the fact that you can be totally real with God?

God Enjoys Watching Us
Parents enjoy children playing soccer, sing in a play, and read the Bible
God is the same way



Teach Us To Pray - The God who Enjoys Hearing and Watching Us

We enjoy accomplishment: meeting a deadline, A on a test

Imagine the incredible feeling God must have experienced when he first viewed his own creation:

  • Enjoyed developing Israel into a beautiful bride - Ezekiel 16:1-4
  • Joyously san through the angels when his Son was born - Luke 2:8-14
  • When the church was born - Acts 2

How would iy affect your prayer life if you had a deep conviction that God enjoys his relationship with you?
Sometime I feel like a bother to God, a frustration to him or a source of disappointment

God Enjoys Hearing Us Talking to Him
The longer we are in the Lord, the more secure and real we should be in our prayers
David communicated whatever he felt - God was able to discipline him to be the "man after his own heart"
Do you enjoy the fact that you can be totally real with God?

God Enjoys Watching Us
Parents enjoy children playing soccer, sing in a play, and read the Bible
God is the same way



Teach Us To Pray - The God who Enjoys Hearing and Watching Us

We enjoy accomplishment: meeting a deadline, A on a test

Imagine the incredible feeling God must have experienced when he first viewed his own creation:

  • Enjoyed developing Israel into a beautiful bride - Ezekiel 16:1-4
  • Joyously san through the angels when his Son was born - Luke 2:8-14
  • When the church was born - Acts 2

How would iy affect your prayer life if you had a deep conviction that God enjoys his relationship with you?
Sometime I feel like a bother to God, a frustration to him or a source of disappointment

God Enjoys Hearing Us Talking to Him
The longer we are in the Lord, the more secure and real we should be in our prayers
David communicated whatever he felt - God was able to discipline him to be the "man after his own heart"
Do you enjoy the fact that you can be totally real with God?

God Enjoys Watching Us
Parents enjoy children playing soccer, sing in a play, and read the Bible
God is the same way



Teach Us To Pray - The God who Enjoys Hearing and Watching Us

We enjoy accomplishment: meeting a deadline, A on a test

Imagine the incredible feeling God must have experienced when he first viewed his own creation:

  • Enjoyed developing Israel into a beautiful bride - Ezekiel 16:1-4
  • Joyously san through the angels when his Son was born - Luke 2:8-14
  • When the church was born - Acts 2

How would iy affect your prayer life if you had a deep conviction that God enjoys his relationship with you?
Sometime I feel like a bother to God, a frustration to him or a source of disappointment

God Enjoys Hearing Us Talking to Him
The longer we are in the Lord, the more secure and real we should be in our prayers
David communicated whatever he felt - God was able to discipline him to be the "man after his own heart"
Do you enjoy the fact that you can be totally real with God?

God Enjoys Watching Us
Parents enjoy children playing soccer, sing in a play, and read the Bible
God is the same way



Teach Us To Pray - Persistent and Determined
Luke 18:1-8 - Persistent widow kept on seeking justice from an unjust judge until she received it
  1. We must seek justice - what is right in sight of God - Yes, No, or Wait a While
  2. We must cry out - Urgent, passionate yet humble - he was heard because of his reverent submission - Hebrews 5:7
  3. We must be consistent day and night - beginning (Psalms 5:1-3) and all day
  4. Pray full of faith - Jesus concluded with a question: would he find faith on earth?
Do you pray with this kind of persistency and urgency?

Teach Us To Pray - Persistent and Determined
Luke 18:1-8 - Persistent widow kept on seeking justice from an unjust judge until she received it
  1. We must seek justice - what is right in sight of God - Yes, No, or Wait a While
  2. We must cry out - Urgent, passionate yet humble - he was heard because of his reverent submission - Hebrews 5:7
  3. We must be consistent day and night - beginning (Psalms 5:1-3) and all day
  4. Pray full of faith - Jesus concluded with a question: would he find faith on earth?
Do you pray with this kind of persistency and urgency?

Teach Us To Pray - Persistent and Determined
Luke 18:1-8 - Persistent widow kept on seeking justice from an unjust judge until she received it
  1. We must seek justice - what is right in sight of God - Yes, No, or Wait a While
  2. We must cry out - Urgent, passionate yet humble - he was heard because of his reverent submission - Hebrews 5:7
  3. We must be consistent day and night - beginning (Psalms 5:1-3) and all day
  4. Pray full of faith - Jesus concluded with a question: would he find faith on earth?
Do you pray with this kind of persistency and urgency?

Teach Us To Pray - Persistent and Determined
Luke 18:1-8 - Persistent widow kept on seeking justice from an unjust judge until she received it
  1. We must seek justice - what is right in sight of God - Yes, No, or Wait a While
  2. We must cry out - Urgent, passionate yet humble - he was heard because of his reverent submission - Hebrews 5:7
  3. We must be consistent day and night - beginning (Psalms 5:1-3) and all day
  4. Pray full of faith - Jesus concluded with a question: would he find faith on earth?
Do you pray with this kind of persistency and urgency?

Teach Us To Pray - Persistent and Determined
Luke 18:1-8 - Persistent widow kept on seeking justice from an unjust judge until she received it
  1. We must seek justice - what is right in sight of God - Yes, No, or Wait a While
  2. We must cry out - Urgent, passionate yet humble - he was heard because of his reverent submission - Hebrews 5:7
  3. We must be consistent day and night - beginning (Psalms 5:1-3) and all day
  4. Pray full of faith - Jesus concluded with a question: would he find faith on earth?
Do you pray with this kind of persistency and urgency?

Teach Us To Pray - Persistent and Determined
Luke 18:1-8 - Persistent widow kept on seeking justice from an unjust judge until she received it
  1. We must seek justice - what is right in sight of God - Yes, No, or Wait a While
  2. We must cry out - Urgent, passionate yet humble - he was heard because of his reverent submission - Hebrews 5:7
  3. We must be consistent day and night - beginning (Psalms 5:1-3) and all day
  4. Pray full of faith - Jesus concluded with a question: would he find faith on earth?
Do you pray with this kind of persistency and urgency?

Teach Us To Pray - Persistent and Determined
Luke 18:1-8 - Persistent widow kept on seeking justice from an unjust judge until she received it
  1. We must seek justice - what is right in sight of God - Yes, No, or Wait a While
  2. We must cry out - Urgent, passionate yet humble - he was heard because of his reverent submission - Hebrews 5:7
  3. We must be consistent day and night - beginning (Psalms 5:1-3) and all day
  4. Pray full of faith - Jesus concluded with a question: would he find faith on earth?
Do you pray with this kind of persistency and urgency?

Teach Us To Pray - Persistent and Determined
Luke 18:1-8 - Persistent widow kept on seeking justice from an unjust judge until she received it
  1. We must seek justice - what is right in sight of God - Yes, No, or Wait a While
  2. We must cry out - Urgent, passionate yet humble - he was heard because of his reverent submission - Hebrews 5:7
  3. We must be consistent day and night - beginning (Psalms 5:1-3) and all day
  4. Pray full of faith - Jesus concluded with a question: would he find faith on earth?
Do you pray with this kind of persistency and urgency?

Teach Us To Pray - Reasoning with God

Reasoning with God in prayer is an expression of great faith
The Canaanite woman was one of two times Jesus said someone had "great faith" - Matthew 15:21-28

Persistent widow reasoned with the unjust judge - Luke 18:1-8

We cannot change the eternal purposes of God but we can change his mind on how his purposes will be accomplished

Abraham was a man who reasoned with God - his Son being sacrificed - Genesis 18:23-33

Moses was too - God decided to destroy the disobedient Israelites and start a new nation
Moses gave specifc reasons for not destroying them and God heard him and changed his mind
He prayed with great humility - Numbers 12:3

True humility is the key to the prayer of reason - not telling God what to do
Expressing our outlook and giving reasons to back up our thinking



Teach Us To Pray - Reasoning with God

Reasoning with God in prayer is an expression of great faith
The Canaanite woman was one of two times Jesus said someone had "great faith" - Matthew 15:21-28

Persistent widow reasoned with the unjust judge - Luke 18:1-8

We cannot change the eternal purposes of God but we can change his mind on how his purposes will be accomplished

Abraham was a man who reasoned with God - his Son being sacrificed - Genesis 18:23-33

Moses was too - God decided to destroy the disobedient Israelites and start a new nation
Moses gave specifc reasons for not destroying them and God heard him and changed his mind
He prayed with great humility - Numbers 12:3

True humility is the key to the prayer of reason - not telling God what to do
Expressing our outlook and giving reasons to back up our thinking



Teach Us To Pray - Reasoning with God

Reasoning with God in prayer is an expression of great faith
The Canaanite woman was one of two times Jesus said someone had "great faith" - Matthew 15:21-28

Persistent widow reasoned with the unjust judge - Luke 18:1-8

We cannot change the eternal purposes of God but we can change his mind on how his purposes will be accomplished

Abraham was a man who reasoned with God - his Son being sacrificed - Genesis 18:23-33

Moses was too - God decided to destroy the disobedient Israelites and start a new nation
Moses gave specifc reasons for not destroying them and God heard him and changed his mind
He prayed with great humility - Numbers 12:3

True humility is the key to the prayer of reason - not telling God what to do
Expressing our outlook and giving reasons to back up our thinking



Teach Us To Pray - Reasoning with God

Reasoning with God in prayer is an expression of great faith
The Canaanite woman was one of two times Jesus said someone had "great faith" - Matthew 15:21-28

Persistent widow reasoned with the unjust judge - Luke 18:1-8

We cannot change the eternal purposes of God but we can change his mind on how his purposes will be accomplished

Abraham was a man who reasoned with God - his Son being sacrificed - Genesis 18:23-33

Moses was too - God decided to destroy the disobedient Israelites and start a new nation
Moses gave specifc reasons for not destroying them and God heard him and changed his mind
He prayed with great humility - Numbers 12:3

True humility is the key to the prayer of reason - not telling God what to do
Expressing our outlook and giving reasons to back up our thinking



Teach Us To Pray - Reasoning with God

Reasoning with God in prayer is an expression of great faith
The Canaanite woman was one of two times Jesus said someone had "great faith" - Matthew 15:21-28

Persistent widow reasoned with the unjust judge - Luke 18:1-8

We cannot change the eternal purposes of God but we can change his mind on how his purposes will be accomplished

Abraham was a man who reasoned with God - his Son being sacrificed - Genesis 18:23-33

Moses was too - God decided to destroy the disobedient Israelites and start a new nation
Moses gave specifc reasons for not destroying them and God heard him and changed his mind
He prayed with great humility - Numbers 12:3

True humility is the key to the prayer of reason - not telling God what to do
Expressing our outlook and giving reasons to back up our thinking



Teach Us To Pray - Reasoning with God

Reasoning with God in prayer is an expression of great faith
The Canaanite woman was one of two times Jesus said someone had "great faith" - Matthew 15:21-28

Persistent widow reasoned with the unjust judge - Luke 18:1-8

We cannot change the eternal purposes of God but we can change his mind on how his purposes will be accomplished

Abraham was a man who reasoned with God - his Son being sacrificed - Genesis 18:23-33

Moses was too - God decided to destroy the disobedient Israelites and start a new nation
Moses gave specifc reasons for not destroying them and God heard him and changed his mind
He prayed with great humility - Numbers 12:3

True humility is the key to the prayer of reason - not telling God what to do
Expressing our outlook and giving reasons to back up our thinking



Teach Us To Pray - Reasoning with God

Reasoning with God in prayer is an expression of great faith
The Canaanite woman was one of two times Jesus said someone had "great faith" - Matthew 15:21-28

Persistent widow reasoned with the unjust judge - Luke 18:1-8

We cannot change the eternal purposes of God but we can change his mind on how his purposes will be accomplished

Abraham was a man who reasoned with God - his Son being sacrificed - Genesis 18:23-33

Moses was too - God decided to destroy the disobedient Israelites and start a new nation
Moses gave specifc reasons for not destroying them and God heard him and changed his mind
He prayed with great humility - Numbers 12:3

True humility is the key to the prayer of reason - not telling God what to do
Expressing our outlook and giving reasons to back up our thinking



Teach Us To Pray - Reasoning with God

Reasoning with God in prayer is an expression of great faith
The Canaanite woman was one of two times Jesus said someone had "great faith" - Matthew 15:21-28

Persistent widow reasoned with the unjust judge - Luke 18:1-8

We cannot change the eternal purposes of God but we can change his mind on how his purposes will be accomplished

Abraham was a man who reasoned with God - his Son being sacrificed - Genesis 18:23-33

Moses was too - God decided to destroy the disobedient Israelites and start a new nation
Moses gave specifc reasons for not destroying them and God heard him and changed his mind
He prayed with great humility - Numbers 12:3

True humility is the key to the prayer of reason - not telling God what to do
Expressing our outlook and giving reasons to back up our thinking



Teach Us To Pray - Alone and in Private

Mark 1:35, Matthew 14:13, and Luke 4:42 - shows us that Jesus often went to solitary places to pray

Solitude is essential in developing a deep relation ship with God
Be still and know I that I am from God - Psalms 46:10
Do you have a special place where you meet with God?

Psalms 5, 38, and 42 are examples of how open and expressive David was with God
He shared everything from joy and delight to anguish and dispair
How open are you with God?
God wants our hearts
As a result, we are much more open and real with others

We get fired up by sermons, fellowship, and music - Jesus went to be alone
There is nothing in your life that God cannot change

Prayer times make special memories
Israelites setup stones to remind them of what God had done - Joshua 4:7

Ideas for times with God:

  • Write a love letter
  • Sing a song you composed
  • Write on a ballon, let it go
  • Hang a poster and write the things God has done

 



Teach Us To Pray - The Harvest Is Plentiful
Jesus promises a great harvest but the worker are few (Matthew 9:35-38):
  • Even when there was a large crows of disciples - Luke 6:17
  • Even when the is a entire town gathered - John 4:2
God controls the harvest
Fruitfulness limited primarily by one thing - God himself

Gratitude control the harvest
Luke 9 - The charge was to preach the kingdom and heal the sick
They gave to everyone who had need - Acts 2:43-47
Salvation wasn't just a doctrine rather a reality in their lives
Jesus spent much of his time meeting physical needs, feeding, comforting, healing, serving
As a result, people spread the word even more
Reflects the power of meeting needs and our heart as a worker

To acquire this heart, we need to pray:
  • For the strength to live this way
  • For the trust needed to believe
  • For the supplies necessary to meet every need
  • For the godliness to live as the Bible directs


Teach Us To Pray - Enemies and Opposition

Whoever the enemies may be, the words of Jesus are still the same: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you - Matthew 5:44

It our enemies who afford us the opportunity to glory God by shining like stars - Philippians 2:15
This behavior is described in the Bible as "perfect" - Matthew 5:48
Only someone who loves God earnestly and has an eternal perspective on life is able to surrender

Must forgive and love our enemies to be permitted to be sons of God - Matthew 5:44

When praying for our enemies, we should focus on:

  1. Their need for forgiveness - Luke 23:34
  2. The power of God to change them - Acts 4:24-28
  3. Our need to continue to preach boldly - Acts 4:29

 



Teach Us To Pray - Going Through the Open Door

Luke 11:9-10 - Asking, Seeking, and Knocking as three separate commands to be obeyed
Three steps toward a single goal

The idea of the door being opened is associated with God-given opportunity - 1 Corinthians 2:12

The rest of the chapter is about how God worked in the author's life, opening doors.



Teach Us To Pray - Going Through the Open Door

Luke 11:9-10 - Asking, Seeking, and Knocking as three separate commands to be obeyed
Three steps toward a single goal

The idea of the door being opened is associated with God-given opportunity - 1 Corinthians 2:12

The rest of the chapter is about how God worked in the author's life, opening doors.



Man of Prayer - Strategy
In context, the disciples probably spent quite of bit of time and energy in prayer
After spending time with Jesus,  they felt challenged by Jesus' prayers

Jesus was always praying:
  • Before dawn - Mark 1:35
  • Sometimes all night - Luke 6:12
  • He remained to pray - Matthew 14:23

One day, the disciples had enough: Teach Us to Prayer - Luke 11:1


Man of Prayer - Strategy
In context, the disciples probably spent quite of bit of time and energy in prayer
After spending time with Jesus,  they felt challenged by Jesus' prayers

Jesus was always praying:
  • Before dawn - Mark 1:35
  • Sometimes all night - Luke 6:12
  • He remained to pray - Matthew 14:23

One day, the disciples had enough: Teach Us to Prayer - Luke 11:1


Man of Prayer - Understanding the Kingdom
In the New Testament, kingdom is used from the Greek word basileai
Refers to "realm" of a king
Westerners think "kingdom speaks of geography

Biblical times emphasized "reign" or "dominion" = wherever the king reigns

The kingdom is within you - Luke 17:21
Seek first His kingdom (not a piece of real estate) - Matthew 6:33

God ultimately reigns over the entire universe but for the moment God does not reign everywhere on earth
Until then we must pray to advance God's kingdom everywhere

Man of Prayer - Experiencing Forgiveness
Being a Christian is a no-lose proposition

Athlete - performance dictated opportunity to participate
Student - achievement is based off of grades and advanced degrees
Every area in which we perform we are eventually bound to fail

We become a Christian on the basis of my failure and Jesus' performance
By grace we have been saved - Ephesians 2:8

Much more than just an initial experience of grace but a transformation of justification - we need daily bread (grace)
Jesus taught his disciples to confess their sins - Luke 11:4



Man of Prayer - The Reality of Sin
Differences in speaking of sin in prayer

"forgive us our trespasses"

Sermon of the Mount - Matthew 6:12
Jesus speaking to a rather large crowd
Trespasses meaning a violation without willful understanding our sinning

"forgive us our sins"

Lord's Prayer - Luke 11:4
Jesus praying with the twelve disciples
Sin = hamartia - meaning missing the mark

Either way is sin and forces us to get honest with God and ourselves

Man of Prayer - Miracle List

It is helpful to keep a separate list of needs for times of pure intercession:

  • Ministry
  • Neighbors
  • Family
  • Special Needs

Also good to have a "miracle list"

God can do anything - nothing is impossible - Luke 1:37

During difficult times, God extended a seeming impossible invitation:
Jerusalem was under attack from the Babylonians and the city was destroyed

Call to me and I will answer with great and unsearchable things  - Jeremiah 33:3
God promised healing,  forgiveness, and cleansing to Israel - Jeremiah 33:6-9

He can do immeasurably more than what we can ask - Ephesians 3:20

We know God can do anything; we just don't know if he will do them

 




Raising Awesome Kids - Compassion and Caring
God cares! Nothing too great or too small can escape his notice
We also some be available to meet the needs of our family

Otherwise, because they have given up trying to reach us, they will have no desire to talk to us anymore
"Why can't I reach my kids?" - we weren't there when they reached for us

God hurts for us and with us
He looks for and has compassion for us - Luke 15:20

We need forgiveness and we need to grant it

Our children are.... children
Expect a lot, let them be kids - God is patient with us

Raising Awesome Kids - Love with your touch

Jesus took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them - Mark 10:15-16

Jesus could have blessed the children from afar
His way was closeness and affection

Unaffectionate families are cool, aloof and distant
Children raised in such an atmosphere develop into hard, nasty edge of anger and meanness

Examples:

Prodigal son - Luke 15:20
Greeted with a holy kiss - Romans 16:16
Paul and church leaders in Ephesus embraced and kissed - Acts 20:37

 



Raising Awesome Kids - Nurturing Confidence (part 2)
Athletic prowess

Very quickly, kids notice who is faster, stronger and more coorinated
It is important for children to develop physically but they must not judge the worth of themselves

Intelligence - good grades are of valuable but we must appreciate great effort even more

Material possessions - man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions - Luke 12:15





Jesus with People - Grateful Son
Mary and Jesus - no greater pain than for parent to bury a child and live with that memory

Jesus stops the process of redeeming humanity to focus on one final moment with him mom
All excuses for neglecting our families die with Jesus - spends final moment and thinking how to provide for her

Jesus submitted himself to being human - learned the lesson to honor your mother - Exodus 20:12

4x in  the gospels - Jesus relates to Mary:
  1. He obeyed her - Luke 2:51
  2. He allowed her to influence him when he performed his first miracle - John 2:1-11
  3. He did not allow his devotion to Mary make him sentimental - Mark 3:20-35
  4. Protected and provided for her needs as he died on the cross
He was not too "spiritual" that he neglected the needs of others

Busy disciples - often neglect the needs our immediate family?
Husbands - too busy to listen to our wives?
Parents - too busy to invest in our relationship with our children?

When we neglect to provide for our relative - we deny the faith - 1 Timothy 5:7-8
Jesus won Mary's soul with a relationship


Jesus with People - Through the Roof

When the paralyzed man came down through the roof - damaged the house of Peter and Andrew - how would you respond?

Jesus demonstrated his love for people in the way he deals with the crowds

Everywhere he went, Jesus drew a crowd
He spoke with authority, conviction because he deeply cared about people

We need to care enough to gather a crowd - People need to be our focus
They need to be in our homes, in our Saturday plans, and focus of our lunch hour

Jesus with the Religious
Their slavery to legalistic minutiae angered him - Matthew 23:23-24
Their stubborn hearts distressed him - Mark 3:1-5
Jesus desire was for them to be saved

Jesus with the Faithful
Jesus gets the greatest joy from interacting with people who believe
Centurion - the faith he was looking for - Luke 18:8
What fires Jesus up? Faith

If we follow Jesus, the smallest seed of faith that we see in others should encourage and excite us.

Who big is your crowd?
Do you see the faith of others?
Is Jesus amazed by your faith or your lack of it?



Jesus with People - Touching the Untouchable

Jesus had compassion and healed the man with leprosy - Luke 5:12-18
Jesus is filled with compassion - Mark 1:41

Jesus was different:

  • He hurt for those whose lives were devastated by illness
  • He went to great lengths to be with them
  • Helped and encouraged them
  • Made himself available to them and spent many hours with them - Mark 1:32-34

What Jesus did we can also do (beside healing):

  • Include those who are sick when you can
  • Find ways to serve
  • Help and encourage

Society shrinks back - hospitals are not our favorite place
Jesus reached out his hand and touched
The sick need real involvement in their lives

Somehow, we think that the person is responsible for his or her condition
In some cases yes, but we can not oversimplify God's working in our world

Job "friends" did not understand what God was doing
How unsearchale his judgement and his paths beyond tracing out - Romans 11:33

How can I imitate Jesus by "reaching out" in compassion to the sick?



Jesus with People - Touching the Untouchable

Jesus had compassion and healed the man with leprosy - Luke 5:12-18
Jesus is filled with compassion - Mark 1:41

Jesus was different:

  • He hurt for those whose lives were devastated by illness
  • He went to great lengths to be with them
  • Helped and encouraged them
  • Made himself available to them and spent many hours with them - Mark 1:32-34

What Jesus did we can also do (beside healing):

  • Include those who are sick when you can
  • Find ways to serve
  • Help and encourage

Society shrinks back - hospitals are not our favorite place
Jesus reached out his hand and touched
The sick need real involvement in their lives

Somehow, we think that the person is responsible for his or her condition
In some cases yes, but we can not oversimplify God's working in our world

Job "friends" did not understand what God was doing
How unsearchale his judgement and his paths beyond tracing out - Romans 11:33

How can I imitate Jesus by "reaching out" in compassion to the sick?



Jesus with People - Touching the Untouchable

Jesus had compassion and healed the man with leprosy - Luke 5:12-18
Jesus is filled with compassion - Mark 1:41

Jesus was different:

  • He hurt for those whose lives were devastated by illness
  • He went to great lengths to be with them
  • Helped and encouraged them
  • Made himself available to them and spent many hours with them - Mark 1:32-34

What Jesus did we can also do (beside healing):

  • Include those who are sick when you can
  • Find ways to serve
  • Help and encourage

Society shrinks back - hospitals are not our favorite place
Jesus reached out his hand and touched
The sick need real involvement in their lives

Somehow, we think that the person is responsible for his or her condition
In some cases yes, but we can not oversimplify God's working in our world

Job "friends" did not understand what God was doing
How unsearchale his judgement and his paths beyond tracing out - Romans 11:33

How can I imitate Jesus by "reaching out" in compassion to the sick?



Jesus with People - Touching the Untouchable

Jesus had compassion and healed the man with leprosy - Luke 5:12-18
Jesus is filled with compassion - Mark 1:41

Jesus was different:

  • He hurt for those whose lives were devastated by illness
  • He went to great lengths to be with them
  • Helped and encouraged them
  • Made himself available to them and spent many hours with them - Mark 1:32-34

What Jesus did we can also do (beside healing):

  • Include those who are sick when you can
  • Find ways to serve
  • Help and encourage

Society shrinks back - hospitals are not our favorite place
Jesus reached out his hand and touched
The sick need real involvement in their lives

Somehow, we think that the person is responsible for his or her condition
In some cases yes, but we can not oversimplify God's working in our world

Job "friends" did not understand what God was doing
How unsearchale his judgement and his paths beyond tracing out - Romans 11:33

How can I imitate Jesus by "reaching out" in compassion to the sick?



Jesus with People - Touching the Untouchable

Jesus had compassion and healed the man with leprosy - Luke 5:12-18
Jesus is filled with compassion - Mark 1:41

Jesus was different:

  • He hurt for those whose lives were devastated by illness
  • He went to great lengths to be with them
  • Helped and encouraged them
  • Made himself available to them and spent many hours with them - Mark 1:32-34

What Jesus did we can also do (beside healing):

  • Include those who are sick when you can
  • Find ways to serve
  • Help and encourage

Society shrinks back - hospitals are not our favorite place
Jesus reached out his hand and touched
The sick need real involvement in their lives

Somehow, we think that the person is responsible for his or her condition
In some cases yes, but we can not oversimplify God's working in our world

Job "friends" did not understand what God was doing
How unsearchale his judgement and his paths beyond tracing out - Romans 11:33

How can I imitate Jesus by "reaching out" in compassion to the sick?



Jesus with People - Touching the Untouchable

Jesus had compassion and healed the man with leprosy - Luke 5:12-18
Jesus is filled with compassion - Mark 1:41

Jesus was different:

  • He hurt for those whose lives were devastated by illness
  • He went to great lengths to be with them
  • Helped and encouraged them
  • Made himself available to them and spent many hours with them - Mark 1:32-34

What Jesus did we can also do (beside healing):

  • Include those who are sick when you can
  • Find ways to serve
  • Help and encourage

Society shrinks back - hospitals are not our favorite place
Jesus reached out his hand and touched
The sick need real involvement in their lives

Somehow, we think that the person is responsible for his or her condition
In some cases yes, but we can not oversimplify God's working in our world

Job "friends" did not understand what God was doing
How unsearchale his judgement and his paths beyond tracing out - Romans 11:33

How can I imitate Jesus by "reaching out" in compassion to the sick?



Jesus with People - Touching the Untouchable

Jesus had compassion and healed the man with leprosy - Luke 5:12-18
Jesus is filled with compassion - Mark 1:41

Jesus was different:

  • He hurt for those whose lives were devastated by illness
  • He went to great lengths to be with them
  • Helped and encouraged them
  • Made himself available to them and spent many hours with them - Mark 1:32-34

What Jesus did we can also do (beside healing):

  • Include those who are sick when you can
  • Find ways to serve
  • Help and encourage

Society shrinks back - hospitals are not our favorite place
Jesus reached out his hand and touched
The sick need real involvement in their lives

Somehow, we think that the person is responsible for his or her condition
In some cases yes, but we can not oversimplify God's working in our world

Job "friends" did not understand what God was doing
How unsearchale his judgement and his paths beyond tracing out - Romans 11:33

How can I imitate Jesus by "reaching out" in compassion to the sick?



Jesus with People - Feeling the Pain

Luke 7:11-17 - He said, "Don't cry", Jesus chose to be vulnerable to everyone's pain:

  • His heart ached for a woman whom he had never meet
  • Immediately felt her pain
  • Was not oblivious to other's pain
  • He gave her reason to rejoice - through his death

Jesus compassion knows no bounds
How wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ - Ephesians 3:18

Are you praying to stretch the capacity of your heart to feel deeply with many others?

Is your lack of openness (rooted in fear of the sin of pride) blocking your passion and compassion?



Jesus with People - Feeling the Pain

Luke 7:11-17 - He said, "Don't cry", Jesus chose to be vulnerable to everyone's pain:

  • His heart ached for a woman whom he had never meet
  • Immediately felt her pain
  • Was not oblivious to other's pain
  • He gave her reason to rejoice - through his death

Jesus compassion knows no bounds
How wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ - Ephesians 3:18

Are you praying to stretch the capacity of your heart to feel deeply with many others?

Is your lack of openness (rooted in fear of the sin of pride) blocking your passion and compassion?



Jesus with People - Feeling the Pain

Luke 7:11-17 - He said, "Don't cry", Jesus chose to be vulnerable to everyone's pain:

  • His heart ached for a woman whom he had never meet
  • Immediately felt her pain
  • Was not oblivious to other's pain
  • He gave her reason to rejoice - through his death

Jesus compassion knows no bounds
How wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ - Ephesians 3:18

Are you praying to stretch the capacity of your heart to feel deeply with many others?

Is your lack of openness (rooted in fear of the sin of pride) blocking your passion and compassion?



Jesus with People - Feeling the Pain

Luke 7:11-17 - He said, "Don't cry", Jesus chose to be vulnerable to everyone's pain:

  • His heart ached for a woman whom he had never meet
  • Immediately felt her pain
  • Was not oblivious to other's pain
  • He gave her reason to rejoice - through his death

Jesus compassion knows no bounds
How wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ - Ephesians 3:18

Are you praying to stretch the capacity of your heart to feel deeply with many others?

Is your lack of openness (rooted in fear of the sin of pride) blocking your passion and compassion?



Jesus with People - Feeling the Pain

Luke 7:11-17 - He said, "Don't cry", Jesus chose to be vulnerable to everyone's pain:

  • His heart ached for a woman whom he had never meet
  • Immediately felt her pain
  • Was not oblivious to other's pain
  • He gave her reason to rejoice - through his death

Jesus compassion knows no bounds
How wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ - Ephesians 3:18

Are you praying to stretch the capacity of your heart to feel deeply with many others?

Is your lack of openness (rooted in fear of the sin of pride) blocking your passion and compassion?



Jesus with People - Feeling the Pain

Luke 7:11-17 - He said, "Don't cry", Jesus chose to be vulnerable to everyone's pain:

  • His heart ached for a woman whom he had never meet
  • Immediately felt her pain
  • Was not oblivious to other's pain
  • He gave her reason to rejoice - through his death

Jesus compassion knows no bounds
How wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ - Ephesians 3:18

Are you praying to stretch the capacity of your heart to feel deeply with many others?

Is your lack of openness (rooted in fear of the sin of pride) blocking your passion and compassion?



Jesus with People - Feeling the Pain

Luke 7:11-17 - He said, "Don't cry", Jesus chose to be vulnerable to everyone's pain:

  • His heart ached for a woman whom he had never meet
  • Immediately felt her pain
  • Was not oblivious to other's pain
  • He gave her reason to rejoice - through his death

Jesus compassion knows no bounds
How wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ - Ephesians 3:18

Are you praying to stretch the capacity of your heart to feel deeply with many others?

Is your lack of openness (rooted in fear of the sin of pride) blocking your passion and compassion?



Jesus with People - Rich Young Ruler

Luke 18:22-24
Wouldn't all Christians love to meet someone who comes across as this man does initially?

Most of us would say, "can we study the Bible?"
Jesus had a very different responce because he knew his heart

Sell everything and follow him = It's not what you do but who you are
For him to have a heart set fully on following Jesus - it meant a willingness to seel all
Following the exchange, it became clear - the man was out of touch with himself and God

Jesus did challenge him but he also loved him
He pointed the man to the narrow way
At the same time he drew him close want to give him strength, faith, and hope

Jesus does not get into a lengthy theological debate
He saw weaknesses the man had to deal with if he was going to enter the kingdom of God

Each of us lacks that "one thing" deep down that we must give up and following Jesus
Something we don't know what it is but God will reveal it - Hebrews 4:12-13



Jesus with People - Rich Young Ruler

Luke 18:22-24
Wouldn't all Christians love to meet someone who comes across as this man does initially?

Most of us would say, "can we study the Bible?"
Jesus had a very different responce because he knew his heart

Sell everything and follow him = It's not what you do but who you are
For him to have a heart set fully on following Jesus - it meant a willingness to seel all
Following the exchange, it became clear - the man was out of touch with himself and God

Jesus did challenge him but he also loved him
He pointed the man to the narrow way
At the same time he drew him close want to give him strength, faith, and hope

Jesus does not get into a lengthy theological debate
He saw weaknesses the man had to deal with if he was going to enter the kingdom of God

Each of us lacks that "one thing" deep down that we must give up and following Jesus
Something we don't know what it is but God will reveal it - Hebrews 4:12-13



Jesus with People - Rich Young Ruler

Luke 18:22-24
Wouldn't all Christians love to meet someone who comes across as this man does initially?

Most of us would say, "can we study the Bible?"
Jesus had a very different responce because he knew his heart

Sell everything and follow him = It's not what you do but who you are
For him to have a heart set fully on following Jesus - it meant a willingness to seel all
Following the exchange, it became clear - the man was out of touch with himself and God

Jesus did challenge him but he also loved him
He pointed the man to the narrow way
At the same time he drew him close want to give him strength, faith, and hope

Jesus does not get into a lengthy theological debate
He saw weaknesses the man had to deal with if he was going to enter the kingdom of God

Each of us lacks that "one thing" deep down that we must give up and following Jesus
Something we don't know what it is but God will reveal it - Hebrews 4:12-13



Jesus with People - Seeing and Not Seeing
Luke 7:36-50 - Simon, I have something to tell you
Jesus is able to cut through the muck - right to the heart
He had outspoken clarity - Luke 7:40

In truth Simon saw neither the woman or himself for how they really were

Jesus did see the woman - Her sin was obvious as her brokenness
He actions came from her new sense of reality
Once she saw Jesus, she responded the only way she could have - compelled by love - 2 Corinthians 5:14

Jesus' words should have cut Simon deeply - But he who has been forgiven little lives little

He wants to have a relationship with us
Think of trying to have a relationship with ant - talking with it, caring for it and especially dying for it - it is unfathomable!

How many times did Jesus change people's view if God?

Who am I most like: Simon or the sinful woman?

Jesus with People - Seeing and Not Seeing
Luke 7:36-50 - Simon, I have something to tell you
Jesus is able to cut through the muck - right to the heart
He had outspoken clarity - Luke 7:40

In truth Simon saw neither the woman or himself for how they really were

Jesus did see the woman - Her sin was obvious as her brokenness
He actions came from her new sense of reality
Once she saw Jesus, she responded the only way she could have - compelled by love - 2 Corinthians 5:14

Jesus' words should have cut Simon deeply - But he who has been forgiven little lives little

He wants to have a relationship with us
Think of trying to have a relationship with ant - talking with it, caring for it and especially dying for it - it is unfathomable!

How many times did Jesus change people's view if God?

Who am I most like: Simon or the sinful woman?

Jesus with People - Seeing and Not Seeing
Luke 7:36-50 - Simon, I have something to tell you
Jesus is able to cut through the muck - right to the heart
He had outspoken clarity - Luke 7:40

In truth Simon saw neither the woman or himself for how they really were

Jesus did see the woman - Her sin was obvious as her brokenness
He actions came from her new sense of reality
Once she saw Jesus, she responded the only way she could have - compelled by love - 2 Corinthians 5:14

Jesus' words should have cut Simon deeply - But he who has been forgiven little lives little

He wants to have a relationship with us
Think of trying to have a relationship with ant - talking with it, caring for it and especially dying for it - it is unfathomable!

How many times did Jesus change people's view if God?

Who am I most like: Simon or the sinful woman?

Jesus with People - Seeing and Not Seeing
Luke 7:36-50 - Simon, I have something to tell you
Jesus is able to cut through the muck - right to the heart
He had outspoken clarity - Luke 7:40

In truth Simon saw neither the woman or himself for how they really were

Jesus did see the woman - Her sin was obvious as her brokenness
He actions came from her new sense of reality
Once she saw Jesus, she responded the only way she could have - compelled by love - 2 Corinthians 5:14

Jesus' words should have cut Simon deeply - But he who has been forgiven little lives little

He wants to have a relationship with us
Think of trying to have a relationship with ant - talking with it, caring for it and especially dying for it - it is unfathomable!

How many times did Jesus change people's view if God?

Who am I most like: Simon or the sinful woman?

Jesus with People - Seeing and Not Seeing
Luke 7:36-50 - Simon, I have something to tell you
Jesus is able to cut through the muck - right to the heart
He had outspoken clarity - Luke 7:40

In truth Simon saw neither the woman or himself for how they really were

Jesus did see the woman - Her sin was obvious as her brokenness
He actions came from her new sense of reality
Once she saw Jesus, she responded the only way she could have - compelled by love - 2 Corinthians 5:14

Jesus' words should have cut Simon deeply - But he who has been forgiven little lives little

He wants to have a relationship with us
Think of trying to have a relationship with ant - talking with it, caring for it and especially dying for it - it is unfathomable!

How many times did Jesus change people's view if God?

Who am I most like: Simon or the sinful woman?

Jesus with People - Seeing and Not Seeing
Luke 7:36-50 - Simon, I have something to tell you
Jesus is able to cut through the muck - right to the heart
He had outspoken clarity - Luke 7:40

In truth Simon saw neither the woman or himself for how they really were

Jesus did see the woman - Her sin was obvious as her brokenness
He actions came from her new sense of reality
Once she saw Jesus, she responded the only way she could have - compelled by love - 2 Corinthians 5:14

Jesus' words should have cut Simon deeply - But he who has been forgiven little lives little

He wants to have a relationship with us
Think of trying to have a relationship with ant - talking with it, caring for it and especially dying for it - it is unfathomable!

How many times did Jesus change people's view if God?

Who am I most like: Simon or the sinful woman?

Jesus with People - Seeing and Not Seeing
Luke 7:36-50 - Simon, I have something to tell you
Jesus is able to cut through the muck - right to the heart
He had outspoken clarity - Luke 7:40

In truth Simon saw neither the woman or himself for how they really were

Jesus did see the woman - Her sin was obvious as her brokenness
He actions came from her new sense of reality
Once she saw Jesus, she responded the only way she could have - compelled by love - 2 Corinthians 5:14

Jesus' words should have cut Simon deeply - But he who has been forgiven little lives little

He wants to have a relationship with us
Think of trying to have a relationship with ant - talking with it, caring for it and especially dying for it - it is unfathomable!

How many times did Jesus change people's view if God?

Who am I most like: Simon or the sinful woman?

Jesus with People - Seeing and Not Seeing
Luke 7:36-50 - Simon, I have something to tell you
Jesus is able to cut through the muck - right to the heart
He had outspoken clarity - Luke 7:40

In truth Simon saw neither the woman or himself for how they really were

Jesus did see the woman - Her sin was obvious as her brokenness
He actions came from her new sense of reality
Once she saw Jesus, she responded the only way she could have - compelled by love - 2 Corinthians 5:14

Jesus' words should have cut Simon deeply - But he who has been forgiven little lives little

He wants to have a relationship with us
Think of trying to have a relationship with ant - talking with it, caring for it and especially dying for it - it is unfathomable!

How many times did Jesus change people's view if God?

Who am I most like: Simon or the sinful woman?

Jesus with People - Seeing and Not Seeing
Luke 7:36-50 - Simon, I have something to tell you
Jesus is able to cut through the muck - right to the heart
He had outspoken clarity - Luke 7:40

In truth Simon saw neither the woman or himself for how they really were

Jesus did see the woman - Her sin was obvious as her brokenness
He actions came from her new sense of reality
Once she saw Jesus, she responded the only way she could have - compelled by love - 2 Corinthians 5:14

Jesus' words should have cut Simon deeply - But he who has been forgiven little lives little

He wants to have a relationship with us
Think of trying to have a relationship with ant - talking with it, caring for it and especially dying for it - it is unfathomable!

How many times did Jesus change people's view if God?

Who am I most like: Simon or the sinful woman?

Jesus with People - Seeing and Not Seeing
Luke 7:36-50 - Simon, I have something to tell you
Jesus is able to cut through the muck - right to the heart
He had outspoken clarity - Luke 7:40

In truth Simon saw neither the woman or himself for how they really were

Jesus did see the woman - Her sin was obvious as her brokenness
He actions came from her new sense of reality
Once she saw Jesus, she responded the only way she could have - compelled by love - 2 Corinthians 5:14

Jesus' words should have cut Simon deeply - But he who has been forgiven little lives little

He wants to have a relationship with us
Think of trying to have a relationship with ant - talking with it, caring for it and especially dying for it - it is unfathomable!

How many times did Jesus change people's view if God?

Who am I most like: Simon or the sinful woman?

Jesus with People - Seeing and Not Seeing
Luke 7:36-50 - Simon, I have something to tell you
Jesus is able to cut through the muck - right to the heart
He had outspoken clarity - Luke 7:40

In truth Simon saw neither the woman or himself for how they really were

Jesus did see the woman - Her sin was obvious as her brokenness
He actions came from her new sense of reality
Once she saw Jesus, she responded the only way she could have - compelled by love - 2 Corinthians 5:14

Jesus' words should have cut Simon deeply - But he who has been forgiven little lives little

He wants to have a relationship with us
Think of trying to have a relationship with ant - talking with it, caring for it and especially dying for it - it is unfathomable!

How many times did Jesus change people's view if God?

Who am I most like: Simon or the sinful woman?

Jesus with People - Seeing and Not Seeing
Luke 7:36-50 - Simon, I have something to tell you
Jesus is able to cut through the muck - right to the heart
He had outspoken clarity - Luke 7:40

In truth Simon saw neither the woman or himself for how they really were

Jesus did see the woman - Her sin was obvious as her brokenness
He actions came from her new sense of reality
Once she saw Jesus, she responded the only way she could have - compelled by love - 2 Corinthians 5:14

Jesus' words should have cut Simon deeply - But he who has been forgiven little lives little

He wants to have a relationship with us
Think of trying to have a relationship with ant - talking with it, caring for it and especially dying for it - it is unfathomable!

How many times did Jesus change people's view if God?

Who am I most like: Simon or the sinful woman?

Jesus with People - Seeing and Not Seeing
Luke 7:36-50 - Simon, I have something to tell you
Jesus is able to cut through the muck - right to the heart
He had outspoken clarity - Luke 7:40

In truth Simon saw neither the woman or himself for how they really were

Jesus did see the woman - Her sin was obvious as her brokenness
He actions came from her new sense of reality
Once she saw Jesus, she responded the only way she could have - compelled by love - 2 Corinthians 5:14

Jesus' words should have cut Simon deeply - But he who has been forgiven little lives little

He wants to have a relationship with us
Think of trying to have a relationship with ant - talking with it, caring for it and especially dying for it - it is unfathomable!

How many times did Jesus change people's view if God?

Who am I most like: Simon or the sinful woman?

Jesus with People - Seeing and Not Seeing
Luke 7:36-50 - Simon, I have something to tell you
Jesus is able to cut through the muck - right to the heart
He had outspoken clarity - Luke 7:40

In truth Simon saw neither the woman or himself for how they really were

Jesus did see the woman - Her sin was obvious as her brokenness
He actions came from her new sense of reality
Once she saw Jesus, she responded the only way she could have - compelled by love - 2 Corinthians 5:14

Jesus' words should have cut Simon deeply - But he who has been forgiven little lives little

He wants to have a relationship with us
Think of trying to have a relationship with ant - talking with it, caring for it and especially dying for it - it is unfathomable!

How many times did Jesus change people's view if God?

Who am I most like: Simon or the sinful woman?

Jesus with People - Seeing and Not Seeing
Luke 7:36-50 - Simon, I have something to tell you
Jesus is able to cut through the muck - right to the heart
He had outspoken clarity - Luke 7:40

In truth Simon saw neither the woman or himself for how they really were

Jesus did see the woman - Her sin was obvious as her brokenness
He actions came from her new sense of reality
Once she saw Jesus, she responded the only way she could have - compelled by love - 2 Corinthians 5:14

Jesus' words should have cut Simon deeply - But he who has been forgiven little lives little

He wants to have a relationship with us
Think of trying to have a relationship with ant - talking with it, caring for it and especially dying for it - it is unfathomable!

How many times did Jesus change people's view if God?

Who am I most like: Simon or the sinful woman?

Jesus with People - Seeing and Not Seeing
Luke 7:36-50 - Simon, I have something to tell you
Jesus is able to cut through the muck - right to the heart
He had outspoken clarity - Luke 7:40

In truth Simon saw neither the woman or himself for how they really were

Jesus did see the woman - Her sin was obvious as her brokenness
He actions came from her new sense of reality
Once she saw Jesus, she responded the only way she could have - compelled by love - 2 Corinthians 5:14

Jesus' words should have cut Simon deeply - But he who has been forgiven little lives little

He wants to have a relationship with us
Think of trying to have a relationship with ant - talking with it, caring for it and especially dying for it - it is unfathomable!

How many times did Jesus change people's view if God?

Who am I most like: Simon or the sinful woman?

Jesus with People - Realness

When it comes to friendship, Jesus again sets the standard

Jesus knew John:

  • Jesus saw his weaknesses - yet accepted him - Mark 3:17
  • Jesus did not hesitate to call him to be a follower - spite of his temperament - Mark 1:19-20
  • He expect John to change - Luke 9:51-56
  • Jesus questioned his commitment when John sought power - Mark 10:35-37

Incredible thing about John is that it would seem that he never doubted Jesus' love

He refered to himself 5 times as the "disciple that Jesus loved"



Jesus with People - Realness

When it comes to friendship, Jesus again sets the standard

Jesus knew John:

  • Jesus saw his weaknesses - yet accepted him - Mark 3:17
  • Jesus did not hesitate to call him to be a follower - spite of his temperament - Mark 1:19-20
  • He expect John to change - Luke 9:51-56
  • Jesus questioned his commitment when John sought power - Mark 10:35-37

Incredible thing about John is that it would seem that he never doubted Jesus' love

He refered to himself 5 times as the "disciple that Jesus loved"



Jesus with People - Realness

When it comes to friendship, Jesus again sets the standard

Jesus knew John:

  • Jesus saw his weaknesses - yet accepted him - Mark 3:17
  • Jesus did not hesitate to call him to be a follower - spite of his temperament - Mark 1:19-20
  • He expect John to change - Luke 9:51-56
  • Jesus questioned his commitment when John sought power - Mark 10:35-37

Incredible thing about John is that it would seem that he never doubted Jesus' love

He refered to himself 5 times as the "disciple that Jesus loved"



Jesus with People - Realness

When it comes to friendship, Jesus again sets the standard

Jesus knew John:

  • Jesus saw his weaknesses - yet accepted him - Mark 3:17
  • Jesus did not hesitate to call him to be a follower - spite of his temperament - Mark 1:19-20
  • He expect John to change - Luke 9:51-56
  • Jesus questioned his commitment when John sought power - Mark 10:35-37

Incredible thing about John is that it would seem that he never doubted Jesus' love

He refered to himself 5 times as the "disciple that Jesus loved"



Jesus with People - Realness

When it comes to friendship, Jesus again sets the standard

Jesus knew John:

  • Jesus saw his weaknesses - yet accepted him - Mark 3:17
  • Jesus did not hesitate to call him to be a follower - spite of his temperament - Mark 1:19-20
  • He expect John to change - Luke 9:51-56
  • Jesus questioned his commitment when John sought power - Mark 10:35-37

Incredible thing about John is that it would seem that he never doubted Jesus' love

He refered to himself 5 times as the "disciple that Jesus loved"



Jesus with People - Realness

When it comes to friendship, Jesus again sets the standard

Jesus knew John:

  • Jesus saw his weaknesses - yet accepted him - Mark 3:17
  • Jesus did not hesitate to call him to be a follower - spite of his temperament - Mark 1:19-20
  • He expect John to change - Luke 9:51-56
  • Jesus questioned his commitment when John sought power - Mark 10:35-37

Incredible thing about John is that it would seem that he never doubted Jesus' love

He refered to himself 5 times as the "disciple that Jesus loved"



Jesus with People - Heart Determined to Persevre
Nothing test our determination like opposition
Satan is trying to discourage, dissuade, distract, and divide

If we get focused on the persecution or persecutors - renders us ineffective and unproductive

Pharisees ____ Jesus :
  • Mocked
  • Questioned him (harshly)
  • Spied on him
  • Confronted him
  • Laid traps for him
  • Falsely accused him
  • Threatened him
  • Joined forces with their opponents to plot against him
Jesus would not be distracted
His purpose was not to avoid pain but to please God - John 4:34
Must keep going today and tomorrow and the next day - Luke 13:32-33

God has not called us to defend or protect ourselves - we are then only working for ourselves and not will be doing nothing for God

Jesus with People - Heart Determined to Persevre
Nothing test our determination like opposition
Satan is trying to discourage, dissuade, distract, and divide

If we get focused on the persecution or persecutors - renders us ineffective and unproductive

Pharisees ____ Jesus :
  • Mocked
  • Questioned him (harshly)
  • Spied on him
  • Confronted him
  • Laid traps for him
  • Falsely accused him
  • Threatened him
  • Joined forces with their opponents to plot against him
Jesus would not be distracted
His purpose was not to avoid pain but to please God - John 4:34
Must keep going today and tomorrow and the next day - Luke 13:32-33

God has not called us to defend or protect ourselves - we are then only working for ourselves and not will be doing nothing for God

Jesus with People - Heart Determined to Preach
Jesus did not avoid his persecutors; he confronted them.
  • He challenged their traditions and hypocrisy
  • He warned his disciples to beware of the "yeast" of the Pharisees - Luke 12:1
  • He challenged people to obey what he taught - Matthew 23:1-3
  • He spoke in parables were surely was going to offend - Matthew 15:12
  • He gave them answers to trick questions that left them silent - Matthew 21:23-27
Why was Jesus so confrontational? He hated their sin

Jesus with People - The Better Choice
Martha and Mary - Luke 18:29-30

Jesus and his disciples were passing through the village when Martha opened her home to them - Luke 10:38

Jesus didn't  stop to correct Martha in her preparation
Martha - Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work myself?

With compassion - Martha, Martha
Explained that Mary's choice was right and a lasting one
What Jesus wanted most was to see her have a single-minded desire to know him and his teachings

Sometimes we get so wrapped up in preparing to server others that we are either too distracted or too exhausted to server them when they arrive

Jesus with People - The Better Choice
Martha and Mary - Luke 18:29-30

Jesus and his disciples were passing through the village when Martha opened her home to them - Luke 10:38

Jesus didn't  stop to correct Martha in her preparation
Martha - Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work myself?

With compassion - Martha, Martha
Explained that Mary's choice was right and a lasting one
What Jesus wanted most was to see her have a single-minded desire to know him and his teachings

Sometimes we get so wrapped up in preparing to server others that we are either too distracted or too exhausted to server them when they arrive

Jesus with People - The Better Choice
Martha and Mary - Luke 18:29-30

Jesus and his disciples were passing through the village when Martha opened her home to them - Luke 10:38

Jesus didn't  stop to correct Martha in her preparation
Martha - Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work myself?

With compassion - Martha, Martha
Explained that Mary's choice was right and a lasting one
What Jesus wanted most was to see her have a single-minded desire to know him and his teachings

Sometimes we get so wrapped up in preparing to server others that we are either too distracted or too exhausted to server them when they arrive

Jesus with People - Widows Financial Sacrifice
Mark 12:41-44

Without ever speaking to her, he made her gift he biblical standard for financial sacrifice

She gave all she had to live on - Luke 21:4
Being a widow at that time, she likely had no income
Probably hungry and surely without financial hope
He faith in God was evident in her action

Bible does not tell us what happened to her - we can know that GOd took care of her needs - Matthew 6:25-26



Jesus with People - Widows Emotional Sacrifice
Be careful for your hearts will be weighed down with anxieties of life and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap - Luke 21:34

Sacrifice requires that we take control of the anxieties of our lives
It is a daily struggle

In order to change our character weaknesses, true emotional sacrifice is needed
  1. We must admit that we are sinful
  2. We must realize Jesus has called us to follow him and be righteous
  3. Humbly commit to change
  4. We must change
The solutions are simple, emotional sacrifice is not


Jesus with People - Doing What We Ought
1 Timothy 6:13-14

Compared to previous struggles, the "Jesus dilemma" made the governor's worries look minuscule

Jesus was accused of
  • stirring up the people - Luke 23:5
  • being an insurrectionist -Luke 23:13-14
  • being a blasphemer - Matthew 26:65
  • being a criminal - John 18:30
Jesus' friends had deserted him
Masses that had given homage were the same crowds asking for his death

Jesus always did what was right
Pontius Pilate knew what he ought to do and what he wanted to do but did not do it

Jesus with People - Doing What We Ought
1 Timothy 6:13-14

Compared to previous struggles, the "Jesus dilemma" made the governor's worries look minuscule

Jesus was accused of
  • stirring up the people - Luke 23:5
  • being an insurrectionist -Luke 23:13-14
  • being a blasphemer - Matthew 26:65
  • being a criminal - John 18:30
Jesus' friends had deserted him
Masses that had given homage were the same crowds asking for his death

Jesus always did what was right
Pontius Pilate knew what he ought to do and what he wanted to do but did not do it

Jesus with People - Doing What We Ought
1 Timothy 6:13-14

Compared to previous struggles, the "Jesus dilemma" made the governor's worries look minuscule

Jesus was accused of
  • stirring up the people - Luke 23:5
  • being an insurrectionist -Luke 23:13-14
  • being a blasphemer - Matthew 26:65
  • being a criminal - John 18:30
Jesus' friends had deserted him
Masses that had given homage were the same crowds asking for his death

Jesus always did what was right
Pontius Pilate knew what he ought to do and what he wanted to do but did not do it

Jesus with People - People Pleasing Pilate
After having found Jesus innocent of the charges, three times Pilate "appealed to them"
In the end surrender Jesus to the will of the crowd - Luke 23:13-24

Jesus still let Pilate know that he was guilty of sin - John 19:11

Instead of seeking an escape, Jesus testified to the truth about God
He was still preaching and reaching out the lost - even his executor

Jesus had an impact - from then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free - john 19:12

Pilate lived and kept his job - for a little while, but his name was written in infamy

How do you fare under negative chatter about your Christian conviction?

Jesus with People - People Pleasing Pilate
After having found Jesus innocent of the charges, three times Pilate "appealed to them"
In the end surrender Jesus to the will of the crowd - Luke 23:13-24

Jesus still let Pilate know that he was guilty of sin - John 19:11

Instead of seeking an escape, Jesus testified to the truth about God
He was still preaching and reaching out the lost - even his executor

Jesus had an impact - from then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free - john 19:12

Pilate lived and kept his job - for a little while, but his name was written in infamy

How do you fare under negative chatter about your Christian conviction?

Jesus with People - People Pleasing Pilate
After having found Jesus innocent of the charges, three times Pilate "appealed to them"
In the end surrender Jesus to the will of the crowd - Luke 23:13-24

Jesus still let Pilate know that he was guilty of sin - John 19:11

Instead of seeking an escape, Jesus testified to the truth about God
He was still preaching and reaching out the lost - even his executor

Jesus had an impact - from then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free - john 19:12

Pilate lived and kept his job - for a little while, but his name was written in infamy

How do you fare under negative chatter about your Christian conviction?

Jesus with People - People Pleasing Pilate
After having found Jesus innocent of the charges, three times Pilate "appealed to them"
In the end surrender Jesus to the will of the crowd - Luke 23:13-24

Jesus still let Pilate know that he was guilty of sin - John 19:11

Instead of seeking an escape, Jesus testified to the truth about God
He was still preaching and reaching out the lost - even his executor

Jesus had an impact - from then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free - john 19:12

Pilate lived and kept his job - for a little while, but his name was written in infamy

How do you fare under negative chatter about your Christian conviction?

Jesus with People - People Pleasing Pilate
After having found Jesus innocent of the charges, three times Pilate "appealed to them"
In the end surrender Jesus to the will of the crowd - Luke 23:13-24

Jesus still let Pilate know that he was guilty of sin - John 19:11

Instead of seeking an escape, Jesus testified to the truth about God
He was still preaching and reaching out the lost - even his executor

Jesus had an impact - from then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free - john 19:12

Pilate lived and kept his job - for a little while, but his name was written in infamy

How do you fare under negative chatter about your Christian conviction?

Jesus with People - People Pleasing Pilate
After having found Jesus innocent of the charges, three times Pilate "appealed to them"
In the end surrender Jesus to the will of the crowd - Luke 23:13-24

Jesus still let Pilate know that he was guilty of sin - John 19:11

Instead of seeking an escape, Jesus testified to the truth about God
He was still preaching and reaching out the lost - even his executor

Jesus had an impact - from then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free - john 19:12

Pilate lived and kept his job - for a little while, but his name was written in infamy

How do you fare under negative chatter about your Christian conviction?

Jesus with People - People Pleasing Pilate
After having found Jesus innocent of the charges, three times Pilate "appealed to them"
In the end surrender Jesus to the will of the crowd - Luke 23:13-24

Jesus still let Pilate know that he was guilty of sin - John 19:11

Instead of seeking an escape, Jesus testified to the truth about God
He was still preaching and reaching out the lost - even his executor

Jesus had an impact - from then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free - john 19:12

Pilate lived and kept his job - for a little while, but his name was written in infamy

How do you fare under negative chatter about your Christian conviction?

Jesus with People - People Pleasing Pilate
After having found Jesus innocent of the charges, three times Pilate "appealed to them"
In the end surrender Jesus to the will of the crowd - Luke 23:13-24

Jesus still let Pilate know that he was guilty of sin - John 19:11

Instead of seeking an escape, Jesus testified to the truth about God
He was still preaching and reaching out the lost - even his executor

Jesus had an impact - from then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free - john 19:12

Pilate lived and kept his job - for a little while, but his name was written in infamy

How do you fare under negative chatter about your Christian conviction?

Jesus with People - People Pleasing Pilate
After having found Jesus innocent of the charges, three times Pilate "appealed to them"
In the end surrender Jesus to the will of the crowd - Luke 23:13-24

Jesus still let Pilate know that he was guilty of sin - John 19:11

Instead of seeking an escape, Jesus testified to the truth about God
He was still preaching and reaching out the lost - even his executor

Jesus had an impact - from then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free - john 19:12

Pilate lived and kept his job - for a little while, but his name was written in infamy

How do you fare under negative chatter about your Christian conviction?

Jesus with People - People Pleasing Pilate
After having found Jesus innocent of the charges, three times Pilate "appealed to them"
In the end surrender Jesus to the will of the crowd - Luke 23:13-24

Jesus still let Pilate know that he was guilty of sin - John 19:11

Instead of seeking an escape, Jesus testified to the truth about God
He was still preaching and reaching out the lost - even his executor

Jesus had an impact - from then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free - john 19:12

Pilate lived and kept his job - for a little while, but his name was written in infamy

How do you fare under negative chatter about your Christian conviction?

Jesus with People - People Pleasing Pilate
After having found Jesus innocent of the charges, three times Pilate "appealed to them"
In the end surrender Jesus to the will of the crowd - Luke 23:13-24

Jesus still let Pilate know that he was guilty of sin - John 19:11

Instead of seeking an escape, Jesus testified to the truth about God
He was still preaching and reaching out the lost - even his executor

Jesus had an impact - from then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free - john 19:12

Pilate lived and kept his job - for a little while, but his name was written in infamy

How do you fare under negative chatter about your Christian conviction?

Jesus with People - People Pleasing Pilate
After having found Jesus innocent of the charges, three times Pilate "appealed to them"
In the end surrender Jesus to the will of the crowd - Luke 23:13-24

Jesus still let Pilate know that he was guilty of sin - John 19:11

Instead of seeking an escape, Jesus testified to the truth about God
He was still preaching and reaching out the lost - even his executor

Jesus had an impact - from then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free - john 19:12

Pilate lived and kept his job - for a little while, but his name was written in infamy

How do you fare under negative chatter about your Christian conviction?

Jesus with People - Will He Find Faith?

Luke 18:1-8 - Jesus tells of a parable about praying not giving up; concluding, 'will he find faith on the earth?'

After Jesus was crucified and resurrected he could have gone home to the Father but chose to remain with his friends again
Enter the scene on the road to Emmaus

He wanted to know their hearts. Where was their faith? - They still did not get it

He did not walk away in disgust and give up on them
He waited to see if their faith would revive



Jesus with People - Will He Find Faith?

Luke 18:1-8 - Jesus tells of a parable about praying not giving up; concluding, 'will he find faith on the earth?'

After Jesus was crucified and resurrected he could have gone home to the Father but chose to remain with his friends again
Enter the scene on the road to Emmaus

He wanted to know their hearts. Where was their faith? - They still did not get it

He did not walk away in disgust and give up on them
He waited to see if their faith would revive



Jesus with People - Will He Find Faith?

Luke 18:1-8 - Jesus tells of a parable about praying not giving up; concluding, 'will he find faith on the earth?'

After Jesus was crucified and resurrected he could have gone home to the Father but chose to remain with his friends again
Enter the scene on the road to Emmaus

He wanted to know their hearts. Where was their faith? - They still did not get it

He did not walk away in disgust and give up on them
He waited to see if their faith would revive



Jesus with People - Will He Find Faith?

Luke 18:1-8 - Jesus tells of a parable about praying not giving up; concluding, 'will he find faith on the earth?'

After Jesus was crucified and resurrected he could have gone home to the Father but chose to remain with his friends again
Enter the scene on the road to Emmaus

He wanted to know their hearts. Where was their faith? - They still did not get it

He did not walk away in disgust and give up on them
He waited to see if their faith would revive



Jesus with People - Will He Find Faith?

Luke 18:1-8 - Jesus tells of a parable about praying not giving up; concluding, 'will he find faith on the earth?'

After Jesus was crucified and resurrected he could have gone home to the Father but chose to remain with his friends again
Enter the scene on the road to Emmaus

He wanted to know their hearts. Where was their faith? - They still did not get it

He did not walk away in disgust and give up on them
He waited to see if their faith would revive



Jesus with People - Will He Find Faith?

Luke 18:1-8 - Jesus tells of a parable about praying not giving up; concluding, 'will he find faith on the earth?'

After Jesus was crucified and resurrected he could have gone home to the Father but chose to remain with his friends again
Enter the scene on the road to Emmaus

He wanted to know their hearts. Where was their faith? - They still did not get it

He did not walk away in disgust and give up on them
He waited to see if their faith would revive



Jesus with People - Will He Find Faith?

Luke 18:1-8 - Jesus tells of a parable about praying not giving up; concluding, 'will he find faith on the earth?'

After Jesus was crucified and resurrected he could have gone home to the Father but chose to remain with his friends again
Enter the scene on the road to Emmaus

He wanted to know their hearts. Where was their faith? - They still did not get it

He did not walk away in disgust and give up on them
He waited to see if their faith would revive



Jesus with People - Will He Find Faith?

Luke 18:1-8 - Jesus tells of a parable about praying not giving up; concluding, 'will he find faith on the earth?'

After Jesus was crucified and resurrected he could have gone home to the Father but chose to remain with his friends again
Enter the scene on the road to Emmaus

He wanted to know their hearts. Where was their faith? - They still did not get it

He did not walk away in disgust and give up on them
He waited to see if their faith would revive



Jesus with People - Walking with Jesus

We must respond to Jesus' pursuit of us with our pursuit of him

Even with the testimony of woman, the disciples doubted

When Jesus stood in front of them, they thought he was a ghost - What hid their understanding?
Their inexperience of living by faith - Luke 9:45

Jesus was dead, yet lived afain
He defied science and human understanding

How long was your Emmaus road?
What is the greatest challenge to your faith at the moment?



Jesus with People - Doubtful Thomas
Jesus was not going to stop until Thomas was back, until he had been given an opportunity to put his doubts to death

Jesus was all what he said earlier, leave the 99 to look for that 1 - Luke 15:1-7

John 20:24-29 - not necessarily a rebuke, but a reminder

When do you find yourself doubting God's love for you?
Do you believe God still wants to purse a relationship with us even when we;re not that strong?

Jesus with People - Doubtful Thomas
Jesus was not going to stop until Thomas was back, until he had been given an opportunity to put his doubts to death

Jesus was all what he said earlier, leave the 99 to look for that 1 - Luke 15:1-7

John 20:24-29 - not necessarily a rebuke, but a reminder

When do you find yourself doubting God's love for you?
Do you believe God still wants to purse a relationship with us even when we;re not that strong?

Jesus with People - Doubtful Thomas
Jesus was not going to stop until Thomas was back, until he had been given an opportunity to put his doubts to death

Jesus was all what he said earlier, leave the 99 to look for that 1 - Luke 15:1-7

John 20:24-29 - not necessarily a rebuke, but a reminder

When do you find yourself doubting God's love for you?
Do you believe God still wants to purse a relationship with us even when we;re not that strong?

Jesus with People - Doubtful Thomas
Jesus was not going to stop until Thomas was back, until he had been given an opportunity to put his doubts to death

Jesus was all what he said earlier, leave the 99 to look for that 1 - Luke 15:1-7

John 20:24-29 - not necessarily a rebuke, but a reminder

When do you find yourself doubting God's love for you?
Do you believe God still wants to purse a relationship with us even when we;re not that strong?

Jesus with People - Doubtful Thomas
Jesus was not going to stop until Thomas was back, until he had been given an opportunity to put his doubts to death

Jesus was all what he said earlier, leave the 99 to look for that 1 - Luke 15:1-7

John 20:24-29 - not necessarily a rebuke, but a reminder

When do you find yourself doubting God's love for you?
Do you believe God still wants to purse a relationship with us even when we;re not that strong?

Jesus with People - Doubtful Thomas
Jesus was not going to stop until Thomas was back, until he had been given an opportunity to put his doubts to death

Jesus was all what he said earlier, leave the 99 to look for that 1 - Luke 15:1-7

John 20:24-29 - not necessarily a rebuke, but a reminder

When do you find yourself doubting God's love for you?
Do you believe God still wants to purse a relationship with us even when we;re not that strong?

Jesus with People - Doubtful Thomas
Jesus was not going to stop until Thomas was back, until he had been given an opportunity to put his doubts to death

Jesus was all what he said earlier, leave the 99 to look for that 1 - Luke 15:1-7

John 20:24-29 - not necessarily a rebuke, but a reminder

When do you find yourself doubting God's love for you?
Do you believe God still wants to purse a relationship with us even when we;re not that strong?

Promises of God - Give and it will be given to you

God is faithful. He will meet all our needs
Based on the extent to which we focus on the Father and his will - extent to which God moves in our lives

He desires to meet our every need - to the point of sacrificing his own son - Romans 8:32
Does our knowledge of him transform us?
Does it propel us forward in capturing God's heart of sacrificing for the needs of other?

In Philippi, church sacrificed financially to support Paul (only church to do so) - Philippians 4:14-18
God will meet all your needs - Philippians 4:19
Those who are giving to others and giving to God can be assured that God will give to what they need - Luke 6:38

The more we are focused on his will, the more our needs will be richly met

What must be true in our lives in order for us to claim the promise that God will meet all our needs?



Promises of God - God Can Relate
Hosea 11 - God who knows what is lie to grieve
We see his compassion and sorrow over the loss of his relationship with his people

Jesus displays a similar broken heart over the people of Jerusalem -  Luke 13:34

He can relate, he has felt the same feeling too

Promises of God - Tireless Labor
Satan works quickly to wear us down

Fatigue and discouragement are his greatest tools

Do you realize God can give you energy?

Luke 17:7-10 and Galatians 6:9 -> gives energy to never quit

Focusing on how hard something is will never product the desired fruit
Focusing on God and letting others help us product tireless labor

Moses needed Aaron and Hur to hold up his hands
Ester needed Mordecai to carry out the plan to save the Israelities
Jesus needed Simon to carry his cross

God provides helps when we labor tirelessly for him

Promises of God - Tireless Labor
Satan works quickly to wear us down

Fatigue and discouragement are his greatest tools

Do you realize God can give you energy?

Luke 17:7-10 and Galatians 6:9 -> gives energy to never quit

Focusing on how hard something is will never product the desired fruit
Focusing on God and letting others help us product tireless labor

Moses needed Aaron and Hur to hold up his hands
Ester needed Mordecai to carry out the plan to save the Israelities
Jesus needed Simon to carry his cross

God provides helps when we labor tirelessly for him

Promises of God - Tireless Labor
Satan works quickly to wear us down

Fatigue and discouragement are his greatest tools

Do you realize God can give you energy?

Luke 17:7-10 and Galatians 6:9 -> gives energy to never quit

Focusing on how hard something is will never product the desired fruit
Focusing on God and letting others help us product tireless labor

Moses needed Aaron and Hur to hold up his hands
Ester needed Mordecai to carry out the plan to save the Israelities
Jesus needed Simon to carry his cross

God provides helps when we labor tirelessly for him

Promises of God - Tireless Labor
Satan works quickly to wear us down

Fatigue and discouragement are his greatest tools

Do you realize God can give you energy?

Luke 17:7-10 and Galatians 6:9 -> gives energy to never quit

Focusing on how hard something is will never product the desired fruit
Focusing on God and letting others help us product tireless labor

Moses needed Aaron and Hur to hold up his hands
Ester needed Mordecai to carry out the plan to save the Israelities
Jesus needed Simon to carry his cross

God provides helps when we labor tirelessly for him

Promises of God - Satan Tries to Create Doubt
Satan uses his energy and his demons to break down our trust in God:

Eve in the garden - Genesis 3:1-7
Moses at the burning bush - Exodus 3:1-4:17
Tried it will Jesus in the desert - Luke 4:1-13

Do you really think his strategy with us will be any different?

Satan will attempt to get us to doubt God so much that we will trust a stranger more than him

Problem is not that we do not know how to trust

  • Asked about your doctor's educational background?
  • Arrived at the airport early to check the aircraft mechanic's work?
The problem is know who to trust

Promises of God - Satan Tries to Create Doubt
Satan uses his energy and his demons to break down our trust in God:

Eve in the garden - Genesis 3:1-7
Moses at the burning bush - Exodus 3:1-4:17
Tried it will Jesus in the desert - Luke 4:1-13

Do you really think his strategy with us will be any different?

Satan will attempt to get us to doubt God so much that we will trust a stranger more than him

Problem is not that we do not know how to trust

  • Asked about your doctor's educational background?
  • Arrived at the airport early to check the aircraft mechanic's work?
The problem is know who to trust

Promises of God - Satan Tries to Create Doubt
Satan uses his energy and his demons to break down our trust in God:

Eve in the garden - Genesis 3:1-7
Moses at the burning bush - Exodus 3:1-4:17
Tried it will Jesus in the desert - Luke 4:1-13

Do you really think his strategy with us will be any different?

Satan will attempt to get us to doubt God so much that we will trust a stranger more than him

Problem is not that we do not know how to trust

  • Asked about your doctor's educational background?
  • Arrived at the airport early to check the aircraft mechanic's work?
The problem is know who to trust

Promises of God - Satan Tries to Create Doubt
Satan uses his energy and his demons to break down our trust in God:

Eve in the garden - Genesis 3:1-7
Moses at the burning bush - Exodus 3:1-4:17
Tried it will Jesus in the desert - Luke 4:1-13

Do you really think his strategy with us will be any different?

Satan will attempt to get us to doubt God so much that we will trust a stranger more than him

Problem is not that we do not know how to trust

  • Asked about your doctor's educational background?
  • Arrived at the airport early to check the aircraft mechanic's work?
The problem is know who to trust

Promises of God - Satan Tries to Create Doubt
Satan uses his energy and his demons to break down our trust in God:

Eve in the garden - Genesis 3:1-7
Moses at the burning bush - Exodus 3:1-4:17
Tried it will Jesus in the desert - Luke 4:1-13

Do you really think his strategy with us will be any different?

Satan will attempt to get us to doubt God so much that we will trust a stranger more than him

Problem is not that we do not know how to trust

  • Asked about your doctor's educational background?
  • Arrived at the airport early to check the aircraft mechanic's work?
The problem is know who to trust

Promises of God - Satan Tries to Create Doubt
Satan uses his energy and his demons to break down our trust in God:

Eve in the garden - Genesis 3:1-7
Moses at the burning bush - Exodus 3:1-4:17
Tried it will Jesus in the desert - Luke 4:1-13

Do you really think his strategy with us will be any different?

Satan will attempt to get us to doubt God so much that we will trust a stranger more than him

Problem is not that we do not know how to trust

  • Asked about your doctor's educational background?
  • Arrived at the airport early to check the aircraft mechanic's work?
The problem is know who to trust

Promises of God - Satan Tries to Create Doubt
Satan uses his energy and his demons to break down our trust in God:

Eve in the garden - Genesis 3:1-7
Moses at the burning bush - Exodus 3:1-4:17
Tried it will Jesus in the desert - Luke 4:1-13

Do you really think his strategy with us will be any different?

Satan will attempt to get us to doubt God so much that we will trust a stranger more than him

Problem is not that we do not know how to trust

  • Asked about your doctor's educational background?
  • Arrived at the airport early to check the aircraft mechanic's work?
The problem is know who to trust

Promises of God - Satan Tries to Create Doubt
Satan uses his energy and his demons to break down our trust in God:

Eve in the garden - Genesis 3:1-7
Moses at the burning bush - Exodus 3:1-4:17
Tried it will Jesus in the desert - Luke 4:1-13

Do you really think his strategy with us will be any different?

Satan will attempt to get us to doubt God so much that we will trust a stranger more than him

Problem is not that we do not know how to trust

  • Asked about your doctor's educational background?
  • Arrived at the airport early to check the aircraft mechanic's work?
The problem is know who to trust

Promises of God - Satan Tries to Create Doubt
Satan uses his energy and his demons to break down our trust in God:

Eve in the garden - Genesis 3:1-7
Moses at the burning bush - Exodus 3:1-4:17
Tried it will Jesus in the desert - Luke 4:1-13

Do you really think his strategy with us will be any different?

Satan will attempt to get us to doubt God so much that we will trust a stranger more than him

Problem is not that we do not know how to trust

  • Asked about your doctor's educational background?
  • Arrived at the airport early to check the aircraft mechanic's work?
The problem is know who to trust

Promises of God - Satan Tries to Create Doubt
Satan uses his energy and his demons to break down our trust in God:

Eve in the garden - Genesis 3:1-7
Moses at the burning bush - Exodus 3:1-4:17
Tried it will Jesus in the desert - Luke 4:1-13

Do you really think his strategy with us will be any different?

Satan will attempt to get us to doubt God so much that we will trust a stranger more than him

Problem is not that we do not know how to trust

  • Asked about your doctor's educational background?
  • Arrived at the airport early to check the aircraft mechanic's work?
The problem is know who to trust

Promises of God - Satan Tries to Create Doubt
Satan uses his energy and his demons to break down our trust in God:

Eve in the garden - Genesis 3:1-7
Moses at the burning bush - Exodus 3:1-4:17
Tried it will Jesus in the desert - Luke 4:1-13

Do you really think his strategy with us will be any different?

Satan will attempt to get us to doubt God so much that we will trust a stranger more than him

Problem is not that we do not know how to trust

  • Asked about your doctor's educational background?
  • Arrived at the airport early to check the aircraft mechanic's work?
The problem is know who to trust

Promises of God - Satan Tries to Create Doubt
Satan uses his energy and his demons to break down our trust in God:

Eve in the garden - Genesis 3:1-7
Moses at the burning bush - Exodus 3:1-4:17
Tried it will Jesus in the desert - Luke 4:1-13

Do you really think his strategy with us will be any different?

Satan will attempt to get us to doubt God so much that we will trust a stranger more than him

Problem is not that we do not know how to trust

  • Asked about your doctor's educational background?
  • Arrived at the airport early to check the aircraft mechanic's work?
The problem is know who to trust

Promises of God - Satan Tries to Create Doubt
Satan uses his energy and his demons to break down our trust in God:

Eve in the garden - Genesis 3:1-7
Moses at the burning bush - Exodus 3:1-4:17
Tried it will Jesus in the desert - Luke 4:1-13

Do you really think his strategy with us will be any different?

Satan will attempt to get us to doubt God so much that we will trust a stranger more than him

Problem is not that we do not know how to trust

  • Asked about your doctor's educational background?
  • Arrived at the airport early to check the aircraft mechanic's work?
The problem is know who to trust

No one like him - His servant heart (part 3)
To serve means
  • Not holding to things
  • Not grasping on
  • Not saving ourselves
  • No protectiveness
  • Not a way of comfort
Jesus did this with the spirit of joy, peace and celebration

No one can save himself and still fulfill the mission of God

Luke 17:7-10 – we have only done our duty

Thinking not in terms of rights but of responsibility

Slave to all – Mark 10:44

We need to empty ourselves with being a doormat

No one like him - His servant heart (part 3)
To serve means
  • Not holding to things
  • Not grasping on
  • Not saving ourselves
  • No protectiveness
  • Not a way of comfort
Jesus did this with the spirit of joy, peace and celebration

No one can save himself and still fulfill the mission of God

Luke 17:7-10 – we have only done our duty

Thinking not in terms of rights but of responsibility

Slave to all – Mark 10:44

We need to empty ourselves with being a doormat

No one like him - His servant heart (part 3)
To serve means
  • Not holding to things
  • Not grasping on
  • Not saving ourselves
  • No protectiveness
  • Not a way of comfort
Jesus did this with the spirit of joy, peace and celebration

No one can save himself and still fulfill the mission of God

Luke 17:7-10 – we have only done our duty

Thinking not in terms of rights but of responsibility

Slave to all – Mark 10:44

We need to empty ourselves with being a doormat

No one like him - His servant heart (part 3)
To serve means
  • Not holding to things
  • Not grasping on
  • Not saving ourselves
  • No protectiveness
  • Not a way of comfort
Jesus did this with the spirit of joy, peace and celebration

No one can save himself and still fulfill the mission of God

Luke 17:7-10 – we have only done our duty

Thinking not in terms of rights but of responsibility

Slave to all – Mark 10:44

We need to empty ourselves with being a doormat

No one like him - His Compassion and Love
Jesus shifted focus from forceful advancement to giving to the poor

Kept him up late – Mark 1:29-34
Willing to touch the untouchable – Mark 1:40-41
No time for the “healthy” – Luke 5:31
Parents trusted Jesus with their children – Matthew 19:13-15

No one like him - Jesus believed promises would become reality
Luke 24:44 - Everything must be fulfilled

Predictions by man may or may not come true; God's promises will and must come true

Jesus saturated his preaching and teaching with references to scriptures

No one like him - Jesus responds with scriptures
Satan attempted Jesus in the dessert - Matthew 4:3,7,10

Scriptures were he turned for strength, guidance, and direction

Scriptures were on Jesus' in the end
  • Thought of bringing legions of angel - Matthew 26:54
  • Why have you forsaken me? - Mark 15:34
  • Into your hands I commit my spirit - Luke 23:46
If Jesus had this view of the OT, what should be our response to the NT?

No one like him - Church the Kingdom?
Luke 17:20-21 - Kingdom does not come through carefully observation

Kingdom is a state of mind/heart

Kingdom forcefully advancing from John the Baptist until now (Matthew 11:11-12)

Preaching the good news of the kingdom (Matthew 4:23)

Mark 9:1 - will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God

Matthew 16:15-20 - only scripture with both kingdom and church

How does this all fit?
Kingdom can not be put in a box, mentioned:
  • Matthew - 50x
  • Mark - 15x
  • Luke - 38x
All the church the kingdom? NO
All in the church PART of the kingdom? YES

No one like him - Church the Kingdom?
Luke 17:20-21 - Kingdom does not come through carefully observation

Kingdom is a state of mind/heart

Kingdom forcefully advancing from John the Baptist until now (Matthew 11:11-12)

Preaching the good news of the kingdom (Matthew 4:23)

Mark 9:1 - will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God

Matthew 16:15-20 - only scripture with both kingdom and church

How does this all fit?
Kingdom can not be put in a box, mentioned:
  • Matthew - 50x
  • Mark - 15x
  • Luke - 38x
All the church the kingdom? NO
All in the church PART of the kingdom? YES

No one like him - Kingdom Attitudes (part 1)
New Moses, on a different mountain
Attitudes God does bless - free us to receive more blessing and generosity
Attitude help us more clearly see what God is doing

Poor in Spirit

Poor or Beggar
Luke 18:9-14 - Pharisee prayed to himself vs tax collector - in touch with his failures

Our culture: think highly of yourself; never feel bad about yourself; do not think negatively; be nice

We have the debt of sin

No one like him - Kingdom Attitudes (part 1)
New Moses, on a different mountain
Attitudes God does bless - free us to receive more blessing and generosity
Attitude help us more clearly see what God is doing

Poor in Spirit

Poor or Beggar
Luke 18:9-14 - Pharisee prayed to himself vs tax collector - in touch with his failures

Our culture: think highly of yourself; never feel bad about yourself; do not think negatively; be nice

We have the debt of sin

No one like him - Kingdom Attitudes (part 1)
New Moses, on a different mountain
Attitudes God does bless - free us to receive more blessing and generosity
Attitude help us more clearly see what God is doing

Poor in Spirit

Poor or Beggar
Luke 18:9-14 - Pharisee prayed to himself vs tax collector - in touch with his failures

Our culture: think highly of yourself; never feel bad about yourself; do not think negatively; be nice

We have the debt of sin

No one like him - Kingdom Attitudes (part 1)
New Moses, on a different mountain
Attitudes God does bless - free us to receive more blessing and generosity
Attitude help us more clearly see what God is doing

Poor in Spirit

Poor or Beggar
Luke 18:9-14 - Pharisee prayed to himself vs tax collector - in touch with his failures

Our culture: think highly of yourself; never feel bad about yourself; do not think negatively; be nice

We have the debt of sin

No one like him - Kingdom Attitudes (part 1)
New Moses, on a different mountain
Attitudes God does bless - free us to receive more blessing and generosity
Attitude help us more clearly see what God is doing

Poor in Spirit

Poor or Beggar
Luke 18:9-14 - Pharisee prayed to himself vs tax collector - in touch with his failures

Our culture: think highly of yourself; never feel bad about yourself; do not think negatively; be nice

We have the debt of sin

No one like him - Kingdom Attitudes (part 1)
New Moses, on a different mountain
Attitudes God does bless - free us to receive more blessing and generosity
Attitude help us more clearly see what God is doing

Poor in Spirit

Poor or Beggar
Luke 18:9-14 - Pharisee prayed to himself vs tax collector - in touch with his failures

Our culture: think highly of yourself; never feel bad about yourself; do not think negatively; be nice

We have the debt of sin

No one like him - Count Cost (part 2)
Every effort

Must give up everything
God not as concerned about material as your heart
Everything must be under the Lordship of Christ

For all people

Message for all people – young and old
Spoke to the large crowds – Luke 14:25-33

Supreme Concern

Jesus was concerned about the people becoming disciples

Common belief is to believe - Christians vs Disciples

Just because you think are a disciple does not mean you are – Luke 6:46; 7:22-23

No one like him - Count Cost (part 2)
Every effort

Must give up everything
God not as concerned about material as your heart
Everything must be under the Lordship of Christ

For all people

Message for all people – young and old
Spoke to the large crowds – Luke 14:25-33

Supreme Concern

Jesus was concerned about the people becoming disciples

Common belief is to believe - Christians vs Disciples

Just because you think are a disciple does not mean you are – Luke 6:46; 7:22-23

No one like him - Count Cost (part 2)
Every effort

Must give up everything
God not as concerned about material as your heart
Everything must be under the Lordship of Christ

For all people

Message for all people – young and old
Spoke to the large crowds – Luke 14:25-33

Supreme Concern

Jesus was concerned about the people becoming disciples

Common belief is to believe - Christians vs Disciples

Just because you think are a disciple does not mean you are – Luke 6:46; 7:22-23

No one like him - Count Cost (part 2)
Every effort

Must give up everything
God not as concerned about material as your heart
Everything must be under the Lordship of Christ

For all people

Message for all people – young and old
Spoke to the large crowds – Luke 14:25-33

Supreme Concern

Jesus was concerned about the people becoming disciples

Common belief is to believe - Christians vs Disciples

Just because you think are a disciple does not mean you are – Luke 6:46; 7:22-23

No one like him - Count Cost (part 2)
Every effort

Must give up everything
God not as concerned about material as your heart
Everything must be under the Lordship of Christ

For all people

Message for all people – young and old
Spoke to the large crowds – Luke 14:25-33

Supreme Concern

Jesus was concerned about the people becoming disciples

Common belief is to believe - Christians vs Disciples

Just because you think are a disciple does not mean you are – Luke 6:46; 7:22-23

No one like him - Count Cost (part 2)
Every effort

Must give up everything
God not as concerned about material as your heart
Everything must be under the Lordship of Christ

For all people

Message for all people – young and old
Spoke to the large crowds – Luke 14:25-33

Supreme Concern

Jesus was concerned about the people becoming disciples

Common belief is to believe - Christians vs Disciples

Just because you think are a disciple does not mean you are – Luke 6:46; 7:22-23

No one like him - Count Cost (part 2)
Every effort

Must give up everything
God not as concerned about material as your heart
Everything must be under the Lordship of Christ

For all people

Message for all people – young and old
Spoke to the large crowds – Luke 14:25-33

Supreme Concern

Jesus was concerned about the people becoming disciples

Common belief is to believe - Christians vs Disciples

Just because you think are a disciple does not mean you are – Luke 6:46; 7:22-23

No one like him - Count Cost (part 2)
Every effort

Must give up everything
God not as concerned about material as your heart
Everything must be under the Lordship of Christ

For all people

Message for all people – young and old
Spoke to the large crowds – Luke 14:25-33

Supreme Concern

Jesus was concerned about the people becoming disciples

Common belief is to believe - Christians vs Disciples

Just because you think are a disciple does not mean you are – Luke 6:46; 7:22-23

No one like him - Count Cost (part 2)
Every effort

Must give up everything
God not as concerned about material as your heart
Everything must be under the Lordship of Christ

For all people

Message for all people – young and old
Spoke to the large crowds – Luke 14:25-33

Supreme Concern

Jesus was concerned about the people becoming disciples

Common belief is to believe - Christians vs Disciples

Just because you think are a disciple does not mean you are – Luke 6:46; 7:22-23

Wild at Heart - The Strategy (part 2)
Satan uses propaganda

He is the “accuser” - Revelation 12:10
Christ was attacked - “If you are the son of God” - prove it - Luke 4:1-13

So long as a man remains no real treat to the Enemy – You are fine
After you take sides - Your heart is bad and you know it

He looks for weaknesses
Throws a thought or temptation that he hopes we will swallow
If I thought this was just me, my heart, I’d be very discouraged.
Knowing that my heart is good allowed me to block it, right then and there
Think of how lust starts .. “I am not here it is all you.”

Any hand to hand combat, there are blows, dodges, blocks, and counterattacks
How did Christ handle Satan? - he did not get into an argument with him
He simply stood on the truth
Satan doesn’t just throw a thought but feelings as well
Guard your heart

Wild at Heart - The Strategy (part 2)
Satan uses propaganda

He is the “accuser” - Revelation 12:10
Christ was attacked - “If you are the son of God” - prove it - Luke 4:1-13

So long as a man remains no real treat to the Enemy – You are fine
After you take sides - Your heart is bad and you know it

He looks for weaknesses
Throws a thought or temptation that he hopes we will swallow
If I thought this was just me, my heart, I’d be very discouraged.
Knowing that my heart is good allowed me to block it, right then and there
Think of how lust starts .. “I am not here it is all you.”

Any hand to hand combat, there are blows, dodges, blocks, and counterattacks
How did Christ handle Satan? - he did not get into an argument with him
He simply stood on the truth
Satan doesn’t just throw a thought but feelings as well
Guard your heart

Wild at Heart - The Strategy (part 2)
Satan uses propaganda

He is the “accuser” - Revelation 12:10
Christ was attacked - “If you are the son of God” - prove it - Luke 4:1-13

So long as a man remains no real treat to the Enemy – You are fine
After you take sides - Your heart is bad and you know it

He looks for weaknesses
Throws a thought or temptation that he hopes we will swallow
If I thought this was just me, my heart, I’d be very discouraged.
Knowing that my heart is good allowed me to block it, right then and there
Think of how lust starts .. “I am not here it is all you.”

Any hand to hand combat, there are blows, dodges, blocks, and counterattacks
How did Christ handle Satan? - he did not get into an argument with him
He simply stood on the truth
Satan doesn’t just throw a thought but feelings as well
Guard your heart

Wild at Heart - The Strategy (part 2)
Satan uses propaganda

He is the “accuser” - Revelation 12:10
Christ was attacked - “If you are the son of God” - prove it - Luke 4:1-13

So long as a man remains no real treat to the Enemy – You are fine
After you take sides - Your heart is bad and you know it

He looks for weaknesses
Throws a thought or temptation that he hopes we will swallow
If I thought this was just me, my heart, I’d be very discouraged.
Knowing that my heart is good allowed me to block it, right then and there
Think of how lust starts .. “I am not here it is all you.”

Any hand to hand combat, there are blows, dodges, blocks, and counterattacks
How did Christ handle Satan? - he did not get into an argument with him
He simply stood on the truth
Satan doesn’t just throw a thought but feelings as well
Guard your heart

Wild at Heart - The Strategy (part 2)
Satan uses propaganda

He is the “accuser” - Revelation 12:10
Christ was attacked - “If you are the son of God” - prove it - Luke 4:1-13

So long as a man remains no real treat to the Enemy – You are fine
After you take sides - Your heart is bad and you know it

He looks for weaknesses
Throws a thought or temptation that he hopes we will swallow
If I thought this was just me, my heart, I’d be very discouraged.
Knowing that my heart is good allowed me to block it, right then and there
Think of how lust starts .. “I am not here it is all you.”

Any hand to hand combat, there are blows, dodges, blocks, and counterattacks
How did Christ handle Satan? - he did not get into an argument with him
He simply stood on the truth
Satan doesn’t just throw a thought but feelings as well
Guard your heart

Wild at Heart - The Strategy (part 2)
Satan uses propaganda

He is the “accuser” - Revelation 12:10
Christ was attacked - “If you are the son of God” - prove it - Luke 4:1-13

So long as a man remains no real treat to the Enemy – You are fine
After you take sides - Your heart is bad and you know it

He looks for weaknesses
Throws a thought or temptation that he hopes we will swallow
If I thought this was just me, my heart, I’d be very discouraged.
Knowing that my heart is good allowed me to block it, right then and there
Think of how lust starts .. “I am not here it is all you.”

Any hand to hand combat, there are blows, dodges, blocks, and counterattacks
How did Christ handle Satan? - he did not get into an argument with him
He simply stood on the truth
Satan doesn’t just throw a thought but feelings as well
Guard your heart

Wild at Heart - The Strategy (part 2)
Satan uses propaganda

He is the “accuser” - Revelation 12:10
Christ was attacked - “If you are the son of God” - prove it - Luke 4:1-13

So long as a man remains no real treat to the Enemy – You are fine
After you take sides - Your heart is bad and you know it

He looks for weaknesses
Throws a thought or temptation that he hopes we will swallow
If I thought this was just me, my heart, I’d be very discouraged.
Knowing that my heart is good allowed me to block it, right then and there
Think of how lust starts .. “I am not here it is all you.”

Any hand to hand combat, there are blows, dodges, blocks, and counterattacks
How did Christ handle Satan? - he did not get into an argument with him
He simply stood on the truth
Satan doesn’t just throw a thought but feelings as well
Guard your heart

Wild at Heart - The Strategy (part 2)
Satan uses propaganda

He is the “accuser” - Revelation 12:10
Christ was attacked - “If you are the son of God” - prove it - Luke 4:1-13

So long as a man remains no real treat to the Enemy – You are fine
After you take sides - Your heart is bad and you know it

He looks for weaknesses
Throws a thought or temptation that he hopes we will swallow
If I thought this was just me, my heart, I’d be very discouraged.
Knowing that my heart is good allowed me to block it, right then and there
Think of how lust starts .. “I am not here it is all you.”

Any hand to hand combat, there are blows, dodges, blocks, and counterattacks
How did Christ handle Satan? - he did not get into an argument with him
He simply stood on the truth
Satan doesn’t just throw a thought but feelings as well
Guard your heart

Wild at Heart - The Strategy (part 2)
Satan uses propaganda

He is the “accuser” - Revelation 12:10
Christ was attacked - “If you are the son of God” - prove it - Luke 4:1-13

So long as a man remains no real treat to the Enemy – You are fine
After you take sides - Your heart is bad and you know it

He looks for weaknesses
Throws a thought or temptation that he hopes we will swallow
If I thought this was just me, my heart, I’d be very discouraged.
Knowing that my heart is good allowed me to block it, right then and there
Think of how lust starts .. “I am not here it is all you.”

Any hand to hand combat, there are blows, dodges, blocks, and counterattacks
How did Christ handle Satan? - he did not get into an argument with him
He simply stood on the truth
Satan doesn’t just throw a thought but feelings as well
Guard your heart

Wild at Heart - The Strategy (part 2)
Satan uses propaganda

He is the “accuser” - Revelation 12:10
Christ was attacked - “If you are the son of God” - prove it - Luke 4:1-13

So long as a man remains no real treat to the Enemy – You are fine
After you take sides - Your heart is bad and you know it

He looks for weaknesses
Throws a thought or temptation that he hopes we will swallow
If I thought this was just me, my heart, I’d be very discouraged.
Knowing that my heart is good allowed me to block it, right then and there
Think of how lust starts .. “I am not here it is all you.”

Any hand to hand combat, there are blows, dodges, blocks, and counterattacks
How did Christ handle Satan? - he did not get into an argument with him
He simply stood on the truth
Satan doesn’t just throw a thought but feelings as well
Guard your heart

Wild at Heart - The Strategy (part 2)
Satan uses propaganda

He is the “accuser” - Revelation 12:10
Christ was attacked - “If you are the son of God” - prove it - Luke 4:1-13

So long as a man remains no real treat to the Enemy – You are fine
After you take sides - Your heart is bad and you know it

He looks for weaknesses
Throws a thought or temptation that he hopes we will swallow
If I thought this was just me, my heart, I’d be very discouraged.
Knowing that my heart is good allowed me to block it, right then and there
Think of how lust starts .. “I am not here it is all you.”

Any hand to hand combat, there are blows, dodges, blocks, and counterattacks
How did Christ handle Satan? - he did not get into an argument with him
He simply stood on the truth
Satan doesn’t just throw a thought but feelings as well
Guard your heart

Wild at Heart - The Strategy (part 2)
Satan uses propaganda

He is the “accuser” - Revelation 12:10
Christ was attacked - “If you are the son of God” - prove it - Luke 4:1-13

So long as a man remains no real treat to the Enemy – You are fine
After you take sides - Your heart is bad and you know it

He looks for weaknesses
Throws a thought or temptation that he hopes we will swallow
If I thought this was just me, my heart, I’d be very discouraged.
Knowing that my heart is good allowed me to block it, right then and there
Think of how lust starts .. “I am not here it is all you.”

Any hand to hand combat, there are blows, dodges, blocks, and counterattacks
How did Christ handle Satan? - he did not get into an argument with him
He simply stood on the truth
Satan doesn’t just throw a thought but feelings as well
Guard your heart

Wild at Heart - The Strategy (part 2)
Satan uses propaganda

He is the “accuser” - Revelation 12:10
Christ was attacked - “If you are the son of God” - prove it - Luke 4:1-13

So long as a man remains no real treat to the Enemy – You are fine
After you take sides - Your heart is bad and you know it

He looks for weaknesses
Throws a thought or temptation that he hopes we will swallow
If I thought this was just me, my heart, I’d be very discouraged.
Knowing that my heart is good allowed me to block it, right then and there
Think of how lust starts .. “I am not here it is all you.”

Any hand to hand combat, there are blows, dodges, blocks, and counterattacks
How did Christ handle Satan? - he did not get into an argument with him
He simply stood on the truth
Satan doesn’t just throw a thought but feelings as well
Guard your heart

Repentance - What It Is (part 1)
What is repentance?

Repentance is the first word of the gospel

Na,,ham = most often used of God’s repentance
Shu, b = a physical turning or returning of an object
epostrepho = a Greek work similar to Shu, b

metanoia = used as the first word in the gospel (change in mind and attitude)
  • meta = after, change, implies there was a before
  • noia = denotes the faculty of physical and intellectual perception, then also the power to arrive at moral judgments

“he came to his senses” – Luke 15:17
“he opened their minds” – Luke 24:45
“open their eyes” – Acts 26:18
“set their minds on things above” – Romans 8:5

Repentance - What It Is (part 1)
What is repentance?

Repentance is the first word of the gospel

Na,,ham = most often used of God’s repentance
Shu, b = a physical turning or returning of an object
epostrepho = a Greek work similar to Shu, b

metanoia = used as the first word in the gospel (change in mind and attitude)
  • meta = after, change, implies there was a before
  • noia = denotes the faculty of physical and intellectual perception, then also the power to arrive at moral judgments

“he came to his senses” – Luke 15:17
“he opened their minds” – Luke 24:45
“open their eyes” – Acts 26:18
“set their minds on things above” – Romans 8:5

Repentance - The Prophets (part 1)
Scriptures had become mere words to be studied and debated, rather than the practice of life

Prophets are positive and negative reinforcement
One needs not predict future events in order to serve as a prophet

Don’t evade the prophet that God, in his grace, sends you – seek their counsel
If God cannot help you repent through His word, then you will never repent – Luke 16:27-31

Moses
  • Return to God – Deuteronomy 30:2
  • Worship other Gods and you will perish - Deuteronomy 30:17-18


Repentance - The Prophets (part 1)
Scriptures had become mere words to be studied and debated, rather than the practice of life

Prophets are positive and negative reinforcement
One needs not predict future events in order to serve as a prophet

Don’t evade the prophet that God, in his grace, sends you – seek their counsel
If God cannot help you repent through His word, then you will never repent – Luke 16:27-31

Moses
  • Return to God – Deuteronomy 30:2
  • Worship other Gods and you will perish - Deuteronomy 30:17-18


Repentance - The Prophets (part 1)
Scriptures had become mere words to be studied and debated, rather than the practice of life

Prophets are positive and negative reinforcement
One needs not predict future events in order to serve as a prophet

Don’t evade the prophet that God, in his grace, sends you – seek their counsel
If God cannot help you repent through His word, then you will never repent – Luke 16:27-31

Moses
  • Return to God – Deuteronomy 30:2
  • Worship other Gods and you will perish - Deuteronomy 30:17-18


Repentance - The Prophets (part 1)
Scriptures had become mere words to be studied and debated, rather than the practice of life

Prophets are positive and negative reinforcement
One needs not predict future events in order to serve as a prophet

Don’t evade the prophet that God, in his grace, sends you – seek their counsel
If God cannot help you repent through His word, then you will never repent – Luke 16:27-31

Moses
  • Return to God – Deuteronomy 30:2
  • Worship other Gods and you will perish - Deuteronomy 30:17-18


Repentance - The Prophets (part 1)
Scriptures had become mere words to be studied and debated, rather than the practice of life

Prophets are positive and negative reinforcement
One needs not predict future events in order to serve as a prophet

Don’t evade the prophet that God, in his grace, sends you – seek their counsel
If God cannot help you repent through His word, then you will never repent – Luke 16:27-31

Moses
  • Return to God – Deuteronomy 30:2
  • Worship other Gods and you will perish - Deuteronomy 30:17-18


Repentance - The Prophets (part 2)
Prophets
  • Repent and turn from your transgressions – Ezekiel 18:30
  • Bear fruit with keeping with repentance – Luke 3:8
Jesus
  • Unless you repent, you will perish – Luke 13:3
  • If you don’t wake up, I will come like a thief – Revelation 3:3
Apostles
  • He commands all people everywhere to repent – Acts 17:30
  • Repent and turn to God – Acts 26:20


Repentance - The Prophets (part 2)
Prophets
  • Repent and turn from your transgressions – Ezekiel 18:30
  • Bear fruit with keeping with repentance – Luke 3:8
Jesus
  • Unless you repent, you will perish – Luke 13:3
  • If you don’t wake up, I will come like a thief – Revelation 3:3
Apostles
  • He commands all people everywhere to repent – Acts 17:30
  • Repent and turn to God – Acts 26:20


Master Plan - Association (part 2)
  • Reasons for departures:
    • Oppositions from Pharisees
    • Hostility of Herod
    • Jesus wanted to be with disciples without distractions
  • In Gethsemane, disciples were only a stone’s throw away - Luke 22:41
    • Family: near each other in a time of departure
  • Every minute cherished because the growing realization of He would be with them no more
  • He spent more time with His disciples than with everyone else put together.
    • Ate with them
    • Slept with them
    • Talked with them
    • Walked with them
    • Prayed with them
    • Worshiped with them
  • Ministering to the mass – disciples learned the lessons and then got an explanation afterwards
  • Jesus had little time to call His own
  • Only exceptions was when He kept to His own personal devotions with interruptions - Mark 46-48
  • He wanted to be with them
  • They were His spiritual children


Master Plan - Foundation of Follow-up
  • For three years, Jesus had been training them by being with them
  • Follow-up was not just confined with His disciples
    • Zaccheus on the street of Jericho - Luke 19:7
    • Women at the well - John 4:39-42
  • Some attention was given to others – but not compared to the attention given to the twelve
  • Faithful women – Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, and many others - Luke 8:1-3
    • He did not refuse their kindness
    • Jesus was well aware of the sex barrier
    • He did not try to incorporate these ladies in the select company
  • Primary task was to develop some men who in turn could give personal attention to others


Master Plan - He Required Obedience
  • Jesus required and expected obedience
  • They were disciples, learners, pupils (“Christian”) did not even come until later - Acts 11:26
  • Being smart was not a requirement for His students, but loyalty was.
  • No statement of faith made at the beginning but they believed that he was the Messiah (Luke 1:41, 45, 49; 5:8)
  • Jesus was obedient to His Word and expected others to do the same.
  • People do not follow hypocrites – Jesus lived it
  • Way of the Cross
    • Meant more than a joyful precession: it meant a surrender of one’ whole life and of His sovereignty.
    • God or Money - Luke 16:13
    • Do not conform to the world = new life - Matthew 5:1-7:29
    • Love was found in obedience (John 14:21)
    • Cross – willingness to die to self so that other may live
  • Strong Teachings
    • Not many followed (many left) - John 6:66
    • Jesus did not go running after them to get them to stay
    • Must be willing to pay the price


Master Plan - Count the Costs
  • Those who did not go all the way fell by the wayside
    • Can not make excuses - Matthew 8:21-22
    • Greed will try to take us away (Judas) - Mark 14:10
    • Turn loose of the world - Matthew 27:3-10
    • Leave comforts of this world - Matthew 8:19
    • Those who want to turn are not fit to serve - Luke 9:62
    • Must love God above all else - Luke 14
  • Few want to pay the price
    • Jesus had only a few followers = Are you going to leave too? …Where shall we go? - John 6:68


Master Plan - Demonstration (part 2)
  • There were many situations and many types of people
    • Rich and poor
    • Healthy and sick
    • Friend and Foe
  • No chalk board outline or “Do It Yourself” Manual
  • Jesus made sure they didn’t miss in understanding
    • Ask what the parables meant – Luke 8:9
    • Seem to spend more time explaining than the initial interaction lesson
    • Applied lesson to their lives – Mark 10:24-31
  • Jesus did not ask anything that He was not doing Himself
  • Class was always in session – every waking moment of everyday
    • People are looking for demonstration not explanation
    • Only way to train men is to live by example
    • Not shrinking back or evading our personal responsibility
    • Mere knowledge is not enough
    • Knowledge unapplied to living can become a stumbling stone for further truth
    • Jesus saw to it that they applied the truth in their life


Master Plan - Delegation (part 2)
  • Instructions from Jesus
    • Preach the Kingdom of God - Luke 9:1
    • Heal the sick
    • Go to the most susceptive audience (house of Israel) - Matthew 10:5
    • Do not burden yourselves with lots of baggage - Matthew 10:9
    • Find worthy, friendly people - Matthew 10:11
    • If the town resisted, shake off feet as a testament to them (worst than Sodom and Gomorrah)
  • Hardship expected
    • If Jesus received persecution, we will too - Matthew 10:32
    • We remember the Lord – W will be remember before the Father - Matthew 10:24
    • Sheep among wolves - Matthew 10:16
    • Act as wise as serpents and harmless as doves
  • A diving gospel
    • No compromise with sin
    • Jesus came by the sword (Divided good from evil) - Matthew 10:34-35
  • Two by two - Mark 6:7
    • Companionship and helping one another
    • In the spirit of togetherness


Master Plan - Delegation (part 3)
  • Sending of the Seventy - Luke 10:1
    • Almost the same instructions - Luke 10:2-16
    • They would be forerunners (Luke 10:1)
  • Post Resurrection
    • Peter: Feed my sheep - John 21:15-17
    • I send you - John 20:21
    • Great Commission - Matthew 28:16-20
    • Repent and remission of sins - Luke 24:47-49
  • Evangelism is not an option (Jesus was all about – heartbeat of why he lived)
  • Tangible expression by those who are following the Savior
  • He gave work assignments (made sure they carried them out)
  • At first assignments started small, but grew gradually until the graduation (started the church that turned the world upside down)


Master Plan - Delegation (part 3)
  • Sending of the Seventy - Luke 10:1
    • Almost the same instructions - Luke 10:2-16
    • They would be forerunners (Luke 10:1)
  • Post Resurrection
    • Peter: Feed my sheep - John 21:15-17
    • I send you - John 20:21
    • Great Commission - Matthew 28:16-20
    • Repent and remission of sins - Luke 24:47-49
  • Evangelism is not an option (Jesus was all about – heartbeat of why he lived)
  • Tangible expression by those who are following the Savior
  • He gave work assignments (made sure they carried them out)
  • At first assignments started small, but grew gradually until the graduation (started the church that turned the world upside down)


Master Plan - Delegation (part 3)
  • Sending of the Seventy - Luke 10:1
    • Almost the same instructions - Luke 10:2-16
    • They would be forerunners (Luke 10:1)
  • Post Resurrection
    • Peter: Feed my sheep - John 21:15-17
    • I send you - John 20:21
    • Great Commission - Matthew 28:16-20
    • Repent and remission of sins - Luke 24:47-49
  • Evangelism is not an option (Jesus was all about – heartbeat of why he lived)
  • Tangible expression by those who are following the Savior
  • He gave work assignments (made sure they carried them out)
  • At first assignments started small, but grew gradually until the graduation (started the church that turned the world upside down)


Master Plan - Delegation (part 3)
  • Sending of the Seventy - Luke 10:1
    • Almost the same instructions - Luke 10:2-16
    • They would be forerunners (Luke 10:1)
  • Post Resurrection
    • Peter: Feed my sheep - John 21:15-17
    • I send you - John 20:21
    • Great Commission - Matthew 28:16-20
    • Repent and remission of sins - Luke 24:47-49
  • Evangelism is not an option (Jesus was all about – heartbeat of why he lived)
  • Tangible expression by those who are following the Savior
  • He gave work assignments (made sure they carried them out)
  • At first assignments started small, but grew gradually until the graduation (started the church that turned the world upside down)


Master Plan - Delegation (part 3)
  • Sending of the Seventy - Luke 10:1
    • Almost the same instructions - Luke 10:2-16
    • They would be forerunners (Luke 10:1)
  • Post Resurrection
    • Peter: Feed my sheep - John 21:15-17
    • I send you - John 20:21
    • Great Commission - Matthew 28:16-20
    • Repent and remission of sins - Luke 24:47-49
  • Evangelism is not an option (Jesus was all about – heartbeat of why he lived)
  • Tangible expression by those who are following the Savior
  • He gave work assignments (made sure they carried them out)
  • At first assignments started small, but grew gradually until the graduation (started the church that turned the world upside down)


Master Plan - Delegation (part 3)
  • Sending of the Seventy - Luke 10:1
    • Almost the same instructions - Luke 10:2-16
    • They would be forerunners (Luke 10:1)
  • Post Resurrection
    • Peter: Feed my sheep - John 21:15-17
    • I send you - John 20:21
    • Great Commission - Matthew 28:16-20
    • Repent and remission of sins - Luke 24:47-49
  • Evangelism is not an option (Jesus was all about – heartbeat of why he lived)
  • Tangible expression by those who are following the Savior
  • He gave work assignments (made sure they carried them out)
  • At first assignments started small, but grew gradually until the graduation (started the church that turned the world upside down)


Master Plan - Delegation (part 3)
  • Sending of the Seventy - Luke 10:1
    • Almost the same instructions - Luke 10:2-16
    • They would be forerunners (Luke 10:1)
  • Post Resurrection
    • Peter: Feed my sheep - John 21:15-17
    • I send you - John 20:21
    • Great Commission - Matthew 28:16-20
    • Repent and remission of sins - Luke 24:47-49
  • Evangelism is not an option (Jesus was all about – heartbeat of why he lived)
  • Tangible expression by those who are following the Savior
  • He gave work assignments (made sure they carried them out)
  • At first assignments started small, but grew gradually until the graduation (started the church that turned the world upside down)


Master Plan - Delegation (part 3)
  • Sending of the Seventy - Luke 10:1
    • Almost the same instructions - Luke 10:2-16
    • They would be forerunners (Luke 10:1)
  • Post Resurrection
    • Peter: Feed my sheep - John 21:15-17
    • I send you - John 20:21
    • Great Commission - Matthew 28:16-20
    • Repent and remission of sins - Luke 24:47-49
  • Evangelism is not an option (Jesus was all about – heartbeat of why he lived)
  • Tangible expression by those who are following the Savior
  • He gave work assignments (made sure they carried them out)
  • At first assignments started small, but grew gradually until the graduation (started the church that turned the world upside down)


Master Plan - Delegation (part 3)
  • Sending of the Seventy - Luke 10:1
    • Almost the same instructions - Luke 10:2-16
    • They would be forerunners (Luke 10:1)
  • Post Resurrection
    • Peter: Feed my sheep - John 21:15-17
    • I send you - John 20:21
    • Great Commission - Matthew 28:16-20
    • Repent and remission of sins - Luke 24:47-49
  • Evangelism is not an option (Jesus was all about – heartbeat of why he lived)
  • Tangible expression by those who are following the Savior
  • He gave work assignments (made sure they carried them out)
  • At first assignments started small, but grew gradually until the graduation (started the church that turned the world upside down)


Master Plan - Delegation (part 3)
  • Sending of the Seventy - Luke 10:1
    • Almost the same instructions - Luke 10:2-16
    • They would be forerunners (Luke 10:1)
  • Post Resurrection
    • Peter: Feed my sheep - John 21:15-17
    • I send you - John 20:21
    • Great Commission - Matthew 28:16-20
    • Repent and remission of sins - Luke 24:47-49
  • Evangelism is not an option (Jesus was all about – heartbeat of why he lived)
  • Tangible expression by those who are following the Savior
  • He gave work assignments (made sure they carried them out)
  • At first assignments started small, but grew gradually until the graduation (started the church that turned the world upside down)


Master Plan - Delegation (part 3)
  • Sending of the Seventy - Luke 10:1
    • Almost the same instructions - Luke 10:2-16
    • They would be forerunners (Luke 10:1)
  • Post Resurrection
    • Peter: Feed my sheep - John 21:15-17
    • I send you - John 20:21
    • Great Commission - Matthew 28:16-20
    • Repent and remission of sins - Luke 24:47-49
  • Evangelism is not an option (Jesus was all about – heartbeat of why he lived)
  • Tangible expression by those who are following the Savior
  • He gave work assignments (made sure they carried them out)
  • At first assignments started small, but grew gradually until the graduation (started the church that turned the world upside down)


Master Plan - Delegation (part 3)
  • Sending of the Seventy - Luke 10:1
    • Almost the same instructions - Luke 10:2-16
    • They would be forerunners (Luke 10:1)
  • Post Resurrection
    • Peter: Feed my sheep - John 21:15-17
    • I send you - John 20:21
    • Great Commission - Matthew 28:16-20
    • Repent and remission of sins - Luke 24:47-49
  • Evangelism is not an option (Jesus was all about – heartbeat of why he lived)
  • Tangible expression by those who are following the Savior
  • He gave work assignments (made sure they carried them out)
  • At first assignments started small, but grew gradually until the graduation (started the church that turned the world upside down)


Master Plan - Delegation (part 3)
  • Sending of the Seventy - Luke 10:1
    • Almost the same instructions - Luke 10:2-16
    • They would be forerunners (Luke 10:1)
  • Post Resurrection
    • Peter: Feed my sheep - John 21:15-17
    • I send you - John 20:21
    • Great Commission - Matthew 28:16-20
    • Repent and remission of sins - Luke 24:47-49
  • Evangelism is not an option (Jesus was all about – heartbeat of why he lived)
  • Tangible expression by those who are following the Savior
  • He gave work assignments (made sure they carried them out)
  • At first assignments started small, but grew gradually until the graduation (started the church that turned the world upside down)


Master Plan - Delegation (part 3)
  • Sending of the Seventy - Luke 10:1
    • Almost the same instructions - Luke 10:2-16
    • They would be forerunners (Luke 10:1)
  • Post Resurrection
    • Peter: Feed my sheep - John 21:15-17
    • I send you - John 20:21
    • Great Commission - Matthew 28:16-20
    • Repent and remission of sins - Luke 24:47-49
  • Evangelism is not an option (Jesus was all about – heartbeat of why he lived)
  • Tangible expression by those who are following the Savior
  • He gave work assignments (made sure they carried them out)
  • At first assignments started small, but grew gradually until the graduation (started the church that turned the world upside down)


Master Plan - Delegation (part 3)
  • Sending of the Seventy - Luke 10:1
    • Almost the same instructions - Luke 10:2-16
    • They would be forerunners (Luke 10:1)
  • Post Resurrection
    • Peter: Feed my sheep - John 21:15-17
    • I send you - John 20:21
    • Great Commission - Matthew 28:16-20
    • Repent and remission of sins - Luke 24:47-49
  • Evangelism is not an option (Jesus was all about – heartbeat of why he lived)
  • Tangible expression by those who are following the Savior
  • He gave work assignments (made sure they carried them out)
  • At first assignments started small, but grew gradually until the graduation (started the church that turned the world upside down)


Master Plan - Delegation (part 3)
  • Sending of the Seventy - Luke 10:1
    • Almost the same instructions - Luke 10:2-16
    • They would be forerunners (Luke 10:1)
  • Post Resurrection
    • Peter: Feed my sheep - John 21:15-17
    • I send you - John 20:21
    • Great Commission - Matthew 28:16-20
    • Repent and remission of sins - Luke 24:47-49
  • Evangelism is not an option (Jesus was all about – heartbeat of why he lived)
  • Tangible expression by those who are following the Savior
  • He gave work assignments (made sure they carried them out)
  • At first assignments started small, but grew gradually until the graduation (started the church that turned the world upside down)


Master Plan - Delegation (part 3)
  • Sending of the Seventy - Luke 10:1
    • Almost the same instructions - Luke 10:2-16
    • They would be forerunners (Luke 10:1)
  • Post Resurrection
    • Peter: Feed my sheep - John 21:15-17
    • I send you - John 20:21
    • Great Commission - Matthew 28:16-20
    • Repent and remission of sins - Luke 24:47-49
  • Evangelism is not an option (Jesus was all about – heartbeat of why he lived)
  • Tangible expression by those who are following the Savior
  • He gave work assignments (made sure they carried them out)
  • At first assignments started small, but grew gradually until the graduation (started the church that turned the world upside down)


Master Plan - Delegation (part 3)
  • Sending of the Seventy - Luke 10:1
    • Almost the same instructions - Luke 10:2-16
    • They would be forerunners (Luke 10:1)
  • Post Resurrection
    • Peter: Feed my sheep - John 21:15-17
    • I send you - John 20:21
    • Great Commission - Matthew 28:16-20
    • Repent and remission of sins - Luke 24:47-49
  • Evangelism is not an option (Jesus was all about – heartbeat of why he lived)
  • Tangible expression by those who are following the Savior
  • He gave work assignments (made sure they carried them out)
  • At first assignments started small, but grew gradually until the graduation (started the church that turned the world upside down)


Master Plan - Supervision (part 1)
He kept check on them
  • His teaching rotated between instruction and assignment
  • Questions, illustrations, warnings, and admonitions were calculated to fill His work to evangelize the world.
  • When the disciples were sent out they gathered themselves to see what things had been done
    • They were expected to share their experiences
    • Previous mission there was no mention of any spectacular success
    • They gain additional experience
    • Jesus cautioned the disciples against pride in their accomplishments
  • Demon-possessed boy – lesson on how they needed more prayer and fasting
  • Loaves and fish – lesson on faith they God will provide
  • Lessons of patience
    • Danger of discouraging any sincere work - “Those who are not against you are for you” - Mark 9:50
    • Do little the little one stumble - Mark 9:42
    • Encounter resistance - Call down fire from heaven - Luke 9:51-54
    • Jesus came to save not destroy - Luke 9:55


Master Plan - Supervision (part 1)
He kept check on them
  • His teaching rotated between instruction and assignment
  • Questions, illustrations, warnings, and admonitions were calculated to fill His work to evangelize the world.
  • When the disciples were sent out they gathered themselves to see what things had been done
    • They were expected to share their experiences
    • Previous mission there was no mention of any spectacular success
    • They gain additional experience
    • Jesus cautioned the disciples against pride in their accomplishments
  • Demon-possessed boy – lesson on how they needed more prayer and fasting
  • Loaves and fish – lesson on faith they God will provide
  • Lessons of patience
    • Danger of discouraging any sincere work - “Those who are not against you are for you” - Mark 9:50
    • Do little the little one stumble - Mark 9:42
    • Encounter resistance - Call down fire from heaven - Luke 9:51-54
    • Jesus came to save not destroy - Luke 9:55


Master Plan - Supervision (part 1)
He kept check on them
  • His teaching rotated between instruction and assignment
  • Questions, illustrations, warnings, and admonitions were calculated to fill His work to evangelize the world.
  • When the disciples were sent out they gathered themselves to see what things had been done
    • They were expected to share their experiences
    • Previous mission there was no mention of any spectacular success
    • They gain additional experience
    • Jesus cautioned the disciples against pride in their accomplishments
  • Demon-possessed boy – lesson on how they needed more prayer and fasting
  • Loaves and fish – lesson on faith they God will provide
  • Lessons of patience
    • Danger of discouraging any sincere work - “Those who are not against you are for you” - Mark 9:50
    • Do little the little one stumble - Mark 9:42
    • Encounter resistance - Call down fire from heaven - Luke 9:51-54
    • Jesus came to save not destroy - Luke 9:55


Master Plan - Supervision (part 1)
He kept check on them
  • His teaching rotated between instruction and assignment
  • Questions, illustrations, warnings, and admonitions were calculated to fill His work to evangelize the world.
  • When the disciples were sent out they gathered themselves to see what things had been done
    • They were expected to share their experiences
    • Previous mission there was no mention of any spectacular success
    • They gain additional experience
    • Jesus cautioned the disciples against pride in their accomplishments
  • Demon-possessed boy – lesson on how they needed more prayer and fasting
  • Loaves and fish – lesson on faith they God will provide
  • Lessons of patience
    • Danger of discouraging any sincere work - “Those who are not against you are for you” - Mark 9:50
    • Do little the little one stumble - Mark 9:42
    • Encounter resistance - Call down fire from heaven - Luke 9:51-54
    • Jesus came to save not destroy - Luke 9:55


Master Plan - Supervision (part 1)
He kept check on them
  • His teaching rotated between instruction and assignment
  • Questions, illustrations, warnings, and admonitions were calculated to fill His work to evangelize the world.
  • When the disciples were sent out they gathered themselves to see what things had been done
    • They were expected to share their experiences
    • Previous mission there was no mention of any spectacular success
    • They gain additional experience
    • Jesus cautioned the disciples against pride in their accomplishments
  • Demon-possessed boy – lesson on how they needed more prayer and fasting
  • Loaves and fish – lesson on faith they God will provide
  • Lessons of patience
    • Danger of discouraging any sincere work - “Those who are not against you are for you” - Mark 9:50
    • Do little the little one stumble - Mark 9:42
    • Encounter resistance - Call down fire from heaven - Luke 9:51-54
    • Jesus came to save not destroy - Luke 9:55


First the Kingdom - The Only Door (part 2)
More examples of spiritual beggars:

Mary
  • Why was she picked to give birth to the Savior?
  • She already knew how much she needed God as her savior
  • Already in a humble state before him - Luke 1:46-55
Paul
  • Took a jolt on the way to Damascus
  • He finally came to see his poverty of spirit
    • Nothing good lives in me - Romans 7:18
    • I am the least of the apostles - 1 Corinthians 15:9-10
    • Confessed his poverty to the very end - 1 Timothy 1:12-15


First the Kingdom - The Only Door (part 2)
More examples of spiritual beggars:

Mary
  • Why was she picked to give birth to the Savior?
  • She already knew how much she needed God as her savior
  • Already in a humble state before him - Luke 1:46-55
Paul
  • Took a jolt on the way to Damascus
  • He finally came to see his poverty of spirit
    • Nothing good lives in me - Romans 7:18
    • I am the least of the apostles - 1 Corinthians 15:9-10
    • Confessed his poverty to the very end - 1 Timothy 1:12-15


First the Kingdom - The Only Door (part 2)
More examples of spiritual beggars:

Mary
  • Why was she picked to give birth to the Savior?
  • She already knew how much she needed God as her savior
  • Already in a humble state before him - Luke 1:46-55
Paul
  • Took a jolt on the way to Damascus
  • He finally came to see his poverty of spirit
    • Nothing good lives in me - Romans 7:18
    • I am the least of the apostles - 1 Corinthians 15:9-10
    • Confessed his poverty to the very end - 1 Timothy 1:12-15


First the Kingdom - The Only Door (part 2)
More examples of spiritual beggars:

Mary
  • Why was she picked to give birth to the Savior?
  • She already knew how much she needed God as her savior
  • Already in a humble state before him - Luke 1:46-55
Paul
  • Took a jolt on the way to Damascus
  • He finally came to see his poverty of spirit
    • Nothing good lives in me - Romans 7:18
    • I am the least of the apostles - 1 Corinthians 15:9-10
    • Confessed his poverty to the very end - 1 Timothy 1:12-15


First the Kingdom - The Only Door (part 2)
More examples of spiritual beggars:

Mary
  • Why was she picked to give birth to the Savior?
  • She already knew how much she needed God as her savior
  • Already in a humble state before him - Luke 1:46-55
Paul
  • Took a jolt on the way to Damascus
  • He finally came to see his poverty of spirit
    • Nothing good lives in me - Romans 7:18
    • I am the least of the apostles - 1 Corinthians 15:9-10
    • Confessed his poverty to the very end - 1 Timothy 1:12-15


First the Kingdom - The Only Door (part 2)
More examples of spiritual beggars:

Mary
  • Why was she picked to give birth to the Savior?
  • She already knew how much she needed God as her savior
  • Already in a humble state before him - Luke 1:46-55
Paul
  • Took a jolt on the way to Damascus
  • He finally came to see his poverty of spirit
    • Nothing good lives in me - Romans 7:18
    • I am the least of the apostles - 1 Corinthians 15:9-10
    • Confessed his poverty to the very end - 1 Timothy 1:12-15


First the Kingdom - The Only Door (part 2)
More examples of spiritual beggars:

Mary
  • Why was she picked to give birth to the Savior?
  • She already knew how much she needed God as her savior
  • Already in a humble state before him - Luke 1:46-55
Paul
  • Took a jolt on the way to Damascus
  • He finally came to see his poverty of spirit
    • Nothing good lives in me - Romans 7:18
    • I am the least of the apostles - 1 Corinthians 15:9-10
    • Confessed his poverty to the very end - 1 Timothy 1:12-15


First the Kingdom - The Only Door (part 2)
More examples of spiritual beggars:

Mary
  • Why was she picked to give birth to the Savior?
  • She already knew how much she needed God as her savior
  • Already in a humble state before him - Luke 1:46-55
Paul
  • Took a jolt on the way to Damascus
  • He finally came to see his poverty of spirit
    • Nothing good lives in me - Romans 7:18
    • I am the least of the apostles - 1 Corinthians 15:9-10
    • Confessed his poverty to the very end - 1 Timothy 1:12-15


First the Kingdom - The Only Door (part 2)
More examples of spiritual beggars:

Mary
  • Why was she picked to give birth to the Savior?
  • She already knew how much she needed God as her savior
  • Already in a humble state before him - Luke 1:46-55
Paul
  • Took a jolt on the way to Damascus
  • He finally came to see his poverty of spirit
    • Nothing good lives in me - Romans 7:18
    • I am the least of the apostles - 1 Corinthians 15:9-10
    • Confessed his poverty to the very end - 1 Timothy 1:12-15


First the Kingdom - The Only Door (part 2)
More examples of spiritual beggars:

Mary
  • Why was she picked to give birth to the Savior?
  • She already knew how much she needed God as her savior
  • Already in a humble state before him - Luke 1:46-55
Paul
  • Took a jolt on the way to Damascus
  • He finally came to see his poverty of spirit
    • Nothing good lives in me - Romans 7:18
    • I am the least of the apostles - 1 Corinthians 15:9-10
    • Confessed his poverty to the very end - 1 Timothy 1:12-15


Kingdom First - Giving in Secret
Giving should be done without even our closest friends and family knowing - Matthew 6:1-4
God blesses are many time unknown or unseen to many people
He gives because he wants to

Are you content when no one sees your sacrifice?
Do you give without wanting anything in return?

Jesus' life was full of sacrifical giving and he expects us to do likewise
  • Lift up widow for giving out of her poverty - Luke 21:1-4
  • He challenges the rich young man to sell everything - Matthew 19:21
  • God loved us so much, he gave up his only son - John 3:16
Giving must be a decision we make - do it joyfully

God loves a cheerful giver - 2 Corinthians 9:7

Kingdom First - Giving in Secret
Giving should be done without even our closest friends and family knowing - Matthew 6:1-4
God blesses are many time unknown or unseen to many people
He gives because he wants to

Are you content when no one sees your sacrifice?
Do you give without wanting anything in return?

Jesus' life was full of sacrifical giving and he expects us to do likewise
  • Lift up widow for giving out of her poverty - Luke 21:1-4
  • He challenges the rich young man to sell everything - Matthew 19:21
  • God loved us so much, he gave up his only son - John 3:16
Giving must be a decision we make - do it joyfully

God loves a cheerful giver - 2 Corinthians 9:7

Kingdom First - Giving in Secret
Giving should be done without even our closest friends and family knowing - Matthew 6:1-4
God blesses are many time unknown or unseen to many people
He gives because he wants to

Are you content when no one sees your sacrifice?
Do you give without wanting anything in return?

Jesus' life was full of sacrifical giving and he expects us to do likewise
  • Lift up widow for giving out of her poverty - Luke 21:1-4
  • He challenges the rich young man to sell everything - Matthew 19:21
  • God loved us so much, he gave up his only son - John 3:16
Giving must be a decision we make - do it joyfully

God loves a cheerful giver - 2 Corinthians 9:7

Kingdom First - Giving in Secret
Giving should be done without even our closest friends and family knowing - Matthew 6:1-4
God blesses are many time unknown or unseen to many people
He gives because he wants to

Are you content when no one sees your sacrifice?
Do you give without wanting anything in return?

Jesus' life was full of sacrifical giving and he expects us to do likewise
  • Lift up widow for giving out of her poverty - Luke 21:1-4
  • He challenges the rich young man to sell everything - Matthew 19:21
  • God loved us so much, he gave up his only son - John 3:16
Giving must be a decision we make - do it joyfully

God loves a cheerful giver - 2 Corinthians 9:7

Kingdom First - Handle Prayerfully (part 1)
Jesus was a man of prayer - he knew how to do it and he did it all the time
  • Prayed for the power to heal and to change others - Mark 9:29
  • In prayer in order to be at peace with God's will - Matthew 26:36-46
  • Struggled in prayer to be wholehearted submissive to his Father - Hebrews 5:7-8
  • Prayed by himself - Matthew 14:23
  • Prayed before others - John 11:41-43
  • Prayed with his face to the ground - Matthew 26:39
  • Prayed looking up to heaven - John 17:1
  • Prayed standing up - Mark 11:25
  • Prayed kneeling down - Luke 22:41
  • Prayed in early in the morning - Mark 1:35
  • Prayed throughout the night - Luke 6:12
He did NOT say:
  • If you pray
  • Please, I beg you to pray
  • I command you to pray
But "When you pray..."

Kingdom First - Handle Prayerfully (part 1)
Jesus was a man of prayer - he knew how to do it and he did it all the time
  • Prayed for the power to heal and to change others - Mark 9:29
  • In prayer in order to be at peace with God's will - Matthew 26:36-46
  • Struggled in prayer to be wholehearted submissive to his Father - Hebrews 5:7-8
  • Prayed by himself - Matthew 14:23
  • Prayed before others - John 11:41-43
  • Prayed with his face to the ground - Matthew 26:39
  • Prayed looking up to heaven - John 17:1
  • Prayed standing up - Mark 11:25
  • Prayed kneeling down - Luke 22:41
  • Prayed in early in the morning - Mark 1:35
  • Prayed throughout the night - Luke 6:12
He did NOT say:
  • If you pray
  • Please, I beg you to pray
  • I command you to pray
But "When you pray..."

First the Kingdom - Mercy
Mercy is treating others as God has treated us

As Christians, we can become numb to the cries of others

Because of increased wickedness the love of most will grow cold but he stands firm to the end will be saved - Matthew 24:12-13
Has our love grown cold?
Why do we feel so little mercy?
Why don't we feel for others?

Feeling what they feel - that is really what mercy is all about
Not merciful or forgiving because we get focused on ourselves and how we feel
We need to forgive so our sins can be forgiven and we can be healed - Luke 6:37

Mercy also comes in the form of understanding and compassion
Jesus had mercy for the blind beggar - "Jesus, have mercy on me" = Luke 18:35-43

First the Kingdom - Building with Gold (part 1)
Known as the golden rule - Matthew 7:12

Jesus' standard for treating others was not how they treated him

He demonstrated his incredible compassion:
  • Touched the leper - Matthew 8:3
  • Healed many - Matthew 8:14-17
  • Broke social and racial barriers - John 4
  • Compassion for a woman caught in adultery - John 8:3-11
  • Noticed a woman's suffering in a crowd - Luke 8:47
  • Called little children to him - Luke 18:16
He always asked  - How would I want to be treated?

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit - Philippians 2:3-5

Jesus walked with his disciples teaching them to put others first not theology

First the Kingdom - Building with Gold (part 1)
Known as the golden rule - Matthew 7:12

Jesus' standard for treating others was not how they treated him

He demonstrated his incredible compassion:
  • Touched the leper - Matthew 8:3
  • Healed many - Matthew 8:14-17
  • Broke social and racial barriers - John 4
  • Compassion for a woman caught in adultery - John 8:3-11
  • Noticed a woman's suffering in a crowd - Luke 8:47
  • Called little children to him - Luke 18:16
He always asked  - How would I want to be treated?

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit - Philippians 2:3-5

Jesus walked with his disciples teaching them to put others first not theology

First the Kingdom - One-Lane Road (part 2)
When have been given a second chance to walk the narrow road

Finding the narrow does not guarantee we will go through the final gate

Must make daily decisions:
  • Decision to stay humble - Luke 18:17
  • Decision against materialism - Luke 18:24-25
  • Decision to persevere through hardships - Acts 14:22
  • Decision to stand firm in our convictions - Luke 21:12-19
  • Decision to believe and obey God whatever the circumstances - Hebrews 3:5-19


First the Kingdom - One-Lane Road (part 2)
When have been given a second chance to walk the narrow road

Finding the narrow does not guarantee we will go through the final gate

Must make daily decisions:
  • Decision to stay humble - Luke 18:17
  • Decision against materialism - Luke 18:24-25
  • Decision to persevere through hardships - Acts 14:22
  • Decision to stand firm in our convictions - Luke 21:12-19
  • Decision to believe and obey God whatever the circumstances - Hebrews 3:5-19


First the Kingdom - One-Lane Road (part 2)
When have been given a second chance to walk the narrow road

Finding the narrow does not guarantee we will go through the final gate

Must make daily decisions:
  • Decision to stay humble - Luke 18:17
  • Decision against materialism - Luke 18:24-25
  • Decision to persevere through hardships - Acts 14:22
  • Decision to stand firm in our convictions - Luke 21:12-19
  • Decision to believe and obey God whatever the circumstances - Hebrews 3:5-19


First the Kingdom - One-Lane Road (part 2)
When have been given a second chance to walk the narrow road

Finding the narrow does not guarantee we will go through the final gate

Must make daily decisions:
  • Decision to stay humble - Luke 18:17
  • Decision against materialism - Luke 18:24-25
  • Decision to persevere through hardships - Acts 14:22
  • Decision to stand firm in our convictions - Luke 21:12-19
  • Decision to believe and obey God whatever the circumstances - Hebrews 3:5-19


First the Kingdom - One-Lane Road (part 2)
When have been given a second chance to walk the narrow road

Finding the narrow does not guarantee we will go through the final gate

Must make daily decisions:
  • Decision to stay humble - Luke 18:17
  • Decision against materialism - Luke 18:24-25
  • Decision to persevere through hardships - Acts 14:22
  • Decision to stand firm in our convictions - Luke 21:12-19
  • Decision to believe and obey God whatever the circumstances - Hebrews 3:5-19


First the Kingdom - One-Lane Road (part 2)
When have been given a second chance to walk the narrow road

Finding the narrow does not guarantee we will go through the final gate

Must make daily decisions:
  • Decision to stay humble - Luke 18:17
  • Decision against materialism - Luke 18:24-25
  • Decision to persevere through hardships - Acts 14:22
  • Decision to stand firm in our convictions - Luke 21:12-19
  • Decision to believe and obey God whatever the circumstances - Hebrews 3:5-19


First the Kingdom - One-Lane Road (part 2)
When have been given a second chance to walk the narrow road

Finding the narrow does not guarantee we will go through the final gate

Must make daily decisions:
  • Decision to stay humble - Luke 18:17
  • Decision against materialism - Luke 18:24-25
  • Decision to persevere through hardships - Acts 14:22
  • Decision to stand firm in our convictions - Luke 21:12-19
  • Decision to believe and obey God whatever the circumstances - Hebrews 3:5-19


First the Kingdom - One-Lane Road (part 2)
When have been given a second chance to walk the narrow road

Finding the narrow does not guarantee we will go through the final gate

Must make daily decisions:
  • Decision to stay humble - Luke 18:17
  • Decision against materialism - Luke 18:24-25
  • Decision to persevere through hardships - Acts 14:22
  • Decision to stand firm in our convictions - Luke 21:12-19
  • Decision to believe and obey God whatever the circumstances - Hebrews 3:5-19


First the Kingdom - One-Lane Road (part 2)
When have been given a second chance to walk the narrow road

Finding the narrow does not guarantee we will go through the final gate

Must make daily decisions:
  • Decision to stay humble - Luke 18:17
  • Decision against materialism - Luke 18:24-25
  • Decision to persevere through hardships - Acts 14:22
  • Decision to stand firm in our convictions - Luke 21:12-19
  • Decision to believe and obey God whatever the circumstances - Hebrews 3:5-19


First the Kingdom - One-Lane Road (part 2)
When have been given a second chance to walk the narrow road

Finding the narrow does not guarantee we will go through the final gate

Must make daily decisions:
  • Decision to stay humble - Luke 18:17
  • Decision against materialism - Luke 18:24-25
  • Decision to persevere through hardships - Acts 14:22
  • Decision to stand firm in our convictions - Luke 21:12-19
  • Decision to believe and obey God whatever the circumstances - Hebrews 3:5-19


First the Kingdom - One-Lane Road (part 2)
When have been given a second chance to walk the narrow road

Finding the narrow does not guarantee we will go through the final gate

Must make daily decisions:
  • Decision to stay humble - Luke 18:17
  • Decision against materialism - Luke 18:24-25
  • Decision to persevere through hardships - Acts 14:22
  • Decision to stand firm in our convictions - Luke 21:12-19
  • Decision to believe and obey God whatever the circumstances - Hebrews 3:5-19


First the Kingdom - Expectations
1. Jesus promised to judge us at the last day by his words - John 12:48
Ignorance is anything but bliss
Reliance on the teaching of the religious is dangerous

2. Jesus intends for us to act on his words once we have heard them
Knowing without doing is worse than not knowing in the first place - Luke 12:47-48
To hear the Word without obey is to be self-deceived - James 1:22-25

3. Storms of life are a reality
Disciples will in one way will have more storms because the persecution they face

4. The type of value system we have will be revealed
It will be revealed via the storms we face - our foundation (faith) will be tested - 1 Corinthians 3:11

First the Kingdom - Expectations
1. Jesus promised to judge us at the last day by his words - John 12:48
Ignorance is anything but bliss
Reliance on the teaching of the religious is dangerous

2. Jesus intends for us to act on his words once we have heard them
Knowing without doing is worse than not knowing in the first place - Luke 12:47-48
To hear the Word without obey is to be self-deceived - James 1:22-25

3. Storms of life are a reality
Disciples will in one way will have more storms because the persecution they face

4. The type of value system we have will be revealed
It will be revealed via the storms we face - our foundation (faith) will be tested - 1 Corinthians 3:11

Life to the Full - Crown not Frown (part 5)
In the spirit of James 1:27 and the heart of helping others, here are some ideas on helping others:
  • Pray about adopting a child
  • Visit a nursing home
  • When the homeless ask for spare change, do not be stingy, give to them - Luke 6:30-38
  • On your next vacation, go to a 3rd world country
  • See what you can sell to help the poor - Luke 12:33
  • Get to know a homeless person and have them into your home - Matthew 25:35
  • Read the news - follow up with the victims of accidents, fires, robberies


Life to the Full - Crown not Frown (part 5)
In the spirit of James 1:27 and the heart of helping others, here are some ideas on helping others:
  • Pray about adopting a child
  • Visit a nursing home
  • When the homeless ask for spare change, do not be stingy, give to them - Luke 6:30-38
  • On your next vacation, go to a 3rd world country
  • See what you can sell to help the poor - Luke 12:33
  • Get to know a homeless person and have them into your home - Matthew 25:35
  • Read the news - follow up with the victims of accidents, fires, robberies


Life to the Full - Crown not Frown (part 5)
In the spirit of James 1:27 and the heart of helping others, here are some ideas on helping others:
  • Pray about adopting a child
  • Visit a nursing home
  • When the homeless ask for spare change, do not be stingy, give to them - Luke 6:30-38
  • On your next vacation, go to a 3rd world country
  • See what you can sell to help the poor - Luke 12:33
  • Get to know a homeless person and have them into your home - Matthew 25:35
  • Read the news - follow up with the victims of accidents, fires, robberies


Life to the Full - Crown not Frown (part 5)
In the spirit of James 1:27 and the heart of helping others, here are some ideas on helping others:
  • Pray about adopting a child
  • Visit a nursing home
  • When the homeless ask for spare change, do not be stingy, give to them - Luke 6:30-38
  • On your next vacation, go to a 3rd world country
  • See what you can sell to help the poor - Luke 12:33
  • Get to know a homeless person and have them into your home - Matthew 25:35
  • Read the news - follow up with the victims of accidents, fires, robberies


Life to the Full - Crown not Frown (part 5)
In the spirit of James 1:27 and the heart of helping others, here are some ideas on helping others:
  • Pray about adopting a child
  • Visit a nursing home
  • When the homeless ask for spare change, do not be stingy, give to them - Luke 6:30-38
  • On your next vacation, go to a 3rd world country
  • See what you can sell to help the poor - Luke 12:33
  • Get to know a homeless person and have them into your home - Matthew 25:35
  • Read the news - follow up with the victims of accidents, fires, robberies


Life to the Full - Crown not Frown (part 5)
In the spirit of James 1:27 and the heart of helping others, here are some ideas on helping others:
  • Pray about adopting a child
  • Visit a nursing home
  • When the homeless ask for spare change, do not be stingy, give to them - Luke 6:30-38
  • On your next vacation, go to a 3rd world country
  • See what you can sell to help the poor - Luke 12:33
  • Get to know a homeless person and have them into your home - Matthew 25:35
  • Read the news - follow up with the victims of accidents, fires, robberies


Life to the Full - Crown not Frown (part 5)
In the spirit of James 1:27 and the heart of helping others, here are some ideas on helping others:
  • Pray about adopting a child
  • Visit a nursing home
  • When the homeless ask for spare change, do not be stingy, give to them - Luke 6:30-38
  • On your next vacation, go to a 3rd world country
  • See what you can sell to help the poor - Luke 12:33
  • Get to know a homeless person and have them into your home - Matthew 25:35
  • Read the news - follow up with the victims of accidents, fires, robberies


Life to the Full - Crown not Frown (part 5)
In the spirit of James 1:27 and the heart of helping others, here are some ideas on helping others:
  • Pray about adopting a child
  • Visit a nursing home
  • When the homeless ask for spare change, do not be stingy, give to them - Luke 6:30-38
  • On your next vacation, go to a 3rd world country
  • See what you can sell to help the poor - Luke 12:33
  • Get to know a homeless person and have them into your home - Matthew 25:35
  • Read the news - follow up with the victims of accidents, fires, robberies


Life to the Full - Crown not Frown (part 5)
In the spirit of James 1:27 and the heart of helping others, here are some ideas on helping others:
  • Pray about adopting a child
  • Visit a nursing home
  • When the homeless ask for spare change, do not be stingy, give to them - Luke 6:30-38
  • On your next vacation, go to a 3rd world country
  • See what you can sell to help the poor - Luke 12:33
  • Get to know a homeless person and have them into your home - Matthew 25:35
  • Read the news - follow up with the victims of accidents, fires, robberies


Life to the Full - Crown not Frown (part 5)
In the spirit of James 1:27 and the heart of helping others, here are some ideas on helping others:
  • Pray about adopting a child
  • Visit a nursing home
  • When the homeless ask for spare change, do not be stingy, give to them - Luke 6:30-38
  • On your next vacation, go to a 3rd world country
  • See what you can sell to help the poor - Luke 12:33
  • Get to know a homeless person and have them into your home - Matthew 25:35
  • Read the news - follow up with the victims of accidents, fires, robberies


Life to the Full - Dead or Alive? (part 2)
While there is certain kinds of judging that is prohibited or discourage, there is also judging that is encouraged
  • Judging whether someone is receptive - Matthew 7:6
  • Coming to a correct conclusion - Luke 12:57
  • Spiritual judgments - 1 Corinthians 2:15
  • Church discipline - 1 Corinthians 5:12-13
  • Adjudicating in litigation - 1 Corinthians 6:5
  • Being convicted by spiritual worship - 1 Corinthians 14:24
And some judgment belonging only to God
  • Judgment regarding retribution - Hebrews 10:30
  • Final judgment - John 12:48


Life to the Full - Personal Life of Peter (part 1)
Before calling him, Peter's character was more rash than rational

The Bad
He gave into bad habits, swearing - Matthew 26:74
He lacked a mission in his life - Luke 5:10

The Good
He spoke his mind plainly - Matthew 16:22
Responded quickly - Galatians 2:11
Always ready to learn from his mistakes - Luke 22:23

Peter was totally transformed by the Lord; he became bold and confident - Acts 4:12-13


Life to the Full - Personal Life of Peter (part 1)
Before calling him, Peter's character was more rash than rational

The Bad
He gave into bad habits, swearing - Matthew 26:74
He lacked a mission in his life - Luke 5:10

The Good
He spoke his mind plainly - Matthew 16:22
Responded quickly - Galatians 2:11
Always ready to learn from his mistakes - Luke 22:23

Peter was totally transformed by the Lord; he became bold and confident - Acts 4:12-13


Desire's Journey - An Invitation to Desire

Christianity is not an invitation to become a moral person or a program to get us into a reforming society

Christianity begins with an invitation to desire

What do you want me to do for you? - Luke 18:41
Jesus continually took people into their hearts - to their deepest desires

What does Jesus choose to talk about with the women at the well?
Her immorality? No
He speaks to her about thirst - John 4:10
Lets talk about your heart's thirst since the life you've chosen isn't working

All you who are thirsty, come to the waters - Isaiah 55:1-2
Message had gotten lost by the time Jesus' showed up
Jew of the day were practicing soul-killing, lifeless religion of duty and obligation

No wonder Jesus was feared. He came along and started appealing to desire

To the lost - Jesus spoke of finding your way
To the weary - Jesus speaks of rest

Again and again Jesus took them back to their desires
Ask and it will be given to you - Matthew 7:7

What is it that you want? - Would have fallen on deaf ear if his message was unrelateable



Jesus - the Zealot (part 1)

By Richard Dixon in 1999-09-26
    Zealot = a man who aims at overthrows
    Jesus mission was to overthrow Satan's ruling government over the earth
    1 John 3:7-8
    • Jesus came to destroy Satan
    • A zealot has a cause
    • What was Jesus' cause?
      • Save man from hell
      • Save man from himself
      • Save man from Satan
    Matthew 26:50-55
    • They saw Jesus as a renigade

    Cause worth living for

    Luke 9:25
    • What good is it?
    • What would you write down as things that you are trying to gain?
    • Living for Jesus is living life to the full
    Luke 10:10
    • Sometimes life is not fair
      • Through salvation (Judgement) comes fairness
    • We hurt ourselves with the question "WHY?"
      • Like we can demand an answer from God
    2 Corinthians 5:14
    • Love compels us not out of duty


Jesus - the Zealot (part 1)

By Richard Dixon in 1999-09-26
    Zealot = a man who aims at overthrows
    Jesus mission was to overthrow Satan's ruling government over the earth
    1 John 3:7-8
    • Jesus came to destroy Satan
    • A zealot has a cause
    • What was Jesus' cause?
      • Save man from hell
      • Save man from himself
      • Save man from Satan
    Matthew 26:50-55
    • They saw Jesus as a renigade

    Cause worth living for

    Luke 9:25
    • What good is it?
    • What would you write down as things that you are trying to gain?
    • Living for Jesus is living life to the full
    Luke 10:10
    • Sometimes life is not fair
      • Through salvation (Judgement) comes fairness
    • We hurt ourselves with the question "WHY?"
      • Like we can demand an answer from God
    2 Corinthians 5:14
    • Love compels us not out of duty


Why Jesus Came (part 1)

Preached 1998-07-05
    Most of us have lost something:
    • Losing wallet - not a good thing
      • Feels good to find it.
    God's desire is to "find" what is lost - YOU!
     
    • Problem: We are separated from God by sin

    Jesus came to...

    Save the lost

    Luke 19:10

    • Uses people to save others
    • Many people to save some:
      • Do not know they are lost
      • Are confused
      • Misguided
      • Are not interested
      • Are looking
    • Despite the what phase we are in we are still lost.
    • No excuses 
      • Those who have issues are not really searching
        • "What about those hypocrites?"
        • "I am too busy"
        • "I will but...."

    Acknowledge the Father

     John 14:9

    • To relate
    • Some think God doesn't care
      • How can God allow all these shootings?
        • Isrealites were saying the same thing in the dessert
    • Jesus = God with us
    • If Jesus was standing next to you how would you act differently?


Why Jesus Came (part 2)

Validate the Way

John 14:6

  • Only one way
  • Doing good thing is not enough
  • Make every effort


Luke 13:22-25

  • Are you making effort?


Matthew 7:13-23

  • Not an easy life, but the right one.

Explote the false teachers

Matthew 23:1-38

  • Not Rabbit, not Reveron
  • Jesus was against self-righteousness:
    • Snakes! hypocrites! blind men! 
  • False teachings:
    • Pray Jesus into your heart.
    • Just believe
    • Work for your salvation


Jesus came to S A V E  us from satan, others, and ourselves.



Why Jesus Came (part 2)

Validate the Way

John 14:6

  • Only one way
  • Doing good thing is not enough
  • Make every effort


Luke 13:22-25

  • Are you making effort?


Matthew 7:13-23

  • Not an easy life, but the right one.

Explote the false teachers

Matthew 23:1-38

  • Not Rabbit, not Reveron
  • Jesus was against self-righteousness:
    • Snakes! hypocrites! blind men! 
  • False teachings:
    • Pray Jesus into your heart.
    • Just believe
    • Work for your salvation


Jesus came to S A V E  us from satan, others, and ourselves.



Why Jesus Came (part 2)

Validate the Way

John 14:6

  • Only one way
  • Doing good thing is not enough
  • Make every effort


Luke 13:22-25

  • Are you making effort?


Matthew 7:13-23

  • Not an easy life, but the right one.

Explote the false teachers

Matthew 23:1-38

  • Not Rabbit, not Reveron
  • Jesus was against self-righteousness:
    • Snakes! hypocrites! blind men! 
  • False teachings:
    • Pray Jesus into your heart.
    • Just believe
    • Work for your salvation


Jesus came to S A V E  us from satan, others, and ourselves.



Why Jesus Came (part 2)

Validate the Way

John 14:6

  • Only one way
  • Doing good thing is not enough
  • Make every effort


Luke 13:22-25

  • Are you making effort?


Matthew 7:13-23

  • Not an easy life, but the right one.

Explote the false teachers

Matthew 23:1-38

  • Not Rabbit, not Reveron
  • Jesus was against self-righteousness:
    • Snakes! hypocrites! blind men! 
  • False teachings:
    • Pray Jesus into your heart.
    • Just believe
    • Work for your salvation


Jesus came to S A V E  us from satan, others, and ourselves.



Amazing Grace - how fearful the sound
Preached on 2003-11-13

There is nothing we can do or not do to change it

Psalms 103:8 - Grace is not a new concept for God


Luke 9:51-56 - the disciples struggled with grace

What fears do we have about grace?

1. Grace - produces lazy Christians

We cannot control the freedom of others
Acts 4:33 - much grace given and produced committed disciples

2. Grace - produces sinful Christians

Grace exposes our hearts and gives us the responsibility to respond

Romans 5:15-19
- Regulations is not grace
- Grace is a mature concept

What has grace produced in you?

3. Grace - produces weak convictions

John 6:28-29
- Must believe
- Belief is a work you must do

Luke 13:2-9
- Repent or perish
- Level of repentance and faith may be different for each person but baptism is the same for all.


Amazing Grace - how fearful the sound
Preached on 2003-11-13

There is nothing we can do or not do to change it

Psalms 103:8 - Grace is not a new concept for God


Luke 9:51-56 - the disciples struggled with grace

What fears do we have about grace?

1. Grace - produces lazy Christians

We cannot control the freedom of others
Acts 4:33 - much grace given and produced committed disciples

2. Grace - produces sinful Christians

Grace exposes our hearts and gives us the responsibility to respond

Romans 5:15-19
- Regulations is not grace
- Grace is a mature concept

What has grace produced in you?

3. Grace - produces weak convictions

John 6:28-29
- Must believe
- Belief is a work you must do

Luke 13:2-9
- Repent or perish
- Level of repentance and faith may be different for each person but baptism is the same for all.


Amazing Grace - how fearful the sound
Preached on 2003-11-13

There is nothing we can do or not do to change it

Psalms 103:8 - Grace is not a new concept for God


Luke 9:51-56 - the disciples struggled with grace

What fears do we have about grace?

1. Grace - produces lazy Christians

We cannot control the freedom of others
Acts 4:33 - much grace given and produced committed disciples

2. Grace - produces sinful Christians

Grace exposes our hearts and gives us the responsibility to respond

Romans 5:15-19
- Regulations is not grace
- Grace is a mature concept

What has grace produced in you?

3. Grace - produces weak convictions

John 6:28-29
- Must believe
- Belief is a work you must do

Luke 13:2-9
- Repent or perish
- Level of repentance and faith may be different for each person but baptism is the same for all.


Amazing Grace - how fearful the sound
Preached on 2003-11-13

There is nothing we can do or not do to change it

Psalms 103:8 - Grace is not a new concept for God


Luke 9:51-56 - the disciples struggled with grace

What fears do we have about grace?

1. Grace - produces lazy Christians

We cannot control the freedom of others
Acts 4:33 - much grace given and produced committed disciples

2. Grace - produces sinful Christians

Grace exposes our hearts and gives us the responsibility to respond

Romans 5:15-19
- Regulations is not grace
- Grace is a mature concept

What has grace produced in you?

3. Grace - produces weak convictions

John 6:28-29
- Must believe
- Belief is a work you must do

Luke 13:2-9
- Repent or perish
- Level of repentance and faith may be different for each person but baptism is the same for all.


Amazing Grace - how fearful the sound
Preached on 2003-11-13

There is nothing we can do or not do to change it

Psalms 103:8 - Grace is not a new concept for God


Luke 9:51-56 - the disciples struggled with grace

What fears do we have about grace?

1. Grace - produces lazy Christians

We cannot control the freedom of others
Acts 4:33 - much grace given and produced committed disciples

2. Grace - produces sinful Christians

Grace exposes our hearts and gives us the responsibility to respond

Romans 5:15-19
- Regulations is not grace
- Grace is a mature concept

What has grace produced in you?

3. Grace - produces weak convictions

John 6:28-29
- Must believe
- Belief is a work you must do

Luke 13:2-9
- Repent or perish
- Level of repentance and faith may be different for each person but baptism is the same for all.


Amazing Grace - how fearful the sound
Preached on 2003-11-13

There is nothing we can do or not do to change it

Psalms 103:8 - Grace is not a new concept for God


Luke 9:51-56 - the disciples struggled with grace

What fears do we have about grace?

1. Grace - produces lazy Christians

We cannot control the freedom of others
Acts 4:33 - much grace given and produced committed disciples

2. Grace - produces sinful Christians

Grace exposes our hearts and gives us the responsibility to respond

Romans 5:15-19
- Regulations is not grace
- Grace is a mature concept

What has grace produced in you?

3. Grace - produces weak convictions

John 6:28-29
- Must believe
- Belief is a work you must do

Luke 13:2-9
- Repent or perish
- Level of repentance and faith may be different for each person but baptism is the same for all.


Amazing Grace - how fearful the sound
Preached on 2003-11-13

There is nothing we can do or not do to change it

Psalms 103:8 - Grace is not a new concept for God


Luke 9:51-56 - the disciples struggled with grace

What fears do we have about grace?

1. Grace - produces lazy Christians

We cannot control the freedom of others
Acts 4:33 - much grace given and produced committed disciples

2. Grace - produces sinful Christians

Grace exposes our hearts and gives us the responsibility to respond

Romans 5:15-19
- Regulations is not grace
- Grace is a mature concept

What has grace produced in you?

3. Grace - produces weak convictions

John 6:28-29
- Must believe
- Belief is a work you must do

Luke 13:2-9
- Repent or perish
- Level of repentance and faith may be different for each person but baptism is the same for all.


Amazing Grace - how fearful the sound
Preached on 2003-11-13

There is nothing we can do or not do to change it

Psalms 103:8 - Grace is not a new concept for God


Luke 9:51-56 - the disciples struggled with grace

What fears do we have about grace?

1. Grace - produces lazy Christians

We cannot control the freedom of others
Acts 4:33 - much grace given and produced committed disciples

2. Grace - produces sinful Christians

Grace exposes our hearts and gives us the responsibility to respond

Romans 5:15-19
- Regulations is not grace
- Grace is a mature concept

What has grace produced in you?

3. Grace - produces weak convictions

John 6:28-29
- Must believe
- Belief is a work you must do

Luke 13:2-9
- Repent or perish
- Level of repentance and faith may be different for each person but baptism is the same for all.


Amazing Grace - how fearful the sound
Preached on 2003-11-13

There is nothing we can do or not do to change it

Psalms 103:8 - Grace is not a new concept for God


Luke 9:51-56 - the disciples struggled with grace

What fears do we have about grace?

1. Grace - produces lazy Christians

We cannot control the freedom of others
Acts 4:33 - much grace given and produced committed disciples

2. Grace - produces sinful Christians

Grace exposes our hearts and gives us the responsibility to respond

Romans 5:15-19
- Regulations is not grace
- Grace is a mature concept

What has grace produced in you?

3. Grace - produces weak convictions

John 6:28-29
- Must believe
- Belief is a work you must do

Luke 13:2-9
- Repent or perish
- Level of repentance and faith may be different for each person but baptism is the same for all.


Amazing Grace - how fearful the sound
Preached on 2003-11-13

There is nothing we can do or not do to change it

Psalms 103:8 - Grace is not a new concept for God


Luke 9:51-56 - the disciples struggled with grace

What fears do we have about grace?

1. Grace - produces lazy Christians

We cannot control the freedom of others
Acts 4:33 - much grace given and produced committed disciples

2. Grace - produces sinful Christians

Grace exposes our hearts and gives us the responsibility to respond

Romans 5:15-19
- Regulations is not grace
- Grace is a mature concept

What has grace produced in you?

3. Grace - produces weak convictions

John 6:28-29
- Must believe
- Belief is a work you must do

Luke 13:2-9
- Repent or perish
- Level of repentance and faith may be different for each person but baptism is the same for all.


Amazing Grace - how fearful the sound
Preached on 2003-11-13

There is nothing we can do or not do to change it

Psalms 103:8 - Grace is not a new concept for God


Luke 9:51-56 - the disciples struggled with grace

What fears do we have about grace?

1. Grace - produces lazy Christians

We cannot control the freedom of others
Acts 4:33 - much grace given and produced committed disciples

2. Grace - produces sinful Christians

Grace exposes our hearts and gives us the responsibility to respond

Romans 5:15-19
- Regulations is not grace
- Grace is a mature concept

What has grace produced in you?

3. Grace - produces weak convictions

John 6:28-29
- Must believe
- Belief is a work you must do

Luke 13:2-9
- Repent or perish
- Level of repentance and faith may be different for each person but baptism is the same for all.


Amazing Grace - how fearful the sound
Preached on 2003-11-13

There is nothing we can do or not do to change it

Psalms 103:8 - Grace is not a new concept for God


Luke 9:51-56 - the disciples struggled with grace

What fears do we have about grace?

1. Grace - produces lazy Christians

We cannot control the freedom of others
Acts 4:33 - much grace given and produced committed disciples

2. Grace - produces sinful Christians

Grace exposes our hearts and gives us the responsibility to respond

Romans 5:15-19
- Regulations is not grace
- Grace is a mature concept

What has grace produced in you?

3. Grace - produces weak convictions

John 6:28-29
- Must believe
- Belief is a work you must do

Luke 13:2-9
- Repent or perish
- Level of repentance and faith may be different for each person but baptism is the same for all.


Amazing Grace - how fearful the sound
Preached on 2003-11-13

There is nothing we can do or not do to change it

Psalms 103:8 - Grace is not a new concept for God


Luke 9:51-56 - the disciples struggled with grace

What fears do we have about grace?

1. Grace - produces lazy Christians

We cannot control the freedom of others
Acts 4:33 - much grace given and produced committed disciples

2. Grace - produces sinful Christians

Grace exposes our hearts and gives us the responsibility to respond

Romans 5:15-19
- Regulations is not grace
- Grace is a mature concept

What has grace produced in you?

3. Grace - produces weak convictions

John 6:28-29
- Must believe
- Belief is a work you must do

Luke 13:2-9
- Repent or perish
- Level of repentance and faith may be different for each person but baptism is the same for all.


Amazing Grace - how fearful the sound
Preached on 2003-11-13

There is nothing we can do or not do to change it

Psalms 103:8 - Grace is not a new concept for God


Luke 9:51-56 - the disciples struggled with grace

What fears do we have about grace?

1. Grace - produces lazy Christians

We cannot control the freedom of others
Acts 4:33 - much grace given and produced committed disciples

2. Grace - produces sinful Christians

Grace exposes our hearts and gives us the responsibility to respond

Romans 5:15-19
- Regulations is not grace
- Grace is a mature concept

What has grace produced in you?

3. Grace - produces weak convictions

John 6:28-29
- Must believe
- Belief is a work you must do

Luke 13:2-9
- Repent or perish
- Level of repentance and faith may be different for each person but baptism is the same for all.


Our worst, His best

Preached on 2003-03-16

Bad day? Being at your worse, need someone at their best

What is your reaction to these people?

Romans 5:6-8
Ephesians 2:1-5

God was at His best

John 13:1-38- Apostles betraying

Matthew 26:36-46- Apostles sleeping

Luke 22:47-53 - His own turned against him

Mark 14:53-65 - False witnesses, no answer

Luke 22:54-62 - Peter not standing up for Jesus

Luke 23:26-43 - Killing him, our savation

1 Peter 2:18-25 - Are you have been hurt more than Jesus?



Our worst, His best

Preached on 2003-03-16

Bad day? Being at your worse, need someone at their best

What is your reaction to these people?

Romans 5:6-8
Ephesians 2:1-5

God was at His best

John 13:1-38- Apostles betraying

Matthew 26:36-46- Apostles sleeping

Luke 22:47-53 - His own turned against him

Mark 14:53-65 - False witnesses, no answer

Luke 22:54-62 - Peter not standing up for Jesus

Luke 23:26-43 - Killing him, our savation

1 Peter 2:18-25 - Are you have been hurt more than Jesus?



Our worst, His best

Preached on 2003-03-16

Bad day? Being at your worse, need someone at their best

What is your reaction to these people?

Romans 5:6-8
Ephesians 2:1-5

God was at His best

John 13:1-38- Apostles betraying

Matthew 26:36-46- Apostles sleeping

Luke 22:47-53 - His own turned against him

Mark 14:53-65 - False witnesses, no answer

Luke 22:54-62 - Peter not standing up for Jesus

Luke 23:26-43 - Killing him, our savation

1 Peter 2:18-25 - Are you have been hurt more than Jesus?



Our worst, His best

Preached on 2003-03-16

Bad day? Being at your worse, need someone at their best

What is your reaction to these people?

Romans 5:6-8
Ephesians 2:1-5

God was at His best

John 13:1-38- Apostles betraying

Matthew 26:36-46- Apostles sleeping

Luke 22:47-53 - His own turned against him

Mark 14:53-65 - False witnesses, no answer

Luke 22:54-62 - Peter not standing up for Jesus

Luke 23:26-43 - Killing him, our savation

1 Peter 2:18-25 - Are you have been hurt more than Jesus?



Our worst, His best

Preached on 2003-03-16

Bad day? Being at your worse, need someone at their best

What is your reaction to these people?

Romans 5:6-8
Ephesians 2:1-5

God was at His best

John 13:1-38- Apostles betraying

Matthew 26:36-46- Apostles sleeping

Luke 22:47-53 - His own turned against him

Mark 14:53-65 - False witnesses, no answer

Luke 22:54-62 - Peter not standing up for Jesus

Luke 23:26-43 - Killing him, our savation

1 Peter 2:18-25 - Are you have been hurt more than Jesus?



Our worst, His best

Preached on 2003-03-16

Bad day? Being at your worse, need someone at their best

What is your reaction to these people?

Romans 5:6-8
Ephesians 2:1-5

God was at His best

John 13:1-38- Apostles betraying

Matthew 26:36-46- Apostles sleeping

Luke 22:47-53 - His own turned against him

Mark 14:53-65 - False witnesses, no answer

Luke 22:54-62 - Peter not standing up for Jesus

Luke 23:26-43 - Killing him, our savation

1 Peter 2:18-25 - Are you have been hurt more than Jesus?



Our worst, His best

Preached on 2003-03-16

Bad day? Being at your worse, need someone at their best

What is your reaction to these people?

Romans 5:6-8
Ephesians 2:1-5

God was at His best

John 13:1-38- Apostles betraying

Matthew 26:36-46- Apostles sleeping

Luke 22:47-53 - His own turned against him

Mark 14:53-65 - False witnesses, no answer

Luke 22:54-62 - Peter not standing up for Jesus

Luke 23:26-43 - Killing him, our savation

1 Peter 2:18-25 - Are you have been hurt more than Jesus?



Our worst, His best

Preached on 2003-03-16

Bad day? Being at your worse, need someone at their best

What is your reaction to these people?

Romans 5:6-8
Ephesians 2:1-5

God was at His best

John 13:1-38- Apostles betraying

Matthew 26:36-46- Apostles sleeping

Luke 22:47-53 - His own turned against him

Mark 14:53-65 - False witnesses, no answer

Luke 22:54-62 - Peter not standing up for Jesus

Luke 23:26-43 - Killing him, our savation

1 Peter 2:18-25 - Are you have been hurt more than Jesus?



Our worst, His best

Preached on 2003-03-16

Bad day? Being at your worse, need someone at their best

What is your reaction to these people?

Romans 5:6-8
Ephesians 2:1-5

God was at His best

John 13:1-38- Apostles betraying

Matthew 26:36-46- Apostles sleeping

Luke 22:47-53 - His own turned against him

Mark 14:53-65 - False witnesses, no answer

Luke 22:54-62 - Peter not standing up for Jesus

Luke 23:26-43 - Killing him, our savation

1 Peter 2:18-25 - Are you have been hurt more than Jesus?



Our worst, His best

Preached on 2003-03-16

Bad day? Being at your worse, need someone at their best

What is your reaction to these people?

Romans 5:6-8
Ephesians 2:1-5

God was at His best

John 13:1-38- Apostles betraying

Matthew 26:36-46- Apostles sleeping

Luke 22:47-53 - His own turned against him

Mark 14:53-65 - False witnesses, no answer

Luke 22:54-62 - Peter not standing up for Jesus

Luke 23:26-43 - Killing him, our savation

1 Peter 2:18-25 - Are you have been hurt more than Jesus?



Our worst, His best

Preached on 2003-03-16

Bad day? Being at your worse, need someone at their best

What is your reaction to these people?

Romans 5:6-8
Ephesians 2:1-5

God was at His best

John 13:1-38- Apostles betraying

Matthew 26:36-46- Apostles sleeping

Luke 22:47-53 - His own turned against him

Mark 14:53-65 - False witnesses, no answer

Luke 22:54-62 - Peter not standing up for Jesus

Luke 23:26-43 - Killing him, our savation

1 Peter 2:18-25 - Are you have been hurt more than Jesus?



Our worst, His best

Preached on 2003-03-16

Bad day? Being at your worse, need someone at their best

What is your reaction to these people?

Romans 5:6-8
Ephesians 2:1-5

God was at His best

John 13:1-38- Apostles betraying

Matthew 26:36-46- Apostles sleeping

Luke 22:47-53 - His own turned against him

Mark 14:53-65 - False witnesses, no answer

Luke 22:54-62 - Peter not standing up for Jesus

Luke 23:26-43 - Killing him, our savation

1 Peter 2:18-25 - Are you have been hurt more than Jesus?



Our worst, His best

Preached on 2003-03-16

Bad day? Being at your worse, need someone at their best

What is your reaction to these people?

Romans 5:6-8
Ephesians 2:1-5

God was at His best

John 13:1-38- Apostles betraying

Matthew 26:36-46- Apostles sleeping

Luke 22:47-53 - His own turned against him

Mark 14:53-65 - False witnesses, no answer

Luke 22:54-62 - Peter not standing up for Jesus

Luke 23:26-43 - Killing him, our savation

1 Peter 2:18-25 - Are you have been hurt more than Jesus?



Our worst, His best

Preached on 2003-03-16

Bad day? Being at your worse, need someone at their best

What is your reaction to these people?

Romans 5:6-8
Ephesians 2:1-5

God was at His best

John 13:1-38- Apostles betraying

Matthew 26:36-46- Apostles sleeping

Luke 22:47-53 - His own turned against him

Mark 14:53-65 - False witnesses, no answer

Luke 22:54-62 - Peter not standing up for Jesus

Luke 23:26-43 - Killing him, our savation

1 Peter 2:18-25 - Are you have been hurt more than Jesus?



Our worst, His best

Preached on 2003-03-16

Bad day? Being at your worse, need someone at their best

What is your reaction to these people?

Romans 5:6-8
Ephesians 2:1-5

God was at His best

John 13:1-38- Apostles betraying

Matthew 26:36-46- Apostles sleeping

Luke 22:47-53 - His own turned against him

Mark 14:53-65 - False witnesses, no answer

Luke 22:54-62 - Peter not standing up for Jesus

Luke 23:26-43 - Killing him, our savation

1 Peter 2:18-25 - Are you have been hurt more than Jesus?



Our worst, His best

Preached on 2003-03-16

Bad day? Being at your worse, need someone at their best

What is your reaction to these people?

Romans 5:6-8
Ephesians 2:1-5

God was at His best

John 13:1-38- Apostles betraying

Matthew 26:36-46- Apostles sleeping

Luke 22:47-53 - His own turned against him

Mark 14:53-65 - False witnesses, no answer

Luke 22:54-62 - Peter not standing up for Jesus

Luke 23:26-43 - Killing him, our savation

1 Peter 2:18-25 - Are you have been hurt more than Jesus?



Our worst, His best

Preached on 2003-03-16

Bad day? Being at your worse, need someone at their best

What is your reaction to these people?

Romans 5:6-8
Ephesians 2:1-5

God was at His best

John 13:1-38- Apostles betraying

Matthew 26:36-46- Apostles sleeping

Luke 22:47-53 - His own turned against him

Mark 14:53-65 - False witnesses, no answer

Luke 22:54-62 - Peter not standing up for Jesus

Luke 23:26-43 - Killing him, our savation

1 Peter 2:18-25 - Are you have been hurt more than Jesus?



Our worst, His best

Preached on 2003-03-16

Bad day? Being at your worse, need someone at their best

What is your reaction to these people?

Romans 5:6-8
Ephesians 2:1-5

God was at His best

John 13:1-38- Apostles betraying

Matthew 26:36-46- Apostles sleeping

Luke 22:47-53 - His own turned against him

Mark 14:53-65 - False witnesses, no answer

Luke 22:54-62 - Peter not standing up for Jesus

Luke 23:26-43 - Killing him, our savation

1 Peter 2:18-25 - Are you have been hurt more than Jesus?



Our worst, His best

Preached on 2003-03-16

Bad day? Being at your worse, need someone at their best

What is your reaction to these people?

Romans 5:6-8
Ephesians 2:1-5

God was at His best

John 13:1-38- Apostles betraying

Matthew 26:36-46- Apostles sleeping

Luke 22:47-53 - His own turned against him

Mark 14:53-65 - False witnesses, no answer

Luke 22:54-62 - Peter not standing up for Jesus

Luke 23:26-43 - Killing him, our savation

1 Peter 2:18-25 - Are you have been hurt more than Jesus?



Our worst, His best

Preached on 2003-03-16

Bad day? Being at your worse, need someone at their best

What is your reaction to these people?

Romans 5:6-8
Ephesians 2:1-5

God was at His best

John 13:1-38- Apostles betraying

Matthew 26:36-46- Apostles sleeping

Luke 22:47-53 - His own turned against him

Mark 14:53-65 - False witnesses, no answer

Luke 22:54-62 - Peter not standing up for Jesus

Luke 23:26-43 - Killing him, our savation

1 Peter 2:18-25 - Are you have been hurt more than Jesus?



Our worst, His best

Preached on 2003-03-16

Bad day? Being at your worse, need someone at their best

What is your reaction to these people?

Romans 5:6-8
Ephesians 2:1-5

God was at His best

John 13:1-38- Apostles betraying

Matthew 26:36-46- Apostles sleeping

Luke 22:47-53 - His own turned against him

Mark 14:53-65 - False witnesses, no answer

Luke 22:54-62 - Peter not standing up for Jesus

Luke 23:26-43 - Killing him, our savation

1 Peter 2:18-25 - Are you have been hurt more than Jesus?



Our worst, His best

Preached on 2003-03-16

Bad day? Being at your worse, need someone at their best

What is your reaction to these people?

Romans 5:6-8
Ephesians 2:1-5

God was at His best

John 13:1-38- Apostles betraying

Matthew 26:36-46- Apostles sleeping

Luke 22:47-53 - His own turned against him

Mark 14:53-65 - False witnesses, no answer

Luke 22:54-62 - Peter not standing up for Jesus

Luke 23:26-43 - Killing him, our savation

1 Peter 2:18-25 - Are you have been hurt more than Jesus?



Our worst, His best

Preached on 2003-03-16

Bad day? Being at your worse, need someone at their best

What is your reaction to these people?

Romans 5:6-8
Ephesians 2:1-5

God was at His best

John 13:1-38- Apostles betraying

Matthew 26:36-46- Apostles sleeping

Luke 22:47-53 - His own turned against him

Mark 14:53-65 - False witnesses, no answer

Luke 22:54-62 - Peter not standing up for Jesus

Luke 23:26-43 - Killing him, our savation

1 Peter 2:18-25 - Are you have been hurt more than Jesus?



Our worst, His best

Preached on 2003-03-16

Bad day? Being at your worse, need someone at their best

What is your reaction to these people?

Romans 5:6-8
Ephesians 2:1-5

God was at His best

John 13:1-38- Apostles betraying

Matthew 26:36-46- Apostles sleeping

Luke 22:47-53 - His own turned against him

Mark 14:53-65 - False witnesses, no answer

Luke 22:54-62 - Peter not standing up for Jesus

Luke 23:26-43 - Killing him, our savation

1 Peter 2:18-25 - Are you have been hurt more than Jesus?



Our worst, His best

Preached on 2003-03-16

Bad day? Being at your worse, need someone at their best

What is your reaction to these people?

Romans 5:6-8
Ephesians 2:1-5

God was at His best

John 13:1-38- Apostles betraying

Matthew 26:36-46- Apostles sleeping

Luke 22:47-53 - His own turned against him

Mark 14:53-65 - False witnesses, no answer

Luke 22:54-62 - Peter not standing up for Jesus

Luke 23:26-43 - Killing him, our savation

1 Peter 2:18-25 - Are you have been hurt more than Jesus?



Our worst, His best

Preached on 2003-03-16

Bad day? Being at your worse, need someone at their best

What is your reaction to these people?

Romans 5:6-8
Ephesians 2:1-5

God was at His best

John 13:1-38- Apostles betraying

Matthew 26:36-46- Apostles sleeping

Luke 22:47-53 - His own turned against him

Mark 14:53-65 - False witnesses, no answer

Luke 22:54-62 - Peter not standing up for Jesus

Luke 23:26-43 - Killing him, our savation

1 Peter 2:18-25 - Are you have been hurt more than Jesus?



Our worst, His best

Preached on 2003-03-16

Bad day? Being at your worse, need someone at their best

What is your reaction to these people?

Romans 5:6-8
Ephesians 2:1-5

God was at His best

John 13:1-38- Apostles betraying

Matthew 26:36-46- Apostles sleeping

Luke 22:47-53 - His own turned against him

Mark 14:53-65 - False witnesses, no answer

Luke 22:54-62 - Peter not standing up for Jesus

Luke 23:26-43 - Killing him, our savation

1 Peter 2:18-25 - Are you have been hurt more than Jesus?



Our worst, His best

Preached on 2003-03-16

Bad day? Being at your worse, need someone at their best

What is your reaction to these people?

Romans 5:6-8
Ephesians 2:1-5

God was at His best

John 13:1-38- Apostles betraying

Matthew 26:36-46- Apostles sleeping

Luke 22:47-53 - His own turned against him

Mark 14:53-65 - False witnesses, no answer

Luke 22:54-62 - Peter not standing up for Jesus

Luke 23:26-43 - Killing him, our savation

1 Peter 2:18-25 - Are you have been hurt more than Jesus?



Our worst, His best

Preached on 2003-03-16

Bad day? Being at your worse, need someone at their best

What is your reaction to these people?

Romans 5:6-8
Ephesians 2:1-5

God was at His best

John 13:1-38- Apostles betraying

Matthew 26:36-46- Apostles sleeping

Luke 22:47-53 - His own turned against him

Mark 14:53-65 - False witnesses, no answer

Luke 22:54-62 - Peter not standing up for Jesus

Luke 23:26-43 - Killing him, our savation

1 Peter 2:18-25 - Are you have been hurt more than Jesus?



Our worst, His best

Preached on 2003-03-16

Bad day? Being at your worse, need someone at their best

What is your reaction to these people?

Romans 5:6-8
Ephesians 2:1-5

God was at His best

John 13:1-38- Apostles betraying

Matthew 26:36-46- Apostles sleeping

Luke 22:47-53 - His own turned against him

Mark 14:53-65 - False witnesses, no answer

Luke 22:54-62 - Peter not standing up for Jesus

Luke 23:26-43 - Killing him, our savation

1 Peter 2:18-25 - Are you have been hurt more than Jesus?



Our worst, His best

Preached on 2003-03-16

Bad day? Being at your worse, need someone at their best

What is your reaction to these people?

Romans 5:6-8
Ephesians 2:1-5

God was at His best

John 13:1-38- Apostles betraying

Matthew 26:36-46- Apostles sleeping

Luke 22:47-53 - His own turned against him

Mark 14:53-65 - False witnesses, no answer

Luke 22:54-62 - Peter not standing up for Jesus

Luke 23:26-43 - Killing him, our savation

1 Peter 2:18-25 - Are you have been hurt more than Jesus?



Our worst, His best

Preached on 2003-03-16

Bad day? Being at your worse, need someone at their best

What is your reaction to these people?

Romans 5:6-8
Ephesians 2:1-5

God was at His best

John 13:1-38- Apostles betraying

Matthew 26:36-46- Apostles sleeping

Luke 22:47-53 - His own turned against him

Mark 14:53-65 - False witnesses, no answer

Luke 22:54-62 - Peter not standing up for Jesus

Luke 23:26-43 - Killing him, our savation

1 Peter 2:18-25 - Are you have been hurt more than Jesus?



Our worst, His best

Preached on 2003-03-16

Bad day? Being at your worse, need someone at their best

What is your reaction to these people?

Romans 5:6-8
Ephesians 2:1-5

God was at His best

John 13:1-38- Apostles betraying

Matthew 26:36-46- Apostles sleeping

Luke 22:47-53 - His own turned against him

Mark 14:53-65 - False witnesses, no answer

Luke 22:54-62 - Peter not standing up for Jesus

Luke 23:26-43 - Killing him, our savation

1 Peter 2:18-25 - Are you have been hurt more than Jesus?



Our worst, His best

Preached on 2003-03-16

Bad day? Being at your worse, need someone at their best

What is your reaction to these people?

Romans 5:6-8
Ephesians 2:1-5

God was at His best

John 13:1-38- Apostles betraying

Matthew 26:36-46- Apostles sleeping

Luke 22:47-53 - His own turned against him

Mark 14:53-65 - False witnesses, no answer

Luke 22:54-62 - Peter not standing up for Jesus

Luke 23:26-43 - Killing him, our savation

1 Peter 2:18-25 - Are you have been hurt more than Jesus?



Desire's Journey - Great Restoration (part 2)

Restoration of the world is play out each spring and summer
Jesus preached more than sin management and forgiveness

He annouced the coming of the kingdom of God

  • Preaching the good news of the kingdom - Matthew 4:23
  • Repent and believe the good news - Mark 1:15
  • Proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God - Luke 8:1
  • He appeared to them for 40 days and spokr about the kingdom of God - Acts 1:3

God's kingdom - his will is done "on earth as it is in heaven"
In heaven, everything is as it was meant to be
Isn't every one of our sorrows on earth the result of things not being as they were meant to be?

Jesus healed every disease and sickness among the people - Matthew 4:23
He spoke and the kingdom of God and healed those who needed healing - Luke 9:11 



Desire's Journey - The Grand Affair (part 5)

God create male and female in his own image - Genesis 1:27
Gender is how we bear the image of God

God does not have a body so it must be at the level of the soul

Men bear the image of God in their dangerous, inviting strength
Women bear the image of God tender and beautiful
God is the source of all masculine power and feminine allure

It is the nature of love to be generous
Married couples long to have children - want others to share in their happiness
There is no joy like a reunion - there is no sorrow like the sorrow of separation

Jesus tells us to not to fear death
Jesus makes a statement at Lazarus' funeral - if we a are his, we will never die - John 11:26
His tears for Martha and Mary and all who suffer loss and our inablility to see beyond it

God is not the God of dead but of the living - Luke 20:38

 



Desire's Journey - Treasures for the Heart
Mary when Jesus was born: treasured up all these things and ponder them in her heart - Luke 2:19
Mary when Jesus was in the temple: his mother treasured all these things in her heart - Luke 2:51
At her darkest hour, she does not lose heart - this is maybe why

A way of seizing what God is speaking to you = journaling
Journals chronicle journeys

Some examples of these treasures from the author:

  • The story continues - we are headed somewhere; bad times = the story has taken a tragic turn
  • It can't be done - I can not arrange for life I prize - this frees our hearts
  • It is coming - The life I prize is coming, what I am aching for now, but it is coming
  • Battle and journey - We are at war; watch your heart; Don't just let anything in


Desire's Journey - Treasures for the Heart
Mary when Jesus was born: treasured up all these things and ponder them in her heart - Luke 2:19
Mary when Jesus was in the temple: his mother treasured all these things in her heart - Luke 2:51
At her darkest hour, she does not lose heart - this is maybe why

A way of seizing what God is speaking to you = journaling
Journals chronicle journeys

Some examples of these treasures from the author:

  • The story continues - we are headed somewhere; bad times = the story has taken a tragic turn
  • It can't be done - I can not arrange for life I prize - this frees our hearts
  • It is coming - The life I prize is coming, what I am aching for now, but it is coming
  • Battle and journey - We are at war; watch your heart; Don't just let anything in


Waking Dead - Arm Yourselves (part 2)
God intends for you to have eternal life

When someone gets married, it isn't just a marriage to help them in retirement but their whole lives

I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living - Psalms 27:13

No one who has left everything will fail to receive many times as much in this age, in the age to come, eternal life - Luke 18:29-30

Jesus talks about a life available to us in this age
Godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come - 1 Timothy 4:8

When we hear eternal life, most think a life that waits for in eternity
But eternal means "unending" not "later"
Eternal life can start now

Jesus was raised from the dead, now we also may live new lives - Romans 6:4
Coming fully alive is what he was committed to

What a different it would make if we really knew that our lives and God's glory were bound together
Things would start looking up


Waking Dead - Arm Yourselves (part 2)
God intends for you to have eternal life

When someone gets married, it isn't just a marriage to help them in retirement but their whole lives

I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living - Psalms 27:13

No one who has left everything will fail to receive many times as much in this age, in the age to come, eternal life - Luke 18:29-30

Jesus talks about a life available to us in this age
Godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come - 1 Timothy 4:8

When we hear eternal life, most think a life that waits for in eternity
But eternal means "unending" not "later"
Eternal life can start now

Jesus was raised from the dead, now we also may live new lives - Romans 6:4
Coming fully alive is what he was committed to

What a different it would make if we really knew that our lives and God's glory were bound together
Things would start looking up


Waking Dead - Myths (part 1)

Myth - sometimes thought of as not factual true
But a myth is a story which confront us with something transcendent and eternal; a way of seeing and knowing
A kind of story that wakes you up and you suddenly say - this is what my life is really about

Myth tell us three truths, this first one is:

1. Things are not what they seem

Examples of movies that show us this include: Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland, the Matrix

Jacob saw earth in a whole new way in his dream - Genesis 28:12
He awakes more awake then ever, "Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it" - Genesis 28:16

Two followers of Christ did not even recongized Jesus as he talked with him after his resurrection - Luke 24:17-21
They were slow in heart to believe



Waking Dead - Myths (part 1)

Myth - sometimes thought of as not factual true
But a myth is a story which confront us with something transcendent and eternal; a way of seeing and knowing
A kind of story that wakes you up and you suddenly say - this is what my life is really about

Myth tell us three truths, this first one is:

1. Things are not what they seem

Examples of movies that show us this include: Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland, the Matrix

Jacob saw earth in a whole new way in his dream - Genesis 28:12
He awakes more awake then ever, "Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it" - Genesis 28:16

Two followers of Christ did not even recongized Jesus as he talked with him after his resurrection - Luke 24:17-21
They were slow in heart to believe



Waking Dead - Myths (part 1)

Myth - sometimes thought of as not factual true
But a myth is a story which confront us with something transcendent and eternal; a way of seeing and knowing
A kind of story that wakes you up and you suddenly say - this is what my life is really about

Myth tell us three truths, this first one is:

1. Things are not what they seem

Examples of movies that show us this include: Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland, the Matrix

Jacob saw earth in a whole new way in his dream - Genesis 28:12
He awakes more awake then ever, "Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it" - Genesis 28:16

Two followers of Christ did not even recongized Jesus as he talked with him after his resurrection - Luke 24:17-21
They were slow in heart to believe



Waking Dead - Myths (part 1)

Myth - sometimes thought of as not factual true
But a myth is a story which confront us with something transcendent and eternal; a way of seeing and knowing
A kind of story that wakes you up and you suddenly say - this is what my life is really about

Myth tell us three truths, this first one is:

1. Things are not what they seem

Examples of movies that show us this include: Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland, the Matrix

Jacob saw earth in a whole new way in his dream - Genesis 28:12
He awakes more awake then ever, "Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it" - Genesis 28:16

Two followers of Christ did not even recongized Jesus as he talked with him after his resurrection - Luke 24:17-21
They were slow in heart to believe



Waking Dead - Myths (part 1)

Myth - sometimes thought of as not factual true
But a myth is a story which confront us with something transcendent and eternal; a way of seeing and knowing
A kind of story that wakes you up and you suddenly say - this is what my life is really about

Myth tell us three truths, this first one is:

1. Things are not what they seem

Examples of movies that show us this include: Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland, the Matrix

Jacob saw earth in a whole new way in his dream - Genesis 28:12
He awakes more awake then ever, "Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it" - Genesis 28:16

Two followers of Christ did not even recongized Jesus as he talked with him after his resurrection - Luke 24:17-21
They were slow in heart to believe



Waking Dead - Heart is Central

The heart is central
The need to even to be remined of this show how far we have fallen from the life we were meant to have

The heart is addressed in the Bible more than any other topic

Love the Lord your God with all your heart - Deuteronomy 6:5
Man looks at the outward appearance, Lord looks at the heart - 1 Samuel 16:7
Where your teasure is, there your heart will be also - Luke 12:34

Trust in the Lord with all of your heart - Proverbs 3:5
These people honor me from their lips but their hearts are far from me - Matthew 15:8
The Lord weighs the heart - Proverbs 21:2

The heart can be:

  • Trouble, wounded, pierced, grieved, even broken
  • Cheerful, glad, merry, joyful, rejoicing
  • Whole or divided
  • Wise or foolish
  • Steadfast, true, upright, stout, valiant
  • Frightened, faint, cowardly
  • Wandering, forgetful, dull, stubborn, proud, hardened

The heart can be unpredictable but it is central to our being

The heart answers a lot of questions:

  • Why did my relationship fail? One or both don't have to heart to make it work
  • Why are some many struggling with depression and discouragement? They have lost heart
  • Why can I not break free from our addiction? We gave our heart away and need to get it back

 



Waking Dead - Wisdom and Heart
Our heart has been made good by work of Christ but we haven't learned how to live from it
Launching out with an untrained heart can bring disaster
We can easily be shamed into sin management and think our heart is bad

The church choose those who had both wisdom and the Spirit - Acts 6:3
We need both

Wisdom is crying out
  • Do not rush the field - Luke 14:31
  • Train yourself to discern good from evil - Hebrews 5:14
  • Live as through your life is at stake - Matthew 10:16
Wisdom is not cramming our heads with principles but developing a discerning heart
Solomon was so sharp because he had a wise and discerning heart - 1 Kings 3:9

But wisdom is not enough
  • Against "wisdom", the disciples were asked to go Saul, the one who used to murder Christians, and lay his hands on him - Acts 9:13-14
  • Would you counsel a father to sacrifice his only child?
  • Take on a fortified city by slashing your ranks from 32,000 to 300?
  • Jesus to give himself up to the authorities and let himself get killed
Wisdom is not enough, it may even hold us back
The common sense life can be the enemy of the supernatural life

Waking Dead - Our Story (part 2)
The enemy is after us from the beginning

Joseph stands out from his brothers
Instead of celebrating his glory, his brothers want to destroy it
The worst blows typically come from family

David full of faith and courage when he sees that on one will take on Goliath
His older cowardly brother is exposed by David's bravery
Older brother - "I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is" - 1 Samuel 17:28
The worst blows come from those who know us well

Even Jesus' brothers did not believe in him - John 7:5
His family came to bring him home because they think he has lost it - Luke 8:20

Sometimes the very thing that someone loves to do is the thing God has given them as a source of celebration
We should check to see this is true before we turn it into shame
How long will you turn my glory into shame - Psalms 4:2

What have you believed about your heart over the years?

Waking Dead - Setting the Heart Free
All spiritual warfare follows a simple pattern - James 4:7

Submit and resist
Submit ourselves to Christ and resist whatever has come against us or those we love
Their needs to "dailyness" to our walk

1. We have to choose to abide in Christ
Consecrate our whole body:
  • Body - Romans 12:1
  • Soul - Luke 10:27
  • Spirit - 1 Corinthians 6:17
2. Then we need to cleanse our lives with the blood of Christ
Take our place under the headship of Christ
The faith of centurion, he understood authority - Matthew 8:10

Most sins fall under:
  • Pride - independence from God
  • Idolatry - Giving our devotion, fear, or any part of our heart to something other than God
We need to ask God to search our hearts so we might confess sin and agreements we have made

Waking Dead - Storing Up
The good man brings good things out of the good stored in his heart
Out of the overflow of the heart, his mouth speaks - Luke 6:45

Jesus from the fullness of grace we have all received one blessing after another - John 1:16
Paul: I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you - Ephesians 3:16

Caring for our hearts isn't selfish - it is how we begin love
We care for our hearts for the sake of others
What will you bring to others to others if your heart is empty?
You can not love without your heart, you can not love well unless your heart is well

How you handle your heart is how you will handles theirs
Love others as you love yourself - Mark 12:31
If you dismiss your heart, you will end up dismissing others
Perfection of your heart will raise that same standard for them

Caring for your heart is also how you protect your relationship with God
Your heart is where that life flows into you - John 7:37-38

We love ourselves for God's sake - he considers our hearts the treasures of the kingdom

Contagious Christian - People Matter (part 2)

Jesus focused on a search for the Lost and so they could be Found

The Lost Coin - vital to the woman's survival
The Lost Sheep - represented a significant part of his livelihood
The Lost Son - wayward son who mattered greatly to his father

Each one - Something of great value was missing, something that really mattered

It also make Jesus so upset the religious leaders were discussing who matters to God who does not

When we realize how much God cares about people, we helps us to care for them too

It is worth the effort - what is missing was important enough to warrant an all-out search

Retrievals results in rejoicing

The woman found the coin and threw a party
The shepherd retrieved the sheep and threw a party
The son came home and the father threw the biggest party of all

In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents - Luke 15:10

 

 



Contagious Christian - Pull of Compassion
Caring for the tangible needs of others is at the core of Christianity
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless - look at orphans and widows in their distress - James 1:27

Compassion is echoed throughout the Bible:
  • Be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor - Deuteronomy 15:11
  • Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me - Matthew 25:40
  • All I ask is that you remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do - Galatians 2:10
Uncaring Christianity does not attract inquirers
Clear and consistent demonstration of Christ-like love is a powerful magnet that pulls people toward Him

Not about who you are or what you did
It is about how you care, being a neighbor - Luke 10:36-37
In Luke 10 - when the wounded man awoke, he must have wondered, "Who did this? Why would they do help me in such a great way?"
It is when people start asking, "Why didn't he not turn away like everyone else?"

As I have loved you, so you must love one another - John 13:34-35
All men will know that you are my disciples

Contagious Christian - Pull of Compassion
Caring for the tangible needs of others is at the core of Christianity
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless - look at orphans and widows in their distress - James 1:27

Compassion is echoed throughout the Bible:
  • Be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor - Deuteronomy 15:11
  • Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me - Matthew 25:40
  • All I ask is that you remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do - Galatians 2:10
Uncaring Christianity does not attract inquirers
Clear and consistent demonstration of Christ-like love is a powerful magnet that pulls people toward Him

Not about who you are or what you did
It is about how you care, being a neighbor - Luke 10:36-37
In Luke 10 - when the wounded man awoke, he must have wondered, "Who did this? Why would they do help me in such a great way?"
It is when people start asking, "Why didn't he not turn away like everyone else?"

As I have loved you, so you must love one another - John 13:34-35
All men will know that you are my disciples

Dealing With Your Heart (Part II)
  1. The Obstacle of Greed - Luke 12:13-21 (Parable of the rich fool); Luke 16:19-31 (Rich man and Lazarus)
    1. Be on your guard against all kinds of greed. The value of a person's life has nothing to do with his financial worth.
    2. The rich fool's goal was financial independence and being independent of God. This is the 'American Dream."
    3. The rich man in Luke 16 went to hell because of his greed and unconcern about the needs of others.
  2. The Obstacle of Discontentment - Philippians 4:10-13
    1. Paul rejoiced while he was in prison.
    2. He was grateful and content even in need.
    3. Paul did not focus on what he lacked, but rather on what he had (Christ).
    4. Also note 1 Timothy 6:6-10.

QUESTIONS

  1. How am I storing up treasures for myself but not being rich toward God?
  2. How am I showing concern for the poor/needy?
  3. Am I grateful and content with what I have right now?
  4. What griefs do I have in my life because of greed and discontentment?
    Examples:
    • Debt
    • High monthly payments
    • Bad credit record


Dealing With Your Heart (Part II)
  1. The Obstacle of Greed - Luke 12:13-21 (Parable of the rich fool); Luke 16:19-31 (Rich man and Lazarus)
    1. Be on your guard against all kinds of greed. The value of a person's life has nothing to do with his financial worth.
    2. The rich fool's goal was financial independence and being independent of God. This is the 'American Dream."
    3. The rich man in Luke 16 went to hell because of his greed and unconcern about the needs of others.
  2. The Obstacle of Discontentment - Philippians 4:10-13
    1. Paul rejoiced while he was in prison.
    2. He was grateful and content even in need.
    3. Paul did not focus on what he lacked, but rather on what he had (Christ).
    4. Also note 1 Timothy 6:6-10.

QUESTIONS

  1. How am I storing up treasures for myself but not being rich toward God?
  2. How am I showing concern for the poor/needy?
  3. Am I grateful and content with what I have right now?
  4. What griefs do I have in my life because of greed and discontentment?
    Examples:
    • Debt
    • High monthly payments
    • Bad credit record


Dealing With Your Heart (Part II)
  1. The Obstacle of Greed - Luke 12:13-21 (Parable of the rich fool); Luke 16:19-31 (Rich man and Lazarus)
    1. Be on your guard against all kinds of greed. The value of a person's life has nothing to do with his financial worth.
    2. The rich fool's goal was financial independence and being independent of God. This is the 'American Dream."
    3. The rich man in Luke 16 went to hell because of his greed and unconcern about the needs of others.
  2. The Obstacle of Discontentment - Philippians 4:10-13
    1. Paul rejoiced while he was in prison.
    2. He was grateful and content even in need.
    3. Paul did not focus on what he lacked, but rather on what he had (Christ).
    4. Also note 1 Timothy 6:6-10.

QUESTIONS

  1. How am I storing up treasures for myself but not being rich toward God?
  2. How am I showing concern for the poor/needy?
  3. Am I grateful and content with what I have right now?
  4. What griefs do I have in my life because of greed and discontentment?
    Examples:
    • Debt
    • High monthly payments
    • Bad credit record


Dealing With Your Heart (Part II)
  1. The Obstacle of Greed - Luke 12:13-21 (Parable of the rich fool); Luke 16:19-31 (Rich man and Lazarus)
    1. Be on your guard against all kinds of greed. The value of a person's life has nothing to do with his financial worth.
    2. The rich fool's goal was financial independence and being independent of God. This is the 'American Dream."
    3. The rich man in Luke 16 went to hell because of his greed and unconcern about the needs of others.
  2. The Obstacle of Discontentment - Philippians 4:10-13
    1. Paul rejoiced while he was in prison.
    2. He was grateful and content even in need.
    3. Paul did not focus on what he lacked, but rather on what he had (Christ).
    4. Also note 1 Timothy 6:6-10.

QUESTIONS

  1. How am I storing up treasures for myself but not being rich toward God?
  2. How am I showing concern for the poor/needy?
  3. Am I grateful and content with what I have right now?
  4. What griefs do I have in my life because of greed and discontentment?
    Examples:
    • Debt
    • High monthly payments
    • Bad credit record


Dealing With Your Heart (Part II)
  1. The Obstacle of Greed - Luke 12:13-21 (Parable of the rich fool); Luke 16:19-31 (Rich man and Lazarus)
    1. Be on your guard against all kinds of greed. The value of a person's life has nothing to do with his financial worth.
    2. The rich fool's goal was financial independence and being independent of God. This is the 'American Dream."
    3. The rich man in Luke 16 went to hell because of his greed and unconcern about the needs of others.
  2. The Obstacle of Discontentment - Philippians 4:10-13
    1. Paul rejoiced while he was in prison.
    2. He was grateful and content even in need.
    3. Paul did not focus on what he lacked, but rather on what he had (Christ).
    4. Also note 1 Timothy 6:6-10.

QUESTIONS

  1. How am I storing up treasures for myself but not being rich toward God?
  2. How am I showing concern for the poor/needy?
  3. Am I grateful and content with what I have right now?
  4. What griefs do I have in my life because of greed and discontentment?
    Examples:
    • Debt
    • High monthly payments
    • Bad credit record


Dealing With Your Heart (Part II)
  1. The Obstacle of Greed - Luke 12:13-21 (Parable of the rich fool); Luke 16:19-31 (Rich man and Lazarus)
    1. Be on your guard against all kinds of greed. The value of a person's life has nothing to do with his financial worth.
    2. The rich fool's goal was financial independence and being independent of God. This is the 'American Dream."
    3. The rich man in Luke 16 went to hell because of his greed and unconcern about the needs of others.
  2. The Obstacle of Discontentment - Philippians 4:10-13
    1. Paul rejoiced while he was in prison.
    2. He was grateful and content even in need.
    3. Paul did not focus on what he lacked, but rather on what he had (Christ).
    4. Also note 1 Timothy 6:6-10.

QUESTIONS

  1. How am I storing up treasures for myself but not being rich toward God?
  2. How am I showing concern for the poor/needy?
  3. Am I grateful and content with what I have right now?
  4. What griefs do I have in my life because of greed and discontentment?
    Examples:
    • Debt
    • High monthly payments
    • Bad credit record


Dealing With Your Heart (Part II)
  1. The Obstacle of Greed - Luke 12:13-21 (Parable of the rich fool); Luke 16:19-31 (Rich man and Lazarus)
    1. Be on your guard against all kinds of greed. The value of a person's life has nothing to do with his financial worth.
    2. The rich fool's goal was financial independence and being independent of God. This is the 'American Dream."
    3. The rich man in Luke 16 went to hell because of his greed and unconcern about the needs of others.
  2. The Obstacle of Discontentment - Philippians 4:10-13
    1. Paul rejoiced while he was in prison.
    2. He was grateful and content even in need.
    3. Paul did not focus on what he lacked, but rather on what he had (Christ).
    4. Also note 1 Timothy 6:6-10.

QUESTIONS

  1. How am I storing up treasures for myself but not being rich toward God?
  2. How am I showing concern for the poor/needy?
  3. Am I grateful and content with what I have right now?
  4. What griefs do I have in my life because of greed and discontentment?
    Examples:
    • Debt
    • High monthly payments
    • Bad credit record


Dealing With Your Heart (Part II)
  1. The Obstacle of Greed - Luke 12:13-21 (Parable of the rich fool); Luke 16:19-31 (Rich man and Lazarus)
    1. Be on your guard against all kinds of greed. The value of a person's life has nothing to do with his financial worth.
    2. The rich fool's goal was financial independence and being independent of God. This is the 'American Dream."
    3. The rich man in Luke 16 went to hell because of his greed and unconcern about the needs of others.
  2. The Obstacle of Discontentment - Philippians 4:10-13
    1. Paul rejoiced while he was in prison.
    2. He was grateful and content even in need.
    3. Paul did not focus on what he lacked, but rather on what he had (Christ).
    4. Also note 1 Timothy 6:6-10.

QUESTIONS

  1. How am I storing up treasures for myself but not being rich toward God?
  2. How am I showing concern for the poor/needy?
  3. Am I grateful and content with what I have right now?
  4. What griefs do I have in my life because of greed and discontentment?
    Examples:
    • Debt
    • High monthly payments
    • Bad credit record


Dealing With Your Heart (Part II)
  1. The Obstacle of Greed - Luke 12:13-21 (Parable of the rich fool); Luke 16:19-31 (Rich man and Lazarus)
    1. Be on your guard against all kinds of greed. The value of a person's life has nothing to do with his financial worth.
    2. The rich fool's goal was financial independence and being independent of God. This is the 'American Dream."
    3. The rich man in Luke 16 went to hell because of his greed and unconcern about the needs of others.
  2. The Obstacle of Discontentment - Philippians 4:10-13
    1. Paul rejoiced while he was in prison.
    2. He was grateful and content even in need.
    3. Paul did not focus on what he lacked, but rather on what he had (Christ).
    4. Also note 1 Timothy 6:6-10.

QUESTIONS

  1. How am I storing up treasures for myself but not being rich toward God?
  2. How am I showing concern for the poor/needy?
  3. Am I grateful and content with what I have right now?
  4. What griefs do I have in my life because of greed and discontentment?
    Examples:
    • Debt
    • High monthly payments
    • Bad credit record


Dealing With Your Heart (Part II)
  1. The Obstacle of Greed - Luke 12:13-21 (Parable of the rich fool); Luke 16:19-31 (Rich man and Lazarus)
    1. Be on your guard against all kinds of greed. The value of a person's life has nothing to do with his financial worth.
    2. The rich fool's goal was financial independence and being independent of God. This is the 'American Dream."
    3. The rich man in Luke 16 went to hell because of his greed and unconcern about the needs of others.
  2. The Obstacle of Discontentment - Philippians 4:10-13
    1. Paul rejoiced while he was in prison.
    2. He was grateful and content even in need.
    3. Paul did not focus on what he lacked, but rather on what he had (Christ).
    4. Also note 1 Timothy 6:6-10.

QUESTIONS

  1. How am I storing up treasures for myself but not being rich toward God?
  2. How am I showing concern for the poor/needy?
  3. Am I grateful and content with what I have right now?
  4. What griefs do I have in my life because of greed and discontentment?
    Examples:
    • Debt
    • High monthly payments
    • Bad credit record


Dealing With Your Heart (Part II)
  1. The Obstacle of Greed - Luke 12:13-21 (Parable of the rich fool); Luke 16:19-31 (Rich man and Lazarus)
    1. Be on your guard against all kinds of greed. The value of a person's life has nothing to do with his financial worth.
    2. The rich fool's goal was financial independence and being independent of God. This is the 'American Dream."
    3. The rich man in Luke 16 went to hell because of his greed and unconcern about the needs of others.
  2. The Obstacle of Discontentment - Philippians 4:10-13
    1. Paul rejoiced while he was in prison.
    2. He was grateful and content even in need.
    3. Paul did not focus on what he lacked, but rather on what he had (Christ).
    4. Also note 1 Timothy 6:6-10.

QUESTIONS

  1. How am I storing up treasures for myself but not being rich toward God?
  2. How am I showing concern for the poor/needy?
  3. Am I grateful and content with what I have right now?
  4. What griefs do I have in my life because of greed and discontentment?
    Examples:
    • Debt
    • High monthly payments
    • Bad credit record


Dealing With Your Heart (Part II)
  1. The Obstacle of Greed - Luke 12:13-21 (Parable of the rich fool); Luke 16:19-31 (Rich man and Lazarus)
    1. Be on your guard against all kinds of greed. The value of a person's life has nothing to do with his financial worth.
    2. The rich fool's goal was financial independence and being independent of God. This is the 'American Dream."
    3. The rich man in Luke 16 went to hell because of his greed and unconcern about the needs of others.
  2. The Obstacle of Discontentment - Philippians 4:10-13
    1. Paul rejoiced while he was in prison.
    2. He was grateful and content even in need.
    3. Paul did not focus on what he lacked, but rather on what he had (Christ).
    4. Also note 1 Timothy 6:6-10.

QUESTIONS

  1. How am I storing up treasures for myself but not being rich toward God?
  2. How am I showing concern for the poor/needy?
  3. Am I grateful and content with what I have right now?
  4. What griefs do I have in my life because of greed and discontentment?
    Examples:
    • Debt
    • High monthly payments
    • Bad credit record


Dealing With Your Heart (Part II)
  1. The Obstacle of Greed - Luke 12:13-21 (Parable of the rich fool); Luke 16:19-31 (Rich man and Lazarus)
    1. Be on your guard against all kinds of greed. The value of a person's life has nothing to do with his financial worth.
    2. The rich fool's goal was financial independence and being independent of God. This is the 'American Dream."
    3. The rich man in Luke 16 went to hell because of his greed and unconcern about the needs of others.
  2. The Obstacle of Discontentment - Philippians 4:10-13
    1. Paul rejoiced while he was in prison.
    2. He was grateful and content even in need.
    3. Paul did not focus on what he lacked, but rather on what he had (Christ).
    4. Also note 1 Timothy 6:6-10.

QUESTIONS

  1. How am I storing up treasures for myself but not being rich toward God?
  2. How am I showing concern for the poor/needy?
  3. Am I grateful and content with what I have right now?
  4. What griefs do I have in my life because of greed and discontentment?
    Examples:
    • Debt
    • High monthly payments
    • Bad credit record


Dealing With Your Heart (Part II)
  1. The Obstacle of Greed - Luke 12:13-21 (Parable of the rich fool); Luke 16:19-31 (Rich man and Lazarus)
    1. Be on your guard against all kinds of greed. The value of a person's life has nothing to do with his financial worth.
    2. The rich fool's goal was financial independence and being independent of God. This is the 'American Dream."
    3. The rich man in Luke 16 went to hell because of his greed and unconcern about the needs of others.
  2. The Obstacle of Discontentment - Philippians 4:10-13
    1. Paul rejoiced while he was in prison.
    2. He was grateful and content even in need.
    3. Paul did not focus on what he lacked, but rather on what he had (Christ).
    4. Also note 1 Timothy 6:6-10.

QUESTIONS

  1. How am I storing up treasures for myself but not being rich toward God?
  2. How am I showing concern for the poor/needy?
  3. Am I grateful and content with what I have right now?
  4. What griefs do I have in my life because of greed and discontentment?
    Examples:
    • Debt
    • High monthly payments
    • Bad credit record


Dealing With Your Heart (Part II)
  1. The Obstacle of Greed - Luke 12:13-21 (Parable of the rich fool); Luke 16:19-31 (Rich man and Lazarus)
    1. Be on your guard against all kinds of greed. The value of a person's life has nothing to do with his financial worth.
    2. The rich fool's goal was financial independence and being independent of God. This is the 'American Dream."
    3. The rich man in Luke 16 went to hell because of his greed and unconcern about the needs of others.
  2. The Obstacle of Discontentment - Philippians 4:10-13
    1. Paul rejoiced while he was in prison.
    2. He was grateful and content even in need.
    3. Paul did not focus on what he lacked, but rather on what he had (Christ).
    4. Also note 1 Timothy 6:6-10.

QUESTIONS

  1. How am I storing up treasures for myself but not being rich toward God?
  2. How am I showing concern for the poor/needy?
  3. Am I grateful and content with what I have right now?
  4. What griefs do I have in my life because of greed and discontentment?
    Examples:
    • Debt
    • High monthly payments
    • Bad credit record


Dealing With Your Heart (Part II)
  1. The Obstacle of Greed - Luke 12:13-21 (Parable of the rich fool); Luke 16:19-31 (Rich man and Lazarus)
    1. Be on your guard against all kinds of greed. The value of a person's life has nothing to do with his financial worth.
    2. The rich fool's goal was financial independence and being independent of God. This is the 'American Dream."
    3. The rich man in Luke 16 went to hell because of his greed and unconcern about the needs of others.
  2. The Obstacle of Discontentment - Philippians 4:10-13
    1. Paul rejoiced while he was in prison.
    2. He was grateful and content even in need.
    3. Paul did not focus on what he lacked, but rather on what he had (Christ).
    4. Also note 1 Timothy 6:6-10.

QUESTIONS

  1. How am I storing up treasures for myself but not being rich toward God?
  2. How am I showing concern for the poor/needy?
  3. Am I grateful and content with what I have right now?
  4. What griefs do I have in my life because of greed and discontentment?
    Examples:
    • Debt
    • High monthly payments
    • Bad credit record


Dealing With Your Heart (Part II)
  1. The Obstacle of Greed - Luke 12:13-21 (Parable of the rich fool); Luke 16:19-31 (Rich man and Lazarus)
    1. Be on your guard against all kinds of greed. The value of a person's life has nothing to do with his financial worth.
    2. The rich fool's goal was financial independence and being independent of God. This is the 'American Dream."
    3. The rich man in Luke 16 went to hell because of his greed and unconcern about the needs of others.
  2. The Obstacle of Discontentment - Philippians 4:10-13
    1. Paul rejoiced while he was in prison.
    2. He was grateful and content even in need.
    3. Paul did not focus on what he lacked, but rather on what he had (Christ).
    4. Also note 1 Timothy 6:6-10.

QUESTIONS

  1. How am I storing up treasures for myself but not being rich toward God?
  2. How am I showing concern for the poor/needy?
  3. Am I grateful and content with what I have right now?
  4. What griefs do I have in my life because of greed and discontentment?
    Examples:
    • Debt
    • High monthly payments
    • Bad credit record


Dealing With Your Heart (Part II)
  1. The Obstacle of Greed - Luke 12:13-21 (Parable of the rich fool); Luke 16:19-31 (Rich man and Lazarus)
    1. Be on your guard against all kinds of greed. The value of a person's life has nothing to do with his financial worth.
    2. The rich fool's goal was financial independence and being independent of God. This is the 'American Dream."
    3. The rich man in Luke 16 went to hell because of his greed and unconcern about the needs of others.
  2. The Obstacle of Discontentment - Philippians 4:10-13
    1. Paul rejoiced while he was in prison.
    2. He was grateful and content even in need.
    3. Paul did not focus on what he lacked, but rather on what he had (Christ).
    4. Also note 1 Timothy 6:6-10.

QUESTIONS

  1. How am I storing up treasures for myself but not being rich toward God?
  2. How am I showing concern for the poor/needy?
  3. Am I grateful and content with what I have right now?
  4. What griefs do I have in my life because of greed and discontentment?
    Examples:
    • Debt
    • High monthly payments
    • Bad credit record


Dealing With Your Heart (Part II)
  1. The Obstacle of Greed - Luke 12:13-21 (Parable of the rich fool); Luke 16:19-31 (Rich man and Lazarus)
    1. Be on your guard against all kinds of greed. The value of a person's life has nothing to do with his financial worth.
    2. The rich fool's goal was financial independence and being independent of God. This is the 'American Dream."
    3. The rich man in Luke 16 went to hell because of his greed and unconcern about the needs of others.
  2. The Obstacle of Discontentment - Philippians 4:10-13
    1. Paul rejoiced while he was in prison.
    2. He was grateful and content even in need.
    3. Paul did not focus on what he lacked, but rather on what he had (Christ).
    4. Also note 1 Timothy 6:6-10.

QUESTIONS

  1. How am I storing up treasures for myself but not being rich toward God?
  2. How am I showing concern for the poor/needy?
  3. Am I grateful and content with what I have right now?
  4. What griefs do I have in my life because of greed and discontentment?
    Examples:
    • Debt
    • High monthly payments
    • Bad credit record


Dealing With Your Heart (Part II)
  1. The Obstacle of Greed - Luke 12:13-21 (Parable of the rich fool); Luke 16:19-31 (Rich man and Lazarus)
    1. Be on your guard against all kinds of greed. The value of a person's life has nothing to do with his financial worth.
    2. The rich fool's goal was financial independence and being independent of God. This is the 'American Dream."
    3. The rich man in Luke 16 went to hell because of his greed and unconcern about the needs of others.
  2. The Obstacle of Discontentment - Philippians 4:10-13
    1. Paul rejoiced while he was in prison.
    2. He was grateful and content even in need.
    3. Paul did not focus on what he lacked, but rather on what he had (Christ).
    4. Also note 1 Timothy 6:6-10.

QUESTIONS

  1. How am I storing up treasures for myself but not being rich toward God?
  2. How am I showing concern for the poor/needy?
  3. Am I grateful and content with what I have right now?
  4. What griefs do I have in my life because of greed and discontentment?
    Examples:
    • Debt
    • High monthly payments
    • Bad credit record


Dealing With Your Heart (Part II)
  1. The Obstacle of Greed - Luke 12:13-21 (Parable of the rich fool); Luke 16:19-31 (Rich man and Lazarus)
    1. Be on your guard against all kinds of greed. The value of a person's life has nothing to do with his financial worth.
    2. The rich fool's goal was financial independence and being independent of God. This is the 'American Dream."
    3. The rich man in Luke 16 went to hell because of his greed and unconcern about the needs of others.
  2. The Obstacle of Discontentment - Philippians 4:10-13
    1. Paul rejoiced while he was in prison.
    2. He was grateful and content even in need.
    3. Paul did not focus on what he lacked, but rather on what he had (Christ).
    4. Also note 1 Timothy 6:6-10.

QUESTIONS

  1. How am I storing up treasures for myself but not being rich toward God?
  2. How am I showing concern for the poor/needy?
  3. Am I grateful and content with what I have right now?
  4. What griefs do I have in my life because of greed and discontentment?
    Examples:
    • Debt
    • High monthly payments
    • Bad credit record


Dealing With Your Heart (Part II)
  1. The Obstacle of Greed - Luke 12:13-21 (Parable of the rich fool); Luke 16:19-31 (Rich man and Lazarus)
    1. Be on your guard against all kinds of greed. The value of a person's life has nothing to do with his financial worth.
    2. The rich fool's goal was financial independence and being independent of God. This is the 'American Dream."
    3. The rich man in Luke 16 went to hell because of his greed and unconcern about the needs of others.
  2. The Obstacle of Discontentment - Philippians 4:10-13
    1. Paul rejoiced while he was in prison.
    2. He was grateful and content even in need.
    3. Paul did not focus on what he lacked, but rather on what he had (Christ).
    4. Also note 1 Timothy 6:6-10.

QUESTIONS

  1. How am I storing up treasures for myself but not being rich toward God?
  2. How am I showing concern for the poor/needy?
  3. Am I grateful and content with what I have right now?
  4. What griefs do I have in my life because of greed and discontentment?
    Examples:
    • Debt
    • High monthly payments
    • Bad credit record


Planning and Budgeting
  1. Introduction
    "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail"
    As Christians, we often fail to have a plan for our finances. Prior to doing this study, you may have even thought it unspiritual to spend time focusing on your finances. Hopefully, by now you have developed convictions as to God's plan for your finances. In this study, we will look at the need for us to establish a budget for our spending. A budget is a reasonable written plan for your giving, spending, and saving based on your income. It is a tool to help you to be a good steward of that which God has entrusted to you.
  2. The Need for a Budget
    1. God expects you to know the condition of your flocks and herds (money, possessions, debts) Proverbs 27:23
    2. We must have a plan and commit it to God. Proverbs 16:3, 3:9
    3. Jesus teaches us to know the cost of something before we begin. It is foolish not to budget. Luke 14:28-30
  3. Guidelines
    1. Plan first to give to God.
    2. Plan to live sacrificially, not beyond your means.
    3. Plan to have something to share, to be able to be generous with others.
    4. Plan to save for occasional or emergency expenses (e.g. special contributions, auto repairs, medical expenses, family trips).
    5. Plan to eliminate debt - Romans 13:8

QUESTIONS

  1. Do I have a written budget that I use to plan my giving, spending, and saving?
  2. Do I compare my actual spending to my budget?
  3. Have I adopted a standard of living that enables me to stay out of debt and have enough to be generous with others?


Planning and Budgeting
  1. Introduction
    "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail"
    As Christians, we often fail to have a plan for our finances. Prior to doing this study, you may have even thought it unspiritual to spend time focusing on your finances. Hopefully, by now you have developed convictions as to God's plan for your finances. In this study, we will look at the need for us to establish a budget for our spending. A budget is a reasonable written plan for your giving, spending, and saving based on your income. It is a tool to help you to be a good steward of that which God has entrusted to you.
  2. The Need for a Budget
    1. God expects you to know the condition of your flocks and herds (money, possessions, debts) Proverbs 27:23
    2. We must have a plan and commit it to God. Proverbs 16:3, 3:9
    3. Jesus teaches us to know the cost of something before we begin. It is foolish not to budget. Luke 14:28-30
  3. Guidelines
    1. Plan first to give to God.
    2. Plan to live sacrificially, not beyond your means.
    3. Plan to have something to share, to be able to be generous with others.
    4. Plan to save for occasional or emergency expenses (e.g. special contributions, auto repairs, medical expenses, family trips).
    5. Plan to eliminate debt - Romans 13:8

QUESTIONS

  1. Do I have a written budget that I use to plan my giving, spending, and saving?
  2. Do I compare my actual spending to my budget?
  3. Have I adopted a standard of living that enables me to stay out of debt and have enough to be generous with others?


Planning and Budgeting
  1. Introduction
    "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail"
    As Christians, we often fail to have a plan for our finances. Prior to doing this study, you may have even thought it unspiritual to spend time focusing on your finances. Hopefully, by now you have developed convictions as to God's plan for your finances. In this study, we will look at the need for us to establish a budget for our spending. A budget is a reasonable written plan for your giving, spending, and saving based on your income. It is a tool to help you to be a good steward of that which God has entrusted to you.
  2. The Need for a Budget
    1. God expects you to know the condition of your flocks and herds (money, possessions, debts) Proverbs 27:23
    2. We must have a plan and commit it to God. Proverbs 16:3, 3:9
    3. Jesus teaches us to know the cost of something before we begin. It is foolish not to budget. Luke 14:28-30
  3. Guidelines
    1. Plan first to give to God.
    2. Plan to live sacrificially, not beyond your means.
    3. Plan to have something to share, to be able to be generous with others.
    4. Plan to save for occasional or emergency expenses (e.g. special contributions, auto repairs, medical expenses, family trips).
    5. Plan to eliminate debt - Romans 13:8

QUESTIONS

  1. Do I have a written budget that I use to plan my giving, spending, and saving?
  2. Do I compare my actual spending to my budget?
  3. Have I adopted a standard of living that enables me to stay out of debt and have enough to be generous with others?


Contagious Christian - Barriers to Relationships (part I)
Biblical Issues with understanding what friendships are in the Bible can be barriers to relationships
Some feel that befriending people who are irreligious is questionable and maybe unbiblical

A look at a few examples of some verses misunderstood

James 4:4 - says not to be friends with the world
1 John 2:15-17 - world is referring to sin and evil that people commit, not to the people themselves
We need to keep ourselves from being polluted by the world

John 17:14 - we are not of this world is sometimes interpreted that we should not associate with people outside of God's family
My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but to protect them from the evil one - John 17:15-18
Jesus' purpose was to seek and save what is lost, he had to have relationships in the world to accomplish this - Luke 19:10

2 Corinthians 6:17 - Come out from them and be separate; avoid being yoked with unbelievers
Not referring to everyday friendships but more formal alliances
Paul in an earlier letter said that ordinary interactions with non-Christians is right and necessary - 1 Corinthians 5:9-10

Jesus was a friend of tax collectors and sinners - Luke 7:34

Contagious Christian - Barriers to Relationships (part II)
1 Corinthians 15:33 - Bad company corrupts good character
  • In context, Paul was specifically warning against those who deny the resurrection of Jesus
  • In other situations, we need to make sure we are the one whose influence is prevailing
  • Should be on the offense rather than defense
  • Take captive of every thought and make it obedient to Christ - 2 Corinthians 10:4-5
If I spend time with non-Christians in public places, will my reputation be at risk?

Jesus not only risked his reputation but ruined it
He was accused of being a glutton and a drunkard - Luke 7:34
Tells you want kind of people He was around

Jesus said that He associated with sinners because they are sick people that need a doctor - Matthew 9:12-13
The danger was that the doctor may be mistaken as one of His patients

The religious people mutter how inappropriate it was for Him to associate with such disreputable people
Jesus cared much about the lost than his reputation

Contagious Christian - A Matthew Party
Like today, many of the religious and non-religious of Matthew's day did not have intersecting social circles

Some he planned a party for the religious and non-religious to come to - Luke 5:29
  • Matthew recently became a Christian
  • In those days, being a tax collector was a license to extort
  • He had not learned yet how to teach the gospel to people
  • Jesus was always moving a round, spontaneous
  • Solution throw a big party and invite Jesus and everyone else
  • Pharisees found out about it and were not happy with it
  • Did Matthew have second thoughts when he saw the interactions between the Pharisees and Jesus?
  • Jesus defended Matthew's party idea with explaining the sick need a doctor
  • Mixed groups are not only acceptable but essentials to God's redemptive plan
Learning from Matthew:
  • Be innovative and creative
  • Come up with a plan to be with more people
  • Pray hard and be willing to go out on a limb
  • Learn from mistakes and adjust accordingly


Contagious Christian - Matthew's Interpersonal Approach
After accepting Jesus' call, Matthew did whatever he could to bring along as many of his friends as possible
He put on big banquet for his tax collector buddies in our for them to meet Jesus - Luke 5:29
He did not confront, debate, or tell them what happened to him
He relied on the relationships he'd built with them and he sought to further develop their friendship

He genuinely cared about them and wanted to influence them toward considering Christ

People who specialize in this approach, tend to be warm and people-centered
Some people will never be reached until someone takes the time to build that kind of intimacy with them

Interpersonal evangelist enjoy:
  • Having people in their homes
  • Sharing a meal
  • Spending time in conversation


Contagious Christian - Breaking Barriers to Belief (part I)
We have got to help people understand that God is not angry or afraid of honest doubt
He warmly invites those with sincere questions to come, to seek, to knock - Matthew 7:7
How different Jesus is from the religious leaders of the world
Jesus told doubting Thomas to touch him - Luke 24:39

We should expect this to happen and respond by emulating Jesus
Clear communication starts with spiritual conversations

1. Poor Examples


This includes those who are religious and are prideful or hypocritical
Some are narrow-minded and pessimistic have condemned anything they don't happen to like

What can be done to remove this barrier?
  • Help them realize that you understand their hesitation
  • Live your life as a model that shatters their stereotypes
  • Help them to see the other authentic Christians so they know you are not the only one


Mission - Heart of Christ
Reading Luke 19:1-9
  • Should be titled "Jesus, the seeker of Zacchaeus"
  • Introduction starts with Jesus calling out Zachhaeus
  • How did he know him? Jesus was present when God gave him life - John 1:3
  • The crowd was less than delighted
    • They enjoyed the fruit of Jesus' miracles
    • Failed to grasp his love
His outreach to sinners shocked people while destroying the false security of following laws and regulations
Jesus' love had a clear and defined purpose - to restore a broken relationship between the lost and God

To have the heart of Christ means to seek and to save what is lost

It is beyond:
  • Enjoying the fellowship
  • Benefiting from counseling
  • Learning how to change bad habits
Seeking these blessings first simply puts one at the same level as the Pharisees

Mission - Heart of Christ
Reading Luke 19:1-9
  • Should be titled "Jesus, the seeker of Zacchaeus"
  • Introduction starts with Jesus calling out Zachhaeus
  • How did he know him? Jesus was present when God gave him life - John 1:3
  • The crowd was less than delighted
    • They enjoyed the fruit of Jesus' miracles
    • Failed to grasp his love
His outreach to sinners shocked people while destroying the false security of following laws and regulations
Jesus' love had a clear and defined purpose - to restore a broken relationship between the lost and God

To have the heart of Christ means to seek and to save what is lost

It is beyond:
  • Enjoying the fellowship
  • Benefiting from counseling
  • Learning how to change bad habits
Seeking these blessings first simply puts one at the same level as the Pharisees

Mission - Heart of Christ
Reading Luke 19:1-9
  • Should be titled "Jesus, the seeker of Zacchaeus"
  • Introduction starts with Jesus calling out Zachhaeus
  • How did he know him? Jesus was present when God gave him life - John 1:3
  • The crowd was less than delighted
    • They enjoyed the fruit of Jesus' miracles
    • Failed to grasp his love
His outreach to sinners shocked people while destroying the false security of following laws and regulations
Jesus' love had a clear and defined purpose - to restore a broken relationship between the lost and God

To have the heart of Christ means to seek and to save what is lost

It is beyond:
  • Enjoying the fellowship
  • Benefiting from counseling
  • Learning how to change bad habits
Seeking these blessings first simply puts one at the same level as the Pharisees

Mission - Heart of Christ
Reading Luke 19:1-9
  • Should be titled "Jesus, the seeker of Zacchaeus"
  • Introduction starts with Jesus calling out Zachhaeus
  • How did he know him? Jesus was present when God gave him life - John 1:3
  • The crowd was less than delighted
    • They enjoyed the fruit of Jesus' miracles
    • Failed to grasp his love
His outreach to sinners shocked people while destroying the false security of following laws and regulations
Jesus' love had a clear and defined purpose - to restore a broken relationship between the lost and God

To have the heart of Christ means to seek and to save what is lost

It is beyond:
  • Enjoying the fellowship
  • Benefiting from counseling
  • Learning how to change bad habits
Seeking these blessings first simply puts one at the same level as the Pharisees

Mission - Heart of Christ
Reading Luke 19:1-9
  • Should be titled "Jesus, the seeker of Zacchaeus"
  • Introduction starts with Jesus calling out Zachhaeus
  • How did he know him? Jesus was present when God gave him life - John 1:3
  • The crowd was less than delighted
    • They enjoyed the fruit of Jesus' miracles
    • Failed to grasp his love
His outreach to sinners shocked people while destroying the false security of following laws and regulations
Jesus' love had a clear and defined purpose - to restore a broken relationship between the lost and God

To have the heart of Christ means to seek and to save what is lost

It is beyond:
  • Enjoying the fellowship
  • Benefiting from counseling
  • Learning how to change bad habits
Seeking these blessings first simply puts one at the same level as the Pharisees

Mission - Heart of Christ
Reading Luke 19:1-9
  • Should be titled "Jesus, the seeker of Zacchaeus"
  • Introduction starts with Jesus calling out Zachhaeus
  • How did he know him? Jesus was present when God gave him life - John 1:3
  • The crowd was less than delighted
    • They enjoyed the fruit of Jesus' miracles
    • Failed to grasp his love
His outreach to sinners shocked people while destroying the false security of following laws and regulations
Jesus' love had a clear and defined purpose - to restore a broken relationship between the lost and God

To have the heart of Christ means to seek and to save what is lost

It is beyond:
  • Enjoying the fellowship
  • Benefiting from counseling
  • Learning how to change bad habits
Seeking these blessings first simply puts one at the same level as the Pharisees

Mission - Heart of Christ
Reading Luke 19:1-9
  • Should be titled "Jesus, the seeker of Zacchaeus"
  • Introduction starts with Jesus calling out Zachhaeus
  • How did he know him? Jesus was present when God gave him life - John 1:3
  • The crowd was less than delighted
    • They enjoyed the fruit of Jesus' miracles
    • Failed to grasp his love
His outreach to sinners shocked people while destroying the false security of following laws and regulations
Jesus' love had a clear and defined purpose - to restore a broken relationship between the lost and God

To have the heart of Christ means to seek and to save what is lost

It is beyond:
  • Enjoying the fellowship
  • Benefiting from counseling
  • Learning how to change bad habits
Seeking these blessings first simply puts one at the same level as the Pharisees

Mission - Heart of Christ
Reading Luke 19:1-9
  • Should be titled "Jesus, the seeker of Zacchaeus"
  • Introduction starts with Jesus calling out Zachhaeus
  • How did he know him? Jesus was present when God gave him life - John 1:3
  • The crowd was less than delighted
    • They enjoyed the fruit of Jesus' miracles
    • Failed to grasp his love
His outreach to sinners shocked people while destroying the false security of following laws and regulations
Jesus' love had a clear and defined purpose - to restore a broken relationship between the lost and God

To have the heart of Christ means to seek and to save what is lost

It is beyond:
  • Enjoying the fellowship
  • Benefiting from counseling
  • Learning how to change bad habits
Seeking these blessings first simply puts one at the same level as the Pharisees

Mission - Heart of Christ
Reading Luke 19:1-9
  • Should be titled "Jesus, the seeker of Zacchaeus"
  • Introduction starts with Jesus calling out Zachhaeus
  • How did he know him? Jesus was present when God gave him life - John 1:3
  • The crowd was less than delighted
    • They enjoyed the fruit of Jesus' miracles
    • Failed to grasp his love
His outreach to sinners shocked people while destroying the false security of following laws and regulations
Jesus' love had a clear and defined purpose - to restore a broken relationship between the lost and God

To have the heart of Christ means to seek and to save what is lost

It is beyond:
  • Enjoying the fellowship
  • Benefiting from counseling
  • Learning how to change bad habits
Seeking these blessings first simply puts one at the same level as the Pharisees

Mission - Expectation of Christ
Reading Luke 19:11-27

Parable of the 10 minas
God has given us a lifetime of opportunities and blessing with the expectation that they would be utilized to the fullest
Consider the most important goal of life according to Jesus - salvation for all
It is the motivating force behind everything Christ did
Even to the point of dying for it - Matthew 20:28

The gospel must first save me, but then through me, save others

Capitalism and Communism does not give us the answers
No philosophy or religion can meet the needs

God wants to the world more than you do
When God wants something accomplished, he can move mountains to do it
He sacrificed his own Son for saving man

Our God is wildly happy when someone is saved - Luke 15
If we claim to know God, then we most certainly will share with in his attitude



Mission - Expectation of Christ
Reading Luke 19:11-27

Parable of the 10 minas
God has given us a lifetime of opportunities and blessing with the expectation that they would be utilized to the fullest
Consider the most important goal of life according to Jesus - salvation for all
It is the motivating force behind everything Christ did
Even to the point of dying for it - Matthew 20:28

The gospel must first save me, but then through me, save others

Capitalism and Communism does not give us the answers
No philosophy or religion can meet the needs

God wants to the world more than you do
When God wants something accomplished, he can move mountains to do it
He sacrificed his own Son for saving man

Our God is wildly happy when someone is saved - Luke 15
If we claim to know God, then we most certainly will share with in his attitude



Mission - Expectation of Christ
Reading Luke 19:11-27

Parable of the 10 minas
God has given us a lifetime of opportunities and blessing with the expectation that they would be utilized to the fullest
Consider the most important goal of life according to Jesus - salvation for all
It is the motivating force behind everything Christ did
Even to the point of dying for it - Matthew 20:28

The gospel must first save me, but then through me, save others

Capitalism and Communism does not give us the answers
No philosophy or religion can meet the needs

God wants to the world more than you do
When God wants something accomplished, he can move mountains to do it
He sacrificed his own Son for saving man

Our God is wildly happy when someone is saved - Luke 15
If we claim to know God, then we most certainly will share with in his attitude



Mission - Expectation of Christ
Reading Luke 19:11-27

Parable of the 10 minas
God has given us a lifetime of opportunities and blessing with the expectation that they would be utilized to the fullest
Consider the most important goal of life according to Jesus - salvation for all
It is the motivating force behind everything Christ did
Even to the point of dying for it - Matthew 20:28

The gospel must first save me, but then through me, save others

Capitalism and Communism does not give us the answers
No philosophy or religion can meet the needs

God wants to the world more than you do
When God wants something accomplished, he can move mountains to do it
He sacrificed his own Son for saving man

Our God is wildly happy when someone is saved - Luke 15
If we claim to know God, then we most certainly will share with in his attitude



Mission - Expectation of Christ
Reading Luke 19:11-27

Parable of the 10 minas
God has given us a lifetime of opportunities and blessing with the expectation that they would be utilized to the fullest
Consider the most important goal of life according to Jesus - salvation for all
It is the motivating force behind everything Christ did
Even to the point of dying for it - Matthew 20:28

The gospel must first save me, but then through me, save others

Capitalism and Communism does not give us the answers
No philosophy or religion can meet the needs

God wants to the world more than you do
When God wants something accomplished, he can move mountains to do it
He sacrificed his own Son for saving man

Our God is wildly happy when someone is saved - Luke 15
If we claim to know God, then we most certainly will share with in his attitude



Mission - Expectation of Christ
Reading Luke 19:11-27

Parable of the 10 minas
God has given us a lifetime of opportunities and blessing with the expectation that they would be utilized to the fullest
Consider the most important goal of life according to Jesus - salvation for all
It is the motivating force behind everything Christ did
Even to the point of dying for it - Matthew 20:28

The gospel must first save me, but then through me, save others

Capitalism and Communism does not give us the answers
No philosophy or religion can meet the needs

God wants to the world more than you do
When God wants something accomplished, he can move mountains to do it
He sacrificed his own Son for saving man

Our God is wildly happy when someone is saved - Luke 15
If we claim to know God, then we most certainly will share with in his attitude



Mission - Expectation of Christ
Reading Luke 19:11-27

Parable of the 10 minas
God has given us a lifetime of opportunities and blessing with the expectation that they would be utilized to the fullest
Consider the most important goal of life according to Jesus - salvation for all
It is the motivating force behind everything Christ did
Even to the point of dying for it - Matthew 20:28

The gospel must first save me, but then through me, save others

Capitalism and Communism does not give us the answers
No philosophy or religion can meet the needs

God wants to the world more than you do
When God wants something accomplished, he can move mountains to do it
He sacrificed his own Son for saving man

Our God is wildly happy when someone is saved - Luke 15
If we claim to know God, then we most certainly will share with in his attitude



Mission - Expectation of Christ
Reading Luke 19:11-27

Parable of the 10 minas
God has given us a lifetime of opportunities and blessing with the expectation that they would be utilized to the fullest
Consider the most important goal of life according to Jesus - salvation for all
It is the motivating force behind everything Christ did
Even to the point of dying for it - Matthew 20:28

The gospel must first save me, but then through me, save others

Capitalism and Communism does not give us the answers
No philosophy or religion can meet the needs

God wants to the world more than you do
When God wants something accomplished, he can move mountains to do it
He sacrificed his own Son for saving man

Our God is wildly happy when someone is saved - Luke 15
If we claim to know God, then we most certainly will share with in his attitude



Mission - Expectation of Christ
Reading Luke 19:11-27

Parable of the 10 minas
God has given us a lifetime of opportunities and blessing with the expectation that they would be utilized to the fullest
Consider the most important goal of life according to Jesus - salvation for all
It is the motivating force behind everything Christ did
Even to the point of dying for it - Matthew 20:28

The gospel must first save me, but then through me, save others

Capitalism and Communism does not give us the answers
No philosophy or religion can meet the needs

God wants to the world more than you do
When God wants something accomplished, he can move mountains to do it
He sacrificed his own Son for saving man

Our God is wildly happy when someone is saved - Luke 15
If we claim to know God, then we most certainly will share with in his attitude



Mission - Expectation of Christ
Reading Luke 19:11-27

Parable of the 10 minas
God has given us a lifetime of opportunities and blessing with the expectation that they would be utilized to the fullest
Consider the most important goal of life according to Jesus - salvation for all
It is the motivating force behind everything Christ did
Even to the point of dying for it - Matthew 20:28

The gospel must first save me, but then through me, save others

Capitalism and Communism does not give us the answers
No philosophy or religion can meet the needs

God wants to the world more than you do
When God wants something accomplished, he can move mountains to do it
He sacrificed his own Son for saving man

Our God is wildly happy when someone is saved - Luke 15
If we claim to know God, then we most certainly will share with in his attitude



Mission - Expectation of Christ
Reading Luke 19:11-27

Parable of the 10 minas
God has given us a lifetime of opportunities and blessing with the expectation that they would be utilized to the fullest
Consider the most important goal of life according to Jesus - salvation for all
It is the motivating force behind everything Christ did
Even to the point of dying for it - Matthew 20:28

The gospel must first save me, but then through me, save others

Capitalism and Communism does not give us the answers
No philosophy or religion can meet the needs

God wants to the world more than you do
When God wants something accomplished, he can move mountains to do it
He sacrificed his own Son for saving man

Our God is wildly happy when someone is saved - Luke 15
If we claim to know God, then we most certainly will share with in his attitude



Mission - Expectation of Christ
Reading Luke 19:11-27

Parable of the 10 minas
God has given us a lifetime of opportunities and blessing with the expectation that they would be utilized to the fullest
Consider the most important goal of life according to Jesus - salvation for all
It is the motivating force behind everything Christ did
Even to the point of dying for it - Matthew 20:28

The gospel must first save me, but then through me, save others

Capitalism and Communism does not give us the answers
No philosophy or religion can meet the needs

God wants to the world more than you do
When God wants something accomplished, he can move mountains to do it
He sacrificed his own Son for saving man

Our God is wildly happy when someone is saved - Luke 15
If we claim to know God, then we most certainly will share with in his attitude



Mission - Expectation of Christ
Reading Luke 19:11-27

Parable of the 10 minas
God has given us a lifetime of opportunities and blessing with the expectation that they would be utilized to the fullest
Consider the most important goal of life according to Jesus - salvation for all
It is the motivating force behind everything Christ did
Even to the point of dying for it - Matthew 20:28

The gospel must first save me, but then through me, save others

Capitalism and Communism does not give us the answers
No philosophy or religion can meet the needs

God wants to the world more than you do
When God wants something accomplished, he can move mountains to do it
He sacrificed his own Son for saving man

Our God is wildly happy when someone is saved - Luke 15
If we claim to know God, then we most certainly will share with in his attitude



Mission - Expectation of Christ
Reading Luke 19:11-27

Parable of the 10 minas
God has given us a lifetime of opportunities and blessing with the expectation that they would be utilized to the fullest
Consider the most important goal of life according to Jesus - salvation for all
It is the motivating force behind everything Christ did
Even to the point of dying for it - Matthew 20:28

The gospel must first save me, but then through me, save others

Capitalism and Communism does not give us the answers
No philosophy or religion can meet the needs

God wants to the world more than you do
When God wants something accomplished, he can move mountains to do it
He sacrificed his own Son for saving man

Our God is wildly happy when someone is saved - Luke 15
If we claim to know God, then we most certainly will share with in his attitude



Mission - Expectation of Christ
Reading Luke 19:11-27

Parable of the 10 minas
God has given us a lifetime of opportunities and blessing with the expectation that they would be utilized to the fullest
Consider the most important goal of life according to Jesus - salvation for all
It is the motivating force behind everything Christ did
Even to the point of dying for it - Matthew 20:28

The gospel must first save me, but then through me, save others

Capitalism and Communism does not give us the answers
No philosophy or religion can meet the needs

God wants to the world more than you do
When God wants something accomplished, he can move mountains to do it
He sacrificed his own Son for saving man

Our God is wildly happy when someone is saved - Luke 15
If we claim to know God, then we most certainly will share with in his attitude



Mission - Expectation of Christ
Reading Luke 19:11-27

Parable of the 10 minas
God has given us a lifetime of opportunities and blessing with the expectation that they would be utilized to the fullest
Consider the most important goal of life according to Jesus - salvation for all
It is the motivating force behind everything Christ did
Even to the point of dying for it - Matthew 20:28

The gospel must first save me, but then through me, save others

Capitalism and Communism does not give us the answers
No philosophy or religion can meet the needs

God wants to the world more than you do
When God wants something accomplished, he can move mountains to do it
He sacrificed his own Son for saving man

Our God is wildly happy when someone is saved - Luke 15
If we claim to know God, then we most certainly will share with in his attitude



Mission - Expectation of Christ
Reading Luke 19:11-27

Parable of the 10 minas
God has given us a lifetime of opportunities and blessing with the expectation that they would be utilized to the fullest
Consider the most important goal of life according to Jesus - salvation for all
It is the motivating force behind everything Christ did
Even to the point of dying for it - Matthew 20:28

The gospel must first save me, but then through me, save others

Capitalism and Communism does not give us the answers
No philosophy or religion can meet the needs

God wants to the world more than you do
When God wants something accomplished, he can move mountains to do it
He sacrificed his own Son for saving man

Our God is wildly happy when someone is saved - Luke 15
If we claim to know God, then we most certainly will share with in his attitude



Mission - People
Beginning of His ministry - Luke 4
  • Intense temptation by Satan - vs1-3
  • First sermon
  • First personal challenge with the faithless
  • First attempt on his life
  • First spiritual and physical healing of the wounded
Jesus was about the people, he understood them
He was a man of sorrows, acquainted with suffering - Isaiah 53:3
He was tempted in every way, just as we are - Hebrews 4:15

Jesus' heart went out to people and it moved him to action
Their needs drove Jesus' ministry

Our charge is to walk as Jesus walked
Luke 10 illustrates Jesus' plan as he send out the 72 disciples
He challenged them to rejoice because their names were written in heaven
The end challenge was to go and do likewise - Luke 10:37

Cannot be done unless it costs us something
Seeking and saving the lost is accomplished by preaching the gospel and helping people

Mission - All Nations
The only event in history where all mankind gathers together is Judgment Day

An expert in the law asked "What I do to inherit eternal life?" and "Who is my neighbor?"
This expert had given his life to study of the scriptures

Jesus illustrates the greatest commandment - one man helping another
Does not talk about:
  • Some daring act of evangelism - although He did this almost daily
  • Being baptized  - although it is commanded and can never be omitted
Who are you helping? Do see those in need?

James 2:14-16 - Do you claim to have faith? It is never alone
Food, clothing, a blanket shows that you have saving faith

Christian who "share their faith" don't always "share their food"

Sometimes we resemble the expert in the law who did not love their neighbor
By focusing on helping the poor, many people seem to become more evangelistic
Physical and spiritual needs are inseparable

Jesus said, I was hungry, of need of clothes, sick. Did you help him? - Matthew 25:35-36

He takes it personally - Jesus grew up poor
Doves were the sacrifice of the poor - Luke 2:24


Mission - First the Kingdom
No one is ready to follow Jesus who is not ready to put the kingdom of God first above everything else in his life
Take away the radicalness of the message and you take away the power of the message

Compromise it and you have religion but not the church of Jesus Christ
Every kingdom has a king
God is the king of kings and the lord of lords - 2 Timothy 6:15
Jesus is known as both Lord and Christ, King and Savior - Acts 2:38

We are the servants, subjects, and even slaves of God - Romans 6:22
The centurion understood this authority - Luke 7:8
You will be given all the things you need when you seek first the kingdom - Matthew 6:33

Can you powerfully proclaim this message to others because it is so clearly your conviction? - Colossians 3:1-2

When making decisions, ask what is best for the kingdom.

Mission - John's Walk with Jesus
What disciples does not like the apostle John, the "apostle of love"?

Not everyone
  • Some apostles did not like his selfish ambition - Matthew 20:24
  • Some thought he was prideful describing himself as the beloved disciple of Jesus - John 21:7
  • After the resurrection, Peter still seems to have attitudes towards John - John 21:21
New John after walking with Jesus for a while - Mark 1:19

John stayed close to Jesus - Luke 9:28
He would never quit Jesus - Mark 14:32-34
John loved Jesus until the end - John 19:25-27

John changed:
  • Selfish ambition turned to kingdom ambition
  • Fits of rage changed to fits of love
  • Factiousness come together into a passion of unity
Only after walking with Jesus did John become the apostle of love, he wasn't that way naturally

How is our walk with Jesus?
Do we focus our energy on our walk with Jesus?

Only after walking with Jesus, can we change into the disciple Jesus' wants us to be

Mission - Cannot Fail
The harvest is plentiful; ask the Lord of the harvest - Luke 10:2
Those who have taken up the work must devote themselves to prayer
What they get from him is something they can not find in themselves

Prayer is not the only important thing needed, it is just the most important thing to the harvest
Obstacles are many for those working in the harvest
There is not one that cannot be overcome with prayer

Efforts to bring the harvest often stop because the workers run into problems or frustration
Problem begin to look larger than the mission
They lose their fire and joy

Jesus says there is a problem (workers are few) but there is not despair
The problem is an opportunity for perseverance and faith

Frustrations and challenges differ but two things remain the same
  1. In all places, the harvest is plentiful
  2. In all places, God hears and answers us
As we go prayerfully into the harvest, we can not fail

Saved by Grace through Faith (part I)
Psalms 103:1-18
  • David talks about the heart of the Lord toward weak and sinful people: he is a compassionate, gracious, loving father.
  • How deeply does God love those who fear him?
  • What is he willing to do with their sins (transgressions)?
  • Is this the way you see God?
Luke 15:11-31
  • Jesus taught many things in parables, short stories created to teach spiritual truths.
  • What does this story tell you about God’s attitude toward us when we repent and turn back to Him?
  • Why did the older brother have such a hard time with his father’s attitude?
  • In what way did he fail to understand the father and his grace?

Luke 18:9-14
  • In this story, we see two very different ways of viewing ourselves and God.
  • How did the Pharisee approach God? How did he view himself?
  • On what basis did he presume to be righteous? (His goodness, religious activities, his own efforts).
  • By contrast, how did the tax collector see himself?
  • What was his appeal to God based on? (God’s mercy).
  • Who went home justified (pronounced and considered “not guilty”)?
  • Jesus taught that a person can never be good enough to be saved through his own efforts.
  • The only basis of our salvation is the mercy and grace of God.


Saved by Grace through Faith (part I)
Psalms 103:1-18
  • David talks about the heart of the Lord toward weak and sinful people: he is a compassionate, gracious, loving father.
  • How deeply does God love those who fear him?
  • What is he willing to do with their sins (transgressions)?
  • Is this the way you see God?
Luke 15:11-31
  • Jesus taught many things in parables, short stories created to teach spiritual truths.
  • What does this story tell you about God’s attitude toward us when we repent and turn back to Him?
  • Why did the older brother have such a hard time with his father’s attitude?
  • In what way did he fail to understand the father and his grace?

Luke 18:9-14
  • In this story, we see two very different ways of viewing ourselves and God.
  • How did the Pharisee approach God? How did he view himself?
  • On what basis did he presume to be righteous? (His goodness, religious activities, his own efforts).
  • By contrast, how did the tax collector see himself?
  • What was his appeal to God based on? (God’s mercy).
  • Who went home justified (pronounced and considered “not guilty”)?
  • Jesus taught that a person can never be good enough to be saved through his own efforts.
  • The only basis of our salvation is the mercy and grace of God.


Saved by Grace through Faith (part I)
Psalms 103:1-18
  • David talks about the heart of the Lord toward weak and sinful people: he is a compassionate, gracious, loving father.
  • How deeply does God love those who fear him?
  • What is he willing to do with their sins (transgressions)?
  • Is this the way you see God?
Luke 15:11-31
  • Jesus taught many things in parables, short stories created to teach spiritual truths.
  • What does this story tell you about God’s attitude toward us when we repent and turn back to Him?
  • Why did the older brother have such a hard time with his father’s attitude?
  • In what way did he fail to understand the father and his grace?

Luke 18:9-14
  • In this story, we see two very different ways of viewing ourselves and God.
  • How did the Pharisee approach God? How did he view himself?
  • On what basis did he presume to be righteous? (His goodness, religious activities, his own efforts).
  • By contrast, how did the tax collector see himself?
  • What was his appeal to God based on? (God’s mercy).
  • Who went home justified (pronounced and considered “not guilty”)?
  • Jesus taught that a person can never be good enough to be saved through his own efforts.
  • The only basis of our salvation is the mercy and grace of God.


Saved by Grace through Faith (part I)
Psalms 103:1-18
  • David talks about the heart of the Lord toward weak and sinful people: he is a compassionate, gracious, loving father.
  • How deeply does God love those who fear him?
  • What is he willing to do with their sins (transgressions)?
  • Is this the way you see God?
Luke 15:11-31
  • Jesus taught many things in parables, short stories created to teach spiritual truths.
  • What does this story tell you about God’s attitude toward us when we repent and turn back to Him?
  • Why did the older brother have such a hard time with his father’s attitude?
  • In what way did he fail to understand the father and his grace?

Luke 18:9-14
  • In this story, we see two very different ways of viewing ourselves and God.
  • How did the Pharisee approach God? How did he view himself?
  • On what basis did he presume to be righteous? (His goodness, religious activities, his own efforts).
  • By contrast, how did the tax collector see himself?
  • What was his appeal to God based on? (God’s mercy).
  • Who went home justified (pronounced and considered “not guilty”)?
  • Jesus taught that a person can never be good enough to be saved through his own efforts.
  • The only basis of our salvation is the mercy and grace of God.


Saved by Grace through Faith (part I)
Psalms 103:1-18
  • David talks about the heart of the Lord toward weak and sinful people: he is a compassionate, gracious, loving father.
  • How deeply does God love those who fear him?
  • What is he willing to do with their sins (transgressions)?
  • Is this the way you see God?
Luke 15:11-31
  • Jesus taught many things in parables, short stories created to teach spiritual truths.
  • What does this story tell you about God’s attitude toward us when we repent and turn back to Him?
  • Why did the older brother have such a hard time with his father’s attitude?
  • In what way did he fail to understand the father and his grace?

Luke 18:9-14
  • In this story, we see two very different ways of viewing ourselves and God.
  • How did the Pharisee approach God? How did he view himself?
  • On what basis did he presume to be righteous? (His goodness, religious activities, his own efforts).
  • By contrast, how did the tax collector see himself?
  • What was his appeal to God based on? (God’s mercy).
  • Who went home justified (pronounced and considered “not guilty”)?
  • Jesus taught that a person can never be good enough to be saved through his own efforts.
  • The only basis of our salvation is the mercy and grace of God.


Saved by Grace through Faith (part I)
Psalms 103:1-18
  • David talks about the heart of the Lord toward weak and sinful people: he is a compassionate, gracious, loving father.
  • How deeply does God love those who fear him?
  • What is he willing to do with their sins (transgressions)?
  • Is this the way you see God?
Luke 15:11-31
  • Jesus taught many things in parables, short stories created to teach spiritual truths.
  • What does this story tell you about God’s attitude toward us when we repent and turn back to Him?
  • Why did the older brother have such a hard time with his father’s attitude?
  • In what way did he fail to understand the father and his grace?

Luke 18:9-14
  • In this story, we see two very different ways of viewing ourselves and God.
  • How did the Pharisee approach God? How did he view himself?
  • On what basis did he presume to be righteous? (His goodness, religious activities, his own efforts).
  • By contrast, how did the tax collector see himself?
  • What was his appeal to God based on? (God’s mercy).
  • Who went home justified (pronounced and considered “not guilty”)?
  • Jesus taught that a person can never be good enough to be saved through his own efforts.
  • The only basis of our salvation is the mercy and grace of God.


Saved by Grace through Faith (part I)
Psalms 103:1-18
  • David talks about the heart of the Lord toward weak and sinful people: he is a compassionate, gracious, loving father.
  • How deeply does God love those who fear him?
  • What is he willing to do with their sins (transgressions)?
  • Is this the way you see God?
Luke 15:11-31
  • Jesus taught many things in parables, short stories created to teach spiritual truths.
  • What does this story tell you about God’s attitude toward us when we repent and turn back to Him?
  • Why did the older brother have such a hard time with his father’s attitude?
  • In what way did he fail to understand the father and his grace?

Luke 18:9-14
  • In this story, we see two very different ways of viewing ourselves and God.
  • How did the Pharisee approach God? How did he view himself?
  • On what basis did he presume to be righteous? (His goodness, religious activities, his own efforts).
  • By contrast, how did the tax collector see himself?
  • What was his appeal to God based on? (God’s mercy).
  • Who went home justified (pronounced and considered “not guilty”)?
  • Jesus taught that a person can never be good enough to be saved through his own efforts.
  • The only basis of our salvation is the mercy and grace of God.


Saved by Grace through Faith (part I)
Psalms 103:1-18
  • David talks about the heart of the Lord toward weak and sinful people: he is a compassionate, gracious, loving father.
  • How deeply does God love those who fear him?
  • What is he willing to do with their sins (transgressions)?
  • Is this the way you see God?
Luke 15:11-31
  • Jesus taught many things in parables, short stories created to teach spiritual truths.
  • What does this story tell you about God’s attitude toward us when we repent and turn back to Him?
  • Why did the older brother have such a hard time with his father’s attitude?
  • In what way did he fail to understand the father and his grace?

Luke 18:9-14
  • In this story, we see two very different ways of viewing ourselves and God.
  • How did the Pharisee approach God? How did he view himself?
  • On what basis did he presume to be righteous? (His goodness, religious activities, his own efforts).
  • By contrast, how did the tax collector see himself?
  • What was his appeal to God based on? (God’s mercy).
  • Who went home justified (pronounced and considered “not guilty”)?
  • Jesus taught that a person can never be good enough to be saved through his own efforts.
  • The only basis of our salvation is the mercy and grace of God.


Saved by Grace through Faith (part I)
Psalms 103:1-18
  • David talks about the heart of the Lord toward weak and sinful people: he is a compassionate, gracious, loving father.
  • How deeply does God love those who fear him?
  • What is he willing to do with their sins (transgressions)?
  • Is this the way you see God?
Luke 15:11-31
  • Jesus taught many things in parables, short stories created to teach spiritual truths.
  • What does this story tell you about God’s attitude toward us when we repent and turn back to Him?
  • Why did the older brother have such a hard time with his father’s attitude?
  • In what way did he fail to understand the father and his grace?

Luke 18:9-14
  • In this story, we see two very different ways of viewing ourselves and God.
  • How did the Pharisee approach God? How did he view himself?
  • On what basis did he presume to be righteous? (His goodness, religious activities, his own efforts).
  • By contrast, how did the tax collector see himself?
  • What was his appeal to God based on? (God’s mercy).
  • Who went home justified (pronounced and considered “not guilty”)?
  • Jesus taught that a person can never be good enough to be saved through his own efforts.
  • The only basis of our salvation is the mercy and grace of God.


Saved by Grace through Faith (part I)
Psalms 103:1-18
  • David talks about the heart of the Lord toward weak and sinful people: he is a compassionate, gracious, loving father.
  • How deeply does God love those who fear him?
  • What is he willing to do with their sins (transgressions)?
  • Is this the way you see God?
Luke 15:11-31
  • Jesus taught many things in parables, short stories created to teach spiritual truths.
  • What does this story tell you about God’s attitude toward us when we repent and turn back to Him?
  • Why did the older brother have such a hard time with his father’s attitude?
  • In what way did he fail to understand the father and his grace?

Luke 18:9-14
  • In this story, we see two very different ways of viewing ourselves and God.
  • How did the Pharisee approach God? How did he view himself?
  • On what basis did he presume to be righteous? (His goodness, religious activities, his own efforts).
  • By contrast, how did the tax collector see himself?
  • What was his appeal to God based on? (God’s mercy).
  • Who went home justified (pronounced and considered “not guilty”)?
  • Jesus taught that a person can never be good enough to be saved through his own efforts.
  • The only basis of our salvation is the mercy and grace of God.


Saved by Grace through Faith (part I)
Psalms 103:1-18
  • David talks about the heart of the Lord toward weak and sinful people: he is a compassionate, gracious, loving father.
  • How deeply does God love those who fear him?
  • What is he willing to do with their sins (transgressions)?
  • Is this the way you see God?
Luke 15:11-31
  • Jesus taught many things in parables, short stories created to teach spiritual truths.
  • What does this story tell you about God’s attitude toward us when we repent and turn back to Him?
  • Why did the older brother have such a hard time with his father’s attitude?
  • In what way did he fail to understand the father and his grace?

Luke 18:9-14
  • In this story, we see two very different ways of viewing ourselves and God.
  • How did the Pharisee approach God? How did he view himself?
  • On what basis did he presume to be righteous? (His goodness, religious activities, his own efforts).
  • By contrast, how did the tax collector see himself?
  • What was his appeal to God based on? (God’s mercy).
  • Who went home justified (pronounced and considered “not guilty”)?
  • Jesus taught that a person can never be good enough to be saved through his own efforts.
  • The only basis of our salvation is the mercy and grace of God.


Saved by Grace through Faith (part I)
Psalms 103:1-18
  • David talks about the heart of the Lord toward weak and sinful people: he is a compassionate, gracious, loving father.
  • How deeply does God love those who fear him?
  • What is he willing to do with their sins (transgressions)?
  • Is this the way you see God?
Luke 15:11-31
  • Jesus taught many things in parables, short stories created to teach spiritual truths.
  • What does this story tell you about God’s attitude toward us when we repent and turn back to Him?
  • Why did the older brother have such a hard time with his father’s attitude?
  • In what way did he fail to understand the father and his grace?

Luke 18:9-14
  • In this story, we see two very different ways of viewing ourselves and God.
  • How did the Pharisee approach God? How did he view himself?
  • On what basis did he presume to be righteous? (His goodness, religious activities, his own efforts).
  • By contrast, how did the tax collector see himself?
  • What was his appeal to God based on? (God’s mercy).
  • Who went home justified (pronounced and considered “not guilty”)?
  • Jesus taught that a person can never be good enough to be saved through his own efforts.
  • The only basis of our salvation is the mercy and grace of God.


Saved by Grace through Faith (part I)
Psalms 103:1-18
  • David talks about the heart of the Lord toward weak and sinful people: he is a compassionate, gracious, loving father.
  • How deeply does God love those who fear him?
  • What is he willing to do with their sins (transgressions)?
  • Is this the way you see God?
Luke 15:11-31
  • Jesus taught many things in parables, short stories created to teach spiritual truths.
  • What does this story tell you about God’s attitude toward us when we repent and turn back to Him?
  • Why did the older brother have such a hard time with his father’s attitude?
  • In what way did he fail to understand the father and his grace?

Luke 18:9-14
  • In this story, we see two very different ways of viewing ourselves and God.
  • How did the Pharisee approach God? How did he view himself?
  • On what basis did he presume to be righteous? (His goodness, religious activities, his own efforts).
  • By contrast, how did the tax collector see himself?
  • What was his appeal to God based on? (God’s mercy).
  • Who went home justified (pronounced and considered “not guilty”)?
  • Jesus taught that a person can never be good enough to be saved through his own efforts.
  • The only basis of our salvation is the mercy and grace of God.


Saved by Grace through Faith (part I)
Psalms 103:1-18
  • David talks about the heart of the Lord toward weak and sinful people: he is a compassionate, gracious, loving father.
  • How deeply does God love those who fear him?
  • What is he willing to do with their sins (transgressions)?
  • Is this the way you see God?
Luke 15:11-31
  • Jesus taught many things in parables, short stories created to teach spiritual truths.
  • What does this story tell you about God’s attitude toward us when we repent and turn back to Him?
  • Why did the older brother have such a hard time with his father’s attitude?
  • In what way did he fail to understand the father and his grace?

Luke 18:9-14
  • In this story, we see two very different ways of viewing ourselves and God.
  • How did the Pharisee approach God? How did he view himself?
  • On what basis did he presume to be righteous? (His goodness, religious activities, his own efforts).
  • By contrast, how did the tax collector see himself?
  • What was his appeal to God based on? (God’s mercy).
  • Who went home justified (pronounced and considered “not guilty”)?
  • Jesus taught that a person can never be good enough to be saved through his own efforts.
  • The only basis of our salvation is the mercy and grace of God.


Saved by Grace through Faith (part I)
Psalms 103:1-18
  • David talks about the heart of the Lord toward weak and sinful people: he is a compassionate, gracious, loving father.
  • How deeply does God love those who fear him?
  • What is he willing to do with their sins (transgressions)?
  • Is this the way you see God?
Luke 15:11-31
  • Jesus taught many things in parables, short stories created to teach spiritual truths.
  • What does this story tell you about God’s attitude toward us when we repent and turn back to Him?
  • Why did the older brother have such a hard time with his father’s attitude?
  • In what way did he fail to understand the father and his grace?

Luke 18:9-14
  • In this story, we see two very different ways of viewing ourselves and God.
  • How did the Pharisee approach God? How did he view himself?
  • On what basis did he presume to be righteous? (His goodness, religious activities, his own efforts).
  • By contrast, how did the tax collector see himself?
  • What was his appeal to God based on? (God’s mercy).
  • Who went home justified (pronounced and considered “not guilty”)?
  • Jesus taught that a person can never be good enough to be saved through his own efforts.
  • The only basis of our salvation is the mercy and grace of God.


Saved by Grace through Faith (part I)
Psalms 103:1-18
  • David talks about the heart of the Lord toward weak and sinful people: he is a compassionate, gracious, loving father.
  • How deeply does God love those who fear him?
  • What is he willing to do with their sins (transgressions)?
  • Is this the way you see God?
Luke 15:11-31
  • Jesus taught many things in parables, short stories created to teach spiritual truths.
  • What does this story tell you about God’s attitude toward us when we repent and turn back to Him?
  • Why did the older brother have such a hard time with his father’s attitude?
  • In what way did he fail to understand the father and his grace?

Luke 18:9-14
  • In this story, we see two very different ways of viewing ourselves and God.
  • How did the Pharisee approach God? How did he view himself?
  • On what basis did he presume to be righteous? (His goodness, religious activities, his own efforts).
  • By contrast, how did the tax collector see himself?
  • What was his appeal to God based on? (God’s mercy).
  • Who went home justified (pronounced and considered “not guilty”)?
  • Jesus taught that a person can never be good enough to be saved through his own efforts.
  • The only basis of our salvation is the mercy and grace of God.


Saved by Grace through Faith (part I)
Psalms 103:1-18
  • David talks about the heart of the Lord toward weak and sinful people: he is a compassionate, gracious, loving father.
  • How deeply does God love those who fear him?
  • What is he willing to do with their sins (transgressions)?
  • Is this the way you see God?
Luke 15:11-31
  • Jesus taught many things in parables, short stories created to teach spiritual truths.
  • What does this story tell you about God’s attitude toward us when we repent and turn back to Him?
  • Why did the older brother have such a hard time with his father’s attitude?
  • In what way did he fail to understand the father and his grace?

Luke 18:9-14
  • In this story, we see two very different ways of viewing ourselves and God.
  • How did the Pharisee approach God? How did he view himself?
  • On what basis did he presume to be righteous? (His goodness, religious activities, his own efforts).
  • By contrast, how did the tax collector see himself?
  • What was his appeal to God based on? (God’s mercy).
  • Who went home justified (pronounced and considered “not guilty”)?
  • Jesus taught that a person can never be good enough to be saved through his own efforts.
  • The only basis of our salvation is the mercy and grace of God.


Saved by Grace through Faith (part I)
Psalms 103:1-18
  • David talks about the heart of the Lord toward weak and sinful people: he is a compassionate, gracious, loving father.
  • How deeply does God love those who fear him?
  • What is he willing to do with their sins (transgressions)?
  • Is this the way you see God?
Luke 15:11-31
  • Jesus taught many things in parables, short stories created to teach spiritual truths.
  • What does this story tell you about God’s attitude toward us when we repent and turn back to Him?
  • Why did the older brother have such a hard time with his father’s attitude?
  • In what way did he fail to understand the father and his grace?

Luke 18:9-14
  • In this story, we see two very different ways of viewing ourselves and God.
  • How did the Pharisee approach God? How did he view himself?
  • On what basis did he presume to be righteous? (His goodness, religious activities, his own efforts).
  • By contrast, how did the tax collector see himself?
  • What was his appeal to God based on? (God’s mercy).
  • Who went home justified (pronounced and considered “not guilty”)?
  • Jesus taught that a person can never be good enough to be saved through his own efforts.
  • The only basis of our salvation is the mercy and grace of God.


Saved by Grace through Faith (part I)
Psalms 103:1-18
  • David talks about the heart of the Lord toward weak and sinful people: he is a compassionate, gracious, loving father.
  • How deeply does God love those who fear him?
  • What is he willing to do with their sins (transgressions)?
  • Is this the way you see God?
Luke 15:11-31
  • Jesus taught many things in parables, short stories created to teach spiritual truths.
  • What does this story tell you about God’s attitude toward us when we repent and turn back to Him?
  • Why did the older brother have such a hard time with his father’s attitude?
  • In what way did he fail to understand the father and his grace?

Luke 18:9-14
  • In this story, we see two very different ways of viewing ourselves and God.
  • How did the Pharisee approach God? How did he view himself?
  • On what basis did he presume to be righteous? (His goodness, religious activities, his own efforts).
  • By contrast, how did the tax collector see himself?
  • What was his appeal to God based on? (God’s mercy).
  • Who went home justified (pronounced and considered “not guilty”)?
  • Jesus taught that a person can never be good enough to be saved through his own efforts.
  • The only basis of our salvation is the mercy and grace of God.


Saved by Grace through Faith (part I)
Psalms 103:1-18
  • David talks about the heart of the Lord toward weak and sinful people: he is a compassionate, gracious, loving father.
  • How deeply does God love those who fear him?
  • What is he willing to do with their sins (transgressions)?
  • Is this the way you see God?
Luke 15:11-31
  • Jesus taught many things in parables, short stories created to teach spiritual truths.
  • What does this story tell you about God’s attitude toward us when we repent and turn back to Him?
  • Why did the older brother have such a hard time with his father’s attitude?
  • In what way did he fail to understand the father and his grace?

Luke 18:9-14
  • In this story, we see two very different ways of viewing ourselves and God.
  • How did the Pharisee approach God? How did he view himself?
  • On what basis did he presume to be righteous? (His goodness, religious activities, his own efforts).
  • By contrast, how did the tax collector see himself?
  • What was his appeal to God based on? (God’s mercy).
  • Who went home justified (pronounced and considered “not guilty”)?
  • Jesus taught that a person can never be good enough to be saved through his own efforts.
  • The only basis of our salvation is the mercy and grace of God.


Saved by Grace through Faith (part I)
Psalms 103:1-18
  • David talks about the heart of the Lord toward weak and sinful people: he is a compassionate, gracious, loving father.
  • How deeply does God love those who fear him?
  • What is he willing to do with their sins (transgressions)?
  • Is this the way you see God?
Luke 15:11-31
  • Jesus taught many things in parables, short stories created to teach spiritual truths.
  • What does this story tell you about God’s attitude toward us when we repent and turn back to Him?
  • Why did the older brother have such a hard time with his father’s attitude?
  • In what way did he fail to understand the father and his grace?

Luke 18:9-14
  • In this story, we see two very different ways of viewing ourselves and God.
  • How did the Pharisee approach God? How did he view himself?
  • On what basis did he presume to be righteous? (His goodness, religious activities, his own efforts).
  • By contrast, how did the tax collector see himself?
  • What was his appeal to God based on? (God’s mercy).
  • Who went home justified (pronounced and considered “not guilty”)?
  • Jesus taught that a person can never be good enough to be saved through his own efforts.
  • The only basis of our salvation is the mercy and grace of God.


Saved by Grace through Faith (part I)
Psalms 103:1-18
  • David talks about the heart of the Lord toward weak and sinful people: he is a compassionate, gracious, loving father.
  • How deeply does God love those who fear him?
  • What is he willing to do with their sins (transgressions)?
  • Is this the way you see God?
Luke 15:11-31
  • Jesus taught many things in parables, short stories created to teach spiritual truths.
  • What does this story tell you about God’s attitude toward us when we repent and turn back to Him?
  • Why did the older brother have such a hard time with his father’s attitude?
  • In what way did he fail to understand the father and his grace?

Luke 18:9-14
  • In this story, we see two very different ways of viewing ourselves and God.
  • How did the Pharisee approach God? How did he view himself?
  • On what basis did he presume to be righteous? (His goodness, religious activities, his own efforts).
  • By contrast, how did the tax collector see himself?
  • What was his appeal to God based on? (God’s mercy).
  • Who went home justified (pronounced and considered “not guilty”)?
  • Jesus taught that a person can never be good enough to be saved through his own efforts.
  • The only basis of our salvation is the mercy and grace of God.


Saved by Grace through Faith (part I)
Psalms 103:1-18
  • David talks about the heart of the Lord toward weak and sinful people: he is a compassionate, gracious, loving father.
  • How deeply does God love those who fear him?
  • What is he willing to do with their sins (transgressions)?
  • Is this the way you see God?
Luke 15:11-31
  • Jesus taught many things in parables, short stories created to teach spiritual truths.
  • What does this story tell you about God’s attitude toward us when we repent and turn back to Him?
  • Why did the older brother have such a hard time with his father’s attitude?
  • In what way did he fail to understand the father and his grace?

Luke 18:9-14
  • In this story, we see two very different ways of viewing ourselves and God.
  • How did the Pharisee approach God? How did he view himself?
  • On what basis did he presume to be righteous? (His goodness, religious activities, his own efforts).
  • By contrast, how did the tax collector see himself?
  • What was his appeal to God based on? (God’s mercy).
  • Who went home justified (pronounced and considered “not guilty”)?
  • Jesus taught that a person can never be good enough to be saved through his own efforts.
  • The only basis of our salvation is the mercy and grace of God.


Saved by Grace through Faith (part I)
Psalms 103:1-18
  • David talks about the heart of the Lord toward weak and sinful people: he is a compassionate, gracious, loving father.
  • How deeply does God love those who fear him?
  • What is he willing to do with their sins (transgressions)?
  • Is this the way you see God?
Luke 15:11-31
  • Jesus taught many things in parables, short stories created to teach spiritual truths.
  • What does this story tell you about God’s attitude toward us when we repent and turn back to Him?
  • Why did the older brother have such a hard time with his father’s attitude?
  • In what way did he fail to understand the father and his grace?

Luke 18:9-14
  • In this story, we see two very different ways of viewing ourselves and God.
  • How did the Pharisee approach God? How did he view himself?
  • On what basis did he presume to be righteous? (His goodness, religious activities, his own efforts).
  • By contrast, how did the tax collector see himself?
  • What was his appeal to God based on? (God’s mercy).
  • Who went home justified (pronounced and considered “not guilty”)?
  • Jesus taught that a person can never be good enough to be saved through his own efforts.
  • The only basis of our salvation is the mercy and grace of God.


Saved by Grace through Faith (part I)
Psalms 103:1-18
  • David talks about the heart of the Lord toward weak and sinful people: he is a compassionate, gracious, loving father.
  • How deeply does God love those who fear him?
  • What is he willing to do with their sins (transgressions)?
  • Is this the way you see God?
Luke 15:11-31
  • Jesus taught many things in parables, short stories created to teach spiritual truths.
  • What does this story tell you about God’s attitude toward us when we repent and turn back to Him?
  • Why did the older brother have such a hard time with his father’s attitude?
  • In what way did he fail to understand the father and his grace?

Luke 18:9-14
  • In this story, we see two very different ways of viewing ourselves and God.
  • How did the Pharisee approach God? How did he view himself?
  • On what basis did he presume to be righteous? (His goodness, religious activities, his own efforts).
  • By contrast, how did the tax collector see himself?
  • What was his appeal to God based on? (God’s mercy).
  • Who went home justified (pronounced and considered “not guilty”)?
  • Jesus taught that a person can never be good enough to be saved through his own efforts.
  • The only basis of our salvation is the mercy and grace of God.


Saved by Grace through Faith (part I)
Psalms 103:1-18
  • David talks about the heart of the Lord toward weak and sinful people: he is a compassionate, gracious, loving father.
  • How deeply does God love those who fear him?
  • What is he willing to do with their sins (transgressions)?
  • Is this the way you see God?
Luke 15:11-31
  • Jesus taught many things in parables, short stories created to teach spiritual truths.
  • What does this story tell you about God’s attitude toward us when we repent and turn back to Him?
  • Why did the older brother have such a hard time with his father’s attitude?
  • In what way did he fail to understand the father and his grace?

Luke 18:9-14
  • In this story, we see two very different ways of viewing ourselves and God.
  • How did the Pharisee approach God? How did he view himself?
  • On what basis did he presume to be righteous? (His goodness, religious activities, his own efforts).
  • By contrast, how did the tax collector see himself?
  • What was his appeal to God based on? (God’s mercy).
  • Who went home justified (pronounced and considered “not guilty”)?
  • Jesus taught that a person can never be good enough to be saved through his own efforts.
  • The only basis of our salvation is the mercy and grace of God.


Saved by Grace through Faith (part I)
Psalms 103:1-18
  • David talks about the heart of the Lord toward weak and sinful people: he is a compassionate, gracious, loving father.
  • How deeply does God love those who fear him?
  • What is he willing to do with their sins (transgressions)?
  • Is this the way you see God?
Luke 15:11-31
  • Jesus taught many things in parables, short stories created to teach spiritual truths.
  • What does this story tell you about God’s attitude toward us when we repent and turn back to Him?
  • Why did the older brother have such a hard time with his father’s attitude?
  • In what way did he fail to understand the father and his grace?

Luke 18:9-14
  • In this story, we see two very different ways of viewing ourselves and God.
  • How did the Pharisee approach God? How did he view himself?
  • On what basis did he presume to be righteous? (His goodness, religious activities, his own efforts).
  • By contrast, how did the tax collector see himself?
  • What was his appeal to God based on? (God’s mercy).
  • Who went home justified (pronounced and considered “not guilty”)?
  • Jesus taught that a person can never be good enough to be saved through his own efforts.
  • The only basis of our salvation is the mercy and grace of God.


Repentance (part I)

Luke 13:1-5, 6-9

  • Jesus preaches that without repentance, we will all perish.
  • He likewise expects to find fruit every time there is true repentance.
  • The Greek word for repentance, metanoia, signifies a “turning,” a “change of heart and mind.”
  • When we discover we’ve been going the wrong way on a one-way street, we immediately turn around (repent) and go in the opposite
    direction. In this case, we turn from a selfish life that has marginalized God to a life that makes God the center of our devotion, our faith, our obedience.

Luke 3:7-14

  • The tangible fruit of repentance is the evidence of a changed mindset.
  • John the Baptist insisted on repentance before baptism.
  • If you were to ask John, “What should I do?” how would he respond to you?

Acts 26:15-21

  • Jesus gives Paul the charge to “open their eyes” so that “they may turn” and prove their repentance by their deeds.
  • Repentance involves a new perspective, a turning of allegiance, and fruit.


Repentance (part I)

Luke 13:1-5, 6-9

  • Jesus preaches that without repentance, we will all perish.
  • He likewise expects to find fruit every time there is true repentance.
  • The Greek word for repentance, metanoia, signifies a “turning,” a “change of heart and mind.”
  • When we discover we’ve been going the wrong way on a one-way street, we immediately turn around (repent) and go in the opposite
    direction. In this case, we turn from a selfish life that has marginalized God to a life that makes God the center of our devotion, our faith, our obedience.

Luke 3:7-14

  • The tangible fruit of repentance is the evidence of a changed mindset.
  • John the Baptist insisted on repentance before baptism.
  • If you were to ask John, “What should I do?” how would he respond to you?

Acts 26:15-21

  • Jesus gives Paul the charge to “open their eyes” so that “they may turn” and prove their repentance by their deeds.
  • Repentance involves a new perspective, a turning of allegiance, and fruit.


Repentance (part I)

Luke 13:1-5, 6-9

  • Jesus preaches that without repentance, we will all perish.
  • He likewise expects to find fruit every time there is true repentance.
  • The Greek word for repentance, metanoia, signifies a “turning,” a “change of heart and mind.”
  • When we discover we’ve been going the wrong way on a one-way street, we immediately turn around (repent) and go in the opposite
    direction. In this case, we turn from a selfish life that has marginalized God to a life that makes God the center of our devotion, our faith, our obedience.

Luke 3:7-14

  • The tangible fruit of repentance is the evidence of a changed mindset.
  • John the Baptist insisted on repentance before baptism.
  • If you were to ask John, “What should I do?” how would he respond to you?

Acts 26:15-21

  • Jesus gives Paul the charge to “open their eyes” so that “they may turn” and prove their repentance by their deeds.
  • Repentance involves a new perspective, a turning of allegiance, and fruit.


Repentance (part I)

Luke 13:1-5, 6-9

  • Jesus preaches that without repentance, we will all perish.
  • He likewise expects to find fruit every time there is true repentance.
  • The Greek word for repentance, metanoia, signifies a “turning,” a “change of heart and mind.”
  • When we discover we’ve been going the wrong way on a one-way street, we immediately turn around (repent) and go in the opposite
    direction. In this case, we turn from a selfish life that has marginalized God to a life that makes God the center of our devotion, our faith, our obedience.

Luke 3:7-14

  • The tangible fruit of repentance is the evidence of a changed mindset.
  • John the Baptist insisted on repentance before baptism.
  • If you were to ask John, “What should I do?” how would he respond to you?

Acts 26:15-21

  • Jesus gives Paul the charge to “open their eyes” so that “they may turn” and prove their repentance by their deeds.
  • Repentance involves a new perspective, a turning of allegiance, and fruit.


Repentance (part I)

Luke 13:1-5, 6-9

  • Jesus preaches that without repentance, we will all perish.
  • He likewise expects to find fruit every time there is true repentance.
  • The Greek word for repentance, metanoia, signifies a “turning,” a “change of heart and mind.”
  • When we discover we’ve been going the wrong way on a one-way street, we immediately turn around (repent) and go in the opposite
    direction. In this case, we turn from a selfish life that has marginalized God to a life that makes God the center of our devotion, our faith, our obedience.

Luke 3:7-14

  • The tangible fruit of repentance is the evidence of a changed mindset.
  • John the Baptist insisted on repentance before baptism.
  • If you were to ask John, “What should I do?” how would he respond to you?

Acts 26:15-21

  • Jesus gives Paul the charge to “open their eyes” so that “they may turn” and prove their repentance by their deeds.
  • Repentance involves a new perspective, a turning of allegiance, and fruit.


Repentance (part I)

Luke 13:1-5, 6-9

  • Jesus preaches that without repentance, we will all perish.
  • He likewise expects to find fruit every time there is true repentance.
  • The Greek word for repentance, metanoia, signifies a “turning,” a “change of heart and mind.”
  • When we discover we’ve been going the wrong way on a one-way street, we immediately turn around (repent) and go in the opposite
    direction. In this case, we turn from a selfish life that has marginalized God to a life that makes God the center of our devotion, our faith, our obedience.

Luke 3:7-14

  • The tangible fruit of repentance is the evidence of a changed mindset.
  • John the Baptist insisted on repentance before baptism.
  • If you were to ask John, “What should I do?” how would he respond to you?

Acts 26:15-21

  • Jesus gives Paul the charge to “open their eyes” so that “they may turn” and prove their repentance by their deeds.
  • Repentance involves a new perspective, a turning of allegiance, and fruit.


Repentance (part I)

Luke 13:1-5, 6-9

  • Jesus preaches that without repentance, we will all perish.
  • He likewise expects to find fruit every time there is true repentance.
  • The Greek word for repentance, metanoia, signifies a “turning,” a “change of heart and mind.”
  • When we discover we’ve been going the wrong way on a one-way street, we immediately turn around (repent) and go in the opposite
    direction. In this case, we turn from a selfish life that has marginalized God to a life that makes God the center of our devotion, our faith, our obedience.

Luke 3:7-14

  • The tangible fruit of repentance is the evidence of a changed mindset.
  • John the Baptist insisted on repentance before baptism.
  • If you were to ask John, “What should I do?” how would he respond to you?

Acts 26:15-21

  • Jesus gives Paul the charge to “open their eyes” so that “they may turn” and prove their repentance by their deeds.
  • Repentance involves a new perspective, a turning of allegiance, and fruit.


Repentance (part I)

Luke 13:1-5, 6-9

  • Jesus preaches that without repentance, we will all perish.
  • He likewise expects to find fruit every time there is true repentance.
  • The Greek word for repentance, metanoia, signifies a “turning,” a “change of heart and mind.”
  • When we discover we’ve been going the wrong way on a one-way street, we immediately turn around (repent) and go in the opposite
    direction. In this case, we turn from a selfish life that has marginalized God to a life that makes God the center of our devotion, our faith, our obedience.

Luke 3:7-14

  • The tangible fruit of repentance is the evidence of a changed mindset.
  • John the Baptist insisted on repentance before baptism.
  • If you were to ask John, “What should I do?” how would he respond to you?

Acts 26:15-21

  • Jesus gives Paul the charge to “open their eyes” so that “they may turn” and prove their repentance by their deeds.
  • Repentance involves a new perspective, a turning of allegiance, and fruit.


Repentance (part II)

Ephesians 4:20-24.

  • Repentance is turning from an old life to a new one.
    • Negatively, what must be “taken off”?
    • Positively, what is the new attitude to be embraced?
  • What is “put on” in place of the “old self”?
  • Repentance orients us toward God and the true life and purpose we were created for: to become like him in righteousness and holiness.
  • What do you need to “take off” and “put on”?

2 Corinthians 7:8-11.

  • What is the difference between “worldly sorrow” and “godly sorrow?”
  • What kinds of attitudes characterize godly sorrow?
  • Have you previously confused worldly sorrow with true repentance?
  • We must consider the destructive consequences of our sin and what our sin cost God, because only godly sorrow leads to repentance and salvation.
  • Repentance is above all a matter of heart.

Luke 15:11-32 or Luke 19:1-10

  • Examples of heartfelt repentance.
  • What kind of fruit did their repentance produce?
  • How did they feel after repenting? How did God feel?
  • What will repentance look like for you?


Repentance (part II)

Ephesians 4:20-24.

  • Repentance is turning from an old life to a new one.
    • Negatively, what must be “taken off”?
    • Positively, what is the new attitude to be embraced?
  • What is “put on” in place of the “old self”?
  • Repentance orients us toward God and the true life and purpose we were created for: to become like him in righteousness and holiness.
  • What do you need to “take off” and “put on”?

2 Corinthians 7:8-11.

  • What is the difference between “worldly sorrow” and “godly sorrow?”
  • What kinds of attitudes characterize godly sorrow?
  • Have you previously confused worldly sorrow with true repentance?
  • We must consider the destructive consequences of our sin and what our sin cost God, because only godly sorrow leads to repentance and salvation.
  • Repentance is above all a matter of heart.

Luke 15:11-32 or Luke 19:1-10

  • Examples of heartfelt repentance.
  • What kind of fruit did their repentance produce?
  • How did they feel after repenting? How did God feel?
  • What will repentance look like for you?


Repentance (part II)

Ephesians 4:20-24.

  • Repentance is turning from an old life to a new one.
    • Negatively, what must be “taken off”?
    • Positively, what is the new attitude to be embraced?
  • What is “put on” in place of the “old self”?
  • Repentance orients us toward God and the true life and purpose we were created for: to become like him in righteousness and holiness.
  • What do you need to “take off” and “put on”?

2 Corinthians 7:8-11.

  • What is the difference between “worldly sorrow” and “godly sorrow?”
  • What kinds of attitudes characterize godly sorrow?
  • Have you previously confused worldly sorrow with true repentance?
  • We must consider the destructive consequences of our sin and what our sin cost God, because only godly sorrow leads to repentance and salvation.
  • Repentance is above all a matter of heart.

Luke 15:11-32 or Luke 19:1-10

  • Examples of heartfelt repentance.
  • What kind of fruit did their repentance produce?
  • How did they feel after repenting? How did God feel?
  • What will repentance look like for you?


Repentance (part II)

Ephesians 4:20-24.

  • Repentance is turning from an old life to a new one.
    • Negatively, what must be “taken off”?
    • Positively, what is the new attitude to be embraced?
  • What is “put on” in place of the “old self”?
  • Repentance orients us toward God and the true life and purpose we were created for: to become like him in righteousness and holiness.
  • What do you need to “take off” and “put on”?

2 Corinthians 7:8-11.

  • What is the difference between “worldly sorrow” and “godly sorrow?”
  • What kinds of attitudes characterize godly sorrow?
  • Have you previously confused worldly sorrow with true repentance?
  • We must consider the destructive consequences of our sin and what our sin cost God, because only godly sorrow leads to repentance and salvation.
  • Repentance is above all a matter of heart.

Luke 15:11-32 or Luke 19:1-10

  • Examples of heartfelt repentance.
  • What kind of fruit did their repentance produce?
  • How did they feel after repenting? How did God feel?
  • What will repentance look like for you?


Repentance (part II)

Ephesians 4:20-24.

  • Repentance is turning from an old life to a new one.
    • Negatively, what must be “taken off”?
    • Positively, what is the new attitude to be embraced?
  • What is “put on” in place of the “old self”?
  • Repentance orients us toward God and the true life and purpose we were created for: to become like him in righteousness and holiness.
  • What do you need to “take off” and “put on”?

2 Corinthians 7:8-11.

  • What is the difference between “worldly sorrow” and “godly sorrow?”
  • What kinds of attitudes characterize godly sorrow?
  • Have you previously confused worldly sorrow with true repentance?
  • We must consider the destructive consequences of our sin and what our sin cost God, because only godly sorrow leads to repentance and salvation.
  • Repentance is above all a matter of heart.

Luke 15:11-32 or Luke 19:1-10

  • Examples of heartfelt repentance.
  • What kind of fruit did their repentance produce?
  • How did they feel after repenting? How did God feel?
  • What will repentance look like for you?


Repentance (part II)

Ephesians 4:20-24.

  • Repentance is turning from an old life to a new one.
    • Negatively, what must be “taken off”?
    • Positively, what is the new attitude to be embraced?
  • What is “put on” in place of the “old self”?
  • Repentance orients us toward God and the true life and purpose we were created for: to become like him in righteousness and holiness.
  • What do you need to “take off” and “put on”?

2 Corinthians 7:8-11.

  • What is the difference between “worldly sorrow” and “godly sorrow?”
  • What kinds of attitudes characterize godly sorrow?
  • Have you previously confused worldly sorrow with true repentance?
  • We must consider the destructive consequences of our sin and what our sin cost God, because only godly sorrow leads to repentance and salvation.
  • Repentance is above all a matter of heart.

Luke 15:11-32 or Luke 19:1-10

  • Examples of heartfelt repentance.
  • What kind of fruit did their repentance produce?
  • How did they feel after repenting? How did God feel?
  • What will repentance look like for you?


Repentance (part II)

Ephesians 4:20-24.

  • Repentance is turning from an old life to a new one.
    • Negatively, what must be “taken off”?
    • Positively, what is the new attitude to be embraced?
  • What is “put on” in place of the “old self”?
  • Repentance orients us toward God and the true life and purpose we were created for: to become like him in righteousness and holiness.
  • What do you need to “take off” and “put on”?

2 Corinthians 7:8-11.

  • What is the difference between “worldly sorrow” and “godly sorrow?”
  • What kinds of attitudes characterize godly sorrow?
  • Have you previously confused worldly sorrow with true repentance?
  • We must consider the destructive consequences of our sin and what our sin cost God, because only godly sorrow leads to repentance and salvation.
  • Repentance is above all a matter of heart.

Luke 15:11-32 or Luke 19:1-10

  • Examples of heartfelt repentance.
  • What kind of fruit did their repentance produce?
  • How did they feel after repenting? How did God feel?
  • What will repentance look like for you?


Repentance (part II)

Ephesians 4:20-24.

  • Repentance is turning from an old life to a new one.
    • Negatively, what must be “taken off”?
    • Positively, what is the new attitude to be embraced?
  • What is “put on” in place of the “old self”?
  • Repentance orients us toward God and the true life and purpose we were created for: to become like him in righteousness and holiness.
  • What do you need to “take off” and “put on”?

2 Corinthians 7:8-11.

  • What is the difference between “worldly sorrow” and “godly sorrow?”
  • What kinds of attitudes characterize godly sorrow?
  • Have you previously confused worldly sorrow with true repentance?
  • We must consider the destructive consequences of our sin and what our sin cost God, because only godly sorrow leads to repentance and salvation.
  • Repentance is above all a matter of heart.

Luke 15:11-32 or Luke 19:1-10

  • Examples of heartfelt repentance.
  • What kind of fruit did their repentance produce?
  • How did they feel after repenting? How did God feel?
  • What will repentance look like for you?


Repentance (part II)

Ephesians 4:20-24.

  • Repentance is turning from an old life to a new one.
    • Negatively, what must be “taken off”?
    • Positively, what is the new attitude to be embraced?
  • What is “put on” in place of the “old self”?
  • Repentance orients us toward God and the true life and purpose we were created for: to become like him in righteousness and holiness.
  • What do you need to “take off” and “put on”?

2 Corinthians 7:8-11.

  • What is the difference between “worldly sorrow” and “godly sorrow?”
  • What kinds of attitudes characterize godly sorrow?
  • Have you previously confused worldly sorrow with true repentance?
  • We must consider the destructive consequences of our sin and what our sin cost God, because only godly sorrow leads to repentance and salvation.
  • Repentance is above all a matter of heart.

Luke 15:11-32 or Luke 19:1-10

  • Examples of heartfelt repentance.
  • What kind of fruit did their repentance produce?
  • How did they feel after repenting? How did God feel?
  • What will repentance look like for you?


Repentance (part II)

Ephesians 4:20-24.

  • Repentance is turning from an old life to a new one.
    • Negatively, what must be “taken off”?
    • Positively, what is the new attitude to be embraced?
  • What is “put on” in place of the “old self”?
  • Repentance orients us toward God and the true life and purpose we were created for: to become like him in righteousness and holiness.
  • What do you need to “take off” and “put on”?

2 Corinthians 7:8-11.

  • What is the difference between “worldly sorrow” and “godly sorrow?”
  • What kinds of attitudes characterize godly sorrow?
  • Have you previously confused worldly sorrow with true repentance?
  • We must consider the destructive consequences of our sin and what our sin cost God, because only godly sorrow leads to repentance and salvation.
  • Repentance is above all a matter of heart.

Luke 15:11-32 or Luke 19:1-10

  • Examples of heartfelt repentance.
  • What kind of fruit did their repentance produce?
  • How did they feel after repenting? How did God feel?
  • What will repentance look like for you?


Repentance (part II)

Ephesians 4:20-24.

  • Repentance is turning from an old life to a new one.
    • Negatively, what must be “taken off”?
    • Positively, what is the new attitude to be embraced?
  • What is “put on” in place of the “old self”?
  • Repentance orients us toward God and the true life and purpose we were created for: to become like him in righteousness and holiness.
  • What do you need to “take off” and “put on”?

2 Corinthians 7:8-11.

  • What is the difference between “worldly sorrow” and “godly sorrow?”
  • What kinds of attitudes characterize godly sorrow?
  • Have you previously confused worldly sorrow with true repentance?
  • We must consider the destructive consequences of our sin and what our sin cost God, because only godly sorrow leads to repentance and salvation.
  • Repentance is above all a matter of heart.

Luke 15:11-32 or Luke 19:1-10

  • Examples of heartfelt repentance.
  • What kind of fruit did their repentance produce?
  • How did they feel after repenting? How did God feel?
  • What will repentance look like for you?


Repentance (part II)

Ephesians 4:20-24.

  • Repentance is turning from an old life to a new one.
    • Negatively, what must be “taken off”?
    • Positively, what is the new attitude to be embraced?
  • What is “put on” in place of the “old self”?
  • Repentance orients us toward God and the true life and purpose we were created for: to become like him in righteousness and holiness.
  • What do you need to “take off” and “put on”?

2 Corinthians 7:8-11.

  • What is the difference between “worldly sorrow” and “godly sorrow?”
  • What kinds of attitudes characterize godly sorrow?
  • Have you previously confused worldly sorrow with true repentance?
  • We must consider the destructive consequences of our sin and what our sin cost God, because only godly sorrow leads to repentance and salvation.
  • Repentance is above all a matter of heart.

Luke 15:11-32 or Luke 19:1-10

  • Examples of heartfelt repentance.
  • What kind of fruit did their repentance produce?
  • How did they feel after repenting? How did God feel?
  • What will repentance look like for you?


Repentance (part II)

Ephesians 4:20-24.

  • Repentance is turning from an old life to a new one.
    • Negatively, what must be “taken off”?
    • Positively, what is the new attitude to be embraced?
  • What is “put on” in place of the “old self”?
  • Repentance orients us toward God and the true life and purpose we were created for: to become like him in righteousness and holiness.
  • What do you need to “take off” and “put on”?

2 Corinthians 7:8-11.

  • What is the difference between “worldly sorrow” and “godly sorrow?”
  • What kinds of attitudes characterize godly sorrow?
  • Have you previously confused worldly sorrow with true repentance?
  • We must consider the destructive consequences of our sin and what our sin cost God, because only godly sorrow leads to repentance and salvation.
  • Repentance is above all a matter of heart.

Luke 15:11-32 or Luke 19:1-10

  • Examples of heartfelt repentance.
  • What kind of fruit did their repentance produce?
  • How did they feel after repenting? How did God feel?
  • What will repentance look like for you?


Repentance (part II)

Ephesians 4:20-24.

  • Repentance is turning from an old life to a new one.
    • Negatively, what must be “taken off”?
    • Positively, what is the new attitude to be embraced?
  • What is “put on” in place of the “old self”?
  • Repentance orients us toward God and the true life and purpose we were created for: to become like him in righteousness and holiness.
  • What do you need to “take off” and “put on”?

2 Corinthians 7:8-11.

  • What is the difference between “worldly sorrow” and “godly sorrow?”
  • What kinds of attitudes characterize godly sorrow?
  • Have you previously confused worldly sorrow with true repentance?
  • We must consider the destructive consequences of our sin and what our sin cost God, because only godly sorrow leads to repentance and salvation.
  • Repentance is above all a matter of heart.

Luke 15:11-32 or Luke 19:1-10

  • Examples of heartfelt repentance.
  • What kind of fruit did their repentance produce?
  • How did they feel after repenting? How did God feel?
  • What will repentance look like for you?


Repentance (part II)

Ephesians 4:20-24.

  • Repentance is turning from an old life to a new one.
    • Negatively, what must be “taken off”?
    • Positively, what is the new attitude to be embraced?
  • What is “put on” in place of the “old self”?
  • Repentance orients us toward God and the true life and purpose we were created for: to become like him in righteousness and holiness.
  • What do you need to “take off” and “put on”?

2 Corinthians 7:8-11.

  • What is the difference between “worldly sorrow” and “godly sorrow?”
  • What kinds of attitudes characterize godly sorrow?
  • Have you previously confused worldly sorrow with true repentance?
  • We must consider the destructive consequences of our sin and what our sin cost God, because only godly sorrow leads to repentance and salvation.
  • Repentance is above all a matter of heart.

Luke 15:11-32 or Luke 19:1-10

  • Examples of heartfelt repentance.
  • What kind of fruit did their repentance produce?
  • How did they feel after repenting? How did God feel?
  • What will repentance look like for you?


Repentance (part II)

Ephesians 4:20-24.

  • Repentance is turning from an old life to a new one.
    • Negatively, what must be “taken off”?
    • Positively, what is the new attitude to be embraced?
  • What is “put on” in place of the “old self”?
  • Repentance orients us toward God and the true life and purpose we were created for: to become like him in righteousness and holiness.
  • What do you need to “take off” and “put on”?

2 Corinthians 7:8-11.

  • What is the difference between “worldly sorrow” and “godly sorrow?”
  • What kinds of attitudes characterize godly sorrow?
  • Have you previously confused worldly sorrow with true repentance?
  • We must consider the destructive consequences of our sin and what our sin cost God, because only godly sorrow leads to repentance and salvation.
  • Repentance is above all a matter of heart.

Luke 15:11-32 or Luke 19:1-10

  • Examples of heartfelt repentance.
  • What kind of fruit did their repentance produce?
  • How did they feel after repenting? How did God feel?
  • What will repentance look like for you?


Repentance (part II)

Ephesians 4:20-24.

  • Repentance is turning from an old life to a new one.
    • Negatively, what must be “taken off”?
    • Positively, what is the new attitude to be embraced?
  • What is “put on” in place of the “old self”?
  • Repentance orients us toward God and the true life and purpose we were created for: to become like him in righteousness and holiness.
  • What do you need to “take off” and “put on”?

2 Corinthians 7:8-11.

  • What is the difference between “worldly sorrow” and “godly sorrow?”
  • What kinds of attitudes characterize godly sorrow?
  • Have you previously confused worldly sorrow with true repentance?
  • We must consider the destructive consequences of our sin and what our sin cost God, because only godly sorrow leads to repentance and salvation.
  • Repentance is above all a matter of heart.

Luke 15:11-32 or Luke 19:1-10

  • Examples of heartfelt repentance.
  • What kind of fruit did their repentance produce?
  • How did they feel after repenting? How did God feel?
  • What will repentance look like for you?


Repentance (part II)

Ephesians 4:20-24.

  • Repentance is turning from an old life to a new one.
    • Negatively, what must be “taken off”?
    • Positively, what is the new attitude to be embraced?
  • What is “put on” in place of the “old self”?
  • Repentance orients us toward God and the true life and purpose we were created for: to become like him in righteousness and holiness.
  • What do you need to “take off” and “put on”?

2 Corinthians 7:8-11.

  • What is the difference between “worldly sorrow” and “godly sorrow?”
  • What kinds of attitudes characterize godly sorrow?
  • Have you previously confused worldly sorrow with true repentance?
  • We must consider the destructive consequences of our sin and what our sin cost God, because only godly sorrow leads to repentance and salvation.
  • Repentance is above all a matter of heart.

Luke 15:11-32 or Luke 19:1-10

  • Examples of heartfelt repentance.
  • What kind of fruit did their repentance produce?
  • How did they feel after repenting? How did God feel?
  • What will repentance look like for you?


Repentance (part II)

Ephesians 4:20-24.

  • Repentance is turning from an old life to a new one.
    • Negatively, what must be “taken off”?
    • Positively, what is the new attitude to be embraced?
  • What is “put on” in place of the “old self”?
  • Repentance orients us toward God and the true life and purpose we were created for: to become like him in righteousness and holiness.
  • What do you need to “take off” and “put on”?

2 Corinthians 7:8-11.

  • What is the difference between “worldly sorrow” and “godly sorrow?”
  • What kinds of attitudes characterize godly sorrow?
  • Have you previously confused worldly sorrow with true repentance?
  • We must consider the destructive consequences of our sin and what our sin cost God, because only godly sorrow leads to repentance and salvation.
  • Repentance is above all a matter of heart.

Luke 15:11-32 or Luke 19:1-10

  • Examples of heartfelt repentance.
  • What kind of fruit did their repentance produce?
  • How did they feel after repenting? How did God feel?
  • What will repentance look like for you?


Repentance (part II)

Ephesians 4:20-24.

  • Repentance is turning from an old life to a new one.
    • Negatively, what must be “taken off”?
    • Positively, what is the new attitude to be embraced?
  • What is “put on” in place of the “old self”?
  • Repentance orients us toward God and the true life and purpose we were created for: to become like him in righteousness and holiness.
  • What do you need to “take off” and “put on”?

2 Corinthians 7:8-11.

  • What is the difference between “worldly sorrow” and “godly sorrow?”
  • What kinds of attitudes characterize godly sorrow?
  • Have you previously confused worldly sorrow with true repentance?
  • We must consider the destructive consequences of our sin and what our sin cost God, because only godly sorrow leads to repentance and salvation.
  • Repentance is above all a matter of heart.

Luke 15:11-32 or Luke 19:1-10

  • Examples of heartfelt repentance.
  • What kind of fruit did their repentance produce?
  • How did they feel after repenting? How did God feel?
  • What will repentance look like for you?


Repentance (part II)

Ephesians 4:20-24.

  • Repentance is turning from an old life to a new one.
    • Negatively, what must be “taken off”?
    • Positively, what is the new attitude to be embraced?
  • What is “put on” in place of the “old self”?
  • Repentance orients us toward God and the true life and purpose we were created for: to become like him in righteousness and holiness.
  • What do you need to “take off” and “put on”?

2 Corinthians 7:8-11.

  • What is the difference between “worldly sorrow” and “godly sorrow?”
  • What kinds of attitudes characterize godly sorrow?
  • Have you previously confused worldly sorrow with true repentance?
  • We must consider the destructive consequences of our sin and what our sin cost God, because only godly sorrow leads to repentance and salvation.
  • Repentance is above all a matter of heart.

Luke 15:11-32 or Luke 19:1-10

  • Examples of heartfelt repentance.
  • What kind of fruit did their repentance produce?
  • How did they feel after repenting? How did God feel?
  • What will repentance look like for you?


Repentance (part II)

Ephesians 4:20-24.

  • Repentance is turning from an old life to a new one.
    • Negatively, what must be “taken off”?
    • Positively, what is the new attitude to be embraced?
  • What is “put on” in place of the “old self”?
  • Repentance orients us toward God and the true life and purpose we were created for: to become like him in righteousness and holiness.
  • What do you need to “take off” and “put on”?

2 Corinthians 7:8-11.

  • What is the difference between “worldly sorrow” and “godly sorrow?”
  • What kinds of attitudes characterize godly sorrow?
  • Have you previously confused worldly sorrow with true repentance?
  • We must consider the destructive consequences of our sin and what our sin cost God, because only godly sorrow leads to repentance and salvation.
  • Repentance is above all a matter of heart.

Luke 15:11-32 or Luke 19:1-10

  • Examples of heartfelt repentance.
  • What kind of fruit did their repentance produce?
  • How did they feel after repenting? How did God feel?
  • What will repentance look like for you?


Repentance (part II)

Ephesians 4:20-24.

  • Repentance is turning from an old life to a new one.
    • Negatively, what must be “taken off”?
    • Positively, what is the new attitude to be embraced?
  • What is “put on” in place of the “old self”?
  • Repentance orients us toward God and the true life and purpose we were created for: to become like him in righteousness and holiness.
  • What do you need to “take off” and “put on”?

2 Corinthians 7:8-11.

  • What is the difference between “worldly sorrow” and “godly sorrow?”
  • What kinds of attitudes characterize godly sorrow?
  • Have you previously confused worldly sorrow with true repentance?
  • We must consider the destructive consequences of our sin and what our sin cost God, because only godly sorrow leads to repentance and salvation.
  • Repentance is above all a matter of heart.

Luke 15:11-32 or Luke 19:1-10

  • Examples of heartfelt repentance.
  • What kind of fruit did their repentance produce?
  • How did they feel after repenting? How did God feel?
  • What will repentance look like for you?


Repentance (part II)

Ephesians 4:20-24.

  • Repentance is turning from an old life to a new one.
    • Negatively, what must be “taken off”?
    • Positively, what is the new attitude to be embraced?
  • What is “put on” in place of the “old self”?
  • Repentance orients us toward God and the true life and purpose we were created for: to become like him in righteousness and holiness.
  • What do you need to “take off” and “put on”?

2 Corinthians 7:8-11.

  • What is the difference between “worldly sorrow” and “godly sorrow?”
  • What kinds of attitudes characterize godly sorrow?
  • Have you previously confused worldly sorrow with true repentance?
  • We must consider the destructive consequences of our sin and what our sin cost God, because only godly sorrow leads to repentance and salvation.
  • Repentance is above all a matter of heart.

Luke 15:11-32 or Luke 19:1-10

  • Examples of heartfelt repentance.
  • What kind of fruit did their repentance produce?
  • How did they feel after repenting? How did God feel?
  • What will repentance look like for you?


Repentance (part II)

Ephesians 4:20-24.

  • Repentance is turning from an old life to a new one.
    • Negatively, what must be “taken off”?
    • Positively, what is the new attitude to be embraced?
  • What is “put on” in place of the “old self”?
  • Repentance orients us toward God and the true life and purpose we were created for: to become like him in righteousness and holiness.
  • What do you need to “take off” and “put on”?

2 Corinthians 7:8-11.

  • What is the difference between “worldly sorrow” and “godly sorrow?”
  • What kinds of attitudes characterize godly sorrow?
  • Have you previously confused worldly sorrow with true repentance?
  • We must consider the destructive consequences of our sin and what our sin cost God, because only godly sorrow leads to repentance and salvation.
  • Repentance is above all a matter of heart.

Luke 15:11-32 or Luke 19:1-10

  • Examples of heartfelt repentance.
  • What kind of fruit did their repentance produce?
  • How did they feel after repenting? How did God feel?
  • What will repentance look like for you?


Repentance (part II)

Ephesians 4:20-24.

  • Repentance is turning from an old life to a new one.
    • Negatively, what must be “taken off”?
    • Positively, what is the new attitude to be embraced?
  • What is “put on” in place of the “old self”?
  • Repentance orients us toward God and the true life and purpose we were created for: to become like him in righteousness and holiness.
  • What do you need to “take off” and “put on”?

2 Corinthians 7:8-11.

  • What is the difference between “worldly sorrow” and “godly sorrow?”
  • What kinds of attitudes characterize godly sorrow?
  • Have you previously confused worldly sorrow with true repentance?
  • We must consider the destructive consequences of our sin and what our sin cost God, because only godly sorrow leads to repentance and salvation.
  • Repentance is above all a matter of heart.

Luke 15:11-32 or Luke 19:1-10

  • Examples of heartfelt repentance.
  • What kind of fruit did their repentance produce?
  • How did they feel after repenting? How did God feel?
  • What will repentance look like for you?


Repentance (part II)

Ephesians 4:20-24.

  • Repentance is turning from an old life to a new one.
    • Negatively, what must be “taken off”?
    • Positively, what is the new attitude to be embraced?
  • What is “put on” in place of the “old self”?
  • Repentance orients us toward God and the true life and purpose we were created for: to become like him in righteousness and holiness.
  • What do you need to “take off” and “put on”?

2 Corinthians 7:8-11.

  • What is the difference between “worldly sorrow” and “godly sorrow?”
  • What kinds of attitudes characterize godly sorrow?
  • Have you previously confused worldly sorrow with true repentance?
  • We must consider the destructive consequences of our sin and what our sin cost God, because only godly sorrow leads to repentance and salvation.
  • Repentance is above all a matter of heart.

Luke 15:11-32 or Luke 19:1-10

  • Examples of heartfelt repentance.
  • What kind of fruit did their repentance produce?
  • How did they feel after repenting? How did God feel?
  • What will repentance look like for you?


Repentance (part II)

Ephesians 4:20-24.

  • Repentance is turning from an old life to a new one.
    • Negatively, what must be “taken off”?
    • Positively, what is the new attitude to be embraced?
  • What is “put on” in place of the “old self”?
  • Repentance orients us toward God and the true life and purpose we were created for: to become like him in righteousness and holiness.
  • What do you need to “take off” and “put on”?

2 Corinthians 7:8-11.

  • What is the difference between “worldly sorrow” and “godly sorrow?”
  • What kinds of attitudes characterize godly sorrow?
  • Have you previously confused worldly sorrow with true repentance?
  • We must consider the destructive consequences of our sin and what our sin cost God, because only godly sorrow leads to repentance and salvation.
  • Repentance is above all a matter of heart.

Luke 15:11-32 or Luke 19:1-10

  • Examples of heartfelt repentance.
  • What kind of fruit did their repentance produce?
  • How did they feel after repenting? How did God feel?
  • What will repentance look like for you?


Repentance (part II)

Ephesians 4:20-24.

  • Repentance is turning from an old life to a new one.
    • Negatively, what must be “taken off”?
    • Positively, what is the new attitude to be embraced?
  • What is “put on” in place of the “old self”?
  • Repentance orients us toward God and the true life and purpose we were created for: to become like him in righteousness and holiness.
  • What do you need to “take off” and “put on”?

2 Corinthians 7:8-11.

  • What is the difference between “worldly sorrow” and “godly sorrow?”
  • What kinds of attitudes characterize godly sorrow?
  • Have you previously confused worldly sorrow with true repentance?
  • We must consider the destructive consequences of our sin and what our sin cost God, because only godly sorrow leads to repentance and salvation.
  • Repentance is above all a matter of heart.

Luke 15:11-32 or Luke 19:1-10

  • Examples of heartfelt repentance.
  • What kind of fruit did their repentance produce?
  • How did they feel after repenting? How did God feel?
  • What will repentance look like for you?


Repentance (part II)

Ephesians 4:20-24.

  • Repentance is turning from an old life to a new one.
    • Negatively, what must be “taken off”?
    • Positively, what is the new attitude to be embraced?
  • What is “put on” in place of the “old self”?
  • Repentance orients us toward God and the true life and purpose we were created for: to become like him in righteousness and holiness.
  • What do you need to “take off” and “put on”?

2 Corinthians 7:8-11.

  • What is the difference between “worldly sorrow” and “godly sorrow?”
  • What kinds of attitudes characterize godly sorrow?
  • Have you previously confused worldly sorrow with true repentance?
  • We must consider the destructive consequences of our sin and what our sin cost God, because only godly sorrow leads to repentance and salvation.
  • Repentance is above all a matter of heart.

Luke 15:11-32 or Luke 19:1-10

  • Examples of heartfelt repentance.
  • What kind of fruit did their repentance produce?
  • How did they feel after repenting? How did God feel?
  • What will repentance look like for you?


Repentance (part II)

Ephesians 4:20-24.

  • Repentance is turning from an old life to a new one.
    • Negatively, what must be “taken off”?
    • Positively, what is the new attitude to be embraced?
  • What is “put on” in place of the “old self”?
  • Repentance orients us toward God and the true life and purpose we were created for: to become like him in righteousness and holiness.
  • What do you need to “take off” and “put on”?

2 Corinthians 7:8-11.

  • What is the difference between “worldly sorrow” and “godly sorrow?”
  • What kinds of attitudes characterize godly sorrow?
  • Have you previously confused worldly sorrow with true repentance?
  • We must consider the destructive consequences of our sin and what our sin cost God, because only godly sorrow leads to repentance and salvation.
  • Repentance is above all a matter of heart.

Luke 15:11-32 or Luke 19:1-10

  • Examples of heartfelt repentance.
  • What kind of fruit did their repentance produce?
  • How did they feel after repenting? How did God feel?
  • What will repentance look like for you?


Repentance (part II)

Ephesians 4:20-24.

  • Repentance is turning from an old life to a new one.
    • Negatively, what must be “taken off”?
    • Positively, what is the new attitude to be embraced?
  • What is “put on” in place of the “old self”?
  • Repentance orients us toward God and the true life and purpose we were created for: to become like him in righteousness and holiness.
  • What do you need to “take off” and “put on”?

2 Corinthians 7:8-11.

  • What is the difference between “worldly sorrow” and “godly sorrow?”
  • What kinds of attitudes characterize godly sorrow?
  • Have you previously confused worldly sorrow with true repentance?
  • We must consider the destructive consequences of our sin and what our sin cost God, because only godly sorrow leads to repentance and salvation.
  • Repentance is above all a matter of heart.

Luke 15:11-32 or Luke 19:1-10

  • Examples of heartfelt repentance.
  • What kind of fruit did their repentance produce?
  • How did they feel after repenting? How did God feel?
  • What will repentance look like for you?


Discipleship (part II)

Luke 9:23-27

  • Emphasize the heart that God wants.
  • What are the three demands of discipleship in this verse?
    • What does it mean to “deny yourself?”
    • What does it mean to “take up your cross daily?”
    • What does it mean to “follow Jesus?”
  • How can we be “ashamed of Jesus and His words?”

Luke 9:57-62 - Examine the issues involved with each person - thoughtless following, excuse making
and second thoughts.

Luke 14:25-35

  • If anyone would come after me… A disciple loves Jesus more than any other person (v.26).
  • A disciple loves Jesus in spite of any persecution (v.27).
  • A disciple loves Jesus more than any possession (v.33).
  • Count the cost (vv.28-30): it’s the most important decision of your life!
  • Consider the alternatives (vv.31-32): Surrender or lose everything! It’s a decision for the rest of your life (vv.34-35).


Discipleship (part II)

Luke 9:23-27

  • Emphasize the heart that God wants.
  • What are the three demands of discipleship in this verse?
    • What does it mean to “deny yourself?”
    • What does it mean to “take up your cross daily?”
    • What does it mean to “follow Jesus?”
  • How can we be “ashamed of Jesus and His words?”

Luke 9:57-62 - Examine the issues involved with each person - thoughtless following, excuse making
and second thoughts.

Luke 14:25-35

  • If anyone would come after me… A disciple loves Jesus more than any other person (v.26).
  • A disciple loves Jesus in spite of any persecution (v.27).
  • A disciple loves Jesus more than any possession (v.33).
  • Count the cost (vv.28-30): it’s the most important decision of your life!
  • Consider the alternatives (vv.31-32): Surrender or lose everything! It’s a decision for the rest of your life (vv.34-35).


Discipleship (part II)

Luke 9:23-27

  • Emphasize the heart that God wants.
  • What are the three demands of discipleship in this verse?
    • What does it mean to “deny yourself?”
    • What does it mean to “take up your cross daily?”
    • What does it mean to “follow Jesus?”
  • How can we be “ashamed of Jesus and His words?”

Luke 9:57-62 - Examine the issues involved with each person - thoughtless following, excuse making
and second thoughts.

Luke 14:25-35

  • If anyone would come after me… A disciple loves Jesus more than any other person (v.26).
  • A disciple loves Jesus in spite of any persecution (v.27).
  • A disciple loves Jesus more than any possession (v.33).
  • Count the cost (vv.28-30): it’s the most important decision of your life!
  • Consider the alternatives (vv.31-32): Surrender or lose everything! It’s a decision for the rest of your life (vv.34-35).


Discipleship (part II)

Luke 9:23-27

  • Emphasize the heart that God wants.
  • What are the three demands of discipleship in this verse?
    • What does it mean to “deny yourself?”
    • What does it mean to “take up your cross daily?”
    • What does it mean to “follow Jesus?”
  • How can we be “ashamed of Jesus and His words?”

Luke 9:57-62 - Examine the issues involved with each person - thoughtless following, excuse making
and second thoughts.

Luke 14:25-35

  • If anyone would come after me… A disciple loves Jesus more than any other person (v.26).
  • A disciple loves Jesus in spite of any persecution (v.27).
  • A disciple loves Jesus more than any possession (v.33).
  • Count the cost (vv.28-30): it’s the most important decision of your life!
  • Consider the alternatives (vv.31-32): Surrender or lose everything! It’s a decision for the rest of your life (vv.34-35).


Discipleship (part II)

Luke 9:23-27

  • Emphasize the heart that God wants.
  • What are the three demands of discipleship in this verse?
    • What does it mean to “deny yourself?”
    • What does it mean to “take up your cross daily?”
    • What does it mean to “follow Jesus?”
  • How can we be “ashamed of Jesus and His words?”

Luke 9:57-62 - Examine the issues involved with each person - thoughtless following, excuse making
and second thoughts.

Luke 14:25-35

  • If anyone would come after me… A disciple loves Jesus more than any other person (v.26).
  • A disciple loves Jesus in spite of any persecution (v.27).
  • A disciple loves Jesus more than any possession (v.33).
  • Count the cost (vv.28-30): it’s the most important decision of your life!
  • Consider the alternatives (vv.31-32): Surrender or lose everything! It’s a decision for the rest of your life (vv.34-35).


Discipleship (part II)

Luke 9:23-27

  • Emphasize the heart that God wants.
  • What are the three demands of discipleship in this verse?
    • What does it mean to “deny yourself?”
    • What does it mean to “take up your cross daily?”
    • What does it mean to “follow Jesus?”
  • How can we be “ashamed of Jesus and His words?”

Luke 9:57-62 - Examine the issues involved with each person - thoughtless following, excuse making
and second thoughts.

Luke 14:25-35

  • If anyone would come after me… A disciple loves Jesus more than any other person (v.26).
  • A disciple loves Jesus in spite of any persecution (v.27).
  • A disciple loves Jesus more than any possession (v.33).
  • Count the cost (vv.28-30): it’s the most important decision of your life!
  • Consider the alternatives (vv.31-32): Surrender or lose everything! It’s a decision for the rest of your life (vv.34-35).


Discipleship (part II)

Luke 9:23-27

  • Emphasize the heart that God wants.
  • What are the three demands of discipleship in this verse?
    • What does it mean to “deny yourself?”
    • What does it mean to “take up your cross daily?”
    • What does it mean to “follow Jesus?”
  • How can we be “ashamed of Jesus and His words?”

Luke 9:57-62 - Examine the issues involved with each person - thoughtless following, excuse making
and second thoughts.

Luke 14:25-35

  • If anyone would come after me… A disciple loves Jesus more than any other person (v.26).
  • A disciple loves Jesus in spite of any persecution (v.27).
  • A disciple loves Jesus more than any possession (v.33).
  • Count the cost (vv.28-30): it’s the most important decision of your life!
  • Consider the alternatives (vv.31-32): Surrender or lose everything! It’s a decision for the rest of your life (vv.34-35).


Discipleship (part II)

Luke 9:23-27

  • Emphasize the heart that God wants.
  • What are the three demands of discipleship in this verse?
    • What does it mean to “deny yourself?”
    • What does it mean to “take up your cross daily?”
    • What does it mean to “follow Jesus?”
  • How can we be “ashamed of Jesus and His words?”

Luke 9:57-62 - Examine the issues involved with each person - thoughtless following, excuse making
and second thoughts.

Luke 14:25-35

  • If anyone would come after me… A disciple loves Jesus more than any other person (v.26).
  • A disciple loves Jesus in spite of any persecution (v.27).
  • A disciple loves Jesus more than any possession (v.33).
  • Count the cost (vv.28-30): it’s the most important decision of your life!
  • Consider the alternatives (vv.31-32): Surrender or lose everything! It’s a decision for the rest of your life (vv.34-35).


Discipleship (part II)

Luke 9:23-27

  • Emphasize the heart that God wants.
  • What are the three demands of discipleship in this verse?
    • What does it mean to “deny yourself?”
    • What does it mean to “take up your cross daily?”
    • What does it mean to “follow Jesus?”
  • How can we be “ashamed of Jesus and His words?”

Luke 9:57-62 - Examine the issues involved with each person - thoughtless following, excuse making
and second thoughts.

Luke 14:25-35

  • If anyone would come after me… A disciple loves Jesus more than any other person (v.26).
  • A disciple loves Jesus in spite of any persecution (v.27).
  • A disciple loves Jesus more than any possession (v.33).
  • Count the cost (vv.28-30): it’s the most important decision of your life!
  • Consider the alternatives (vv.31-32): Surrender or lose everything! It’s a decision for the rest of your life (vv.34-35).


Discipleship (part II)

Luke 9:23-27

  • Emphasize the heart that God wants.
  • What are the three demands of discipleship in this verse?
    • What does it mean to “deny yourself?”
    • What does it mean to “take up your cross daily?”
    • What does it mean to “follow Jesus?”
  • How can we be “ashamed of Jesus and His words?”

Luke 9:57-62 - Examine the issues involved with each person - thoughtless following, excuse making
and second thoughts.

Luke 14:25-35

  • If anyone would come after me… A disciple loves Jesus more than any other person (v.26).
  • A disciple loves Jesus in spite of any persecution (v.27).
  • A disciple loves Jesus more than any possession (v.33).
  • Count the cost (vv.28-30): it’s the most important decision of your life!
  • Consider the alternatives (vv.31-32): Surrender or lose everything! It’s a decision for the rest of your life (vv.34-35).


Discipleship (part II)

Luke 9:23-27

  • Emphasize the heart that God wants.
  • What are the three demands of discipleship in this verse?
    • What does it mean to “deny yourself?”
    • What does it mean to “take up your cross daily?”
    • What does it mean to “follow Jesus?”
  • How can we be “ashamed of Jesus and His words?”

Luke 9:57-62 - Examine the issues involved with each person - thoughtless following, excuse making
and second thoughts.

Luke 14:25-35

  • If anyone would come after me… A disciple loves Jesus more than any other person (v.26).
  • A disciple loves Jesus in spite of any persecution (v.27).
  • A disciple loves Jesus more than any possession (v.33).
  • Count the cost (vv.28-30): it’s the most important decision of your life!
  • Consider the alternatives (vv.31-32): Surrender or lose everything! It’s a decision for the rest of your life (vv.34-35).


Discipleship (part II)

Luke 9:23-27

  • Emphasize the heart that God wants.
  • What are the three demands of discipleship in this verse?
    • What does it mean to “deny yourself?”
    • What does it mean to “take up your cross daily?”
    • What does it mean to “follow Jesus?”
  • How can we be “ashamed of Jesus and His words?”

Luke 9:57-62 - Examine the issues involved with each person - thoughtless following, excuse making
and second thoughts.

Luke 14:25-35

  • If anyone would come after me… A disciple loves Jesus more than any other person (v.26).
  • A disciple loves Jesus in spite of any persecution (v.27).
  • A disciple loves Jesus more than any possession (v.33).
  • Count the cost (vv.28-30): it’s the most important decision of your life!
  • Consider the alternatives (vv.31-32): Surrender or lose everything! It’s a decision for the rest of your life (vv.34-35).


Discipleship (part II)

Luke 9:23-27

  • Emphasize the heart that God wants.
  • What are the three demands of discipleship in this verse?
    • What does it mean to “deny yourself?”
    • What does it mean to “take up your cross daily?”
    • What does it mean to “follow Jesus?”
  • How can we be “ashamed of Jesus and His words?”

Luke 9:57-62 - Examine the issues involved with each person - thoughtless following, excuse making
and second thoughts.

Luke 14:25-35

  • If anyone would come after me… A disciple loves Jesus more than any other person (v.26).
  • A disciple loves Jesus in spite of any persecution (v.27).
  • A disciple loves Jesus more than any possession (v.33).
  • Count the cost (vv.28-30): it’s the most important decision of your life!
  • Consider the alternatives (vv.31-32): Surrender or lose everything! It’s a decision for the rest of your life (vv.34-35).


Discipleship (part II)

Luke 9:23-27

  • Emphasize the heart that God wants.
  • What are the three demands of discipleship in this verse?
    • What does it mean to “deny yourself?”
    • What does it mean to “take up your cross daily?”
    • What does it mean to “follow Jesus?”
  • How can we be “ashamed of Jesus and His words?”

Luke 9:57-62 - Examine the issues involved with each person - thoughtless following, excuse making
and second thoughts.

Luke 14:25-35

  • If anyone would come after me… A disciple loves Jesus more than any other person (v.26).
  • A disciple loves Jesus in spite of any persecution (v.27).
  • A disciple loves Jesus more than any possession (v.33).
  • Count the cost (vv.28-30): it’s the most important decision of your life!
  • Consider the alternatives (vv.31-32): Surrender or lose everything! It’s a decision for the rest of your life (vv.34-35).


Discipleship (part II)

Luke 9:23-27

  • Emphasize the heart that God wants.
  • What are the three demands of discipleship in this verse?
    • What does it mean to “deny yourself?”
    • What does it mean to “take up your cross daily?”
    • What does it mean to “follow Jesus?”
  • How can we be “ashamed of Jesus and His words?”

Luke 9:57-62 - Examine the issues involved with each person - thoughtless following, excuse making
and second thoughts.

Luke 14:25-35

  • If anyone would come after me… A disciple loves Jesus more than any other person (v.26).
  • A disciple loves Jesus in spite of any persecution (v.27).
  • A disciple loves Jesus more than any possession (v.33).
  • Count the cost (vv.28-30): it’s the most important decision of your life!
  • Consider the alternatives (vv.31-32): Surrender or lose everything! It’s a decision for the rest of your life (vv.34-35).


Discipleship (part II)

Luke 9:23-27

  • Emphasize the heart that God wants.
  • What are the three demands of discipleship in this verse?
    • What does it mean to “deny yourself?”
    • What does it mean to “take up your cross daily?”
    • What does it mean to “follow Jesus?”
  • How can we be “ashamed of Jesus and His words?”

Luke 9:57-62 - Examine the issues involved with each person - thoughtless following, excuse making
and second thoughts.

Luke 14:25-35

  • If anyone would come after me… A disciple loves Jesus more than any other person (v.26).
  • A disciple loves Jesus in spite of any persecution (v.27).
  • A disciple loves Jesus more than any possession (v.33).
  • Count the cost (vv.28-30): it’s the most important decision of your life!
  • Consider the alternatives (vv.31-32): Surrender or lose everything! It’s a decision for the rest of your life (vv.34-35).


Discipleship (part II)

Luke 9:23-27

  • Emphasize the heart that God wants.
  • What are the three demands of discipleship in this verse?
    • What does it mean to “deny yourself?”
    • What does it mean to “take up your cross daily?”
    • What does it mean to “follow Jesus?”
  • How can we be “ashamed of Jesus and His words?”

Luke 9:57-62 - Examine the issues involved with each person - thoughtless following, excuse making
and second thoughts.

Luke 14:25-35

  • If anyone would come after me… A disciple loves Jesus more than any other person (v.26).
  • A disciple loves Jesus in spite of any persecution (v.27).
  • A disciple loves Jesus more than any possession (v.33).
  • Count the cost (vv.28-30): it’s the most important decision of your life!
  • Consider the alternatives (vv.31-32): Surrender or lose everything! It’s a decision for the rest of your life (vv.34-35).


Discipleship (part II)

Luke 9:23-27

  • Emphasize the heart that God wants.
  • What are the three demands of discipleship in this verse?
    • What does it mean to “deny yourself?”
    • What does it mean to “take up your cross daily?”
    • What does it mean to “follow Jesus?”
  • How can we be “ashamed of Jesus and His words?”

Luke 9:57-62 - Examine the issues involved with each person - thoughtless following, excuse making
and second thoughts.

Luke 14:25-35

  • If anyone would come after me… A disciple loves Jesus more than any other person (v.26).
  • A disciple loves Jesus in spite of any persecution (v.27).
  • A disciple loves Jesus more than any possession (v.33).
  • Count the cost (vv.28-30): it’s the most important decision of your life!
  • Consider the alternatives (vv.31-32): Surrender or lose everything! It’s a decision for the rest of your life (vv.34-35).


Discipleship (part II)

Luke 9:23-27

  • Emphasize the heart that God wants.
  • What are the three demands of discipleship in this verse?
    • What does it mean to “deny yourself?”
    • What does it mean to “take up your cross daily?”
    • What does it mean to “follow Jesus?”
  • How can we be “ashamed of Jesus and His words?”

Luke 9:57-62 - Examine the issues involved with each person - thoughtless following, excuse making
and second thoughts.

Luke 14:25-35

  • If anyone would come after me… A disciple loves Jesus more than any other person (v.26).
  • A disciple loves Jesus in spite of any persecution (v.27).
  • A disciple loves Jesus more than any possession (v.33).
  • Count the cost (vv.28-30): it’s the most important decision of your life!
  • Consider the alternatives (vv.31-32): Surrender or lose everything! It’s a decision for the rest of your life (vv.34-35).


Discipleship (part II)

Luke 9:23-27

  • Emphasize the heart that God wants.
  • What are the three demands of discipleship in this verse?
    • What does it mean to “deny yourself?”
    • What does it mean to “take up your cross daily?”
    • What does it mean to “follow Jesus?”
  • How can we be “ashamed of Jesus and His words?”

Luke 9:57-62 - Examine the issues involved with each person - thoughtless following, excuse making
and second thoughts.

Luke 14:25-35

  • If anyone would come after me… A disciple loves Jesus more than any other person (v.26).
  • A disciple loves Jesus in spite of any persecution (v.27).
  • A disciple loves Jesus more than any possession (v.33).
  • Count the cost (vv.28-30): it’s the most important decision of your life!
  • Consider the alternatives (vv.31-32): Surrender or lose everything! It’s a decision for the rest of your life (vv.34-35).


Discipleship (part II)

Luke 9:23-27

  • Emphasize the heart that God wants.
  • What are the three demands of discipleship in this verse?
    • What does it mean to “deny yourself?”
    • What does it mean to “take up your cross daily?”
    • What does it mean to “follow Jesus?”
  • How can we be “ashamed of Jesus and His words?”

Luke 9:57-62 - Examine the issues involved with each person - thoughtless following, excuse making
and second thoughts.

Luke 14:25-35

  • If anyone would come after me… A disciple loves Jesus more than any other person (v.26).
  • A disciple loves Jesus in spite of any persecution (v.27).
  • A disciple loves Jesus more than any possession (v.33).
  • Count the cost (vv.28-30): it’s the most important decision of your life!
  • Consider the alternatives (vv.31-32): Surrender or lose everything! It’s a decision for the rest of your life (vv.34-35).


Discipleship (part II)

Luke 9:23-27

  • Emphasize the heart that God wants.
  • What are the three demands of discipleship in this verse?
    • What does it mean to “deny yourself?”
    • What does it mean to “take up your cross daily?”
    • What does it mean to “follow Jesus?”
  • How can we be “ashamed of Jesus and His words?”

Luke 9:57-62 - Examine the issues involved with each person - thoughtless following, excuse making
and second thoughts.

Luke 14:25-35

  • If anyone would come after me… A disciple loves Jesus more than any other person (v.26).
  • A disciple loves Jesus in spite of any persecution (v.27).
  • A disciple loves Jesus more than any possession (v.33).
  • Count the cost (vv.28-30): it’s the most important decision of your life!
  • Consider the alternatives (vv.31-32): Surrender or lose everything! It’s a decision for the rest of your life (vv.34-35).


Followup - The New Testament Church (part II)
A picture of the New Testament Church (continued)

4. Giving
  • Generously - 2 Corinthians 8:1-5, 9:6-11, Luke 16:13-16
  • Weekly - 1 Corinthians 16:1
  • To advance the gospel - Philippians 4:14-16, Titus 3:13-14
  • To meet the saints’ needs - Romans 15:25-27, Acts 2:44-45
5. Preaching - 1 Timothy 4:13, 2 Timothy 4:2

Work

  1. Evangelism - Philippians 2:14-16, Colossians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 1:8, 1 Peter 2:9
  2. Serving
    • Serving food - Acts 6:1-4
    • Providing clothes - Acts 9:36-39
    • Looking after its orphans and widows - 1 Timothy 5:16, James 1:27
    • Showing hospitality - 1 Corinthians 16:5-6, 3 John 5-8, Hebrews 13:!2
    • 1 John 3:16-17, James 2:15-16, Matthew 25:34-36
Conclusion

That God may be glorified in His church - Ephesians 3:21

Followup - The New Testament Church (part II)
A picture of the New Testament Church (continued)

4. Giving
  • Generously - 2 Corinthians 8:1-5, 9:6-11, Luke 16:13-16
  • Weekly - 1 Corinthians 16:1
  • To advance the gospel - Philippians 4:14-16, Titus 3:13-14
  • To meet the saints’ needs - Romans 15:25-27, Acts 2:44-45
5. Preaching - 1 Timothy 4:13, 2 Timothy 4:2

Work

  1. Evangelism - Philippians 2:14-16, Colossians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 1:8, 1 Peter 2:9
  2. Serving
    • Serving food - Acts 6:1-4
    • Providing clothes - Acts 9:36-39
    • Looking after its orphans and widows - 1 Timothy 5:16, James 1:27
    • Showing hospitality - 1 Corinthians 16:5-6, 3 John 5-8, Hebrews 13:!2
    • 1 John 3:16-17, James 2:15-16, Matthew 25:34-36
Conclusion

That God may be glorified in His church - Ephesians 3:21

Followup - The New Testament Church (part II)
A picture of the New Testament Church (continued)

4. Giving
  • Generously - 2 Corinthians 8:1-5, 9:6-11, Luke 16:13-16
  • Weekly - 1 Corinthians 16:1
  • To advance the gospel - Philippians 4:14-16, Titus 3:13-14
  • To meet the saints’ needs - Romans 15:25-27, Acts 2:44-45
5. Preaching - 1 Timothy 4:13, 2 Timothy 4:2

Work

  1. Evangelism - Philippians 2:14-16, Colossians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 1:8, 1 Peter 2:9
  2. Serving
    • Serving food - Acts 6:1-4
    • Providing clothes - Acts 9:36-39
    • Looking after its orphans and widows - 1 Timothy 5:16, James 1:27
    • Showing hospitality - 1 Corinthians 16:5-6, 3 John 5-8, Hebrews 13:!2
    • 1 John 3:16-17, James 2:15-16, Matthew 25:34-36
Conclusion

That God may be glorified in His church - Ephesians 3:21

Followup - The New Testament Church (part II)
A picture of the New Testament Church (continued)

4. Giving
  • Generously - 2 Corinthians 8:1-5, 9:6-11, Luke 16:13-16
  • Weekly - 1 Corinthians 16:1
  • To advance the gospel - Philippians 4:14-16, Titus 3:13-14
  • To meet the saints’ needs - Romans 15:25-27, Acts 2:44-45
5. Preaching - 1 Timothy 4:13, 2 Timothy 4:2

Work

  1. Evangelism - Philippians 2:14-16, Colossians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 1:8, 1 Peter 2:9
  2. Serving
    • Serving food - Acts 6:1-4
    • Providing clothes - Acts 9:36-39
    • Looking after its orphans and widows - 1 Timothy 5:16, James 1:27
    • Showing hospitality - 1 Corinthians 16:5-6, 3 John 5-8, Hebrews 13:!2
    • 1 John 3:16-17, James 2:15-16, Matthew 25:34-36
Conclusion

That God may be glorified in His church - Ephesians 3:21

Followup - Prayer (part I)
Introduction
  1. We must understand who we are praying to: God, the Creator, All-powerful and Sovereign, and our Father.
  2. Prayer is essential for spiritual growth.
  3. Prayer is the key to deepening our relationship with God.
  4. Prayer unleashes the power of God. - James 5:16
  5. Prayer is not natural, it must be learned - Luke 11:1-4
Jesus’ Prayer Life
  1. Mark 1:35 - Jesus, although very busy, found time to pray in a place and time free from distraction.
  2. Luke 6:12 - Jesus spends all night praying to God.
  3. Hebrews 5:7 - Jesus prays with loud cries and tears.


Followup - Prayer (part I)
Introduction
  1. We must understand who we are praying to: God, the Creator, All-powerful and Sovereign, and our Father.
  2. Prayer is essential for spiritual growth.
  3. Prayer is the key to deepening our relationship with God.
  4. Prayer unleashes the power of God. - James 5:16
  5. Prayer is not natural, it must be learned - Luke 11:1-4
Jesus’ Prayer Life
  1. Mark 1:35 - Jesus, although very busy, found time to pray in a place and time free from distraction.
  2. Luke 6:12 - Jesus spends all night praying to God.
  3. Hebrews 5:7 - Jesus prays with loud cries and tears.


Followup - Prayer (part I)
Introduction
  1. We must understand who we are praying to: God, the Creator, All-powerful and Sovereign, and our Father.
  2. Prayer is essential for spiritual growth.
  3. Prayer is the key to deepening our relationship with God.
  4. Prayer unleashes the power of God. - James 5:16
  5. Prayer is not natural, it must be learned - Luke 11:1-4
Jesus’ Prayer Life
  1. Mark 1:35 - Jesus, although very busy, found time to pray in a place and time free from distraction.
  2. Luke 6:12 - Jesus spends all night praying to God.
  3. Hebrews 5:7 - Jesus prays with loud cries and tears.


Followup - Prayer (part I)
Introduction
  1. We must understand who we are praying to: God, the Creator, All-powerful and Sovereign, and our Father.
  2. Prayer is essential for spiritual growth.
  3. Prayer is the key to deepening our relationship with God.
  4. Prayer unleashes the power of God. - James 5:16
  5. Prayer is not natural, it must be learned - Luke 11:1-4
Jesus’ Prayer Life
  1. Mark 1:35 - Jesus, although very busy, found time to pray in a place and time free from distraction.
  2. Luke 6:12 - Jesus spends all night praying to God.
  3. Hebrews 5:7 - Jesus prays with loud cries and tears.


Followup - Prayer (part I)
Introduction
  1. We must understand who we are praying to: God, the Creator, All-powerful and Sovereign, and our Father.
  2. Prayer is essential for spiritual growth.
  3. Prayer is the key to deepening our relationship with God.
  4. Prayer unleashes the power of God. - James 5:16
  5. Prayer is not natural, it must be learned - Luke 11:1-4
Jesus’ Prayer Life
  1. Mark 1:35 - Jesus, although very busy, found time to pray in a place and time free from distraction.
  2. Luke 6:12 - Jesus spends all night praying to God.
  3. Hebrews 5:7 - Jesus prays with loud cries and tears.


Followup - Prayer (part II)
Key to Effective Prayer
  1. 1 Peter 4:7 - Be clear-minded and self-controlled
  2. Luke 18:1-8 - Be persistent
  3. James 5:16-18 - Personal righteousness
  4. Matthew 21:21-22 - Believe and do not doubt
  5. Psalms 5:3 - Pray daily and expect prayers to be answered
Conclusion
  1. God can and will do the impossible through prayer
  2. Prayer is vital to a dynamic walk with God.
  3. God is looking for people who will devote themselves to be close to Him. - Jeremiah 30:21


Followup - Prayer (part II)
Key to Effective Prayer
  1. 1 Peter 4:7 - Be clear-minded and self-controlled
  2. Luke 18:1-8 - Be persistent
  3. James 5:16-18 - Personal righteousness
  4. Matthew 21:21-22 - Believe and do not doubt
  5. Psalms 5:3 - Pray daily and expect prayers to be answered
Conclusion
  1. God can and will do the impossible through prayer
  2. Prayer is vital to a dynamic walk with God.
  3. God is looking for people who will devote themselves to be close to Him. - Jeremiah 30:21


Followup - Prayer (part II)
Key to Effective Prayer
  1. 1 Peter 4:7 - Be clear-minded and self-controlled
  2. Luke 18:1-8 - Be persistent
  3. James 5:16-18 - Personal righteousness
  4. Matthew 21:21-22 - Believe and do not doubt
  5. Psalms 5:3 - Pray daily and expect prayers to be answered
Conclusion
  1. God can and will do the impossible through prayer
  2. Prayer is vital to a dynamic walk with God.
  3. God is looking for people who will devote themselves to be close to Him. - Jeremiah 30:21


Followup - Prayer (part II)
Key to Effective Prayer
  1. 1 Peter 4:7 - Be clear-minded and self-controlled
  2. Luke 18:1-8 - Be persistent
  3. James 5:16-18 - Personal righteousness
  4. Matthew 21:21-22 - Believe and do not doubt
  5. Psalms 5:3 - Pray daily and expect prayers to be answered
Conclusion
  1. God can and will do the impossible through prayer
  2. Prayer is vital to a dynamic walk with God.
  3. God is looking for people who will devote themselves to be close to Him. - Jeremiah 30:21


Followup - Prayer (part II)
Key to Effective Prayer
  1. 1 Peter 4:7 - Be clear-minded and self-controlled
  2. Luke 18:1-8 - Be persistent
  3. James 5:16-18 - Personal righteousness
  4. Matthew 21:21-22 - Believe and do not doubt
  5. Psalms 5:3 - Pray daily and expect prayers to be answered
Conclusion
  1. God can and will do the impossible through prayer
  2. Prayer is vital to a dynamic walk with God.
  3. God is looking for people who will devote themselves to be close to Him. - Jeremiah 30:21


Followup - Prayer (part II)
Key to Effective Prayer
  1. 1 Peter 4:7 - Be clear-minded and self-controlled
  2. Luke 18:1-8 - Be persistent
  3. James 5:16-18 - Personal righteousness
  4. Matthew 21:21-22 - Believe and do not doubt
  5. Psalms 5:3 - Pray daily and expect prayers to be answered
Conclusion
  1. God can and will do the impossible through prayer
  2. Prayer is vital to a dynamic walk with God.
  3. God is looking for people who will devote themselves to be close to Him. - Jeremiah 30:21


Followup - Prayer (part II)
Key to Effective Prayer
  1. 1 Peter 4:7 - Be clear-minded and self-controlled
  2. Luke 18:1-8 - Be persistent
  3. James 5:16-18 - Personal righteousness
  4. Matthew 21:21-22 - Believe and do not doubt
  5. Psalms 5:3 - Pray daily and expect prayers to be answered
Conclusion
  1. God can and will do the impossible through prayer
  2. Prayer is vital to a dynamic walk with God.
  3. God is looking for people who will devote themselves to be close to Him. - Jeremiah 30:21


Followup - Prayer (part II)
Key to Effective Prayer
  1. 1 Peter 4:7 - Be clear-minded and self-controlled
  2. Luke 18:1-8 - Be persistent
  3. James 5:16-18 - Personal righteousness
  4. Matthew 21:21-22 - Believe and do not doubt
  5. Psalms 5:3 - Pray daily and expect prayers to be answered
Conclusion
  1. God can and will do the impossible through prayer
  2. Prayer is vital to a dynamic walk with God.
  3. God is looking for people who will devote themselves to be close to Him. - Jeremiah 30:21


Followup - Servant (part I)
Great Servant - Mark 10:41-45

1. There is nothing wrong with wanting to be great
Jesus didn’t confront their desire to be great, only their method
2. Greatness comes through being a servant
Your greatness in the Kingdom is only limited by your willingness to be a slave to all!

Selfless Servant - Philippians 2:5-7


1. Jesus set the pace for us by becoming a servant. He made himself nothing and had a lot further to go to become nothing than we do!

Questions
  • What are you making of yourself?
  • How much does “self” matter to you?
  • How much does “self” influence your daily decision?
2. Self-denial is the essence of service
Luke 9:23 - Must deny self daily - deny self = denying feelings


Discipleship - Kansas City (part II)
The Standard of a Disciple
Luke 9:18-26
  • Question: What were Jesus and his disciples doing? How is your prayer life?
  • Question: Why do you think the people thought so many things? Turned to men instead of God's word
  • Question: If someone wants to come after Jesus what does He say they need to do?
    • Deny self - Put God's will above your own
    • Take up his cross and crucify self - no longer live for self but to do God's will
    • Follow Jesus and imitate the life of Jesus - do the things that Jesus would do in situation
  • Question: How can you show Jesus that you want to hold to his standard?
Commitment of Following Jesus
Luke 9:57-62
  • Question: What do you think these men wanted from Jesus?
    • These men wanted the life and blessing of being with Jesus without the commitment
    • Jesus wants full commitment - like in a marriage - not 80% commitment
    • There is no good reason to NOT follow Jesus
  • Question: How can you show 100% commitment? QTs, fellowship, coming to church, BT, etc


Discipleship - Kansas City (part II)
The Standard of a Disciple
Luke 9:18-26
  • Question: What were Jesus and his disciples doing? How is your prayer life?
  • Question: Why do you think the people thought so many things? Turned to men instead of God's word
  • Question: If someone wants to come after Jesus what does He say they need to do?
    • Deny self - Put God's will above your own
    • Take up his cross and crucify self - no longer live for self but to do God's will
    • Follow Jesus and imitate the life of Jesus - do the things that Jesus would do in situation
  • Question: How can you show Jesus that you want to hold to his standard?
Commitment of Following Jesus
Luke 9:57-62
  • Question: What do you think these men wanted from Jesus?
    • These men wanted the life and blessing of being with Jesus without the commitment
    • Jesus wants full commitment - like in a marriage - not 80% commitment
    • There is no good reason to NOT follow Jesus
  • Question: How can you show 100% commitment? QTs, fellowship, coming to church, BT, etc


Discipleship - Kansas City (part II)
The Standard of a Disciple
Luke 9:18-26
  • Question: What were Jesus and his disciples doing? How is your prayer life?
  • Question: Why do you think the people thought so many things? Turned to men instead of God's word
  • Question: If someone wants to come after Jesus what does He say they need to do?
    • Deny self - Put God's will above your own
    • Take up his cross and crucify self - no longer live for self but to do God's will
    • Follow Jesus and imitate the life of Jesus - do the things that Jesus would do in situation
  • Question: How can you show Jesus that you want to hold to his standard?
Commitment of Following Jesus
Luke 9:57-62
  • Question: What do you think these men wanted from Jesus?
    • These men wanted the life and blessing of being with Jesus without the commitment
    • Jesus wants full commitment - like in a marriage - not 80% commitment
    • There is no good reason to NOT follow Jesus
  • Question: How can you show 100% commitment? QTs, fellowship, coming to church, BT, etc


Discipleship - Kansas City (part II)
The Standard of a Disciple
Luke 9:18-26
  • Question: What were Jesus and his disciples doing? How is your prayer life?
  • Question: Why do you think the people thought so many things? Turned to men instead of God's word
  • Question: If someone wants to come after Jesus what does He say they need to do?
    • Deny self - Put God's will above your own
    • Take up his cross and crucify self - no longer live for self but to do God's will
    • Follow Jesus and imitate the life of Jesus - do the things that Jesus would do in situation
  • Question: How can you show Jesus that you want to hold to his standard?
Commitment of Following Jesus
Luke 9:57-62
  • Question: What do you think these men wanted from Jesus?
    • These men wanted the life and blessing of being with Jesus without the commitment
    • Jesus wants full commitment - like in a marriage - not 80% commitment
    • There is no good reason to NOT follow Jesus
  • Question: How can you show 100% commitment? QTs, fellowship, coming to church, BT, etc


Discipleship - Kansas City (part II)
The Standard of a Disciple
Luke 9:18-26
  • Question: What were Jesus and his disciples doing? How is your prayer life?
  • Question: Why do you think the people thought so many things? Turned to men instead of God's word
  • Question: If someone wants to come after Jesus what does He say they need to do?
    • Deny self - Put God's will above your own
    • Take up his cross and crucify self - no longer live for self but to do God's will
    • Follow Jesus and imitate the life of Jesus - do the things that Jesus would do in situation
  • Question: How can you show Jesus that you want to hold to his standard?
Commitment of Following Jesus
Luke 9:57-62
  • Question: What do you think these men wanted from Jesus?
    • These men wanted the life and blessing of being with Jesus without the commitment
    • Jesus wants full commitment - like in a marriage - not 80% commitment
    • There is no good reason to NOT follow Jesus
  • Question: How can you show 100% commitment? QTs, fellowship, coming to church, BT, etc


Discipleship - Kansas City (part II)
The Standard of a Disciple
Luke 9:18-26
  • Question: What were Jesus and his disciples doing? How is your prayer life?
  • Question: Why do you think the people thought so many things? Turned to men instead of God's word
  • Question: If someone wants to come after Jesus what does He say they need to do?
    • Deny self - Put God's will above your own
    • Take up his cross and crucify self - no longer live for self but to do God's will
    • Follow Jesus and imitate the life of Jesus - do the things that Jesus would do in situation
  • Question: How can you show Jesus that you want to hold to his standard?
Commitment of Following Jesus
Luke 9:57-62
  • Question: What do you think these men wanted from Jesus?
    • These men wanted the life and blessing of being with Jesus without the commitment
    • Jesus wants full commitment - like in a marriage - not 80% commitment
    • There is no good reason to NOT follow Jesus
  • Question: How can you show 100% commitment? QTs, fellowship, coming to church, BT, etc


Discipleship - Kansas City (part II)
The Standard of a Disciple
Luke 9:18-26
  • Question: What were Jesus and his disciples doing? How is your prayer life?
  • Question: Why do you think the people thought so many things? Turned to men instead of God's word
  • Question: If someone wants to come after Jesus what does He say they need to do?
    • Deny self - Put God's will above your own
    • Take up his cross and crucify self - no longer live for self but to do God's will
    • Follow Jesus and imitate the life of Jesus - do the things that Jesus would do in situation
  • Question: How can you show Jesus that you want to hold to his standard?
Commitment of Following Jesus
Luke 9:57-62
  • Question: What do you think these men wanted from Jesus?
    • These men wanted the life and blessing of being with Jesus without the commitment
    • Jesus wants full commitment - like in a marriage - not 80% commitment
    • There is no good reason to NOT follow Jesus
  • Question: How can you show 100% commitment? QTs, fellowship, coming to church, BT, etc


Discipleship - Kansas City (part II)
The Standard of a Disciple
Luke 9:18-26
  • Question: What were Jesus and his disciples doing? How is your prayer life?
  • Question: Why do you think the people thought so many things? Turned to men instead of God's word
  • Question: If someone wants to come after Jesus what does He say they need to do?
    • Deny self - Put God's will above your own
    • Take up his cross and crucify self - no longer live for self but to do God's will
    • Follow Jesus and imitate the life of Jesus - do the things that Jesus would do in situation
  • Question: How can you show Jesus that you want to hold to his standard?
Commitment of Following Jesus
Luke 9:57-62
  • Question: What do you think these men wanted from Jesus?
    • These men wanted the life and blessing of being with Jesus without the commitment
    • Jesus wants full commitment - like in a marriage - not 80% commitment
    • There is no good reason to NOT follow Jesus
  • Question: How can you show 100% commitment? QTs, fellowship, coming to church, BT, etc


Discipleship - Kansas City (part II)
The Standard of a Disciple
Luke 9:18-26
  • Question: What were Jesus and his disciples doing? How is your prayer life?
  • Question: Why do you think the people thought so many things? Turned to men instead of God's word
  • Question: If someone wants to come after Jesus what does He say they need to do?
    • Deny self - Put God's will above your own
    • Take up his cross and crucify self - no longer live for self but to do God's will
    • Follow Jesus and imitate the life of Jesus - do the things that Jesus would do in situation
  • Question: How can you show Jesus that you want to hold to his standard?
Commitment of Following Jesus
Luke 9:57-62
  • Question: What do you think these men wanted from Jesus?
    • These men wanted the life and blessing of being with Jesus without the commitment
    • Jesus wants full commitment - like in a marriage - not 80% commitment
    • There is no good reason to NOT follow Jesus
  • Question: How can you show 100% commitment? QTs, fellowship, coming to church, BT, etc


Discipleship - Kansas City (part II)
The Standard of a Disciple
Luke 9:18-26
  • Question: What were Jesus and his disciples doing? How is your prayer life?
  • Question: Why do you think the people thought so many things? Turned to men instead of God's word
  • Question: If someone wants to come after Jesus what does He say they need to do?
    • Deny self - Put God's will above your own
    • Take up his cross and crucify self - no longer live for self but to do God's will
    • Follow Jesus and imitate the life of Jesus - do the things that Jesus would do in situation
  • Question: How can you show Jesus that you want to hold to his standard?
Commitment of Following Jesus
Luke 9:57-62
  • Question: What do you think these men wanted from Jesus?
    • These men wanted the life and blessing of being with Jesus without the commitment
    • Jesus wants full commitment - like in a marriage - not 80% commitment
    • There is no good reason to NOT follow Jesus
  • Question: How can you show 100% commitment? QTs, fellowship, coming to church, BT, etc


Discipleship - Kansas City (part II)
The Standard of a Disciple
Luke 9:18-26
  • Question: What were Jesus and his disciples doing? How is your prayer life?
  • Question: Why do you think the people thought so many things? Turned to men instead of God's word
  • Question: If someone wants to come after Jesus what does He say they need to do?
    • Deny self - Put God's will above your own
    • Take up his cross and crucify self - no longer live for self but to do God's will
    • Follow Jesus and imitate the life of Jesus - do the things that Jesus would do in situation
  • Question: How can you show Jesus that you want to hold to his standard?
Commitment of Following Jesus
Luke 9:57-62
  • Question: What do you think these men wanted from Jesus?
    • These men wanted the life and blessing of being with Jesus without the commitment
    • Jesus wants full commitment - like in a marriage - not 80% commitment
    • There is no good reason to NOT follow Jesus
  • Question: How can you show 100% commitment? QTs, fellowship, coming to church, BT, etc


Discipleship - Kansas City (part II)
The Standard of a Disciple
Luke 9:18-26
  • Question: What were Jesus and his disciples doing? How is your prayer life?
  • Question: Why do you think the people thought so many things? Turned to men instead of God's word
  • Question: If someone wants to come after Jesus what does He say they need to do?
    • Deny self - Put God's will above your own
    • Take up his cross and crucify self - no longer live for self but to do God's will
    • Follow Jesus and imitate the life of Jesus - do the things that Jesus would do in situation
  • Question: How can you show Jesus that you want to hold to his standard?
Commitment of Following Jesus
Luke 9:57-62
  • Question: What do you think these men wanted from Jesus?
    • These men wanted the life and blessing of being with Jesus without the commitment
    • Jesus wants full commitment - like in a marriage - not 80% commitment
    • There is no good reason to NOT follow Jesus
  • Question: How can you show 100% commitment? QTs, fellowship, coming to church, BT, etc


Discipleship - Kansas City (part II)
The Standard of a Disciple
Luke 9:18-26
  • Question: What were Jesus and his disciples doing? How is your prayer life?
  • Question: Why do you think the people thought so many things? Turned to men instead of God's word
  • Question: If someone wants to come after Jesus what does He say they need to do?
    • Deny self - Put God's will above your own
    • Take up his cross and crucify self - no longer live for self but to do God's will
    • Follow Jesus and imitate the life of Jesus - do the things that Jesus would do in situation
  • Question: How can you show Jesus that you want to hold to his standard?
Commitment of Following Jesus
Luke 9:57-62
  • Question: What do you think these men wanted from Jesus?
    • These men wanted the life and blessing of being with Jesus without the commitment
    • Jesus wants full commitment - like in a marriage - not 80% commitment
    • There is no good reason to NOT follow Jesus
  • Question: How can you show 100% commitment? QTs, fellowship, coming to church, BT, etc


Discipleship - Kansas City (part II)
The Standard of a Disciple
Luke 9:18-26
  • Question: What were Jesus and his disciples doing? How is your prayer life?
  • Question: Why do you think the people thought so many things? Turned to men instead of God's word
  • Question: If someone wants to come after Jesus what does He say they need to do?
    • Deny self - Put God's will above your own
    • Take up his cross and crucify self - no longer live for self but to do God's will
    • Follow Jesus and imitate the life of Jesus - do the things that Jesus would do in situation
  • Question: How can you show Jesus that you want to hold to his standard?
Commitment of Following Jesus
Luke 9:57-62
  • Question: What do you think these men wanted from Jesus?
    • These men wanted the life and blessing of being with Jesus without the commitment
    • Jesus wants full commitment - like in a marriage - not 80% commitment
    • There is no good reason to NOT follow Jesus
  • Question: How can you show 100% commitment? QTs, fellowship, coming to church, BT, etc


Discipleship - Kansas City (part II)
The Standard of a Disciple
Luke 9:18-26
  • Question: What were Jesus and his disciples doing? How is your prayer life?
  • Question: Why do you think the people thought so many things? Turned to men instead of God's word
  • Question: If someone wants to come after Jesus what does He say they need to do?
    • Deny self - Put God's will above your own
    • Take up his cross and crucify self - no longer live for self but to do God's will
    • Follow Jesus and imitate the life of Jesus - do the things that Jesus would do in situation
  • Question: How can you show Jesus that you want to hold to his standard?
Commitment of Following Jesus
Luke 9:57-62
  • Question: What do you think these men wanted from Jesus?
    • These men wanted the life and blessing of being with Jesus without the commitment
    • Jesus wants full commitment - like in a marriage - not 80% commitment
    • There is no good reason to NOT follow Jesus
  • Question: How can you show 100% commitment? QTs, fellowship, coming to church, BT, etc


Discipleship - Kansas City (part III)
Cost of Following Jesus
Luke 14:25-33
  • Question: What is Jesus saying to you in v26? What relationship would be the most challenging? Why?
  • Question: In v28-30, if you start to follow Jesus then stop how will that effect the people that have seen you start?
  • Question: In v31-33, which king will win? Will the losing king still be a king? No, stop fighting God and serve him
  • Question: What do you see as something that will be a cost for you in following Jesus?
Great Commission
Matthew 28:16-20
  • Question: How much authority does Jesus have? What does His authority exclude? Nothing!
  • Question: What does Jesus commission us to do? Who should you start with in fulling this commission from Jesus? Yourself
Developing a relationship with God is like a marriage
  1. Get to know someone = read the Bible and pray daily (Word Study)
  2. Dating stage = commit to coming to church, Bible discussion group, and studying the Bible (Discipleship study)
  3. Engagement = making a decision to commit your life to God (Sin and Repentance study)
  4. Wedding ceremony = baptism
You are not married until the wedding ceremony. You become a disciple at baptism - your life is the evidence of God's gift of the Holy Spirit

Discipleship - Kansas City (part III)
Cost of Following Jesus
Luke 14:25-33
  • Question: What is Jesus saying to you in v26? What relationship would be the most challenging? Why?
  • Question: In v28-30, if you start to follow Jesus then stop how will that effect the people that have seen you start?
  • Question: In v31-33, which king will win? Will the losing king still be a king? No, stop fighting God and serve him
  • Question: What do you see as something that will be a cost for you in following Jesus?
Great Commission
Matthew 28:16-20
  • Question: How much authority does Jesus have? What does His authority exclude? Nothing!
  • Question: What does Jesus commission us to do? Who should you start with in fulling this commission from Jesus? Yourself
Developing a relationship with God is like a marriage
  1. Get to know someone = read the Bible and pray daily (Word Study)
  2. Dating stage = commit to coming to church, Bible discussion group, and studying the Bible (Discipleship study)
  3. Engagement = making a decision to commit your life to God (Sin and Repentance study)
  4. Wedding ceremony = baptism
You are not married until the wedding ceremony. You become a disciple at baptism - your life is the evidence of God's gift of the Holy Spirit

Discipleship - Kansas City (part III)
Cost of Following Jesus
Luke 14:25-33
  • Question: What is Jesus saying to you in v26? What relationship would be the most challenging? Why?
  • Question: In v28-30, if you start to follow Jesus then stop how will that effect the people that have seen you start?
  • Question: In v31-33, which king will win? Will the losing king still be a king? No, stop fighting God and serve him
  • Question: What do you see as something that will be a cost for you in following Jesus?
Great Commission
Matthew 28:16-20
  • Question: How much authority does Jesus have? What does His authority exclude? Nothing!
  • Question: What does Jesus commission us to do? Who should you start with in fulling this commission from Jesus? Yourself
Developing a relationship with God is like a marriage
  1. Get to know someone = read the Bible and pray daily (Word Study)
  2. Dating stage = commit to coming to church, Bible discussion group, and studying the Bible (Discipleship study)
  3. Engagement = making a decision to commit your life to God (Sin and Repentance study)
  4. Wedding ceremony = baptism
You are not married until the wedding ceremony. You become a disciple at baptism - your life is the evidence of God's gift of the Holy Spirit

Discipleship - Kansas City (part III)
Cost of Following Jesus
Luke 14:25-33
  • Question: What is Jesus saying to you in v26? What relationship would be the most challenging? Why?
  • Question: In v28-30, if you start to follow Jesus then stop how will that effect the people that have seen you start?
  • Question: In v31-33, which king will win? Will the losing king still be a king? No, stop fighting God and serve him
  • Question: What do you see as something that will be a cost for you in following Jesus?
Great Commission
Matthew 28:16-20
  • Question: How much authority does Jesus have? What does His authority exclude? Nothing!
  • Question: What does Jesus commission us to do? Who should you start with in fulling this commission from Jesus? Yourself
Developing a relationship with God is like a marriage
  1. Get to know someone = read the Bible and pray daily (Word Study)
  2. Dating stage = commit to coming to church, Bible discussion group, and studying the Bible (Discipleship study)
  3. Engagement = making a decision to commit your life to God (Sin and Repentance study)
  4. Wedding ceremony = baptism
You are not married until the wedding ceremony. You become a disciple at baptism - your life is the evidence of God's gift of the Holy Spirit

Discipleship - Kansas City (part III)
Cost of Following Jesus
Luke 14:25-33
  • Question: What is Jesus saying to you in v26? What relationship would be the most challenging? Why?
  • Question: In v28-30, if you start to follow Jesus then stop how will that effect the people that have seen you start?
  • Question: In v31-33, which king will win? Will the losing king still be a king? No, stop fighting God and serve him
  • Question: What do you see as something that will be a cost for you in following Jesus?
Great Commission
Matthew 28:16-20
  • Question: How much authority does Jesus have? What does His authority exclude? Nothing!
  • Question: What does Jesus commission us to do? Who should you start with in fulling this commission from Jesus? Yourself
Developing a relationship with God is like a marriage
  1. Get to know someone = read the Bible and pray daily (Word Study)
  2. Dating stage = commit to coming to church, Bible discussion group, and studying the Bible (Discipleship study)
  3. Engagement = making a decision to commit your life to God (Sin and Repentance study)
  4. Wedding ceremony = baptism
You are not married until the wedding ceremony. You become a disciple at baptism - your life is the evidence of God's gift of the Holy Spirit

Discipleship - Kansas City (part III)
Cost of Following Jesus
Luke 14:25-33
  • Question: What is Jesus saying to you in v26? What relationship would be the most challenging? Why?
  • Question: In v28-30, if you start to follow Jesus then stop how will that effect the people that have seen you start?
  • Question: In v31-33, which king will win? Will the losing king still be a king? No, stop fighting God and serve him
  • Question: What do you see as something that will be a cost for you in following Jesus?
Great Commission
Matthew 28:16-20
  • Question: How much authority does Jesus have? What does His authority exclude? Nothing!
  • Question: What does Jesus commission us to do? Who should you start with in fulling this commission from Jesus? Yourself
Developing a relationship with God is like a marriage
  1. Get to know someone = read the Bible and pray daily (Word Study)
  2. Dating stage = commit to coming to church, Bible discussion group, and studying the Bible (Discipleship study)
  3. Engagement = making a decision to commit your life to God (Sin and Repentance study)
  4. Wedding ceremony = baptism
You are not married until the wedding ceremony. You become a disciple at baptism - your life is the evidence of God's gift of the Holy Spirit

Discipleship - Kansas City (part III)
Cost of Following Jesus
Luke 14:25-33
  • Question: What is Jesus saying to you in v26? What relationship would be the most challenging? Why?
  • Question: In v28-30, if you start to follow Jesus then stop how will that effect the people that have seen you start?
  • Question: In v31-33, which king will win? Will the losing king still be a king? No, stop fighting God and serve him
  • Question: What do you see as something that will be a cost for you in following Jesus?
Great Commission
Matthew 28:16-20
  • Question: How much authority does Jesus have? What does His authority exclude? Nothing!
  • Question: What does Jesus commission us to do? Who should you start with in fulling this commission from Jesus? Yourself
Developing a relationship with God is like a marriage
  1. Get to know someone = read the Bible and pray daily (Word Study)
  2. Dating stage = commit to coming to church, Bible discussion group, and studying the Bible (Discipleship study)
  3. Engagement = making a decision to commit your life to God (Sin and Repentance study)
  4. Wedding ceremony = baptism
You are not married until the wedding ceremony. You become a disciple at baptism - your life is the evidence of God's gift of the Holy Spirit

Discipleship - Kansas City (part III)
Cost of Following Jesus
Luke 14:25-33
  • Question: What is Jesus saying to you in v26? What relationship would be the most challenging? Why?
  • Question: In v28-30, if you start to follow Jesus then stop how will that effect the people that have seen you start?
  • Question: In v31-33, which king will win? Will the losing king still be a king? No, stop fighting God and serve him
  • Question: What do you see as something that will be a cost for you in following Jesus?
Great Commission
Matthew 28:16-20
  • Question: How much authority does Jesus have? What does His authority exclude? Nothing!
  • Question: What does Jesus commission us to do? Who should you start with in fulling this commission from Jesus? Yourself
Developing a relationship with God is like a marriage
  1. Get to know someone = read the Bible and pray daily (Word Study)
  2. Dating stage = commit to coming to church, Bible discussion group, and studying the Bible (Discipleship study)
  3. Engagement = making a decision to commit your life to God (Sin and Repentance study)
  4. Wedding ceremony = baptism
You are not married until the wedding ceremony. You become a disciple at baptism - your life is the evidence of God's gift of the Holy Spirit

Discipleship - Kansas City (part III)
Cost of Following Jesus
Luke 14:25-33
  • Question: What is Jesus saying to you in v26? What relationship would be the most challenging? Why?
  • Question: In v28-30, if you start to follow Jesus then stop how will that effect the people that have seen you start?
  • Question: In v31-33, which king will win? Will the losing king still be a king? No, stop fighting God and serve him
  • Question: What do you see as something that will be a cost for you in following Jesus?
Great Commission
Matthew 28:16-20
  • Question: How much authority does Jesus have? What does His authority exclude? Nothing!
  • Question: What does Jesus commission us to do? Who should you start with in fulling this commission from Jesus? Yourself
Developing a relationship with God is like a marriage
  1. Get to know someone = read the Bible and pray daily (Word Study)
  2. Dating stage = commit to coming to church, Bible discussion group, and studying the Bible (Discipleship study)
  3. Engagement = making a decision to commit your life to God (Sin and Repentance study)
  4. Wedding ceremony = baptism
You are not married until the wedding ceremony. You become a disciple at baptism - your life is the evidence of God's gift of the Holy Spirit

Sin and Repentance - Kansas City (part I)

Luke 7:36-50

A. Simon the Pharisee

  • Knew about Jesus but did not KNOW Jesus
  • Not a disciple (didn't even welcome Jesus into his house)
  • Not broken over his sin (felt bad but not convicted enough to change his life)

B. Sinful Woman

  • Only concerned with her relationship with Jesus (not a people pleaser)
  • Convicted about her sin the closer she got to Jesus (didn't pull away after seeing her sin)
  • She was broken over her sin (wanted to change and did something about it)

Question: Which type of heart would YOU SAY youv'e had toward YOUR SIN until we started studying the Bible?
If Sinful Woman - then this study will help to expose the heart in many ways

Isaiah 59:1-3

  • Question: According to the Bible, what has separated man from God? God | SIN | You
  • How are our sins forgiven?
    • God must forgive
    • Man must repent
  • Both must occur in order for your sin NOT to keep you separated from God
  • Question: How do you define sin and repentance? Let how the Bible does.


Sin and Repentance - Kansas City (part I)

Luke 7:36-50

A. Simon the Pharisee

  • Knew about Jesus but did not KNOW Jesus
  • Not a disciple (didn't even welcome Jesus into his house)
  • Not broken over his sin (felt bad but not convicted enough to change his life)

B. Sinful Woman

  • Only concerned with her relationship with Jesus (not a people pleaser)
  • Convicted about her sin the closer she got to Jesus (didn't pull away after seeing her sin)
  • She was broken over her sin (wanted to change and did something about it)

Question: Which type of heart would YOU SAY youv'e had toward YOUR SIN until we started studying the Bible?
If Sinful Woman - then this study will help to expose the heart in many ways

Isaiah 59:1-3

  • Question: According to the Bible, what has separated man from God? God | SIN | You
  • How are our sins forgiven?
    • God must forgive
    • Man must repent
  • Both must occur in order for your sin NOT to keep you separated from God
  • Question: How do you define sin and repentance? Let how the Bible does.


Sin and Repentance - Kansas City (part I)

Luke 7:36-50

A. Simon the Pharisee

  • Knew about Jesus but did not KNOW Jesus
  • Not a disciple (didn't even welcome Jesus into his house)
  • Not broken over his sin (felt bad but not convicted enough to change his life)

B. Sinful Woman

  • Only concerned with her relationship with Jesus (not a people pleaser)
  • Convicted about her sin the closer she got to Jesus (didn't pull away after seeing her sin)
  • She was broken over her sin (wanted to change and did something about it)

Question: Which type of heart would YOU SAY youv'e had toward YOUR SIN until we started studying the Bible?
If Sinful Woman - then this study will help to expose the heart in many ways

Isaiah 59:1-3

  • Question: According to the Bible, what has separated man from God? God | SIN | You
  • How are our sins forgiven?
    • God must forgive
    • Man must repent
  • Both must occur in order for your sin NOT to keep you separated from God
  • Question: How do you define sin and repentance? Let how the Bible does.


Sin and Repentance - Kansas City (part I)

Luke 7:36-50

A. Simon the Pharisee

  • Knew about Jesus but did not KNOW Jesus
  • Not a disciple (didn't even welcome Jesus into his house)
  • Not broken over his sin (felt bad but not convicted enough to change his life)

B. Sinful Woman

  • Only concerned with her relationship with Jesus (not a people pleaser)
  • Convicted about her sin the closer she got to Jesus (didn't pull away after seeing her sin)
  • She was broken over her sin (wanted to change and did something about it)

Question: Which type of heart would YOU SAY youv'e had toward YOUR SIN until we started studying the Bible?
If Sinful Woman - then this study will help to expose the heart in many ways

Isaiah 59:1-3

  • Question: According to the Bible, what has separated man from God? God | SIN | You
  • How are our sins forgiven?
    • God must forgive
    • Man must repent
  • Both must occur in order for your sin NOT to keep you separated from God
  • Question: How do you define sin and repentance? Let how the Bible does.


Sin and Repentance - Kansas City (part I)

Luke 7:36-50

A. Simon the Pharisee

  • Knew about Jesus but did not KNOW Jesus
  • Not a disciple (didn't even welcome Jesus into his house)
  • Not broken over his sin (felt bad but not convicted enough to change his life)

B. Sinful Woman

  • Only concerned with her relationship with Jesus (not a people pleaser)
  • Convicted about her sin the closer she got to Jesus (didn't pull away after seeing her sin)
  • She was broken over her sin (wanted to change and did something about it)

Question: Which type of heart would YOU SAY youv'e had toward YOUR SIN until we started studying the Bible?
If Sinful Woman - then this study will help to expose the heart in many ways

Isaiah 59:1-3

  • Question: According to the Bible, what has separated man from God? God | SIN | You
  • How are our sins forgiven?
    • God must forgive
    • Man must repent
  • Both must occur in order for your sin NOT to keep you separated from God
  • Question: How do you define sin and repentance? Let how the Bible does.


Sin and Repentance - Kansas City (part I)

Luke 7:36-50

A. Simon the Pharisee

  • Knew about Jesus but did not KNOW Jesus
  • Not a disciple (didn't even welcome Jesus into his house)
  • Not broken over his sin (felt bad but not convicted enough to change his life)

B. Sinful Woman

  • Only concerned with her relationship with Jesus (not a people pleaser)
  • Convicted about her sin the closer she got to Jesus (didn't pull away after seeing her sin)
  • She was broken over her sin (wanted to change and did something about it)

Question: Which type of heart would YOU SAY youv'e had toward YOUR SIN until we started studying the Bible?
If Sinful Woman - then this study will help to expose the heart in many ways

Isaiah 59:1-3

  • Question: According to the Bible, what has separated man from God? God | SIN | You
  • How are our sins forgiven?
    • God must forgive
    • Man must repent
  • Both must occur in order for your sin NOT to keep you separated from God
  • Question: How do you define sin and repentance? Let how the Bible does.


Sin and Repentance - Kansas City (part I)

Luke 7:36-50

A. Simon the Pharisee

  • Knew about Jesus but did not KNOW Jesus
  • Not a disciple (didn't even welcome Jesus into his house)
  • Not broken over his sin (felt bad but not convicted enough to change his life)

B. Sinful Woman

  • Only concerned with her relationship with Jesus (not a people pleaser)
  • Convicted about her sin the closer she got to Jesus (didn't pull away after seeing her sin)
  • She was broken over her sin (wanted to change and did something about it)

Question: Which type of heart would YOU SAY youv'e had toward YOUR SIN until we started studying the Bible?
If Sinful Woman - then this study will help to expose the heart in many ways

Isaiah 59:1-3

  • Question: According to the Bible, what has separated man from God? God | SIN | You
  • How are our sins forgiven?
    • God must forgive
    • Man must repent
  • Both must occur in order for your sin NOT to keep you separated from God
  • Question: How do you define sin and repentance? Let how the Bible does.


Sin and Repentance - Kansas City (part I)

Luke 7:36-50

A. Simon the Pharisee

  • Knew about Jesus but did not KNOW Jesus
  • Not a disciple (didn't even welcome Jesus into his house)
  • Not broken over his sin (felt bad but not convicted enough to change his life)

B. Sinful Woman

  • Only concerned with her relationship with Jesus (not a people pleaser)
  • Convicted about her sin the closer she got to Jesus (didn't pull away after seeing her sin)
  • She was broken over her sin (wanted to change and did something about it)

Question: Which type of heart would YOU SAY youv'e had toward YOUR SIN until we started studying the Bible?
If Sinful Woman - then this study will help to expose the heart in many ways

Isaiah 59:1-3

  • Question: According to the Bible, what has separated man from God? God | SIN | You
  • How are our sins forgiven?
    • God must forgive
    • Man must repent
  • Both must occur in order for your sin NOT to keep you separated from God
  • Question: How do you define sin and repentance? Let how the Bible does.


Sin and Repentance - Kansas City (part I)

Luke 7:36-50

A. Simon the Pharisee

  • Knew about Jesus but did not KNOW Jesus
  • Not a disciple (didn't even welcome Jesus into his house)
  • Not broken over his sin (felt bad but not convicted enough to change his life)

B. Sinful Woman

  • Only concerned with her relationship with Jesus (not a people pleaser)
  • Convicted about her sin the closer she got to Jesus (didn't pull away after seeing her sin)
  • She was broken over her sin (wanted to change and did something about it)

Question: Which type of heart would YOU SAY youv'e had toward YOUR SIN until we started studying the Bible?
If Sinful Woman - then this study will help to expose the heart in many ways

Isaiah 59:1-3

  • Question: According to the Bible, what has separated man from God? God | SIN | You
  • How are our sins forgiven?
    • God must forgive
    • Man must repent
  • Both must occur in order for your sin NOT to keep you separated from God
  • Question: How do you define sin and repentance? Let how the Bible does.


Sin and Repentance - Kansas City (part I)

Luke 7:36-50

A. Simon the Pharisee

  • Knew about Jesus but did not KNOW Jesus
  • Not a disciple (didn't even welcome Jesus into his house)
  • Not broken over his sin (felt bad but not convicted enough to change his life)

B. Sinful Woman

  • Only concerned with her relationship with Jesus (not a people pleaser)
  • Convicted about her sin the closer she got to Jesus (didn't pull away after seeing her sin)
  • She was broken over her sin (wanted to change and did something about it)

Question: Which type of heart would YOU SAY youv'e had toward YOUR SIN until we started studying the Bible?
If Sinful Woman - then this study will help to expose the heart in many ways

Isaiah 59:1-3

  • Question: According to the Bible, what has separated man from God? God | SIN | You
  • How are our sins forgiven?
    • God must forgive
    • Man must repent
  • Both must occur in order for your sin NOT to keep you separated from God
  • Question: How do you define sin and repentance? Let how the Bible does.


Sin and Repentance - Kansas City (part I)

Luke 7:36-50

A. Simon the Pharisee

  • Knew about Jesus but did not KNOW Jesus
  • Not a disciple (didn't even welcome Jesus into his house)
  • Not broken over his sin (felt bad but not convicted enough to change his life)

B. Sinful Woman

  • Only concerned with her relationship with Jesus (not a people pleaser)
  • Convicted about her sin the closer she got to Jesus (didn't pull away after seeing her sin)
  • She was broken over her sin (wanted to change and did something about it)

Question: Which type of heart would YOU SAY youv'e had toward YOUR SIN until we started studying the Bible?
If Sinful Woman - then this study will help to expose the heart in many ways

Isaiah 59:1-3

  • Question: According to the Bible, what has separated man from God? God | SIN | You
  • How are our sins forgiven?
    • God must forgive
    • Man must repent
  • Both must occur in order for your sin NOT to keep you separated from God
  • Question: How do you define sin and repentance? Let how the Bible does.


Sin and Repentance - Kansas City (part I)

Luke 7:36-50

A. Simon the Pharisee

  • Knew about Jesus but did not KNOW Jesus
  • Not a disciple (didn't even welcome Jesus into his house)
  • Not broken over his sin (felt bad but not convicted enough to change his life)

B. Sinful Woman

  • Only concerned with her relationship with Jesus (not a people pleaser)
  • Convicted about her sin the closer she got to Jesus (didn't pull away after seeing her sin)
  • She was broken over her sin (wanted to change and did something about it)

Question: Which type of heart would YOU SAY youv'e had toward YOUR SIN until we started studying the Bible?
If Sinful Woman - then this study will help to expose the heart in many ways

Isaiah 59:1-3

  • Question: According to the Bible, what has separated man from God? God | SIN | You
  • How are our sins forgiven?
    • God must forgive
    • Man must repent
  • Both must occur in order for your sin NOT to keep you separated from God
  • Question: How do you define sin and repentance? Let how the Bible does.


Sin and Repentance - Kansas City (part I)

Luke 7:36-50

A. Simon the Pharisee

  • Knew about Jesus but did not KNOW Jesus
  • Not a disciple (didn't even welcome Jesus into his house)
  • Not broken over his sin (felt bad but not convicted enough to change his life)

B. Sinful Woman

  • Only concerned with her relationship with Jesus (not a people pleaser)
  • Convicted about her sin the closer she got to Jesus (didn't pull away after seeing her sin)
  • She was broken over her sin (wanted to change and did something about it)

Question: Which type of heart would YOU SAY youv'e had toward YOUR SIN until we started studying the Bible?
If Sinful Woman - then this study will help to expose the heart in many ways

Isaiah 59:1-3

  • Question: According to the Bible, what has separated man from God? God | SIN | You
  • How are our sins forgiven?
    • God must forgive
    • Man must repent
  • Both must occur in order for your sin NOT to keep you separated from God
  • Question: How do you define sin and repentance? Let how the Bible does.


Sin and Repentance - Kansas City (part I)

Luke 7:36-50

A. Simon the Pharisee

  • Knew about Jesus but did not KNOW Jesus
  • Not a disciple (didn't even welcome Jesus into his house)
  • Not broken over his sin (felt bad but not convicted enough to change his life)

B. Sinful Woman

  • Only concerned with her relationship with Jesus (not a people pleaser)
  • Convicted about her sin the closer she got to Jesus (didn't pull away after seeing her sin)
  • She was broken over her sin (wanted to change and did something about it)

Question: Which type of heart would YOU SAY youv'e had toward YOUR SIN until we started studying the Bible?
If Sinful Woman - then this study will help to expose the heart in many ways

Isaiah 59:1-3

  • Question: According to the Bible, what has separated man from God? God | SIN | You
  • How are our sins forgiven?
    • God must forgive
    • Man must repent
  • Both must occur in order for your sin NOT to keep you separated from God
  • Question: How do you define sin and repentance? Let how the Bible does.


Sin and Repentance - Kansas City (part I)

Luke 7:36-50

A. Simon the Pharisee

  • Knew about Jesus but did not KNOW Jesus
  • Not a disciple (didn't even welcome Jesus into his house)
  • Not broken over his sin (felt bad but not convicted enough to change his life)

B. Sinful Woman

  • Only concerned with her relationship with Jesus (not a people pleaser)
  • Convicted about her sin the closer she got to Jesus (didn't pull away after seeing her sin)
  • She was broken over her sin (wanted to change and did something about it)

Question: Which type of heart would YOU SAY youv'e had toward YOUR SIN until we started studying the Bible?
If Sinful Woman - then this study will help to expose the heart in many ways

Isaiah 59:1-3

  • Question: According to the Bible, what has separated man from God? God | SIN | You
  • How are our sins forgiven?
    • God must forgive
    • Man must repent
  • Both must occur in order for your sin NOT to keep you separated from God
  • Question: How do you define sin and repentance? Let how the Bible does.


Cross of Christ - Kansas City (part II)
Physical and Emotional Pain
Matthew 26:36-56
  • Jesus felt alone because of the selfishness of his friends (choosing to sleep instead of praying for him)
  • Share: Jesus prayed so intensely that his capillaries burst and mixed with his blood (I have a medical account for you)
  • Question: Jesus could have stopped this but he didn't. Why do you think he was willing to sweat blood for you  (He loves you)
  • Afterwards Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss (they arrested him and his words came true; the disciples all scattered)
Pain of Being Disowned and Beaten
Matthew 26:57-75
  • They spit in Jesus' face and beat him with their fist. Have you ever been spit on?
  • Jesus looked straight at Peter after the 3rd denial and the rooster crowed - He was that close to Peter - Luke 22:61
  • How do you think this made Jesus feel? Why do you think Jesus continued to go to the cross? (He loves you)


Counting the Cost (part I)
Purpose: We want to review things with you to answer any questions or help with situations that could occur.

Luke 14:25-27
  • Question: What do you understand these scriptures as saying to you?
  • Question: Who would be the most challenging relationship for you to keep God above?
  • Question: What if your (spouse, kids, parent) did not want to be a disciple (or left) what would you do?
  • Satan will use relationships closest to you to try to pull you away.
  • Don't think these things will never happen to you - never underestimate the devil
  • v26 - Even his own life
    • What will you need to overcome?
James 4:7 - Temptations will come but you need to resist them - fighting for your life/salvation.

1 John 1:5-10
  • Even when you sin after you are baptized then the blood of Jesus will continue to purify you from all sin if we stay in the light
  • We should confess our sins and having discipling relationship helps us to take care of one another
  • Question: If someone approaches you and talks about how many changes they have seen in you. What should you tell them (role play)


Counting the Cost (part I)
Purpose: We want to review things with you to answer any questions or help with situations that could occur.

Luke 14:25-27
  • Question: What do you understand these scriptures as saying to you?
  • Question: Who would be the most challenging relationship for you to keep God above?
  • Question: What if your (spouse, kids, parent) did not want to be a disciple (or left) what would you do?
  • Satan will use relationships closest to you to try to pull you away.
  • Don't think these things will never happen to you - never underestimate the devil
  • v26 - Even his own life
    • What will you need to overcome?
James 4:7 - Temptations will come but you need to resist them - fighting for your life/salvation.

1 John 1:5-10
  • Even when you sin after you are baptized then the blood of Jesus will continue to purify you from all sin if we stay in the light
  • We should confess our sins and having discipling relationship helps us to take care of one another
  • Question: If someone approaches you and talks about how many changes they have seen in you. What should you tell them (role play)


Counting the Cost (part I)
Purpose: We want to review things with you to answer any questions or help with situations that could occur.

Luke 14:25-27
  • Question: What do you understand these scriptures as saying to you?
  • Question: Who would be the most challenging relationship for you to keep God above?
  • Question: What if your (spouse, kids, parent) did not want to be a disciple (or left) what would you do?
  • Satan will use relationships closest to you to try to pull you away.
  • Don't think these things will never happen to you - never underestimate the devil
  • v26 - Even his own life
    • What will you need to overcome?
James 4:7 - Temptations will come but you need to resist them - fighting for your life/salvation.

1 John 1:5-10
  • Even when you sin after you are baptized then the blood of Jesus will continue to purify you from all sin if we stay in the light
  • We should confess our sins and having discipling relationship helps us to take care of one another
  • Question: If someone approaches you and talks about how many changes they have seen in you. What should you tell them (role play)


Servant of God (part II)
The last will be first
Mark 9:33-35
  • The first must be last
  • This is not how it is in the work place
    • Go ahead take my promotion
    • Kiss up to the boss
    • Fighting to be the best
    • Spend long hours at work
If we don't see the needs around -> we should pray for Go to show us
What ways should you be serving?

It will take faith:
  • Who will take care of me?
  • They may not thank you
Matthew 23:11
  • The humble will be exalted
  • Servants can not be prideful; humility is the badge the slave
Luke 17:7-10 - Our attitude at the end of the day should be that we are unworthy servants, we have only done what was our duty

Servant of God (part II)
The last will be first
Mark 9:33-35
  • The first must be last
  • This is not how it is in the work place
    • Go ahead take my promotion
    • Kiss up to the boss
    • Fighting to be the best
    • Spend long hours at work
If we don't see the needs around -> we should pray for Go to show us
What ways should you be serving?

It will take faith:
  • Who will take care of me?
  • They may not thank you
Matthew 23:11
  • The humble will be exalted
  • Servants can not be prideful; humility is the badge the slave
Luke 17:7-10 - Our attitude at the end of the day should be that we are unworthy servants, we have only done what was our duty

Servant of God (part II)
The last will be first
Mark 9:33-35
  • The first must be last
  • This is not how it is in the work place
    • Go ahead take my promotion
    • Kiss up to the boss
    • Fighting to be the best
    • Spend long hours at work
If we don't see the needs around -> we should pray for Go to show us
What ways should you be serving?

It will take faith:
  • Who will take care of me?
  • They may not thank you
Matthew 23:11
  • The humble will be exalted
  • Servants can not be prideful; humility is the badge the slave
Luke 17:7-10 - Our attitude at the end of the day should be that we are unworthy servants, we have only done what was our duty

Servant of God (part II)
The last will be first
Mark 9:33-35
  • The first must be last
  • This is not how it is in the work place
    • Go ahead take my promotion
    • Kiss up to the boss
    • Fighting to be the best
    • Spend long hours at work
If we don't see the needs around -> we should pray for Go to show us
What ways should you be serving?

It will take faith:
  • Who will take care of me?
  • They may not thank you
Matthew 23:11
  • The humble will be exalted
  • Servants can not be prideful; humility is the badge the slave
Luke 17:7-10 - Our attitude at the end of the day should be that we are unworthy servants, we have only done what was our duty

Jesus was Human (part I)
Examples of Jesus having characteristics of humans:
  • Asked Questions - Luke 2:46
  • Bled - John 19:34
  • Buried - Matthew 27:59-60
  • Died - Matthew 27:50; 1 Corinthians 15:3
  • Experienced Joy - Hebrews 12:2; Luke 10:21
  • Grew - Luke 2:40
  • Had a human body - Matthew 26:12
  • Had a human parents - Luke 1:31; Galatians 4:4


Jesus was Human (part I)
Examples of Jesus having characteristics of humans:
  • Asked Questions - Luke 2:46
  • Bled - John 19:34
  • Buried - Matthew 27:59-60
  • Died - Matthew 27:50; 1 Corinthians 15:3
  • Experienced Joy - Hebrews 12:2; Luke 10:21
  • Grew - Luke 2:40
  • Had a human body - Matthew 26:12
  • Had a human parents - Luke 1:31; Galatians 4:4


Jesus was Human (part I)
Examples of Jesus having characteristics of humans:
  • Asked Questions - Luke 2:46
  • Bled - John 19:34
  • Buried - Matthew 27:59-60
  • Died - Matthew 27:50; 1 Corinthians 15:3
  • Experienced Joy - Hebrews 12:2; Luke 10:21
  • Grew - Luke 2:40
  • Had a human body - Matthew 26:12
  • Had a human parents - Luke 1:31; Galatians 4:4


Jesus was Human (part II)
Examples of Jesus having characteristics of humans:
  • Had Compassion - Matthew 9:36
  • Hungered - Matthew 4:2; Matthew 21:18
  • Increased in Knowledge - Luke 2:52
  • Learned Obedience - Hebrews 5:8
  • Looked like a man - John 4:9
  • Loved - Mark 10:21; Hebrews 2:14
  • Prayed - Mark 1:35
  • Slept - Matthew 8:24


Jesus was Human (part III)
Examples of Jesus having characteristics of humans:
  • Suffered - 1 Peter 4:1
  • Sweat blood - Luke 22:44
  • Thirsted - John 4:7; John 19:28
  • Was angered and grieved - Mark 3:5
  • Was Tempted - Matthew 4:1; Hebrews 2:18; Hebrews 4:15
  • Was Troubled - Mark 14:33-34; John 11:33; John 12:27
  • Was Weary - John 4:6
  • Wept - John 11:35; Luke 19:41


Jesus was Human (part III)
Examples of Jesus having characteristics of humans:
  • Suffered - 1 Peter 4:1
  • Sweat blood - Luke 22:44
  • Thirsted - John 4:7; John 19:28
  • Was angered and grieved - Mark 3:5
  • Was Tempted - Matthew 4:1; Hebrews 2:18; Hebrews 4:15
  • Was Troubled - Mark 14:33-34; John 11:33; John 12:27
  • Was Weary - John 4:6
  • Wept - John 11:35; Luke 19:41


Jesus is God (part II)
Examples showing the deity of Jesus:
  • Knew Hearts of the Pharisees - Matthew 12:25; Luke 5:22; Luke 6:8; Luke 7:39-40
  • Knew Plot of Judas - John 6:70
  • Knew Problems of his disciples - Luke 9:46-47
  • Knew Sincerity of the one scribe - Mark 12:24
  • Knew Thoughts of the Scribes - Matthew 9:3-4
  • Knew Whereabouts of Nathanael - John 1:48
  • Omnipotent - Matthew 18:20; Matthew 28:20; John 3:13; John 14:20
  • Omnipotent over Death - Luke 7:14-15; Luke 8:54-56; John 11:4
  • Omnipotent over Demons - Matthew 8:16-17; Matthew 8:28-32


Jesus is God (part II)
Examples showing the deity of Jesus:
  • Knew Hearts of the Pharisees - Matthew 12:25; Luke 5:22; Luke 6:8; Luke 7:39-40
  • Knew Plot of Judas - John 6:70
  • Knew Problems of his disciples - Luke 9:46-47
  • Knew Sincerity of the one scribe - Mark 12:24
  • Knew Thoughts of the Scribes - Matthew 9:3-4
  • Knew Whereabouts of Nathanael - John 1:48
  • Omnipotent - Matthew 18:20; Matthew 28:20; John 3:13; John 14:20
  • Omnipotent over Death - Luke 7:14-15; Luke 8:54-56; John 11:4
  • Omnipotent over Demons - Matthew 8:16-17; Matthew 8:28-32


Jesus is God (part II)
Examples showing the deity of Jesus:
  • Knew Hearts of the Pharisees - Matthew 12:25; Luke 5:22; Luke 6:8; Luke 7:39-40
  • Knew Plot of Judas - John 6:70
  • Knew Problems of his disciples - Luke 9:46-47
  • Knew Sincerity of the one scribe - Mark 12:24
  • Knew Thoughts of the Scribes - Matthew 9:3-4
  • Knew Whereabouts of Nathanael - John 1:48
  • Omnipotent - Matthew 18:20; Matthew 28:20; John 3:13; John 14:20
  • Omnipotent over Death - Luke 7:14-15; Luke 8:54-56; John 11:4
  • Omnipotent over Demons - Matthew 8:16-17; Matthew 8:28-32


Jesus is God (part II)
Examples showing the deity of Jesus:
  • Knew Hearts of the Pharisees - Matthew 12:25; Luke 5:22; Luke 6:8; Luke 7:39-40
  • Knew Plot of Judas - John 6:70
  • Knew Problems of his disciples - Luke 9:46-47
  • Knew Sincerity of the one scribe - Mark 12:24
  • Knew Thoughts of the Scribes - Matthew 9:3-4
  • Knew Whereabouts of Nathanael - John 1:48
  • Omnipotent - Matthew 18:20; Matthew 28:20; John 3:13; John 14:20
  • Omnipotent over Death - Luke 7:14-15; Luke 8:54-56; John 11:4
  • Omnipotent over Demons - Matthew 8:16-17; Matthew 8:28-32


Jesus is God (part III)
Examples showing the deity of Jesus:
  • Omnipotent over Disease - Matthew 8:1-4; Luke 4:39
  • Omnipotent over Men - Matthew 9:9; John 17:2
  • Omnipotent over Nature - Matthew 8:26
  • Omnipotent over Sin - Matthew 9:1-8
  • Omnipotent over Tradition - Matthew 9:10-17
  • Prayed To Him (Stephen) - Acts 7:59
  • Saves - John 10:28
  • Sinless - 1 Peter 2:22; Hebrews 4:15
  • Worshiped as God by Angels - Hebrews 1:6


Jesus is God (part IV)
Examples showing the deity of Jesus:
  • Worshiped as God by Apostles - Matthew 14:33; Matthew 28:9; Matthew 15:25; Matthew 8:2
  • Worshiped as God by Man born blind - John 9:38
  • Worshiped as God by Maniac - Mark 5:6
  • Worshiped as God by Mother - Matthew 20:20
  • Worshiped as God by Ruler - Matthew 9:18
  • Worshiped as God by Shepherds - Luke 2:15
  • Worshiped as God by Some Greeks - John 12:20-21
  • Worshiped as God by Thomas - John 20:28
  • Worshiped as God by Wise men - Matthew 2:2,11


NT Commands (part IV)
More New Testament commands:
  • Do not store you treasures on earth - Matthew 6:19
  • Do good to all people - Galatians 6:10
  • Do good you know you ought to do - James 4:17
  • Do what the Word of God says - James 1:22
  • Do not fight - 2 Timothy 2:24
  • Do not cause anyone to stumble - 1 Corinthians 10:32
  • Do not fear man - Luke 12:4-5
  • Encourage daily - Hebrews 3:13


NT Commands (part IV)
More New Testament commands:
  • Do not store you treasures on earth - Matthew 6:19
  • Do good to all people - Galatians 6:10
  • Do good you know you ought to do - James 4:17
  • Do what the Word of God says - James 1:22
  • Do not fight - 2 Timothy 2:24
  • Do not cause anyone to stumble - 1 Corinthians 10:32
  • Do not fear man - Luke 12:4-5
  • Encourage daily - Hebrews 3:13


NT Commands (part V)
NT Commands in the Bible (continued):
  • Encourage the timid - 1 Thessalonians 5:14
  • Fear God - Luke 12:4-5
  • Fix our eyes on Jesus - Hebrews 12:2
  • Give material possessions to a brother in need - 1 John 3:17
  • Give thanks in all circumstances - 1 Thessalonians 5:18
  • Give yourselves in the Lord's work - 1 Corinthians 15:58
  • Give thanks for everything - Ephesians 5:20
  • Hold to what is good - 1 Thessalonians 5:21


NT Commands (part V)
NT Commands in the Bible (continued):
  • Encourage the timid - 1 Thessalonians 5:14
  • Fear God - Luke 12:4-5
  • Fix our eyes on Jesus - Hebrews 12:2
  • Give material possessions to a brother in need - 1 John 3:17
  • Give thanks in all circumstances - 1 Thessalonians 5:18
  • Give yourselves in the Lord's work - 1 Corinthians 15:58
  • Give thanks for everything - Ephesians 5:20
  • Hold to what is good - 1 Thessalonians 5:21


NT Commands (part VI)
Reading New Testament commands each day:
  • Honor your father and mother - Matthew 19:19
  • Let your "Yes" be a yes and your "No" be a no - James 5:12
  • Live in harmony with one another - Romans 12:16
  • Love one another - John 13:34-35
  • Must not quarrel - 2 Timothy 2:24
  • Pray continuously - 1 Thessalonians 5:17
  • Pray for persecutors - Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:28
  • Rejoice in the Lord - Philippians 3:1
  • Rejoice in your trails - James 1:2-3


Names of Jesus (part III)
Continuing the review of Jesus' names:
  • Captain of salvation - Hebrews 2:10
  • Captain of the Lord's hosts - Joshua 5:14,15
  • Chief Corner-stone - Ephesians 2:20; 1Pe 2:6
  • Chief Shepherd - 1 Peter 5:4
  • Christ of God - Luke 9:20
  • Commander - Isaiah 55:4
  • Consolation of Israel - Luke 2:25


Names of Jesus (part III)
Continuing the review of Jesus' names:
  • Captain of salvation - Hebrews 2:10
  • Captain of the Lord's hosts - Joshua 5:14,15
  • Chief Corner-stone - Ephesians 2:20; 1Pe 2:6
  • Chief Shepherd - 1 Peter 5:4
  • Christ of God - Luke 9:20
  • Commander - Isaiah 55:4
  • Consolation of Israel - Luke 2:25


Names of Jesus (part IV)
Reading scriptures will Jesus' different names"
  • Counselor - Isaiah 9:6
  • David - Jeremiah 30:9; Ezekiel 34:23
  • Day-spring - Luke 1:78
  • Deliverer - Romans 11:26
  • Desire of all nations - Haggai 2:7
  • Door - John 10:7
  • Elect of God - Isaiah 42:1


Names of Jesus (part VII)
Jesus has many names:
  • Great High Priest - Hebrews 3:1, 4:14
  • Head of the Church - Ephesians 5:23; Colossians 1:18
  • Heir of all things - Hebrews 1:2
  • Holy One - Psalms 16:10; Acts 2:27,31
  • Holy One of God - Mark 1:24
  • Holy One of Israel - Isaiah 41:14
  • Horn of salvation - Luke 1:69


Names of Jesus (part XIV)
This day of Jesus' name scriptures:
  • Resurrection and life - John 11:25
  • Rock - 1 Corinthians 10:4
  • Root of David - Revelation 22:16
  • Root of Jesse - Isaiah11: 10
  • Ruler of Israel - Micah 5:2
  • Savior - 2 Peter 2:20; 3:18; Luke 1:47


Names of Jesus (part XVI)
Final days of Jesus' name study:
  • Son of man - John 5:27; 6:37; Matthew 18:11
  • Son of the blessed - Mark 14:61
  • Son of the Highest - Luke 1:32
  • Star - Numbers 24:17
  • Sun of righteousness - Malachi 4:2
  • Surety - Hebrews 7:22


Names of the Believers (part III)
Believers as children:
  • Children of promise - Romans 9:8; Galatians 4:28
  • Children of the free-woman - Galatians 4:31
  • Children of the kingdom - Matthew 13:38
  • Children of Zion - Psalms 149:2; Joel 2:23
  • Children of the bride-chamber - Matthew 9:15
  • Children of light - Luke 16:8; Ephesians 5:8; 1Th 5:5
  • Children of the day - 1 Thessalonians 5:5
  • Children of the resurrection - Luke 20:36


Names of the Believers (part II)
Study of names of believers - continued:
  • Children of the Lord - Deuteronomy 14:1
  • Children of God - John 11:52; 1 John 3:10
  • Children of the Living God - Romans 9:26
  • Children of the Father - Matthew 5:45
  • Children of the Highest - Luke 6:35
  • Children of Abraham - Galatians 3:7
  • Children of Jacob - Psalms 105:6


Excuses - Peter
Peter

Luke 5:4-11

  • v5:5 - Peter was willing to take Jesus at his word.
  • v5:6 - He experienced an incredible result – God’s word is powerful!
  • v5:8 - Peter realized who he was dealing with: knee-deep in fish
  • v5:10 - Jesus encouraged Peter to evangelize
    • He commanded him not to fear
  • v5:11 - We too must pull our fears and excuses up on shore and actively follow Jesus

Peter ultimately confronted his fears and fulfilled Jesus’ prophecy of martyrdom (John 21:18-19)

Excuses - Peter
Peter

Luke 5:4-11

  • v5:5 - Peter was willing to take Jesus at his word.
  • v5:6 - He experienced an incredible result – God’s word is powerful!
  • v5:8 - Peter realized who he was dealing with: knee-deep in fish
  • v5:10 - Jesus encouraged Peter to evangelize
    • He commanded him not to fear
  • v5:11 - We too must pull our fears and excuses up on shore and actively follow Jesus

Peter ultimately confronted his fears and fulfilled Jesus’ prophecy of martyrdom (John 21:18-19)

Excuses - Peter
Peter

Luke 5:4-11

  • v5:5 - Peter was willing to take Jesus at his word.
  • v5:6 - He experienced an incredible result – God’s word is powerful!
  • v5:8 - Peter realized who he was dealing with: knee-deep in fish
  • v5:10 - Jesus encouraged Peter to evangelize
    • He commanded him not to fear
  • v5:11 - We too must pull our fears and excuses up on shore and actively follow Jesus

Peter ultimately confronted his fears and fulfilled Jesus’ prophecy of martyrdom (John 21:18-19)

Excuses - Peter
Peter

Luke 5:4-11

  • v5:5 - Peter was willing to take Jesus at his word.
  • v5:6 - He experienced an incredible result – God’s word is powerful!
  • v5:8 - Peter realized who he was dealing with: knee-deep in fish
  • v5:10 - Jesus encouraged Peter to evangelize
    • He commanded him not to fear
  • v5:11 - We too must pull our fears and excuses up on shore and actively follow Jesus

Peter ultimately confronted his fears and fulfilled Jesus’ prophecy of martyrdom (John 21:18-19)

Excuses - Peter
Peter

Luke 5:4-11

  • v5:5 - Peter was willing to take Jesus at his word.
  • v5:6 - He experienced an incredible result – God’s word is powerful!
  • v5:8 - Peter realized who he was dealing with: knee-deep in fish
  • v5:10 - Jesus encouraged Peter to evangelize
    • He commanded him not to fear
  • v5:11 - We too must pull our fears and excuses up on shore and actively follow Jesus

Peter ultimately confronted his fears and fulfilled Jesus’ prophecy of martyrdom (John 21:18-19)

Excuses - Peter
Peter

Luke 5:4-11

  • v5:5 - Peter was willing to take Jesus at his word.
  • v5:6 - He experienced an incredible result – God’s word is powerful!
  • v5:8 - Peter realized who he was dealing with: knee-deep in fish
  • v5:10 - Jesus encouraged Peter to evangelize
    • He commanded him not to fear
  • v5:11 - We too must pull our fears and excuses up on shore and actively follow Jesus

Peter ultimately confronted his fears and fulfilled Jesus’ prophecy of martyrdom (John 21:18-19)

Excuses - Peter
Peter

Luke 5:4-11

  • v5:5 - Peter was willing to take Jesus at his word.
  • v5:6 - He experienced an incredible result – God’s word is powerful!
  • v5:8 - Peter realized who he was dealing with: knee-deep in fish
  • v5:10 - Jesus encouraged Peter to evangelize
    • He commanded him not to fear
  • v5:11 - We too must pull our fears and excuses up on shore and actively follow Jesus

Peter ultimately confronted his fears and fulfilled Jesus’ prophecy of martyrdom (John 21:18-19)

Excuses - Peter
Peter

Luke 5:4-11

  • v5:5 - Peter was willing to take Jesus at his word.
  • v5:6 - He experienced an incredible result – God’s word is powerful!
  • v5:8 - Peter realized who he was dealing with: knee-deep in fish
  • v5:10 - Jesus encouraged Peter to evangelize
    • He commanded him not to fear
  • v5:11 - We too must pull our fears and excuses up on shore and actively follow Jesus

Peter ultimately confronted his fears and fulfilled Jesus’ prophecy of martyrdom (John 21:18-19)

Fearing God - Peter feared
Peter and his partners had been up all night fishing - Luke 5:1-11
  • After Jesus' command/request, he said "because you say so, I will let down the nets"
  • It may have took a lot to do this:
    • Tired from fishing all night
    • A carpenter asking a fisherman to fish during the worst time to fish - during the day
  • Peter was elated at such a monumental catch - may have been the equivent of days or weeks worth of fishing
Did Peter try to immediately recruit Jesus as a fishing guide? No
Instead he was fearful: "Go away from me, Lord. I am a sinful man! - v8

He saw Jesus' power over the fish in the lake - special because it was from his own trade
He recognized that he somehow was in the presence of God

Jesus said nothing about Peter's sin - Peter now saw who Jesus really was
Peter fell down before Jesus not because his sin but Jesus' deity

Fearing God - Peter feared
Peter and his partners had been up all night fishing - Luke 5:1-11
  • After Jesus' command/request, he said "because you say so, I will let down the nets"
  • It may have took a lot to do this:
    • Tired from fishing all night
    • A carpenter asking a fisherman to fish during the worst time to fish - during the day
  • Peter was elated at such a monumental catch - may have been the equivent of days or weeks worth of fishing
Did Peter try to immediately recruit Jesus as a fishing guide? No
Instead he was fearful: "Go away from me, Lord. I am a sinful man! - v8

He saw Jesus' power over the fish in the lake - special because it was from his own trade
He recognized that he somehow was in the presence of God

Jesus said nothing about Peter's sin - Peter now saw who Jesus really was
Peter fell down before Jesus not because his sin but Jesus' deity

Fearing God - Peter feared
Peter and his partners had been up all night fishing - Luke 5:1-11
  • After Jesus' command/request, he said "because you say so, I will let down the nets"
  • It may have took a lot to do this:
    • Tired from fishing all night
    • A carpenter asking a fisherman to fish during the worst time to fish - during the day
  • Peter was elated at such a monumental catch - may have been the equivent of days or weeks worth of fishing
Did Peter try to immediately recruit Jesus as a fishing guide? No
Instead he was fearful: "Go away from me, Lord. I am a sinful man! - v8

He saw Jesus' power over the fish in the lake - special because it was from his own trade
He recognized that he somehow was in the presence of God

Jesus said nothing about Peter's sin - Peter now saw who Jesus really was
Peter fell down before Jesus not because his sin but Jesus' deity

Fearing God - Peter feared
Peter and his partners had been up all night fishing - Luke 5:1-11
  • After Jesus' command/request, he said "because you say so, I will let down the nets"
  • It may have took a lot to do this:
    • Tired from fishing all night
    • A carpenter asking a fisherman to fish during the worst time to fish - during the day
  • Peter was elated at such a monumental catch - may have been the equivent of days or weeks worth of fishing
Did Peter try to immediately recruit Jesus as a fishing guide? No
Instead he was fearful: "Go away from me, Lord. I am a sinful man! - v8

He saw Jesus' power over the fish in the lake - special because it was from his own trade
He recognized that he somehow was in the presence of God

Jesus said nothing about Peter's sin - Peter now saw who Jesus really was
Peter fell down before Jesus not because his sin but Jesus' deity

Fearing God - Peter feared
Peter and his partners had been up all night fishing - Luke 5:1-11
  • After Jesus' command/request, he said "because you say so, I will let down the nets"
  • It may have took a lot to do this:
    • Tired from fishing all night
    • A carpenter asking a fisherman to fish during the worst time to fish - during the day
  • Peter was elated at such a monumental catch - may have been the equivent of days or weeks worth of fishing
Did Peter try to immediately recruit Jesus as a fishing guide? No
Instead he was fearful: "Go away from me, Lord. I am a sinful man! - v8

He saw Jesus' power over the fish in the lake - special because it was from his own trade
He recognized that he somehow was in the presence of God

Jesus said nothing about Peter's sin - Peter now saw who Jesus really was
Peter fell down before Jesus not because his sin but Jesus' deity

Fearing God - Peter feared
Peter and his partners had been up all night fishing - Luke 5:1-11
  • After Jesus' command/request, he said "because you say so, I will let down the nets"
  • It may have took a lot to do this:
    • Tired from fishing all night
    • A carpenter asking a fisherman to fish during the worst time to fish - during the day
  • Peter was elated at such a monumental catch - may have been the equivent of days or weeks worth of fishing
Did Peter try to immediately recruit Jesus as a fishing guide? No
Instead he was fearful: "Go away from me, Lord. I am a sinful man! - v8

He saw Jesus' power over the fish in the lake - special because it was from his own trade
He recognized that he somehow was in the presence of God

Jesus said nothing about Peter's sin - Peter now saw who Jesus really was
Peter fell down before Jesus not because his sin but Jesus' deity

Fearing God - Peter feared
Peter and his partners had been up all night fishing - Luke 5:1-11
  • After Jesus' command/request, he said "because you say so, I will let down the nets"
  • It may have took a lot to do this:
    • Tired from fishing all night
    • A carpenter asking a fisherman to fish during the worst time to fish - during the day
  • Peter was elated at such a monumental catch - may have been the equivent of days or weeks worth of fishing
Did Peter try to immediately recruit Jesus as a fishing guide? No
Instead he was fearful: "Go away from me, Lord. I am a sinful man! - v8

He saw Jesus' power over the fish in the lake - special because it was from his own trade
He recognized that he somehow was in the presence of God

Jesus said nothing about Peter's sin - Peter now saw who Jesus really was
Peter fell down before Jesus not because his sin but Jesus' deity

Fearing God - Peter feared
Peter and his partners had been up all night fishing - Luke 5:1-11
  • After Jesus' command/request, he said "because you say so, I will let down the nets"
  • It may have took a lot to do this:
    • Tired from fishing all night
    • A carpenter asking a fisherman to fish during the worst time to fish - during the day
  • Peter was elated at such a monumental catch - may have been the equivent of days or weeks worth of fishing
Did Peter try to immediately recruit Jesus as a fishing guide? No
Instead he was fearful: "Go away from me, Lord. I am a sinful man! - v8

He saw Jesus' power over the fish in the lake - special because it was from his own trade
He recognized that he somehow was in the presence of God

Jesus said nothing about Peter's sin - Peter now saw who Jesus really was
Peter fell down before Jesus not because his sin but Jesus' deity

Fearing God - Peter feared
Peter and his partners had been up all night fishing - Luke 5:1-11
  • After Jesus' command/request, he said "because you say so, I will let down the nets"
  • It may have took a lot to do this:
    • Tired from fishing all night
    • A carpenter asking a fisherman to fish during the worst time to fish - during the day
  • Peter was elated at such a monumental catch - may have been the equivent of days or weeks worth of fishing
Did Peter try to immediately recruit Jesus as a fishing guide? No
Instead he was fearful: "Go away from me, Lord. I am a sinful man! - v8

He saw Jesus' power over the fish in the lake - special because it was from his own trade
He recognized that he somehow was in the presence of God

Jesus said nothing about Peter's sin - Peter now saw who Jesus really was
Peter fell down before Jesus not because his sin but Jesus' deity

Fearing God - Peter feared
Peter and his partners had been up all night fishing - Luke 5:1-11
  • After Jesus' command/request, he said "because you say so, I will let down the nets"
  • It may have took a lot to do this:
    • Tired from fishing all night
    • A carpenter asking a fisherman to fish during the worst time to fish - during the day
  • Peter was elated at such a monumental catch - may have been the equivent of days or weeks worth of fishing
Did Peter try to immediately recruit Jesus as a fishing guide? No
Instead he was fearful: "Go away from me, Lord. I am a sinful man! - v8

He saw Jesus' power over the fish in the lake - special because it was from his own trade
He recognized that he somehow was in the presence of God

Jesus said nothing about Peter's sin - Peter now saw who Jesus really was
Peter fell down before Jesus not because his sin but Jesus' deity

Fearing God - Peter feared
Peter and his partners had been up all night fishing - Luke 5:1-11
  • After Jesus' command/request, he said "because you say so, I will let down the nets"
  • It may have took a lot to do this:
    • Tired from fishing all night
    • A carpenter asking a fisherman to fish during the worst time to fish - during the day
  • Peter was elated at such a monumental catch - may have been the equivent of days or weeks worth of fishing
Did Peter try to immediately recruit Jesus as a fishing guide? No
Instead he was fearful: "Go away from me, Lord. I am a sinful man! - v8

He saw Jesus' power over the fish in the lake - special because it was from his own trade
He recognized that he somehow was in the presence of God

Jesus said nothing about Peter's sin - Peter now saw who Jesus really was
Peter fell down before Jesus not because his sin but Jesus' deity

Mind of Christ - Intro (part III)
The heart is the source which continuously supplies your life with the kind of person you are.
  1. The source of your behavior - Proverbs 4:23
  2. The source of your speech
  • Out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks - Luke 6:45
  • How can you who are evil say anything good? - Matthew 12:33-37
  1. The source of all evil behavior
  • What comes out of a man is what makes him 'unclean' - Mark 7:20-23
  • Every inclination of the thoughts of his heart were evil - Genesis 6:5


Mind of Christ - Intro (part V)
The heart is the source of obedience
  1. You wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted - Romans 6:17
  2. Obey masters is doing the will of God from your heart - Ephesians 6:6
The heart is the source of your character
  1. "Eat and drink," he says to you, but his heart is not with you - Proverbs 23:7
  2. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart - Luke 6:43-46


Mind of Christ - Intro (part V)
The heart is the source of obedience
  1. You wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted - Romans 6:17
  2. Obey masters is doing the will of God from your heart - Ephesians 6:6
The heart is the source of your character
  1. "Eat and drink," he says to you, but his heart is not with you - Proverbs 23:7
  2. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart - Luke 6:43-46


Mind of Christ - Intro (part V)
The heart is the source of obedience
  1. You wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted - Romans 6:17
  2. Obey masters is doing the will of God from your heart - Ephesians 6:6
The heart is the source of your character
  1. "Eat and drink," he says to you, but his heart is not with you - Proverbs 23:7
  2. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart - Luke 6:43-46


Mind of Christ - Intro (part V)
The heart is the source of obedience
  1. You wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted - Romans 6:17
  2. Obey masters is doing the will of God from your heart - Ephesians 6:6
The heart is the source of your character
  1. "Eat and drink," he says to you, but his heart is not with you - Proverbs 23:7
  2. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart - Luke 6:43-46


Mind of Christ - Discipleship (part III)
Christ’s word teaches us about discipleship

Luke 14:25-35

1. Large crowds followed Jesus

2. Jesus has already called them disciples (Luke 9:18,23). Now He says they cannot be His disciples unless they meet this standard. Why does He change? Because before this they had been curious disciples, possibly convinced disciples, but not committed disciples. Now He wants them to go the full measure. We see, then, how the term disciple goes through an evolutionary process during the ministry of Christ, the story of the gospels.

3. The terms of discipleship are all-encompassing.
  • An unrivaled love for God. “We must love Jesus more than any relationship” - Luke 14:26
  • An unceasing death to self. “We must love Jesus more than ourselves” - Luke 14:27
  • An unqualified giving up of everything. “We must love Jesus more than anything” - Luke 14:33
4. The primary teaching of this passage is that discipleship is:
  • More than membership in a crowd of followers.
  • More than curiosity about Jesus.
  • More than being willing to listen to Christ’s words.
  • More than being convinced of Christ divinity.
  • Being committed to Christ so that He is Lord of your life.


Mind of Christ - Discipleship (part III)
Christ’s word teaches us about discipleship

Luke 14:25-35

1. Large crowds followed Jesus

2. Jesus has already called them disciples (Luke 9:18,23). Now He says they cannot be His disciples unless they meet this standard. Why does He change? Because before this they had been curious disciples, possibly convinced disciples, but not committed disciples. Now He wants them to go the full measure. We see, then, how the term disciple goes through an evolutionary process during the ministry of Christ, the story of the gospels.

3. The terms of discipleship are all-encompassing.
  • An unrivaled love for God. “We must love Jesus more than any relationship” - Luke 14:26
  • An unceasing death to self. “We must love Jesus more than ourselves” - Luke 14:27
  • An unqualified giving up of everything. “We must love Jesus more than anything” - Luke 14:33
4. The primary teaching of this passage is that discipleship is:
  • More than membership in a crowd of followers.
  • More than curiosity about Jesus.
  • More than being willing to listen to Christ’s words.
  • More than being convinced of Christ divinity.
  • Being committed to Christ so that He is Lord of your life.


Mind of Christ - Discipleship (part III)
Christ’s word teaches us about discipleship

Luke 14:25-35

1. Large crowds followed Jesus

2. Jesus has already called them disciples (Luke 9:18,23). Now He says they cannot be His disciples unless they meet this standard. Why does He change? Because before this they had been curious disciples, possibly convinced disciples, but not committed disciples. Now He wants them to go the full measure. We see, then, how the term disciple goes through an evolutionary process during the ministry of Christ, the story of the gospels.

3. The terms of discipleship are all-encompassing.
  • An unrivaled love for God. “We must love Jesus more than any relationship” - Luke 14:26
  • An unceasing death to self. “We must love Jesus more than ourselves” - Luke 14:27
  • An unqualified giving up of everything. “We must love Jesus more than anything” - Luke 14:33
4. The primary teaching of this passage is that discipleship is:
  • More than membership in a crowd of followers.
  • More than curiosity about Jesus.
  • More than being willing to listen to Christ’s words.
  • More than being convinced of Christ divinity.
  • Being committed to Christ so that He is Lord of your life.


Mind of Christ - Discipleship (part III)
Christ’s word teaches us about discipleship

Luke 14:25-35

1. Large crowds followed Jesus

2. Jesus has already called them disciples (Luke 9:18,23). Now He says they cannot be His disciples unless they meet this standard. Why does He change? Because before this they had been curious disciples, possibly convinced disciples, but not committed disciples. Now He wants them to go the full measure. We see, then, how the term disciple goes through an evolutionary process during the ministry of Christ, the story of the gospels.

3. The terms of discipleship are all-encompassing.
  • An unrivaled love for God. “We must love Jesus more than any relationship” - Luke 14:26
  • An unceasing death to self. “We must love Jesus more than ourselves” - Luke 14:27
  • An unqualified giving up of everything. “We must love Jesus more than anything” - Luke 14:33
4. The primary teaching of this passage is that discipleship is:
  • More than membership in a crowd of followers.
  • More than curiosity about Jesus.
  • More than being willing to listen to Christ’s words.
  • More than being convinced of Christ divinity.
  • Being committed to Christ so that He is Lord of your life.


Mind of Christ - Discipleship (part III)
Christ’s word teaches us about discipleship

Luke 14:25-35

1. Large crowds followed Jesus

2. Jesus has already called them disciples (Luke 9:18,23). Now He says they cannot be His disciples unless they meet this standard. Why does He change? Because before this they had been curious disciples, possibly convinced disciples, but not committed disciples. Now He wants them to go the full measure. We see, then, how the term disciple goes through an evolutionary process during the ministry of Christ, the story of the gospels.

3. The terms of discipleship are all-encompassing.
  • An unrivaled love for God. “We must love Jesus more than any relationship” - Luke 14:26
  • An unceasing death to self. “We must love Jesus more than ourselves” - Luke 14:27
  • An unqualified giving up of everything. “We must love Jesus more than anything” - Luke 14:33
4. The primary teaching of this passage is that discipleship is:
  • More than membership in a crowd of followers.
  • More than curiosity about Jesus.
  • More than being willing to listen to Christ’s words.
  • More than being convinced of Christ divinity.
  • Being committed to Christ so that He is Lord of your life.


Mind of Christ - Discipleship (part III)
Christ’s word teaches us about discipleship

Luke 14:25-35

1. Large crowds followed Jesus

2. Jesus has already called them disciples (Luke 9:18,23). Now He says they cannot be His disciples unless they meet this standard. Why does He change? Because before this they had been curious disciples, possibly convinced disciples, but not committed disciples. Now He wants them to go the full measure. We see, then, how the term disciple goes through an evolutionary process during the ministry of Christ, the story of the gospels.

3. The terms of discipleship are all-encompassing.
  • An unrivaled love for God. “We must love Jesus more than any relationship” - Luke 14:26
  • An unceasing death to self. “We must love Jesus more than ourselves” - Luke 14:27
  • An unqualified giving up of everything. “We must love Jesus more than anything” - Luke 14:33
4. The primary teaching of this passage is that discipleship is:
  • More than membership in a crowd of followers.
  • More than curiosity about Jesus.
  • More than being willing to listen to Christ’s words.
  • More than being convinced of Christ divinity.
  • Being committed to Christ so that He is Lord of your life.


Mind of Christ - Discipleship (part III)
Christ’s word teaches us about discipleship

Luke 14:25-35

1. Large crowds followed Jesus

2. Jesus has already called them disciples (Luke 9:18,23). Now He says they cannot be His disciples unless they meet this standard. Why does He change? Because before this they had been curious disciples, possibly convinced disciples, but not committed disciples. Now He wants them to go the full measure. We see, then, how the term disciple goes through an evolutionary process during the ministry of Christ, the story of the gospels.

3. The terms of discipleship are all-encompassing.
  • An unrivaled love for God. “We must love Jesus more than any relationship” - Luke 14:26
  • An unceasing death to self. “We must love Jesus more than ourselves” - Luke 14:27
  • An unqualified giving up of everything. “We must love Jesus more than anything” - Luke 14:33
4. The primary teaching of this passage is that discipleship is:
  • More than membership in a crowd of followers.
  • More than curiosity about Jesus.
  • More than being willing to listen to Christ’s words.
  • More than being convinced of Christ divinity.
  • Being committed to Christ so that He is Lord of your life.


Mind of Christ - Discipleship (part III)
Christ’s word teaches us about discipleship

Luke 14:25-35

1. Large crowds followed Jesus

2. Jesus has already called them disciples (Luke 9:18,23). Now He says they cannot be His disciples unless they meet this standard. Why does He change? Because before this they had been curious disciples, possibly convinced disciples, but not committed disciples. Now He wants them to go the full measure. We see, then, how the term disciple goes through an evolutionary process during the ministry of Christ, the story of the gospels.

3. The terms of discipleship are all-encompassing.
  • An unrivaled love for God. “We must love Jesus more than any relationship” - Luke 14:26
  • An unceasing death to self. “We must love Jesus more than ourselves” - Luke 14:27
  • An unqualified giving up of everything. “We must love Jesus more than anything” - Luke 14:33
4. The primary teaching of this passage is that discipleship is:
  • More than membership in a crowd of followers.
  • More than curiosity about Jesus.
  • More than being willing to listen to Christ’s words.
  • More than being convinced of Christ divinity.
  • Being committed to Christ so that He is Lord of your life.


Mind of Christ - Discipleship (part III)
Christ’s word teaches us about discipleship

Luke 14:25-35

1. Large crowds followed Jesus

2. Jesus has already called them disciples (Luke 9:18,23). Now He says they cannot be His disciples unless they meet this standard. Why does He change? Because before this they had been curious disciples, possibly convinced disciples, but not committed disciples. Now He wants them to go the full measure. We see, then, how the term disciple goes through an evolutionary process during the ministry of Christ, the story of the gospels.

3. The terms of discipleship are all-encompassing.
  • An unrivaled love for God. “We must love Jesus more than any relationship” - Luke 14:26
  • An unceasing death to self. “We must love Jesus more than ourselves” - Luke 14:27
  • An unqualified giving up of everything. “We must love Jesus more than anything” - Luke 14:33
4. The primary teaching of this passage is that discipleship is:
  • More than membership in a crowd of followers.
  • More than curiosity about Jesus.
  • More than being willing to listen to Christ’s words.
  • More than being convinced of Christ divinity.
  • Being committed to Christ so that He is Lord of your life.


Mind of Christ - Discipleship (part III)
Christ’s word teaches us about discipleship

Luke 14:25-35

1. Large crowds followed Jesus

2. Jesus has already called them disciples (Luke 9:18,23). Now He says they cannot be His disciples unless they meet this standard. Why does He change? Because before this they had been curious disciples, possibly convinced disciples, but not committed disciples. Now He wants them to go the full measure. We see, then, how the term disciple goes through an evolutionary process during the ministry of Christ, the story of the gospels.

3. The terms of discipleship are all-encompassing.
  • An unrivaled love for God. “We must love Jesus more than any relationship” - Luke 14:26
  • An unceasing death to self. “We must love Jesus more than ourselves” - Luke 14:27
  • An unqualified giving up of everything. “We must love Jesus more than anything” - Luke 14:33
4. The primary teaching of this passage is that discipleship is:
  • More than membership in a crowd of followers.
  • More than curiosity about Jesus.
  • More than being willing to listen to Christ’s words.
  • More than being convinced of Christ divinity.
  • Being committed to Christ so that He is Lord of your life.


Mind of Christ - Discipleship (part III)
Christ’s word teaches us about discipleship

Luke 14:25-35

1. Large crowds followed Jesus

2. Jesus has already called them disciples (Luke 9:18,23). Now He says they cannot be His disciples unless they meet this standard. Why does He change? Because before this they had been curious disciples, possibly convinced disciples, but not committed disciples. Now He wants them to go the full measure. We see, then, how the term disciple goes through an evolutionary process during the ministry of Christ, the story of the gospels.

3. The terms of discipleship are all-encompassing.
  • An unrivaled love for God. “We must love Jesus more than any relationship” - Luke 14:26
  • An unceasing death to self. “We must love Jesus more than ourselves” - Luke 14:27
  • An unqualified giving up of everything. “We must love Jesus more than anything” - Luke 14:33
4. The primary teaching of this passage is that discipleship is:
  • More than membership in a crowd of followers.
  • More than curiosity about Jesus.
  • More than being willing to listen to Christ’s words.
  • More than being convinced of Christ divinity.
  • Being committed to Christ so that He is Lord of your life.


Mind of Christ - Discipleship (part III)
Christ’s word teaches us about discipleship

Luke 14:25-35

1. Large crowds followed Jesus

2. Jesus has already called them disciples (Luke 9:18,23). Now He says they cannot be His disciples unless they meet this standard. Why does He change? Because before this they had been curious disciples, possibly convinced disciples, but not committed disciples. Now He wants them to go the full measure. We see, then, how the term disciple goes through an evolutionary process during the ministry of Christ, the story of the gospels.

3. The terms of discipleship are all-encompassing.
  • An unrivaled love for God. “We must love Jesus more than any relationship” - Luke 14:26
  • An unceasing death to self. “We must love Jesus more than ourselves” - Luke 14:27
  • An unqualified giving up of everything. “We must love Jesus more than anything” - Luke 14:33
4. The primary teaching of this passage is that discipleship is:
  • More than membership in a crowd of followers.
  • More than curiosity about Jesus.
  • More than being willing to listen to Christ’s words.
  • More than being convinced of Christ divinity.
  • Being committed to Christ so that He is Lord of your life.


Mind of Christ - Discipleship (part III)
Christ’s word teaches us about discipleship

Luke 14:25-35

1. Large crowds followed Jesus

2. Jesus has already called them disciples (Luke 9:18,23). Now He says they cannot be His disciples unless they meet this standard. Why does He change? Because before this they had been curious disciples, possibly convinced disciples, but not committed disciples. Now He wants them to go the full measure. We see, then, how the term disciple goes through an evolutionary process during the ministry of Christ, the story of the gospels.

3. The terms of discipleship are all-encompassing.
  • An unrivaled love for God. “We must love Jesus more than any relationship” - Luke 14:26
  • An unceasing death to self. “We must love Jesus more than ourselves” - Luke 14:27
  • An unqualified giving up of everything. “We must love Jesus more than anything” - Luke 14:33
4. The primary teaching of this passage is that discipleship is:
  • More than membership in a crowd of followers.
  • More than curiosity about Jesus.
  • More than being willing to listen to Christ’s words.
  • More than being convinced of Christ divinity.
  • Being committed to Christ so that He is Lord of your life.


Mind of Christ - Discipleship (part III)
Christ’s word teaches us about discipleship

Luke 14:25-35

1. Large crowds followed Jesus

2. Jesus has already called them disciples (Luke 9:18,23). Now He says they cannot be His disciples unless they meet this standard. Why does He change? Because before this they had been curious disciples, possibly convinced disciples, but not committed disciples. Now He wants them to go the full measure. We see, then, how the term disciple goes through an evolutionary process during the ministry of Christ, the story of the gospels.

3. The terms of discipleship are all-encompassing.
  • An unrivaled love for God. “We must love Jesus more than any relationship” - Luke 14:26
  • An unceasing death to self. “We must love Jesus more than ourselves” - Luke 14:27
  • An unqualified giving up of everything. “We must love Jesus more than anything” - Luke 14:33
4. The primary teaching of this passage is that discipleship is:
  • More than membership in a crowd of followers.
  • More than curiosity about Jesus.
  • More than being willing to listen to Christ’s words.
  • More than being convinced of Christ divinity.
  • Being committed to Christ so that He is Lord of your life.


Mind of Christ - Discipleship (part IV)
Christ’s word teaches us about discipleship.

Mark 8:34-38
  • We must desire to follow Christ
  • We must deny self and take up our cross
  • We must lose our life to save it
  • We must not be ashamed of Jesus
Christ’s encounters with people teach about discipleship

Luke 9:57-62
  • Luke 9:57-58 “Count the cost”, commitment is more than a decision.
  • Luke 9:59-60 “Deny self and follow Christ now,” give up the security and comforts of home.
  • Luke 9:61-62 “Remove all rivals and distractions from your relationship with Christ.” Make Him all in all.
Matthew 19:16-22 Mark 10:17-22 Luke 18:18-23
  • Deny and crucify self.
  • Give up everything.
  • Love Christ intensely.


Mind of Christ - Discipleship (part IV)
Christ’s word teaches us about discipleship.

Mark 8:34-38
  • We must desire to follow Christ
  • We must deny self and take up our cross
  • We must lose our life to save it
  • We must not be ashamed of Jesus
Christ’s encounters with people teach about discipleship

Luke 9:57-62
  • Luke 9:57-58 “Count the cost”, commitment is more than a decision.
  • Luke 9:59-60 “Deny self and follow Christ now,” give up the security and comforts of home.
  • Luke 9:61-62 “Remove all rivals and distractions from your relationship with Christ.” Make Him all in all.
Matthew 19:16-22 Mark 10:17-22 Luke 18:18-23
  • Deny and crucify self.
  • Give up everything.
  • Love Christ intensely.


Mind of Christ - Discipleship (part IV)
Christ’s word teaches us about discipleship.

Mark 8:34-38
  • We must desire to follow Christ
  • We must deny self and take up our cross
  • We must lose our life to save it
  • We must not be ashamed of Jesus
Christ’s encounters with people teach about discipleship

Luke 9:57-62
  • Luke 9:57-58 “Count the cost”, commitment is more than a decision.
  • Luke 9:59-60 “Deny self and follow Christ now,” give up the security and comforts of home.
  • Luke 9:61-62 “Remove all rivals and distractions from your relationship with Christ.” Make Him all in all.
Matthew 19:16-22 Mark 10:17-22 Luke 18:18-23
  • Deny and crucify self.
  • Give up everything.
  • Love Christ intensely.


Mind of Christ - Discipleship (part IV)
Christ’s word teaches us about discipleship.

Mark 8:34-38
  • We must desire to follow Christ
  • We must deny self and take up our cross
  • We must lose our life to save it
  • We must not be ashamed of Jesus
Christ’s encounters with people teach about discipleship

Luke 9:57-62
  • Luke 9:57-58 “Count the cost”, commitment is more than a decision.
  • Luke 9:59-60 “Deny self and follow Christ now,” give up the security and comforts of home.
  • Luke 9:61-62 “Remove all rivals and distractions from your relationship with Christ.” Make Him all in all.
Matthew 19:16-22 Mark 10:17-22 Luke 18:18-23
  • Deny and crucify self.
  • Give up everything.
  • Love Christ intensely.


Mind of Christ - Discipleship (part IV)
Christ’s word teaches us about discipleship.

Mark 8:34-38
  • We must desire to follow Christ
  • We must deny self and take up our cross
  • We must lose our life to save it
  • We must not be ashamed of Jesus
Christ’s encounters with people teach about discipleship

Luke 9:57-62
  • Luke 9:57-58 “Count the cost”, commitment is more than a decision.
  • Luke 9:59-60 “Deny self and follow Christ now,” give up the security and comforts of home.
  • Luke 9:61-62 “Remove all rivals and distractions from your relationship with Christ.” Make Him all in all.
Matthew 19:16-22 Mark 10:17-22 Luke 18:18-23
  • Deny and crucify self.
  • Give up everything.
  • Love Christ intensely.


Mind of Christ - Discipleship (part IV)
Christ’s word teaches us about discipleship.

Mark 8:34-38
  • We must desire to follow Christ
  • We must deny self and take up our cross
  • We must lose our life to save it
  • We must not be ashamed of Jesus
Christ’s encounters with people teach about discipleship

Luke 9:57-62
  • Luke 9:57-58 “Count the cost”, commitment is more than a decision.
  • Luke 9:59-60 “Deny self and follow Christ now,” give up the security and comforts of home.
  • Luke 9:61-62 “Remove all rivals and distractions from your relationship with Christ.” Make Him all in all.
Matthew 19:16-22 Mark 10:17-22 Luke 18:18-23
  • Deny and crucify self.
  • Give up everything.
  • Love Christ intensely.


Mind of Christ - Discipleship (part IV)
Christ’s word teaches us about discipleship.

Mark 8:34-38
  • We must desire to follow Christ
  • We must deny self and take up our cross
  • We must lose our life to save it
  • We must not be ashamed of Jesus
Christ’s encounters with people teach about discipleship

Luke 9:57-62
  • Luke 9:57-58 “Count the cost”, commitment is more than a decision.
  • Luke 9:59-60 “Deny self and follow Christ now,” give up the security and comforts of home.
  • Luke 9:61-62 “Remove all rivals and distractions from your relationship with Christ.” Make Him all in all.
Matthew 19:16-22 Mark 10:17-22 Luke 18:18-23
  • Deny and crucify self.
  • Give up everything.
  • Love Christ intensely.


Mind of Christ - Discipleship (part IV)
Christ’s word teaches us about discipleship.

Mark 8:34-38
  • We must desire to follow Christ
  • We must deny self and take up our cross
  • We must lose our life to save it
  • We must not be ashamed of Jesus
Christ’s encounters with people teach about discipleship

Luke 9:57-62
  • Luke 9:57-58 “Count the cost”, commitment is more than a decision.
  • Luke 9:59-60 “Deny self and follow Christ now,” give up the security and comforts of home.
  • Luke 9:61-62 “Remove all rivals and distractions from your relationship with Christ.” Make Him all in all.
Matthew 19:16-22 Mark 10:17-22 Luke 18:18-23
  • Deny and crucify self.
  • Give up everything.
  • Love Christ intensely.


Mind of Christ - Discipleship (part IV)
Christ’s word teaches us about discipleship.

Mark 8:34-38
  • We must desire to follow Christ
  • We must deny self and take up our cross
  • We must lose our life to save it
  • We must not be ashamed of Jesus
Christ’s encounters with people teach about discipleship

Luke 9:57-62
  • Luke 9:57-58 “Count the cost”, commitment is more than a decision.
  • Luke 9:59-60 “Deny self and follow Christ now,” give up the security and comforts of home.
  • Luke 9:61-62 “Remove all rivals and distractions from your relationship with Christ.” Make Him all in all.
Matthew 19:16-22 Mark 10:17-22 Luke 18:18-23
  • Deny and crucify self.
  • Give up everything.
  • Love Christ intensely.


Mind of Christ - Discipleship (part IV)
Christ’s word teaches us about discipleship.

Mark 8:34-38
  • We must desire to follow Christ
  • We must deny self and take up our cross
  • We must lose our life to save it
  • We must not be ashamed of Jesus
Christ’s encounters with people teach about discipleship

Luke 9:57-62
  • Luke 9:57-58 “Count the cost”, commitment is more than a decision.
  • Luke 9:59-60 “Deny self and follow Christ now,” give up the security and comforts of home.
  • Luke 9:61-62 “Remove all rivals and distractions from your relationship with Christ.” Make Him all in all.
Matthew 19:16-22 Mark 10:17-22 Luke 18:18-23
  • Deny and crucify self.
  • Give up everything.
  • Love Christ intensely.


Mind of Christ - Discipleship (part IV)
Christ’s word teaches us about discipleship.

Mark 8:34-38
  • We must desire to follow Christ
  • We must deny self and take up our cross
  • We must lose our life to save it
  • We must not be ashamed of Jesus
Christ’s encounters with people teach about discipleship

Luke 9:57-62
  • Luke 9:57-58 “Count the cost”, commitment is more than a decision.
  • Luke 9:59-60 “Deny self and follow Christ now,” give up the security and comforts of home.
  • Luke 9:61-62 “Remove all rivals and distractions from your relationship with Christ.” Make Him all in all.
Matthew 19:16-22 Mark 10:17-22 Luke 18:18-23
  • Deny and crucify self.
  • Give up everything.
  • Love Christ intensely.


Mind of Christ - Discipleship (part IV)
Christ’s word teaches us about discipleship.

Mark 8:34-38
  • We must desire to follow Christ
  • We must deny self and take up our cross
  • We must lose our life to save it
  • We must not be ashamed of Jesus
Christ’s encounters with people teach about discipleship

Luke 9:57-62
  • Luke 9:57-58 “Count the cost”, commitment is more than a decision.
  • Luke 9:59-60 “Deny self and follow Christ now,” give up the security and comforts of home.
  • Luke 9:61-62 “Remove all rivals and distractions from your relationship with Christ.” Make Him all in all.
Matthew 19:16-22 Mark 10:17-22 Luke 18:18-23
  • Deny and crucify self.
  • Give up everything.
  • Love Christ intensely.


Mind of Christ - Discipleship (part IV)
Christ’s word teaches us about discipleship.

Mark 8:34-38
  • We must desire to follow Christ
  • We must deny self and take up our cross
  • We must lose our life to save it
  • We must not be ashamed of Jesus
Christ’s encounters with people teach about discipleship

Luke 9:57-62
  • Luke 9:57-58 “Count the cost”, commitment is more than a decision.
  • Luke 9:59-60 “Deny self and follow Christ now,” give up the security and comforts of home.
  • Luke 9:61-62 “Remove all rivals and distractions from your relationship with Christ.” Make Him all in all.
Matthew 19:16-22 Mark 10:17-22 Luke 18:18-23
  • Deny and crucify self.
  • Give up everything.
  • Love Christ intensely.


Mind of Christ - Discipleship (part IV)
Christ’s word teaches us about discipleship.

Mark 8:34-38
  • We must desire to follow Christ
  • We must deny self and take up our cross
  • We must lose our life to save it
  • We must not be ashamed of Jesus
Christ’s encounters with people teach about discipleship

Luke 9:57-62
  • Luke 9:57-58 “Count the cost”, commitment is more than a decision.
  • Luke 9:59-60 “Deny self and follow Christ now,” give up the security and comforts of home.
  • Luke 9:61-62 “Remove all rivals and distractions from your relationship with Christ.” Make Him all in all.
Matthew 19:16-22 Mark 10:17-22 Luke 18:18-23
  • Deny and crucify self.
  • Give up everything.
  • Love Christ intensely.


Mind of Christ - Discipleship (part IV)
Christ’s word teaches us about discipleship.

Mark 8:34-38
  • We must desire to follow Christ
  • We must deny self and take up our cross
  • We must lose our life to save it
  • We must not be ashamed of Jesus
Christ’s encounters with people teach about discipleship

Luke 9:57-62
  • Luke 9:57-58 “Count the cost”, commitment is more than a decision.
  • Luke 9:59-60 “Deny self and follow Christ now,” give up the security and comforts of home.
  • Luke 9:61-62 “Remove all rivals and distractions from your relationship with Christ.” Make Him all in all.
Matthew 19:16-22 Mark 10:17-22 Luke 18:18-23
  • Deny and crucify self.
  • Give up everything.
  • Love Christ intensely.


Mind of Christ - Discipleship (part IV)
Christ’s word teaches us about discipleship.

Mark 8:34-38
  • We must desire to follow Christ
  • We must deny self and take up our cross
  • We must lose our life to save it
  • We must not be ashamed of Jesus
Christ’s encounters with people teach about discipleship

Luke 9:57-62
  • Luke 9:57-58 “Count the cost”, commitment is more than a decision.
  • Luke 9:59-60 “Deny self and follow Christ now,” give up the security and comforts of home.
  • Luke 9:61-62 “Remove all rivals and distractions from your relationship with Christ.” Make Him all in all.
Matthew 19:16-22 Mark 10:17-22 Luke 18:18-23
  • Deny and crucify self.
  • Give up everything.
  • Love Christ intensely.


Mind of Christ - Discipleship (part IV)
Christ’s word teaches us about discipleship.

Mark 8:34-38
  • We must desire to follow Christ
  • We must deny self and take up our cross
  • We must lose our life to save it
  • We must not be ashamed of Jesus
Christ’s encounters with people teach about discipleship

Luke 9:57-62
  • Luke 9:57-58 “Count the cost”, commitment is more than a decision.
  • Luke 9:59-60 “Deny self and follow Christ now,” give up the security and comforts of home.
  • Luke 9:61-62 “Remove all rivals and distractions from your relationship with Christ.” Make Him all in all.
Matthew 19:16-22 Mark 10:17-22 Luke 18:18-23
  • Deny and crucify self.
  • Give up everything.
  • Love Christ intensely.


Mind of Christ - Discipleship (part IV)
Christ’s word teaches us about discipleship.

Mark 8:34-38
  • We must desire to follow Christ
  • We must deny self and take up our cross
  • We must lose our life to save it
  • We must not be ashamed of Jesus
Christ’s encounters with people teach about discipleship

Luke 9:57-62
  • Luke 9:57-58 “Count the cost”, commitment is more than a decision.
  • Luke 9:59-60 “Deny self and follow Christ now,” give up the security and comforts of home.
  • Luke 9:61-62 “Remove all rivals and distractions from your relationship with Christ.” Make Him all in all.
Matthew 19:16-22 Mark 10:17-22 Luke 18:18-23
  • Deny and crucify self.
  • Give up everything.
  • Love Christ intensely.


Mind of Christ - Obedience (part IV)
He obeyed God because he wanted to please God more than he wanted to please himself (continued)
  • Luke 3:22 - The Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove
  • John 8:29 - I always do what pleases him
  • 2 Peter 1:17 - This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased
  • Hebrews 10:7 - I have come to do your will, O God
The highest motivation for our obedience to God is also in our relationship with God.
  • John 14:15, 21, 23 - If you love me, you will obey what I command; He who loves me will be loved by my Father
  • 1 John 5:3 - This is love for God: to obey his commands
  • Matthew 22:37 - Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind


Mind of Christ - Helping People (part I)
We must gain the mind of Christ in regard to helping people

Romans 15:1-3 - We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves

His baptism and temptation prepared the way for helping people.
  • Luke 3:21-23 - When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too
  • ~Luke 4:1-13 - We was tempted with the same sin we are tempted with
Two primary factors motivated Jesus to help people:

1. He possessed a great desire to work for and please God.
  • John 9:4 - While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
  • John 5:30 - I seek not to please myself but him who sent me
2. He possessed a great compassion and love for people:

Compassion: Sympathetic conscious of another’s distress, together with desire to alleviate it, pity coupled with an urgent desire to aid or to spare.

Examples:
  • Mark 1:40-42 - Filled with compassion, Jesus cured the man with Leprosy
  • John 19:25-27 - Make connections for people to be taken care of


Mind of Christ - Helping People (part I)
We must gain the mind of Christ in regard to helping people

Romans 15:1-3 - We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves

His baptism and temptation prepared the way for helping people.
  • Luke 3:21-23 - When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too
  • ~Luke 4:1-13 - We was tempted with the same sin we are tempted with
Two primary factors motivated Jesus to help people:

1. He possessed a great desire to work for and please God.
  • John 9:4 - While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
  • John 5:30 - I seek not to please myself but him who sent me
2. He possessed a great compassion and love for people:

Compassion: Sympathetic conscious of another’s distress, together with desire to alleviate it, pity coupled with an urgent desire to aid or to spare.

Examples:
  • Mark 1:40-42 - Filled with compassion, Jesus cured the man with Leprosy
  • John 19:25-27 - Make connections for people to be taken care of


Mind of Christ - Helping People (part I)
We must gain the mind of Christ in regard to helping people

Romans 15:1-3 - We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves

His baptism and temptation prepared the way for helping people.
  • Luke 3:21-23 - When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too
  • ~Luke 4:1-13 - We was tempted with the same sin we are tempted with
Two primary factors motivated Jesus to help people:

1. He possessed a great desire to work for and please God.
  • John 9:4 - While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
  • John 5:30 - I seek not to please myself but him who sent me
2. He possessed a great compassion and love for people:

Compassion: Sympathetic conscious of another’s distress, together with desire to alleviate it, pity coupled with an urgent desire to aid or to spare.

Examples:
  • Mark 1:40-42 - Filled with compassion, Jesus cured the man with Leprosy
  • John 19:25-27 - Make connections for people to be taken care of


Mind of Christ - Helping People (part I)
We must gain the mind of Christ in regard to helping people

Romans 15:1-3 - We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves

His baptism and temptation prepared the way for helping people.
  • Luke 3:21-23 - When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too
  • ~Luke 4:1-13 - We was tempted with the same sin we are tempted with
Two primary factors motivated Jesus to help people:

1. He possessed a great desire to work for and please God.
  • John 9:4 - While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
  • John 5:30 - I seek not to please myself but him who sent me
2. He possessed a great compassion and love for people:

Compassion: Sympathetic conscious of another’s distress, together with desire to alleviate it, pity coupled with an urgent desire to aid or to spare.

Examples:
  • Mark 1:40-42 - Filled with compassion, Jesus cured the man with Leprosy
  • John 19:25-27 - Make connections for people to be taken care of


Mind of Christ - Helping People (part I)
We must gain the mind of Christ in regard to helping people

Romans 15:1-3 - We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves

His baptism and temptation prepared the way for helping people.
  • Luke 3:21-23 - When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too
  • ~Luke 4:1-13 - We was tempted with the same sin we are tempted with
Two primary factors motivated Jesus to help people:

1. He possessed a great desire to work for and please God.
  • John 9:4 - While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
  • John 5:30 - I seek not to please myself but him who sent me
2. He possessed a great compassion and love for people:

Compassion: Sympathetic conscious of another’s distress, together with desire to alleviate it, pity coupled with an urgent desire to aid or to spare.

Examples:
  • Mark 1:40-42 - Filled with compassion, Jesus cured the man with Leprosy
  • John 19:25-27 - Make connections for people to be taken care of


Mind of Christ - Helping People (part I)
We must gain the mind of Christ in regard to helping people

Romans 15:1-3 - We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves

His baptism and temptation prepared the way for helping people.
  • Luke 3:21-23 - When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too
  • ~Luke 4:1-13 - We was tempted with the same sin we are tempted with
Two primary factors motivated Jesus to help people:

1. He possessed a great desire to work for and please God.
  • John 9:4 - While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
  • John 5:30 - I seek not to please myself but him who sent me
2. He possessed a great compassion and love for people:

Compassion: Sympathetic conscious of another’s distress, together with desire to alleviate it, pity coupled with an urgent desire to aid or to spare.

Examples:
  • Mark 1:40-42 - Filled with compassion, Jesus cured the man with Leprosy
  • John 19:25-27 - Make connections for people to be taken care of


Mind of Christ - Helping People (part I)
We must gain the mind of Christ in regard to helping people

Romans 15:1-3 - We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves

His baptism and temptation prepared the way for helping people.
  • Luke 3:21-23 - When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too
  • ~Luke 4:1-13 - We was tempted with the same sin we are tempted with
Two primary factors motivated Jesus to help people:

1. He possessed a great desire to work for and please God.
  • John 9:4 - While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
  • John 5:30 - I seek not to please myself but him who sent me
2. He possessed a great compassion and love for people:

Compassion: Sympathetic conscious of another’s distress, together with desire to alleviate it, pity coupled with an urgent desire to aid or to spare.

Examples:
  • Mark 1:40-42 - Filled with compassion, Jesus cured the man with Leprosy
  • John 19:25-27 - Make connections for people to be taken care of


Mind of Christ - Helping People (part I)
We must gain the mind of Christ in regard to helping people

Romans 15:1-3 - We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves

His baptism and temptation prepared the way for helping people.
  • Luke 3:21-23 - When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too
  • ~Luke 4:1-13 - We was tempted with the same sin we are tempted with
Two primary factors motivated Jesus to help people:

1. He possessed a great desire to work for and please God.
  • John 9:4 - While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
  • John 5:30 - I seek not to please myself but him who sent me
2. He possessed a great compassion and love for people:

Compassion: Sympathetic conscious of another’s distress, together with desire to alleviate it, pity coupled with an urgent desire to aid or to spare.

Examples:
  • Mark 1:40-42 - Filled with compassion, Jesus cured the man with Leprosy
  • John 19:25-27 - Make connections for people to be taken care of


Mind of Christ - Helping People (part I)
We must gain the mind of Christ in regard to helping people

Romans 15:1-3 - We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves

His baptism and temptation prepared the way for helping people.
  • Luke 3:21-23 - When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too
  • ~Luke 4:1-13 - We was tempted with the same sin we are tempted with
Two primary factors motivated Jesus to help people:

1. He possessed a great desire to work for and please God.
  • John 9:4 - While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
  • John 5:30 - I seek not to please myself but him who sent me
2. He possessed a great compassion and love for people:

Compassion: Sympathetic conscious of another’s distress, together with desire to alleviate it, pity coupled with an urgent desire to aid or to spare.

Examples:
  • Mark 1:40-42 - Filled with compassion, Jesus cured the man with Leprosy
  • John 19:25-27 - Make connections for people to be taken care of


Mind of Christ - Helping People (part I)
We must gain the mind of Christ in regard to helping people

Romans 15:1-3 - We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves

His baptism and temptation prepared the way for helping people.
  • Luke 3:21-23 - When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too
  • ~Luke 4:1-13 - We was tempted with the same sin we are tempted with
Two primary factors motivated Jesus to help people:

1. He possessed a great desire to work for and please God.
  • John 9:4 - While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
  • John 5:30 - I seek not to please myself but him who sent me
2. He possessed a great compassion and love for people:

Compassion: Sympathetic conscious of another’s distress, together with desire to alleviate it, pity coupled with an urgent desire to aid or to spare.

Examples:
  • Mark 1:40-42 - Filled with compassion, Jesus cured the man with Leprosy
  • John 19:25-27 - Make connections for people to be taken care of


Mind of Christ - Helping People (part I)
We must gain the mind of Christ in regard to helping people

Romans 15:1-3 - We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves

His baptism and temptation prepared the way for helping people.
  • Luke 3:21-23 - When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too
  • ~Luke 4:1-13 - We was tempted with the same sin we are tempted with
Two primary factors motivated Jesus to help people:

1. He possessed a great desire to work for and please God.
  • John 9:4 - While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
  • John 5:30 - I seek not to please myself but him who sent me
2. He possessed a great compassion and love for people:

Compassion: Sympathetic conscious of another’s distress, together with desire to alleviate it, pity coupled with an urgent desire to aid or to spare.

Examples:
  • Mark 1:40-42 - Filled with compassion, Jesus cured the man with Leprosy
  • John 19:25-27 - Make connections for people to be taken care of


Mind of Christ - Helping People (part I)
We must gain the mind of Christ in regard to helping people

Romans 15:1-3 - We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves

His baptism and temptation prepared the way for helping people.
  • Luke 3:21-23 - When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too
  • ~Luke 4:1-13 - We was tempted with the same sin we are tempted with
Two primary factors motivated Jesus to help people:

1. He possessed a great desire to work for and please God.
  • John 9:4 - While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
  • John 5:30 - I seek not to please myself but him who sent me
2. He possessed a great compassion and love for people:

Compassion: Sympathetic conscious of another’s distress, together with desire to alleviate it, pity coupled with an urgent desire to aid or to spare.

Examples:
  • Mark 1:40-42 - Filled with compassion, Jesus cured the man with Leprosy
  • John 19:25-27 - Make connections for people to be taken care of


Mind of Christ - Helping People (part I)
We must gain the mind of Christ in regard to helping people

Romans 15:1-3 - We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves

His baptism and temptation prepared the way for helping people.
  • Luke 3:21-23 - When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too
  • ~Luke 4:1-13 - We was tempted with the same sin we are tempted with
Two primary factors motivated Jesus to help people:

1. He possessed a great desire to work for and please God.
  • John 9:4 - While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
  • John 5:30 - I seek not to please myself but him who sent me
2. He possessed a great compassion and love for people:

Compassion: Sympathetic conscious of another’s distress, together with desire to alleviate it, pity coupled with an urgent desire to aid or to spare.

Examples:
  • Mark 1:40-42 - Filled with compassion, Jesus cured the man with Leprosy
  • John 19:25-27 - Make connections for people to be taken care of


Mind of Christ - Helping People (part I)
We must gain the mind of Christ in regard to helping people

Romans 15:1-3 - We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves

His baptism and temptation prepared the way for helping people.
  • Luke 3:21-23 - When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too
  • ~Luke 4:1-13 - We was tempted with the same sin we are tempted with
Two primary factors motivated Jesus to help people:

1. He possessed a great desire to work for and please God.
  • John 9:4 - While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
  • John 5:30 - I seek not to please myself but him who sent me
2. He possessed a great compassion and love for people:

Compassion: Sympathetic conscious of another’s distress, together with desire to alleviate it, pity coupled with an urgent desire to aid or to spare.

Examples:
  • Mark 1:40-42 - Filled with compassion, Jesus cured the man with Leprosy
  • John 19:25-27 - Make connections for people to be taken care of


Mind of Christ - Helping People (part I)
We must gain the mind of Christ in regard to helping people

Romans 15:1-3 - We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves

His baptism and temptation prepared the way for helping people.
  • Luke 3:21-23 - When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too
  • ~Luke 4:1-13 - We was tempted with the same sin we are tempted with
Two primary factors motivated Jesus to help people:

1. He possessed a great desire to work for and please God.
  • John 9:4 - While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
  • John 5:30 - I seek not to please myself but him who sent me
2. He possessed a great compassion and love for people:

Compassion: Sympathetic conscious of another’s distress, together with desire to alleviate it, pity coupled with an urgent desire to aid or to spare.

Examples:
  • Mark 1:40-42 - Filled with compassion, Jesus cured the man with Leprosy
  • John 19:25-27 - Make connections for people to be taken care of


Mind of Christ - Helping People (part I)
We must gain the mind of Christ in regard to helping people

Romans 15:1-3 - We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves

His baptism and temptation prepared the way for helping people.
  • Luke 3:21-23 - When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too
  • ~Luke 4:1-13 - We was tempted with the same sin we are tempted with
Two primary factors motivated Jesus to help people:

1. He possessed a great desire to work for and please God.
  • John 9:4 - While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
  • John 5:30 - I seek not to please myself but him who sent me
2. He possessed a great compassion and love for people:

Compassion: Sympathetic conscious of another’s distress, together with desire to alleviate it, pity coupled with an urgent desire to aid or to spare.

Examples:
  • Mark 1:40-42 - Filled with compassion, Jesus cured the man with Leprosy
  • John 19:25-27 - Make connections for people to be taken care of


Mind of Christ - Helping People (part II)
The following attitudes can help bring about a heart of compassion:
  1. You must sympathize with people out of a tender heart.
  2. You must believe that every person is precious to God
  3. You must be aware of your own humanness
  • You are made of the same stuff as every other person.
  • Potentially, the situation that exists with other people in desparate struggles.
  1. You must desire to make a difference in peoples’ lives. There must be a desire to count in this world.
  2. You must deny self that allows you to place the interest of others ahead of your own.
The heart of Jesus should be compared with the uncompassionate hearts of others.

  • ~John 8:1-11 - Pharisees vs Jesus (Woman caught in adultery)
  • ~Mark 5:1-20 - Man with an evil spirit vs Jesus
  • ~Luke 7:36-50 - Pharisees vs Jesus (Sinful Woman)
  • ~Matthew 19:13-15 - Disciples vs Jesus


Mind of Christ - Helping People (part II)
The following attitudes can help bring about a heart of compassion:
  1. You must sympathize with people out of a tender heart.
  2. You must believe that every person is precious to God
  3. You must be aware of your own humanness
  • You are made of the same stuff as every other person.
  • Potentially, the situation that exists with other people in desparate struggles.
  1. You must desire to make a difference in peoples’ lives. There must be a desire to count in this world.
  2. You must deny self that allows you to place the interest of others ahead of your own.
The heart of Jesus should be compared with the uncompassionate hearts of others.

  • ~John 8:1-11 - Pharisees vs Jesus (Woman caught in adultery)
  • ~Mark 5:1-20 - Man with an evil spirit vs Jesus
  • ~Luke 7:36-50 - Pharisees vs Jesus (Sinful Woman)
  • ~Matthew 19:13-15 - Disciples vs Jesus


Mind of Christ - Helping People (part II)
The following attitudes can help bring about a heart of compassion:
  1. You must sympathize with people out of a tender heart.
  2. You must believe that every person is precious to God
  3. You must be aware of your own humanness
  • You are made of the same stuff as every other person.
  • Potentially, the situation that exists with other people in desparate struggles.
  1. You must desire to make a difference in peoples’ lives. There must be a desire to count in this world.
  2. You must deny self that allows you to place the interest of others ahead of your own.
The heart of Jesus should be compared with the uncompassionate hearts of others.

  • ~John 8:1-11 - Pharisees vs Jesus (Woman caught in adultery)
  • ~Mark 5:1-20 - Man with an evil spirit vs Jesus
  • ~Luke 7:36-50 - Pharisees vs Jesus (Sinful Woman)
  • ~Matthew 19:13-15 - Disciples vs Jesus


Mind of Christ - Helping People (part II)
The following attitudes can help bring about a heart of compassion:
  1. You must sympathize with people out of a tender heart.
  2. You must believe that every person is precious to God
  3. You must be aware of your own humanness
  • You are made of the same stuff as every other person.
  • Potentially, the situation that exists with other people in desparate struggles.
  1. You must desire to make a difference in peoples’ lives. There must be a desire to count in this world.
  2. You must deny self that allows you to place the interest of others ahead of your own.
The heart of Jesus should be compared with the uncompassionate hearts of others.

  • ~John 8:1-11 - Pharisees vs Jesus (Woman caught in adultery)
  • ~Mark 5:1-20 - Man with an evil spirit vs Jesus
  • ~Luke 7:36-50 - Pharisees vs Jesus (Sinful Woman)
  • ~Matthew 19:13-15 - Disciples vs Jesus


Mind of Christ - Helping People (part II)
The following attitudes can help bring about a heart of compassion:
  1. You must sympathize with people out of a tender heart.
  2. You must believe that every person is precious to God
  3. You must be aware of your own humanness
  • You are made of the same stuff as every other person.
  • Potentially, the situation that exists with other people in desparate struggles.
  1. You must desire to make a difference in peoples’ lives. There must be a desire to count in this world.
  2. You must deny self that allows you to place the interest of others ahead of your own.
The heart of Jesus should be compared with the uncompassionate hearts of others.

  • ~John 8:1-11 - Pharisees vs Jesus (Woman caught in adultery)
  • ~Mark 5:1-20 - Man with an evil spirit vs Jesus
  • ~Luke 7:36-50 - Pharisees vs Jesus (Sinful Woman)
  • ~Matthew 19:13-15 - Disciples vs Jesus


Mind of Christ - Helping People (part II)
The following attitudes can help bring about a heart of compassion:
  1. You must sympathize with people out of a tender heart.
  2. You must believe that every person is precious to God
  3. You must be aware of your own humanness
  • You are made of the same stuff as every other person.
  • Potentially, the situation that exists with other people in desparate struggles.
  1. You must desire to make a difference in peoples’ lives. There must be a desire to count in this world.
  2. You must deny self that allows you to place the interest of others ahead of your own.
The heart of Jesus should be compared with the uncompassionate hearts of others.

  • ~John 8:1-11 - Pharisees vs Jesus (Woman caught in adultery)
  • ~Mark 5:1-20 - Man with an evil spirit vs Jesus
  • ~Luke 7:36-50 - Pharisees vs Jesus (Sinful Woman)
  • ~Matthew 19:13-15 - Disciples vs Jesus


Mind of Christ - Helping People (part II)
The following attitudes can help bring about a heart of compassion:
  1. You must sympathize with people out of a tender heart.
  2. You must believe that every person is precious to God
  3. You must be aware of your own humanness
  • You are made of the same stuff as every other person.
  • Potentially, the situation that exists with other people in desparate struggles.
  1. You must desire to make a difference in peoples’ lives. There must be a desire to count in this world.
  2. You must deny self that allows you to place the interest of others ahead of your own.
The heart of Jesus should be compared with the uncompassionate hearts of others.

  • ~John 8:1-11 - Pharisees vs Jesus (Woman caught in adultery)
  • ~Mark 5:1-20 - Man with an evil spirit vs Jesus
  • ~Luke 7:36-50 - Pharisees vs Jesus (Sinful Woman)
  • ~Matthew 19:13-15 - Disciples vs Jesus


Mind of Christ - Helping People (part II)
The following attitudes can help bring about a heart of compassion:
  1. You must sympathize with people out of a tender heart.
  2. You must believe that every person is precious to God
  3. You must be aware of your own humanness
  • You are made of the same stuff as every other person.
  • Potentially, the situation that exists with other people in desparate struggles.
  1. You must desire to make a difference in peoples’ lives. There must be a desire to count in this world.
  2. You must deny self that allows you to place the interest of others ahead of your own.
The heart of Jesus should be compared with the uncompassionate hearts of others.

  • ~John 8:1-11 - Pharisees vs Jesus (Woman caught in adultery)
  • ~Mark 5:1-20 - Man with an evil spirit vs Jesus
  • ~Luke 7:36-50 - Pharisees vs Jesus (Sinful Woman)
  • ~Matthew 19:13-15 - Disciples vs Jesus


Mind of Christ - Helping People (part II)
The following attitudes can help bring about a heart of compassion:
  1. You must sympathize with people out of a tender heart.
  2. You must believe that every person is precious to God
  3. You must be aware of your own humanness
  • You are made of the same stuff as every other person.
  • Potentially, the situation that exists with other people in desparate struggles.
  1. You must desire to make a difference in peoples’ lives. There must be a desire to count in this world.
  2. You must deny self that allows you to place the interest of others ahead of your own.
The heart of Jesus should be compared with the uncompassionate hearts of others.

  • ~John 8:1-11 - Pharisees vs Jesus (Woman caught in adultery)
  • ~Mark 5:1-20 - Man with an evil spirit vs Jesus
  • ~Luke 7:36-50 - Pharisees vs Jesus (Sinful Woman)
  • ~Matthew 19:13-15 - Disciples vs Jesus


Mind of Christ - Helping People (part II)
The following attitudes can help bring about a heart of compassion:
  1. You must sympathize with people out of a tender heart.
  2. You must believe that every person is precious to God
  3. You must be aware of your own humanness
  • You are made of the same stuff as every other person.
  • Potentially, the situation that exists with other people in desparate struggles.
  1. You must desire to make a difference in peoples’ lives. There must be a desire to count in this world.
  2. You must deny self that allows you to place the interest of others ahead of your own.
The heart of Jesus should be compared with the uncompassionate hearts of others.

  • ~John 8:1-11 - Pharisees vs Jesus (Woman caught in adultery)
  • ~Mark 5:1-20 - Man with an evil spirit vs Jesus
  • ~Luke 7:36-50 - Pharisees vs Jesus (Sinful Woman)
  • ~Matthew 19:13-15 - Disciples vs Jesus


Mind of Christ - Helping People (part II)
The following attitudes can help bring about a heart of compassion:
  1. You must sympathize with people out of a tender heart.
  2. You must believe that every person is precious to God
  3. You must be aware of your own humanness
  • You are made of the same stuff as every other person.
  • Potentially, the situation that exists with other people in desparate struggles.
  1. You must desire to make a difference in peoples’ lives. There must be a desire to count in this world.
  2. You must deny self that allows you to place the interest of others ahead of your own.
The heart of Jesus should be compared with the uncompassionate hearts of others.

  • ~John 8:1-11 - Pharisees vs Jesus (Woman caught in adultery)
  • ~Mark 5:1-20 - Man with an evil spirit vs Jesus
  • ~Luke 7:36-50 - Pharisees vs Jesus (Sinful Woman)
  • ~Matthew 19:13-15 - Disciples vs Jesus


Mind of Christ - Helping People (part II)
The following attitudes can help bring about a heart of compassion:
  1. You must sympathize with people out of a tender heart.
  2. You must believe that every person is precious to God
  3. You must be aware of your own humanness
  • You are made of the same stuff as every other person.
  • Potentially, the situation that exists with other people in desparate struggles.
  1. You must desire to make a difference in peoples’ lives. There must be a desire to count in this world.
  2. You must deny self that allows you to place the interest of others ahead of your own.
The heart of Jesus should be compared with the uncompassionate hearts of others.

  • ~John 8:1-11 - Pharisees vs Jesus (Woman caught in adultery)
  • ~Mark 5:1-20 - Man with an evil spirit vs Jesus
  • ~Luke 7:36-50 - Pharisees vs Jesus (Sinful Woman)
  • ~Matthew 19:13-15 - Disciples vs Jesus


Mind of Christ - Helping People (part II)
The following attitudes can help bring about a heart of compassion:
  1. You must sympathize with people out of a tender heart.
  2. You must believe that every person is precious to God
  3. You must be aware of your own humanness
  • You are made of the same stuff as every other person.
  • Potentially, the situation that exists with other people in desparate struggles.
  1. You must desire to make a difference in peoples’ lives. There must be a desire to count in this world.
  2. You must deny self that allows you to place the interest of others ahead of your own.
The heart of Jesus should be compared with the uncompassionate hearts of others.

  • ~John 8:1-11 - Pharisees vs Jesus (Woman caught in adultery)
  • ~Mark 5:1-20 - Man with an evil spirit vs Jesus
  • ~Luke 7:36-50 - Pharisees vs Jesus (Sinful Woman)
  • ~Matthew 19:13-15 - Disciples vs Jesus


Mind of Christ - Helping People (part II)
The following attitudes can help bring about a heart of compassion:
  1. You must sympathize with people out of a tender heart.
  2. You must believe that every person is precious to God
  3. You must be aware of your own humanness
  • You are made of the same stuff as every other person.
  • Potentially, the situation that exists with other people in desparate struggles.
  1. You must desire to make a difference in peoples’ lives. There must be a desire to count in this world.
  2. You must deny self that allows you to place the interest of others ahead of your own.
The heart of Jesus should be compared with the uncompassionate hearts of others.

  • ~John 8:1-11 - Pharisees vs Jesus (Woman caught in adultery)
  • ~Mark 5:1-20 - Man with an evil spirit vs Jesus
  • ~Luke 7:36-50 - Pharisees vs Jesus (Sinful Woman)
  • ~Matthew 19:13-15 - Disciples vs Jesus


Mind of Christ - Helping People (part II)
The following attitudes can help bring about a heart of compassion:
  1. You must sympathize with people out of a tender heart.
  2. You must believe that every person is precious to God
  3. You must be aware of your own humanness
  • You are made of the same stuff as every other person.
  • Potentially, the situation that exists with other people in desparate struggles.
  1. You must desire to make a difference in peoples’ lives. There must be a desire to count in this world.
  2. You must deny self that allows you to place the interest of others ahead of your own.
The heart of Jesus should be compared with the uncompassionate hearts of others.

  • ~John 8:1-11 - Pharisees vs Jesus (Woman caught in adultery)
  • ~Mark 5:1-20 - Man with an evil spirit vs Jesus
  • ~Luke 7:36-50 - Pharisees vs Jesus (Sinful Woman)
  • ~Matthew 19:13-15 - Disciples vs Jesus


Mind of Christ - Heavenly Mission (part I)
A. Jesus possessed a firm belief that he had been sent by the Father into the world for the specific purpose of bringing the lost to salvation.

1. He believed that he was on a Heavenly mission in His Father’s behalf.
  • Luke 2:49 - "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?
  • John 6:38 - For I have come down from heaven
2. He believed that the purpose of this Heavenly mission was to bring the lost to salvation.
  • John 3:17  - God sent his son to save the world through him.
  • Luke 19:10 - For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.
  • Matthew 9:13 - I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners
  • 1 Timothy 1:15 - Jesus came into the world to save sinners
  • 1 John 3:5 - He appeared so that he might take away our sins


Mind of Christ - Heavenly Mission (part I)
A. Jesus possessed a firm belief that he had been sent by the Father into the world for the specific purpose of bringing the lost to salvation.

1. He believed that he was on a Heavenly mission in His Father’s behalf.
  • Luke 2:49 - "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?
  • John 6:38 - For I have come down from heaven
2. He believed that the purpose of this Heavenly mission was to bring the lost to salvation.
  • John 3:17  - God sent his son to save the world through him.
  • Luke 19:10 - For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.
  • Matthew 9:13 - I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners
  • 1 Timothy 1:15 - Jesus came into the world to save sinners
  • 1 John 3:5 - He appeared so that he might take away our sins


Mind of Christ - Heavenly Mission (part III)
Jesus employed at least five elements to accomplish this mission: (continued)

2. He earnestly longed for salvation of sinners.
  • Mark 10:21 - Go, sell everything you have and come follow me
  • Luke 13:34 - How often I have longed to gather your children together
  • Luke 19:41 - As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it.
3. He kept his mind continually fixed on his objective.
  • John 9:4 - As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me
  • John 4:34 - For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God,
  • Luke 19:10 - For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.
  • Mark 1:38-39 - I can preach there also. That is why I have come


Mind of Christ - Heavenly Mission (part III)
Jesus employed at least five elements to accomplish this mission: (continued)

2. He earnestly longed for salvation of sinners.
  • Mark 10:21 - Go, sell everything you have and come follow me
  • Luke 13:34 - How often I have longed to gather your children together
  • Luke 19:41 - As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it.
3. He kept his mind continually fixed on his objective.
  • John 9:4 - As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me
  • John 4:34 - For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God,
  • Luke 19:10 - For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.
  • Mark 1:38-39 - I can preach there also. That is why I have come


Mind of Christ - Heavenly Mission (part III)
Jesus employed at least five elements to accomplish this mission: (continued)

2. He earnestly longed for salvation of sinners.
  • Mark 10:21 - Go, sell everything you have and come follow me
  • Luke 13:34 - How often I have longed to gather your children together
  • Luke 19:41 - As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it.
3. He kept his mind continually fixed on his objective.
  • John 9:4 - As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me
  • John 4:34 - For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God,
  • Luke 19:10 - For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.
  • Mark 1:38-39 - I can preach there also. That is why I have come


Mind of Christ - Heavenly Mission (part VIII)
We must employ at least five elements to accomplish this mission:

1. We must give ourselves totally to this fulfillment
  • 1 Corinthians 15:58 - Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord
  • 1 John 3:16 - We ought to lay down our lives for our brothers
  • 2 Corinthians 8:5- Would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord
2. We must earnestly long for the salvation of sinners
  • Jeremiah 9:1 - I would weep day and night for the slain of my people
  • Luke 13:34 - How often I have longed to gather your children together


Mind of Christ - About Self (part I)
The self-centered life:

A. Man is a very self centered creature:
  • Ecclesiastes 6:7 - Appetite is never satisfied
  • Matthew 6:31-32 - Food, drink, clothes: pagans run after all these things
B. His worries are about himself:
  • Luke 12:22 - Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life
  • Worry has been defined as a prayer to the wrong god


Mind of Christ - About Self (part II)
The self-centered life (continued):

3. His worship is direct toward himself
  • Luke 18:11 - Prayer: I thank you that I am not like other men
  • Philippians 3:19 - Their god is their stomach
  • 2 Timothy 3:2 - People will be lovers of themselves
4. His pleasure is to fulfill himself
  • 2 Timothy 3:4 - Lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God
  • Proverbs 21:17 - He who loves pleasure will become poor
  • 1 Timothy 5:6 - But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead
5. His sinful nature is expressed through the gratification of self
  • Galatians 5:16 - Live by the Spirit and not our sinful desires
  • Ephesians 4:19 - Lost all sensitivity


Mind of Christ - About Self (part IV)
B. Fruits of self centered life (continued):

5. It hinders people from feeling genuine compassion ~ Luke 16:19-31

6. It allows people to be heartless - Matthew 27:3-4

7. It causes people to become unfruitful - Luke 8:14

8. It does not provide real happiness - Ecclesiastes 2:1,24

9. It causes some to reject Christ
  • Young, rich man - Matthew 19:16-22
  • John 12:43 - Some love praise from men more than praise from God


Mind of Christ - About Self (part IV)
B. Fruits of self centered life (continued):

5. It hinders people from feeling genuine compassion ~ Luke 16:19-31

6. It allows people to be heartless - Matthew 27:3-4

7. It causes people to become unfruitful - Luke 8:14

8. It does not provide real happiness - Ecclesiastes 2:1,24

9. It causes some to reject Christ
  • Young, rich man - Matthew 19:16-22
  • John 12:43 - Some love praise from men more than praise from God


Mind of Christ - About Self (part IV)
B. Fruits of self centered life (continued):

5. It hinders people from feeling genuine compassion ~ Luke 16:19-31

6. It allows people to be heartless - Matthew 27:3-4

7. It causes people to become unfruitful - Luke 8:14

8. It does not provide real happiness - Ecclesiastes 2:1,24

9. It causes some to reject Christ
  • Young, rich man - Matthew 19:16-22
  • John 12:43 - Some love praise from men more than praise from God


Mind of Christ - About Self (part IV)
B. Fruits of self centered life (continued):

5. It hinders people from feeling genuine compassion ~ Luke 16:19-31

6. It allows people to be heartless - Matthew 27:3-4

7. It causes people to become unfruitful - Luke 8:14

8. It does not provide real happiness - Ecclesiastes 2:1,24

9. It causes some to reject Christ
  • Young, rich man - Matthew 19:16-22
  • John 12:43 - Some love praise from men more than praise from God


Mind of Christ - About Self (part IV)
B. Fruits of self centered life (continued):

5. It hinders people from feeling genuine compassion ~ Luke 16:19-31

6. It allows people to be heartless - Matthew 27:3-4

7. It causes people to become unfruitful - Luke 8:14

8. It does not provide real happiness - Ecclesiastes 2:1,24

9. It causes some to reject Christ
  • Young, rich man - Matthew 19:16-22
  • John 12:43 - Some love praise from men more than praise from God


Mind of Christ - About Self (part IV)
B. Fruits of self centered life (continued):

5. It hinders people from feeling genuine compassion ~ Luke 16:19-31

6. It allows people to be heartless - Matthew 27:3-4

7. It causes people to become unfruitful - Luke 8:14

8. It does not provide real happiness - Ecclesiastes 2:1,24

9. It causes some to reject Christ
  • Young, rich man - Matthew 19:16-22
  • John 12:43 - Some love praise from men more than praise from God


Mind of Christ - About Self (part IV)
B. Fruits of self centered life (continued):

5. It hinders people from feeling genuine compassion ~ Luke 16:19-31

6. It allows people to be heartless - Matthew 27:3-4

7. It causes people to become unfruitful - Luke 8:14

8. It does not provide real happiness - Ecclesiastes 2:1,24

9. It causes some to reject Christ
  • Young, rich man - Matthew 19:16-22
  • John 12:43 - Some love praise from men more than praise from God


Mind of Christ - About Self (part IV)
B. Fruits of self centered life (continued):

5. It hinders people from feeling genuine compassion ~ Luke 16:19-31

6. It allows people to be heartless - Matthew 27:3-4

7. It causes people to become unfruitful - Luke 8:14

8. It does not provide real happiness - Ecclesiastes 2:1,24

9. It causes some to reject Christ
  • Young, rich man - Matthew 19:16-22
  • John 12:43 - Some love praise from men more than praise from God


Mind of Christ - About Self (part IV)
B. Fruits of self centered life (continued):

5. It hinders people from feeling genuine compassion ~ Luke 16:19-31

6. It allows people to be heartless - Matthew 27:3-4

7. It causes people to become unfruitful - Luke 8:14

8. It does not provide real happiness - Ecclesiastes 2:1,24

9. It causes some to reject Christ
  • Young, rich man - Matthew 19:16-22
  • John 12:43 - Some love praise from men more than praise from God


Mind of Christ - About Self (part IV)
B. Fruits of self centered life (continued):

5. It hinders people from feeling genuine compassion ~ Luke 16:19-31

6. It allows people to be heartless - Matthew 27:3-4

7. It causes people to become unfruitful - Luke 8:14

8. It does not provide real happiness - Ecclesiastes 2:1,24

9. It causes some to reject Christ
  • Young, rich man - Matthew 19:16-22
  • John 12:43 - Some love praise from men more than praise from God


Mind of Christ - About Self (part IV)
B. Fruits of self centered life (continued):

5. It hinders people from feeling genuine compassion ~ Luke 16:19-31

6. It allows people to be heartless - Matthew 27:3-4

7. It causes people to become unfruitful - Luke 8:14

8. It does not provide real happiness - Ecclesiastes 2:1,24

9. It causes some to reject Christ
  • Young, rich man - Matthew 19:16-22
  • John 12:43 - Some love praise from men more than praise from God


Mind of Christ - About Self (part IV)
B. Fruits of self centered life (continued):

5. It hinders people from feeling genuine compassion ~ Luke 16:19-31

6. It allows people to be heartless - Matthew 27:3-4

7. It causes people to become unfruitful - Luke 8:14

8. It does not provide real happiness - Ecclesiastes 2:1,24

9. It causes some to reject Christ
  • Young, rich man - Matthew 19:16-22
  • John 12:43 - Some love praise from men more than praise from God


Mind of Christ - About Self (part IV)
B. Fruits of self centered life (continued):

5. It hinders people from feeling genuine compassion ~ Luke 16:19-31

6. It allows people to be heartless - Matthew 27:3-4

7. It causes people to become unfruitful - Luke 8:14

8. It does not provide real happiness - Ecclesiastes 2:1,24

9. It causes some to reject Christ
  • Young, rich man - Matthew 19:16-22
  • John 12:43 - Some love praise from men more than praise from God


Mind of Christ - About Self (part IV)
B. Fruits of self centered life (continued):

5. It hinders people from feeling genuine compassion ~ Luke 16:19-31

6. It allows people to be heartless - Matthew 27:3-4

7. It causes people to become unfruitful - Luke 8:14

8. It does not provide real happiness - Ecclesiastes 2:1,24

9. It causes some to reject Christ
  • Young, rich man - Matthew 19:16-22
  • John 12:43 - Some love praise from men more than praise from God


Mind of Christ - About Self (part V)
Christ’s example of self denial:

A. He emptied himself ~ Philippines 2:5-11

B. He inconvenienced himself
  • Luke 9:58 - Son of Man has no place to lay his head
  • Mark 6:30 - The apostles gathered around Jesus at unscheduled times
C. He disregarding himself.
  • 2 Corinthians 8:9 - He became poor for our sake
  • Romans 15:1-3 - Christ did not please himself
  • John 5:30 - I seek not to please myself
D. He sacrificed himself.
  • 1 John 3:16 - Jesus Christ laid down his life for us
  • John 10:11 - The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep


Mind of Christ - About Self (part VII)
The results of a self emptied life (continued):

B. It enables you to bring glory to God.
  • God is glorified through a selfless life of good deeds - Matthew 5:16
  • God is glorified when we selflessly bear fruit - John 15:8
  • God is glorified through selfless obedience - John 17:4
  • God is glorified when we selflessly suffer for righteousness - 1 Peter 4:14, 16
  • God is glorified through selfless service to others
    • 1 Peter 4:11 - If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God.
    • Luke 17:15 - Praising God in a loud voice.


Mind of Christ - About Self (part VIII)

The self emptied life obtained:

A. The crucifixion of self:

  • Romans 6:6-7 - Old self was crucified with him
  • Luke 9:23 - We must deny our self
  • A threefold crucifixion:
    • Self interest: I have been crucified with Christ - Galatians 2:20
    • Sinful passion: Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified - Galatians 5:24
    • Worldly desires: The world has been crucified to me - Galatians 6:14

 



Mind of Christ - Servant (part I)
I. Jesus came to earth as a servant

A. He is spoken of by the prophets as a servant.
  • Isaiah 42:1 - "Here is my servant whom I uphold."
  • Isaiah 53:11 - "My righteous servant"
  • Zechariah 3:8 - "My servant, the branch"
B. He spoke of himself as a servant.
  • Luke 22:27 - I am among you as one who serves
  • Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve


In Rememberence of Me
Jesus called the disciples to the Passover fest before would head to the cross to reflect and remember their time together

Luke 22:19-20 - Do this in remembrance of me

Why? because we forget both little things and big things

1. Disciples forgot while they were at the table -

v24 - Conversations they have had at the passover table:
  • Peter: Remember when walking on water
  • Thomas: But you doubted and fell into the water
  • Peter: Like you have any room to talk, doubting Thomas
  • James: Remember the transfiguration? Yeah, I was one of three disciples there. We saw Moses and Elijah.
  • Andrew: Yeah, you seem to miss the whole point when you fixated on getting them shelters
  • Matthew: We can take these guys anywhere
They had this lesson before (how many times?)
2. Peter forgot the very same day  the very same day and denied Jesus
v54 - He forgot that Jesus said and he had the power to raise the dead

I can relate:
  • Forgetting to the trash and why I was in the garage
  • Forgetting Juniper's shoes on the way to church
If  I can not remember the little things within the same few minutes, or hours - we need this time of communion
Our forgetfulness is not a reflection of its importance but a reflection our weakness in remembering

In Rememberence of Me
Jesus called the disciples to the Passover fest before would head to the cross to reflect and remember their time together

Luke 22:19-20 - Do this in remembrance of me

Why? because we forget both little things and big things

1. Disciples forgot while they were at the table -

v24 - Conversations they have had at the passover table:
  • Peter: Remember when walking on water
  • Thomas: But you doubted and fell into the water
  • Peter: Like you have any room to talk, doubting Thomas
  • James: Remember the transfiguration? Yeah, I was one of three disciples there. We saw Moses and Elijah.
  • Andrew: Yeah, you seem to miss the whole point when you fixated on getting them shelters
  • Matthew: We can take these guys anywhere
They had this lesson before (how many times?)
2. Peter forgot the very same day  the very same day and denied Jesus
v54 - He forgot that Jesus said and he had the power to raise the dead

I can relate:
  • Forgetting to the trash and why I was in the garage
  • Forgetting Juniper's shoes on the way to church
If  I can not remember the little things within the same few minutes, or hours - we need this time of communion
Our forgetfulness is not a reflection of its importance but a reflection our weakness in remembering

Fearing God - Mystery Too High
God work contrary to how we would
God wisdom is infinite; ours in finite
We tend to assume we would understand if God would just explain
We don't believe that "his understanding no one can fathom - Isiah 40:28

On the road to Emmaus, they said "they hoped Jesus was the one going to redeem Israel - Luke 24:21
They did not understand what God was doing even doing even as it was unfolding

Unexplained setback may never be understood
Paul planned to sail to Rome and Spain but ended up in jail for 2 years - Acts 24:27

Humility should be a hallmark those who fear God
I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me - Psalms 131:1


Proverbs on Pride (part I)
Proverbs 16:18 - First pride, then the crash

This is one saying that always been apart of history:
  1. Cain’s pride led to him killing his brother Abel
  2. King Saul’s pride led to him attempting to kill David
  3. David lost his son Absalom to pride as Absalom attempted to overthrow David
  4. Hitler, Sadam, on and on (even to the extent of pride leading to the shake up in God’s modern day kingdom)
NT Greek word for pride = “puffed up with pride”
  • This is a very descriptive word (like a peacock strutting his feathers)
  • The proud person puts on the mistaken belief that he is better than he is
Pride/arrogance begins in the heart (so often we say I’m prideful but take it to lightly)

Mark 7:20-22 - (arrogance/pride) is a reflection of the heart = don’t take it so lightly

Luke 1:50-52 - God scatters the thoughts of the proud (busy covering themselves & looks)

James 4:6 - Every time you say, “Ha-Ha, I know I’m prideful” realize “God’s apposing me”
  • Not so funny then
  • The proud man does not submit to God thus becomes God’s enemy


Proverbs on Pride (part I)
Proverbs 16:18 - First pride, then the crash

This is one saying that always been apart of history:
  1. Cain’s pride led to him killing his brother Abel
  2. King Saul’s pride led to him attempting to kill David
  3. David lost his son Absalom to pride as Absalom attempted to overthrow David
  4. Hitler, Sadam, on and on (even to the extent of pride leading to the shake up in God’s modern day kingdom)
NT Greek word for pride = “puffed up with pride”
  • This is a very descriptive word (like a peacock strutting his feathers)
  • The proud person puts on the mistaken belief that he is better than he is
Pride/arrogance begins in the heart (so often we say I’m prideful but take it to lightly)

Mark 7:20-22 - (arrogance/pride) is a reflection of the heart = don’t take it so lightly

Luke 1:50-52 - God scatters the thoughts of the proud (busy covering themselves & looks)

James 4:6 - Every time you say, “Ha-Ha, I know I’m prideful” realize “God’s apposing me”
  • Not so funny then
  • The proud man does not submit to God thus becomes God’s enemy


Proverbs on Pride (part I)
Proverbs 16:18 - First pride, then the crash

This is one saying that always been apart of history:
  1. Cain’s pride led to him killing his brother Abel
  2. King Saul’s pride led to him attempting to kill David
  3. David lost his son Absalom to pride as Absalom attempted to overthrow David
  4. Hitler, Sadam, on and on (even to the extent of pride leading to the shake up in God’s modern day kingdom)
NT Greek word for pride = “puffed up with pride”
  • This is a very descriptive word (like a peacock strutting his feathers)
  • The proud person puts on the mistaken belief that he is better than he is
Pride/arrogance begins in the heart (so often we say I’m prideful but take it to lightly)

Mark 7:20-22 - (arrogance/pride) is a reflection of the heart = don’t take it so lightly

Luke 1:50-52 - God scatters the thoughts of the proud (busy covering themselves & looks)

James 4:6 - Every time you say, “Ha-Ha, I know I’m prideful” realize “God’s apposing me”
  • Not so funny then
  • The proud man does not submit to God thus becomes God’s enemy


Prayer of the Righeous - God is Preparing a Place (part I)

Jesus wanted his disciples to remember where they were headed
Heaven thinking changes the way we feel and the way we pray

When Jesus prayed, heaven was in his mind
Even when the disciples recjoiced in the victories God had given them, Jesus reminded them what was most important was their names were written in heaven - Luke 10:17-20
Their final destination was more important than their day to day victories and defeats

We are being transformed into Jesus' likeness - 2 Corinthians 3:17-18
But when he appears and takes us to heaven, "we shall be like him" - 1 John 3:2
When we get to heaven, we will be in fellowship with God forever
On earth, we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror - 1 Corinthians 13:12

Pictures of the fellowship of heaven, not like being there:

  • Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all the prophets will be there on Judgement Day - Luke 13:28-29
  • It will be like a feast, people from everywhere in attendance
  • Be surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses - Hebrews 12:1
  • Peter, James and John had a taste with Jesus, Moses, and Elijah - Matthew 17

In this world we get to be with ones we love and respect, in heaven it will be great fellowship and unending



Prayer of the Righeous - God is Preparing a Place (part I)

Jesus wanted his disciples to remember where they were headed
Heaven thinking changes the way we feel and the way we pray

When Jesus prayed, heaven was in his mind
Even when the disciples recjoiced in the victories God had given them, Jesus reminded them what was most important was their names were written in heaven - Luke 10:17-20
Their final destination was more important than their day to day victories and defeats

We are being transformed into Jesus' likeness - 2 Corinthians 3:17-18
But when he appears and takes us to heaven, "we shall be like him" - 1 John 3:2
When we get to heaven, we will be in fellowship with God forever
On earth, we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror - 1 Corinthians 13:12

Pictures of the fellowship of heaven, not like being there:

  • Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all the prophets will be there on Judgement Day - Luke 13:28-29
  • It will be like a feast, people from everywhere in attendance
  • Be surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses - Hebrews 12:1
  • Peter, James and John had a taste with Jesus, Moses, and Elijah - Matthew 17

In this world we get to be with ones we love and respect, in heaven it will be great fellowship and unending



Prayer of the Righeous - God is Preparing a Place (part I)

Jesus wanted his disciples to remember where they were headed
Heaven thinking changes the way we feel and the way we pray

When Jesus prayed, heaven was in his mind
Even when the disciples recjoiced in the victories God had given them, Jesus reminded them what was most important was their names were written in heaven - Luke 10:17-20
Their final destination was more important than their day to day victories and defeats

We are being transformed into Jesus' likeness - 2 Corinthians 3:17-18
But when he appears and takes us to heaven, "we shall be like him" - 1 John 3:2
When we get to heaven, we will be in fellowship with God forever
On earth, we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror - 1 Corinthians 13:12

Pictures of the fellowship of heaven, not like being there:

  • Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all the prophets will be there on Judgement Day - Luke 13:28-29
  • It will be like a feast, people from everywhere in attendance
  • Be surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses - Hebrews 12:1
  • Peter, James and John had a taste with Jesus, Moses, and Elijah - Matthew 17

In this world we get to be with ones we love and respect, in heaven it will be great fellowship and unending



Prayer of the Righeous - God is Preparing a Place (part I)

Jesus wanted his disciples to remember where they were headed
Heaven thinking changes the way we feel and the way we pray

When Jesus prayed, heaven was in his mind
Even when the disciples recjoiced in the victories God had given them, Jesus reminded them what was most important was their names were written in heaven - Luke 10:17-20
Their final destination was more important than their day to day victories and defeats

We are being transformed into Jesus' likeness - 2 Corinthians 3:17-18
But when he appears and takes us to heaven, "we shall be like him" - 1 John 3:2
When we get to heaven, we will be in fellowship with God forever
On earth, we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror - 1 Corinthians 13:12

Pictures of the fellowship of heaven, not like being there:

  • Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all the prophets will be there on Judgement Day - Luke 13:28-29
  • It will be like a feast, people from everywhere in attendance
  • Be surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses - Hebrews 12:1
  • Peter, James and John had a taste with Jesus, Moses, and Elijah - Matthew 17

In this world we get to be with ones we love and respect, in heaven it will be great fellowship and unending



Prayer of the Righeous - God is Preparing a Place (part I)

Jesus wanted his disciples to remember where they were headed
Heaven thinking changes the way we feel and the way we pray

When Jesus prayed, heaven was in his mind
Even when the disciples recjoiced in the victories God had given them, Jesus reminded them what was most important was their names were written in heaven - Luke 10:17-20
Their final destination was more important than their day to day victories and defeats

We are being transformed into Jesus' likeness - 2 Corinthians 3:17-18
But when he appears and takes us to heaven, "we shall be like him" - 1 John 3:2
When we get to heaven, we will be in fellowship with God forever
On earth, we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror - 1 Corinthians 13:12

Pictures of the fellowship of heaven, not like being there:

  • Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all the prophets will be there on Judgement Day - Luke 13:28-29
  • It will be like a feast, people from everywhere in attendance
  • Be surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses - Hebrews 12:1
  • Peter, James and John had a taste with Jesus, Moses, and Elijah - Matthew 17

In this world we get to be with ones we love and respect, in heaven it will be great fellowship and unending



Prayer of the Righeous - God is Preparing a Place (part I)

Jesus wanted his disciples to remember where they were headed
Heaven thinking changes the way we feel and the way we pray

When Jesus prayed, heaven was in his mind
Even when the disciples recjoiced in the victories God had given them, Jesus reminded them what was most important was their names were written in heaven - Luke 10:17-20
Their final destination was more important than their day to day victories and defeats

We are being transformed into Jesus' likeness - 2 Corinthians 3:17-18
But when he appears and takes us to heaven, "we shall be like him" - 1 John 3:2
When we get to heaven, we will be in fellowship with God forever
On earth, we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror - 1 Corinthians 13:12

Pictures of the fellowship of heaven, not like being there:

  • Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all the prophets will be there on Judgement Day - Luke 13:28-29
  • It will be like a feast, people from everywhere in attendance
  • Be surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses - Hebrews 12:1
  • Peter, James and John had a taste with Jesus, Moses, and Elijah - Matthew 17

In this world we get to be with ones we love and respect, in heaven it will be great fellowship and unending



Mind Change - Help
These three help in our walk: faith, thanksgiving, determination

Faith inspires you.

Thanksgiving gives you perspective.

Determination keeps you moving.

2 Thessalonians 1:11 - every act prompted by your faith
Philippians 4:6 - in everything with thanksgiving
Luke 9:51 - Jesus resolutely set out for the cross


Mind Change - Humility
Humility is the most powerful force in the world.

God loves it.

God honors it.

God blesses it.

With it, you cannot lose. You can have it in all circumstances.

Luke 14:11 - Who humbles himself will be exalted
James 4:6 - He gives grace to the humble
1 Peter 5:5 - Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another

Mind Change - Written in Heaven

Be “unreasonably,” “illogically” joyful because your name is written in heaven.

It seems you have more to do than you can get done but your name is written in heaven.

Your prayers didn’t get answered the way you thought they would but your name is written in heaven.

You are having “one of those days” but your name is written in heaven.

You didn’t do everything right but your name is written in heaven.

Luke 10:18-20 - Rejoice that your names stand written in heaven



Mind Change - Written in Heaven

Be “unreasonably,” “illogically” joyful because your name is written in heaven.

It seems you have more to do than you can get done but your name is written in heaven.

Your prayers didn’t get answered the way you thought they would but your name is written in heaven.

You are having “one of those days” but your name is written in heaven.

You didn’t do everything right but your name is written in heaven.

Luke 10:18-20 - Rejoice that your names stand written in heaven



Mind Change - Written in Heaven

Be “unreasonably,” “illogically” joyful because your name is written in heaven.

It seems you have more to do than you can get done but your name is written in heaven.

Your prayers didn’t get answered the way you thought they would but your name is written in heaven.

You are having “one of those days” but your name is written in heaven.

You didn’t do everything right but your name is written in heaven.

Luke 10:18-20 - Rejoice that your names stand written in heaven



Gratitude (part II)
Gratitude must be seen in our prayer life
  • Philippians 4:6 - Start your prayer times every day with your thankful list
  • 1 Timothy 4:4 - Be grateful for everything God has provided you with – even the basics
Lack of gratitude is both sinful and dangerous
  • Romans 1:21 - Not thanking God can lead to involvement in other sinful areas
  • Luke 17:11-19 - Not thanking God for the blessings you receive is selfish
Gratitude should be felt and spoken on a continual basis
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - Be thankful in all circumstances, whether great or challenging
  • Ephesians 5:19-20 - Always be thankful-for all things (make a list of 200 thing to be grateful)
As you can see, gratitude is a very important part of your Christian life. Being grateful for all things and at all times will not be easy. You will need to be constantly remind yourself and be reminded by others just how awesome God is and how good He has been to you. The devil wants you to be negative-a whiner and complainer. God wants and expects you to be a grateful disciple. Make some decisions today about how thankful you will be from this day forward.

Gratitude (part II)
Gratitude must be seen in our prayer life
  • Philippians 4:6 - Start your prayer times every day with your thankful list
  • 1 Timothy 4:4 - Be grateful for everything God has provided you with – even the basics
Lack of gratitude is both sinful and dangerous
  • Romans 1:21 - Not thanking God can lead to involvement in other sinful areas
  • Luke 17:11-19 - Not thanking God for the blessings you receive is selfish
Gratitude should be felt and spoken on a continual basis
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - Be thankful in all circumstances, whether great or challenging
  • Ephesians 5:19-20 - Always be thankful-for all things (make a list of 200 thing to be grateful)
As you can see, gratitude is a very important part of your Christian life. Being grateful for all things and at all times will not be easy. You will need to be constantly remind yourself and be reminded by others just how awesome God is and how good He has been to you. The devil wants you to be negative-a whiner and complainer. God wants and expects you to be a grateful disciple. Make some decisions today about how thankful you will be from this day forward.

Gratitude (part II)
Gratitude must be seen in our prayer life
  • Philippians 4:6 - Start your prayer times every day with your thankful list
  • 1 Timothy 4:4 - Be grateful for everything God has provided you with – even the basics
Lack of gratitude is both sinful and dangerous
  • Romans 1:21 - Not thanking God can lead to involvement in other sinful areas
  • Luke 17:11-19 - Not thanking God for the blessings you receive is selfish
Gratitude should be felt and spoken on a continual basis
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - Be thankful in all circumstances, whether great or challenging
  • Ephesians 5:19-20 - Always be thankful-for all things (make a list of 200 thing to be grateful)
As you can see, gratitude is a very important part of your Christian life. Being grateful for all things and at all times will not be easy. You will need to be constantly remind yourself and be reminded by others just how awesome God is and how good He has been to you. The devil wants you to be negative-a whiner and complainer. God wants and expects you to be a grateful disciple. Make some decisions today about how thankful you will be from this day forward.

Gratitude (part II)
Gratitude must be seen in our prayer life
  • Philippians 4:6 - Start your prayer times every day with your thankful list
  • 1 Timothy 4:4 - Be grateful for everything God has provided you with – even the basics
Lack of gratitude is both sinful and dangerous
  • Romans 1:21 - Not thanking God can lead to involvement in other sinful areas
  • Luke 17:11-19 - Not thanking God for the blessings you receive is selfish
Gratitude should be felt and spoken on a continual basis
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - Be thankful in all circumstances, whether great or challenging
  • Ephesians 5:19-20 - Always be thankful-for all things (make a list of 200 thing to be grateful)
As you can see, gratitude is a very important part of your Christian life. Being grateful for all things and at all times will not be easy. You will need to be constantly remind yourself and be reminded by others just how awesome God is and how good He has been to you. The devil wants you to be negative-a whiner and complainer. God wants and expects you to be a grateful disciple. Make some decisions today about how thankful you will be from this day forward.

Gratitude (part II)
Gratitude must be seen in our prayer life
  • Philippians 4:6 - Start your prayer times every day with your thankful list
  • 1 Timothy 4:4 - Be grateful for everything God has provided you with – even the basics
Lack of gratitude is both sinful and dangerous
  • Romans 1:21 - Not thanking God can lead to involvement in other sinful areas
  • Luke 17:11-19 - Not thanking God for the blessings you receive is selfish
Gratitude should be felt and spoken on a continual basis
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - Be thankful in all circumstances, whether great or challenging
  • Ephesians 5:19-20 - Always be thankful-for all things (make a list of 200 thing to be grateful)
As you can see, gratitude is a very important part of your Christian life. Being grateful for all things and at all times will not be easy. You will need to be constantly remind yourself and be reminded by others just how awesome God is and how good He has been to you. The devil wants you to be negative-a whiner and complainer. God wants and expects you to be a grateful disciple. Make some decisions today about how thankful you will be from this day forward.

Gratitude (part II)
Gratitude must be seen in our prayer life
  • Philippians 4:6 - Start your prayer times every day with your thankful list
  • 1 Timothy 4:4 - Be grateful for everything God has provided you with – even the basics
Lack of gratitude is both sinful and dangerous
  • Romans 1:21 - Not thanking God can lead to involvement in other sinful areas
  • Luke 17:11-19 - Not thanking God for the blessings you receive is selfish
Gratitude should be felt and spoken on a continual basis
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - Be thankful in all circumstances, whether great or challenging
  • Ephesians 5:19-20 - Always be thankful-for all things (make a list of 200 thing to be grateful)
As you can see, gratitude is a very important part of your Christian life. Being grateful for all things and at all times will not be easy. You will need to be constantly remind yourself and be reminded by others just how awesome God is and how good He has been to you. The devil wants you to be negative-a whiner and complainer. God wants and expects you to be a grateful disciple. Make some decisions today about how thankful you will be from this day forward.

Gratitude (part II)
Gratitude must be seen in our prayer life
  • Philippians 4:6 - Start your prayer times every day with your thankful list
  • 1 Timothy 4:4 - Be grateful for everything God has provided you with – even the basics
Lack of gratitude is both sinful and dangerous
  • Romans 1:21 - Not thanking God can lead to involvement in other sinful areas
  • Luke 17:11-19 - Not thanking God for the blessings you receive is selfish
Gratitude should be felt and spoken on a continual basis
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - Be thankful in all circumstances, whether great or challenging
  • Ephesians 5:19-20 - Always be thankful-for all things (make a list of 200 thing to be grateful)
As you can see, gratitude is a very important part of your Christian life. Being grateful for all things and at all times will not be easy. You will need to be constantly remind yourself and be reminded by others just how awesome God is and how good He has been to you. The devil wants you to be negative-a whiner and complainer. God wants and expects you to be a grateful disciple. Make some decisions today about how thankful you will be from this day forward.

Gratitude (part II)
Gratitude must be seen in our prayer life
  • Philippians 4:6 - Start your prayer times every day with your thankful list
  • 1 Timothy 4:4 - Be grateful for everything God has provided you with – even the basics
Lack of gratitude is both sinful and dangerous
  • Romans 1:21 - Not thanking God can lead to involvement in other sinful areas
  • Luke 17:11-19 - Not thanking God for the blessings you receive is selfish
Gratitude should be felt and spoken on a continual basis
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - Be thankful in all circumstances, whether great or challenging
  • Ephesians 5:19-20 - Always be thankful-for all things (make a list of 200 thing to be grateful)
As you can see, gratitude is a very important part of your Christian life. Being grateful for all things and at all times will not be easy. You will need to be constantly remind yourself and be reminded by others just how awesome God is and how good He has been to you. The devil wants you to be negative-a whiner and complainer. God wants and expects you to be a grateful disciple. Make some decisions today about how thankful you will be from this day forward.

Gratitude (part II)
Gratitude must be seen in our prayer life
  • Philippians 4:6 - Start your prayer times every day with your thankful list
  • 1 Timothy 4:4 - Be grateful for everything God has provided you with – even the basics
Lack of gratitude is both sinful and dangerous
  • Romans 1:21 - Not thanking God can lead to involvement in other sinful areas
  • Luke 17:11-19 - Not thanking God for the blessings you receive is selfish
Gratitude should be felt and spoken on a continual basis
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - Be thankful in all circumstances, whether great or challenging
  • Ephesians 5:19-20 - Always be thankful-for all things (make a list of 200 thing to be grateful)
As you can see, gratitude is a very important part of your Christian life. Being grateful for all things and at all times will not be easy. You will need to be constantly remind yourself and be reminded by others just how awesome God is and how good He has been to you. The devil wants you to be negative-a whiner and complainer. God wants and expects you to be a grateful disciple. Make some decisions today about how thankful you will be from this day forward.

Day 3 - Growing Roots
Luke 8:13 - What happens to young disciples who don't grow roots?

Acts 2:41-47; Acts 4:32-37
  1. What helped to keep these young disciples faithful?
  2. Are you devoting yourself to the same things they did (2:42)?
1 Thessalonians 1:2-10
  1. What does it mean to have "deep conviction"? How can you develop conviction?
  2. Who should you imitate? In what ways?
  3. Are you becoming a "model" to others? How?

APPLICATION: Spend time this week with Christians you can imitate/encourage/learn from.

Day 4 - Learning to Pray
Luke 11:1-13
  1. Why does prayer need to be learned? Who are you learning from?
  2. (vs. 2-4) How can you praise God's name? Do you pray for God's kingdom (church) to increase?
  3. Do you pray for daily needs and for forgiveness for yourself and to also forgive others?
  4. Do you pray for help and protection from temptations?
  5. What else does Jesus want us to understand about prayer from verses 5-13?
A.C.T.S. - a simple outline for prayer is: Adoration (praise), Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication (requests).

If you pray 10 minutes of each section, you will pray a powerful 40 minutes! Read the Psalms to learn how to really praise God.

Philippians 4:6-7
  • What does God want you to pray about?
  • What are some worries you can pray about today?
  • Do you feel at peace when you pray to God? Trust he will answer!
Application: Pray following the Lord's prayer outline or using A.C.T.S. Write down some of your prayer requests and see how God answers them.

Day 4 - Learning to Pray
Luke 11:1-13
  1. Why does prayer need to be learned? Who are you learning from?
  2. (vs. 2-4) How can you praise God's name? Do you pray for God's kingdom (church) to increase?
  3. Do you pray for daily needs and for forgiveness for yourself and to also forgive others?
  4. Do you pray for help and protection from temptations?
  5. What else does Jesus want us to understand about prayer from verses 5-13?
A.C.T.S. - a simple outline for prayer is: Adoration (praise), Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication (requests).

If you pray 10 minutes of each section, you will pray a powerful 40 minutes! Read the Psalms to learn how to really praise God.

Philippians 4:6-7
  • What does God want you to pray about?
  • What are some worries you can pray about today?
  • Do you feel at peace when you pray to God? Trust he will answer!
Application: Pray following the Lord's prayer outline or using A.C.T.S. Write down some of your prayer requests and see how God answers them.

Day 4 - Learning to Pray
Luke 11:1-13
  1. Why does prayer need to be learned? Who are you learning from?
  2. (vs. 2-4) How can you praise God's name? Do you pray for God's kingdom (church) to increase?
  3. Do you pray for daily needs and for forgiveness for yourself and to also forgive others?
  4. Do you pray for help and protection from temptations?
  5. What else does Jesus want us to understand about prayer from verses 5-13?
A.C.T.S. - a simple outline for prayer is: Adoration (praise), Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication (requests).

If you pray 10 minutes of each section, you will pray a powerful 40 minutes! Read the Psalms to learn how to really praise God.

Philippians 4:6-7
  • What does God want you to pray about?
  • What are some worries you can pray about today?
  • Do you feel at peace when you pray to God? Trust he will answer!
Application: Pray following the Lord's prayer outline or using A.C.T.S. Write down some of your prayer requests and see how God answers them.

Day 4 - Learning to Pray
Luke 11:1-13
  1. Why does prayer need to be learned? Who are you learning from?
  2. (vs. 2-4) How can you praise God's name? Do you pray for God's kingdom (church) to increase?
  3. Do you pray for daily needs and for forgiveness for yourself and to also forgive others?
  4. Do you pray for help and protection from temptations?
  5. What else does Jesus want us to understand about prayer from verses 5-13?
A.C.T.S. - a simple outline for prayer is: Adoration (praise), Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication (requests).

If you pray 10 minutes of each section, you will pray a powerful 40 minutes! Read the Psalms to learn how to really praise God.

Philippians 4:6-7
  • What does God want you to pray about?
  • What are some worries you can pray about today?
  • Do you feel at peace when you pray to God? Trust he will answer!
Application: Pray following the Lord's prayer outline or using A.C.T.S. Write down some of your prayer requests and see how God answers them.

Day 4 - Learning to Pray
Luke 11:1-13
  1. Why does prayer need to be learned? Who are you learning from?
  2. (vs. 2-4) How can you praise God's name? Do you pray for God's kingdom (church) to increase?
  3. Do you pray for daily needs and for forgiveness for yourself and to also forgive others?
  4. Do you pray for help and protection from temptations?
  5. What else does Jesus want us to understand about prayer from verses 5-13?
A.C.T.S. - a simple outline for prayer is: Adoration (praise), Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication (requests).

If you pray 10 minutes of each section, you will pray a powerful 40 minutes! Read the Psalms to learn how to really praise God.

Philippians 4:6-7
  • What does God want you to pray about?
  • What are some worries you can pray about today?
  • Do you feel at peace when you pray to God? Trust he will answer!
Application: Pray following the Lord's prayer outline or using A.C.T.S. Write down some of your prayer requests and see how God answers them.

Day 4 - Learning to Pray
Luke 11:1-13
  1. Why does prayer need to be learned? Who are you learning from?
  2. (vs. 2-4) How can you praise God's name? Do you pray for God's kingdom (church) to increase?
  3. Do you pray for daily needs and for forgiveness for yourself and to also forgive others?
  4. Do you pray for help and protection from temptations?
  5. What else does Jesus want us to understand about prayer from verses 5-13?
A.C.T.S. - a simple outline for prayer is: Adoration (praise), Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication (requests).

If you pray 10 minutes of each section, you will pray a powerful 40 minutes! Read the Psalms to learn how to really praise God.

Philippians 4:6-7
  • What does God want you to pray about?
  • What are some worries you can pray about today?
  • Do you feel at peace when you pray to God? Trust he will answer!
Application: Pray following the Lord's prayer outline or using A.C.T.S. Write down some of your prayer requests and see how God answers them.

Day 4 - Learning to Pray
Luke 11:1-13
  1. Why does prayer need to be learned? Who are you learning from?
  2. (vs. 2-4) How can you praise God's name? Do you pray for God's kingdom (church) to increase?
  3. Do you pray for daily needs and for forgiveness for yourself and to also forgive others?
  4. Do you pray for help and protection from temptations?
  5. What else does Jesus want us to understand about prayer from verses 5-13?
A.C.T.S. - a simple outline for prayer is: Adoration (praise), Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication (requests).

If you pray 10 minutes of each section, you will pray a powerful 40 minutes! Read the Psalms to learn how to really praise God.

Philippians 4:6-7
  • What does God want you to pray about?
  • What are some worries you can pray about today?
  • Do you feel at peace when you pray to God? Trust he will answer!
Application: Pray following the Lord's prayer outline or using A.C.T.S. Write down some of your prayer requests and see how God answers them.

Day 4 - Learning to Pray
Luke 11:1-13
  1. Why does prayer need to be learned? Who are you learning from?
  2. (vs. 2-4) How can you praise God's name? Do you pray for God's kingdom (church) to increase?
  3. Do you pray for daily needs and for forgiveness for yourself and to also forgive others?
  4. Do you pray for help and protection from temptations?
  5. What else does Jesus want us to understand about prayer from verses 5-13?
A.C.T.S. - a simple outline for prayer is: Adoration (praise), Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication (requests).

If you pray 10 minutes of each section, you will pray a powerful 40 minutes! Read the Psalms to learn how to really praise God.

Philippians 4:6-7
  • What does God want you to pray about?
  • What are some worries you can pray about today?
  • Do you feel at peace when you pray to God? Trust he will answer!
Application: Pray following the Lord's prayer outline or using A.C.T.S. Write down some of your prayer requests and see how God answers them.

Day 4 - Learning to Pray
Luke 11:1-13
  1. Why does prayer need to be learned? Who are you learning from?
  2. (vs. 2-4) How can you praise God's name? Do you pray for God's kingdom (church) to increase?
  3. Do you pray for daily needs and for forgiveness for yourself and to also forgive others?
  4. Do you pray for help and protection from temptations?
  5. What else does Jesus want us to understand about prayer from verses 5-13?
A.C.T.S. - a simple outline for prayer is: Adoration (praise), Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication (requests).

If you pray 10 minutes of each section, you will pray a powerful 40 minutes! Read the Psalms to learn how to really praise God.

Philippians 4:6-7
  • What does God want you to pray about?
  • What are some worries you can pray about today?
  • Do you feel at peace when you pray to God? Trust he will answer!
Application: Pray following the Lord's prayer outline or using A.C.T.S. Write down some of your prayer requests and see how God answers them.

Day 4 - Learning to Pray
Luke 11:1-13
  1. Why does prayer need to be learned? Who are you learning from?
  2. (vs. 2-4) How can you praise God's name? Do you pray for God's kingdom (church) to increase?
  3. Do you pray for daily needs and for forgiveness for yourself and to also forgive others?
  4. Do you pray for help and protection from temptations?
  5. What else does Jesus want us to understand about prayer from verses 5-13?
A.C.T.S. - a simple outline for prayer is: Adoration (praise), Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication (requests).

If you pray 10 minutes of each section, you will pray a powerful 40 minutes! Read the Psalms to learn how to really praise God.

Philippians 4:6-7
  • What does God want you to pray about?
  • What are some worries you can pray about today?
  • Do you feel at peace when you pray to God? Trust he will answer!
Application: Pray following the Lord's prayer outline or using A.C.T.S. Write down some of your prayer requests and see how God answers them.

Day 4 - Learning to Pray
Luke 11:1-13
  1. Why does prayer need to be learned? Who are you learning from?
  2. (vs. 2-4) How can you praise God's name? Do you pray for God's kingdom (church) to increase?
  3. Do you pray for daily needs and for forgiveness for yourself and to also forgive others?
  4. Do you pray for help and protection from temptations?
  5. What else does Jesus want us to understand about prayer from verses 5-13?
A.C.T.S. - a simple outline for prayer is: Adoration (praise), Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication (requests).

If you pray 10 minutes of each section, you will pray a powerful 40 minutes! Read the Psalms to learn how to really praise God.

Philippians 4:6-7
  • What does God want you to pray about?
  • What are some worries you can pray about today?
  • Do you feel at peace when you pray to God? Trust he will answer!
Application: Pray following the Lord's prayer outline or using A.C.T.S. Write down some of your prayer requests and see how God answers them.

Day 4 - Learning to Pray
Luke 11:1-13
  1. Why does prayer need to be learned? Who are you learning from?
  2. (vs. 2-4) How can you praise God's name? Do you pray for God's kingdom (church) to increase?
  3. Do you pray for daily needs and for forgiveness for yourself and to also forgive others?
  4. Do you pray for help and protection from temptations?
  5. What else does Jesus want us to understand about prayer from verses 5-13?
A.C.T.S. - a simple outline for prayer is: Adoration (praise), Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication (requests).

If you pray 10 minutes of each section, you will pray a powerful 40 minutes! Read the Psalms to learn how to really praise God.

Philippians 4:6-7
  • What does God want you to pray about?
  • What are some worries you can pray about today?
  • Do you feel at peace when you pray to God? Trust he will answer!
Application: Pray following the Lord's prayer outline or using A.C.T.S. Write down some of your prayer requests and see how God answers them.

Day 4 - Learning to Pray
Luke 11:1-13
  1. Why does prayer need to be learned? Who are you learning from?
  2. (vs. 2-4) How can you praise God's name? Do you pray for God's kingdom (church) to increase?
  3. Do you pray for daily needs and for forgiveness for yourself and to also forgive others?
  4. Do you pray for help and protection from temptations?
  5. What else does Jesus want us to understand about prayer from verses 5-13?
A.C.T.S. - a simple outline for prayer is: Adoration (praise), Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication (requests).

If you pray 10 minutes of each section, you will pray a powerful 40 minutes! Read the Psalms to learn how to really praise God.

Philippians 4:6-7
  • What does God want you to pray about?
  • What are some worries you can pray about today?
  • Do you feel at peace when you pray to God? Trust he will answer!
Application: Pray following the Lord's prayer outline or using A.C.T.S. Write down some of your prayer requests and see how God answers them.

Day 17 - Distracted or Devoted
Luke 10:38-42
  1. Why was Martha distracted?
  2. How was she feeling?
  3. What are some things you have let distract you this week?
  4. Are you more like Martha or Mary?
  5. What did Mary choose?
  6. How was it better?
Luke 8:14
  1. What does it mean to be "choked"?
  2. What is the result?
  3. What are the worries/money and business concerns/pleasures that are keeping you from growing more?
Luke 12:35-40
  1. Why do we need to stay alert and ready for Jesus?
  2. How does Jesus feel when we get distracted from our purpose and start doing other things?
Application: If you have been distracted or wasting time, try writing a personal schedule every day. Let other disciples help you.

Day 17 - Distracted or Devoted
Luke 10:38-42
  1. Why was Martha distracted?
  2. How was she feeling?
  3. What are some things you have let distract you this week?
  4. Are you more like Martha or Mary?
  5. What did Mary choose?
  6. How was it better?
Luke 8:14
  1. What does it mean to be "choked"?
  2. What is the result?
  3. What are the worries/money and business concerns/pleasures that are keeping you from growing more?
Luke 12:35-40
  1. Why do we need to stay alert and ready for Jesus?
  2. How does Jesus feel when we get distracted from our purpose and start doing other things?
Application: If you have been distracted or wasting time, try writing a personal schedule every day. Let other disciples help you.

Day 17 - Distracted or Devoted
Luke 10:38-42
  1. Why was Martha distracted?
  2. How was she feeling?
  3. What are some things you have let distract you this week?
  4. Are you more like Martha or Mary?
  5. What did Mary choose?
  6. How was it better?
Luke 8:14
  1. What does it mean to be "choked"?
  2. What is the result?
  3. What are the worries/money and business concerns/pleasures that are keeping you from growing more?
Luke 12:35-40
  1. Why do we need to stay alert and ready for Jesus?
  2. How does Jesus feel when we get distracted from our purpose and start doing other things?
Application: If you have been distracted or wasting time, try writing a personal schedule every day. Let other disciples help you.

Day 17 - Distracted or Devoted
Luke 10:38-42
  1. Why was Martha distracted?
  2. How was she feeling?
  3. What are some things you have let distract you this week?
  4. Are you more like Martha or Mary?
  5. What did Mary choose?
  6. How was it better?
Luke 8:14
  1. What does it mean to be "choked"?
  2. What is the result?
  3. What are the worries/money and business concerns/pleasures that are keeping you from growing more?
Luke 12:35-40
  1. Why do we need to stay alert and ready for Jesus?
  2. How does Jesus feel when we get distracted from our purpose and start doing other things?
Application: If you have been distracted or wasting time, try writing a personal schedule every day. Let other disciples help you.

Day 17 - Distracted or Devoted
Luke 10:38-42
  1. Why was Martha distracted?
  2. How was she feeling?
  3. What are some things you have let distract you this week?
  4. Are you more like Martha or Mary?
  5. What did Mary choose?
  6. How was it better?
Luke 8:14
  1. What does it mean to be "choked"?
  2. What is the result?
  3. What are the worries/money and business concerns/pleasures that are keeping you from growing more?
Luke 12:35-40
  1. Why do we need to stay alert and ready for Jesus?
  2. How does Jesus feel when we get distracted from our purpose and start doing other things?
Application: If you have been distracted or wasting time, try writing a personal schedule every day. Let other disciples help you.

Day 17 - Distracted or Devoted
Luke 10:38-42
  1. Why was Martha distracted?
  2. How was she feeling?
  3. What are some things you have let distract you this week?
  4. Are you more like Martha or Mary?
  5. What did Mary choose?
  6. How was it better?
Luke 8:14
  1. What does it mean to be "choked"?
  2. What is the result?
  3. What are the worries/money and business concerns/pleasures that are keeping you from growing more?
Luke 12:35-40
  1. Why do we need to stay alert and ready for Jesus?
  2. How does Jesus feel when we get distracted from our purpose and start doing other things?
Application: If you have been distracted or wasting time, try writing a personal schedule every day. Let other disciples help you.

Day 17 - Distracted or Devoted
Luke 10:38-42
  1. Why was Martha distracted?
  2. How was she feeling?
  3. What are some things you have let distract you this week?
  4. Are you more like Martha or Mary?
  5. What did Mary choose?
  6. How was it better?
Luke 8:14
  1. What does it mean to be "choked"?
  2. What is the result?
  3. What are the worries/money and business concerns/pleasures that are keeping you from growing more?
Luke 12:35-40
  1. Why do we need to stay alert and ready for Jesus?
  2. How does Jesus feel when we get distracted from our purpose and start doing other things?
Application: If you have been distracted or wasting time, try writing a personal schedule every day. Let other disciples help you.

Day 17 - Distracted or Devoted
Luke 10:38-42
  1. Why was Martha distracted?
  2. How was she feeling?
  3. What are some things you have let distract you this week?
  4. Are you more like Martha or Mary?
  5. What did Mary choose?
  6. How was it better?
Luke 8:14
  1. What does it mean to be "choked"?
  2. What is the result?
  3. What are the worries/money and business concerns/pleasures that are keeping you from growing more?
Luke 12:35-40
  1. Why do we need to stay alert and ready for Jesus?
  2. How does Jesus feel when we get distracted from our purpose and start doing other things?
Application: If you have been distracted or wasting time, try writing a personal schedule every day. Let other disciples help you.

Day 17 - Distracted or Devoted
Luke 10:38-42
  1. Why was Martha distracted?
  2. How was she feeling?
  3. What are some things you have let distract you this week?
  4. Are you more like Martha or Mary?
  5. What did Mary choose?
  6. How was it better?
Luke 8:14
  1. What does it mean to be "choked"?
  2. What is the result?
  3. What are the worries/money and business concerns/pleasures that are keeping you from growing more?
Luke 12:35-40
  1. Why do we need to stay alert and ready for Jesus?
  2. How does Jesus feel when we get distracted from our purpose and start doing other things?
Application: If you have been distracted or wasting time, try writing a personal schedule every day. Let other disciples help you.

Day 17 - Distracted or Devoted
Luke 10:38-42
  1. Why was Martha distracted?
  2. How was she feeling?
  3. What are some things you have let distract you this week?
  4. Are you more like Martha or Mary?
  5. What did Mary choose?
  6. How was it better?
Luke 8:14
  1. What does it mean to be "choked"?
  2. What is the result?
  3. What are the worries/money and business concerns/pleasures that are keeping you from growing more?
Luke 12:35-40
  1. Why do we need to stay alert and ready for Jesus?
  2. How does Jesus feel when we get distracted from our purpose and start doing other things?
Application: If you have been distracted or wasting time, try writing a personal schedule every day. Let other disciples help you.

Day 17 - Distracted or Devoted
Luke 10:38-42
  1. Why was Martha distracted?
  2. How was she feeling?
  3. What are some things you have let distract you this week?
  4. Are you more like Martha or Mary?
  5. What did Mary choose?
  6. How was it better?
Luke 8:14
  1. What does it mean to be "choked"?
  2. What is the result?
  3. What are the worries/money and business concerns/pleasures that are keeping you from growing more?
Luke 12:35-40
  1. Why do we need to stay alert and ready for Jesus?
  2. How does Jesus feel when we get distracted from our purpose and start doing other things?
Application: If you have been distracted or wasting time, try writing a personal schedule every day. Let other disciples help you.

Day 17 - Distracted or Devoted
Luke 10:38-42
  1. Why was Martha distracted?
  2. How was she feeling?
  3. What are some things you have let distract you this week?
  4. Are you more like Martha or Mary?
  5. What did Mary choose?
  6. How was it better?
Luke 8:14
  1. What does it mean to be "choked"?
  2. What is the result?
  3. What are the worries/money and business concerns/pleasures that are keeping you from growing more?
Luke 12:35-40
  1. Why do we need to stay alert and ready for Jesus?
  2. How does Jesus feel when we get distracted from our purpose and start doing other things?
Application: If you have been distracted or wasting time, try writing a personal schedule every day. Let other disciples help you.

Day 23 - Confessing Sin
Psalms 32:1-7
  1. 1. How do we feel when we are hiding/not confessing sin?
  2. 2. Have you felt this way since your baptism? Are there any sins you have been afraid to confess?
Proverbs 28:13
  1. Can we conceal our sins from God?
  2. Who do we need to confess our sins to besides God?
  3. What effect will unconfessed sin have in our life?
Luke 8:17 - Why is it foolish to try to keep our sins hidden?

Psalms 66:18-19 - What else happens if we conceal or cherish sin?

Application: Take some time to think about any sins - attitudes, action, thoughts - that are troubling you because you haven't shared them. Write them down and make sure you talk about them even today!

Day 26 - Dealing with Doubts
Matthew 11:1-6
  1. After all that John the Baptist knew about Jesus, why do you think he began having doubts?
  2. What did John do to deal with his doubts?
  3. What should you do when doubts enter your mind?
Matthew 18:16-17 - Does this surprise you? Read on and see what Jesus told his doubting disciples to do.

1 Corinthians 15:11-14
  1. What were the Christians in Corinth doubting? They had believed at first, but later some began to doubt.
  2. What are some teachings you have doubted after believing?
Luke 24:36-45
  1. Where do you think doubts come from?
  2. How did Jesus help them to find faith?
Application: Write briefly how you can overcome doubts through openness, the word of God, prayer and obedience.

Day 26 - Dealing with Doubts
Matthew 11:1-6
  1. After all that John the Baptist knew about Jesus, why do you think he began having doubts?
  2. What did John do to deal with his doubts?
  3. What should you do when doubts enter your mind?
Matthew 18:16-17 - Does this surprise you? Read on and see what Jesus told his doubting disciples to do.

1 Corinthians 15:11-14
  1. What were the Christians in Corinth doubting? They had believed at first, but later some began to doubt.
  2. What are some teachings you have doubted after believing?
Luke 24:36-45
  1. Where do you think doubts come from?
  2. How did Jesus help them to find faith?
Application: Write briefly how you can overcome doubts through openness, the word of God, prayer and obedience.

Day 26 - Dealing with Doubts
Matthew 11:1-6
  1. After all that John the Baptist knew about Jesus, why do you think he began having doubts?
  2. What did John do to deal with his doubts?
  3. What should you do when doubts enter your mind?
Matthew 18:16-17 - Does this surprise you? Read on and see what Jesus told his doubting disciples to do.

1 Corinthians 15:11-14
  1. What were the Christians in Corinth doubting? They had believed at first, but later some began to doubt.
  2. What are some teachings you have doubted after believing?
Luke 24:36-45
  1. Where do you think doubts come from?
  2. How did Jesus help them to find faith?
Application: Write briefly how you can overcome doubts through openness, the word of God, prayer and obedience.

Day 26 - Dealing with Doubts
Matthew 11:1-6
  1. After all that John the Baptist knew about Jesus, why do you think he began having doubts?
  2. What did John do to deal with his doubts?
  3. What should you do when doubts enter your mind?
Matthew 18:16-17 - Does this surprise you? Read on and see what Jesus told his doubting disciples to do.

1 Corinthians 15:11-14
  1. What were the Christians in Corinth doubting? They had believed at first, but later some began to doubt.
  2. What are some teachings you have doubted after believing?
Luke 24:36-45
  1. Where do you think doubts come from?
  2. How did Jesus help them to find faith?
Application: Write briefly how you can overcome doubts through openness, the word of God, prayer and obedience.

Day 26 - Dealing with Doubts
Matthew 11:1-6
  1. After all that John the Baptist knew about Jesus, why do you think he began having doubts?
  2. What did John do to deal with his doubts?
  3. What should you do when doubts enter your mind?
Matthew 18:16-17 - Does this surprise you? Read on and see what Jesus told his doubting disciples to do.

1 Corinthians 15:11-14
  1. What were the Christians in Corinth doubting? They had believed at first, but later some began to doubt.
  2. What are some teachings you have doubted after believing?
Luke 24:36-45
  1. Where do you think doubts come from?
  2. How did Jesus help them to find faith?
Application: Write briefly how you can overcome doubts through openness, the word of God, prayer and obedience.

Day 26 - Dealing with Doubts
Matthew 11:1-6
  1. After all that John the Baptist knew about Jesus, why do you think he began having doubts?
  2. What did John do to deal with his doubts?
  3. What should you do when doubts enter your mind?
Matthew 18:16-17 - Does this surprise you? Read on and see what Jesus told his doubting disciples to do.

1 Corinthians 15:11-14
  1. What were the Christians in Corinth doubting? They had believed at first, but later some began to doubt.
  2. What are some teachings you have doubted after believing?
Luke 24:36-45
  1. Where do you think doubts come from?
  2. How did Jesus help them to find faith?
Application: Write briefly how you can overcome doubts through openness, the word of God, prayer and obedience.

Day 26 - Dealing with Doubts
Matthew 11:1-6
  1. After all that John the Baptist knew about Jesus, why do you think he began having doubts?
  2. What did John do to deal with his doubts?
  3. What should you do when doubts enter your mind?
Matthew 18:16-17 - Does this surprise you? Read on and see what Jesus told his doubting disciples to do.

1 Corinthians 15:11-14
  1. What were the Christians in Corinth doubting? They had believed at first, but later some began to doubt.
  2. What are some teachings you have doubted after believing?
Luke 24:36-45
  1. Where do you think doubts come from?
  2. How did Jesus help them to find faith?
Application: Write briefly how you can overcome doubts through openness, the word of God, prayer and obedience.

Day 26 - Dealing with Doubts
Matthew 11:1-6
  1. After all that John the Baptist knew about Jesus, why do you think he began having doubts?
  2. What did John do to deal with his doubts?
  3. What should you do when doubts enter your mind?
Matthew 18:16-17 - Does this surprise you? Read on and see what Jesus told his doubting disciples to do.

1 Corinthians 15:11-14
  1. What were the Christians in Corinth doubting? They had believed at first, but later some began to doubt.
  2. What are some teachings you have doubted after believing?
Luke 24:36-45
  1. Where do you think doubts come from?
  2. How did Jesus help them to find faith?
Application: Write briefly how you can overcome doubts through openness, the word of God, prayer and obedience.

Day 26 - Dealing with Doubts
Matthew 11:1-6
  1. After all that John the Baptist knew about Jesus, why do you think he began having doubts?
  2. What did John do to deal with his doubts?
  3. What should you do when doubts enter your mind?
Matthew 18:16-17 - Does this surprise you? Read on and see what Jesus told his doubting disciples to do.

1 Corinthians 15:11-14
  1. What were the Christians in Corinth doubting? They had believed at first, but later some began to doubt.
  2. What are some teachings you have doubted after believing?
Luke 24:36-45
  1. Where do you think doubts come from?
  2. How did Jesus help them to find faith?
Application: Write briefly how you can overcome doubts through openness, the word of God, prayer and obedience.

Day 26 - Dealing with Doubts
Matthew 11:1-6
  1. After all that John the Baptist knew about Jesus, why do you think he began having doubts?
  2. What did John do to deal with his doubts?
  3. What should you do when doubts enter your mind?
Matthew 18:16-17 - Does this surprise you? Read on and see what Jesus told his doubting disciples to do.

1 Corinthians 15:11-14
  1. What were the Christians in Corinth doubting? They had believed at first, but later some began to doubt.
  2. What are some teachings you have doubted after believing?
Luke 24:36-45
  1. Where do you think doubts come from?
  2. How did Jesus help them to find faith?
Application: Write briefly how you can overcome doubts through openness, the word of God, prayer and obedience.

Day 37 -The Grace of Giving
Luke 21:1-4
  1. What do you learn from this widow's example?
  2. Think of at least 3 reasons she could have given to be "stingy".
1 Timothy 6:17-19 - How should you live if you have money?

2 Corinthians 9:6-15
  1. Have you decided to give generously to God?
  2. Are you giving that amount regularly?
  3. What does God promise to those who give freely?
  4. How does your giving benefit others, God, and yourself?
Application: If you think your financial giving has not been generous or faithful, decide what you will give and honor that promise to God.

Day 37 -The Grace of Giving
Luke 21:1-4
  1. What do you learn from this widow's example?
  2. Think of at least 3 reasons she could have given to be "stingy".
1 Timothy 6:17-19 - How should you live if you have money?

2 Corinthians 9:6-15
  1. Have you decided to give generously to God?
  2. Are you giving that amount regularly?
  3. What does God promise to those who give freely?
  4. How does your giving benefit others, God, and yourself?
Application: If you think your financial giving has not been generous or faithful, decide what you will give and honor that promise to God.

Day 37 -The Grace of Giving
Luke 21:1-4
  1. What do you learn from this widow's example?
  2. Think of at least 3 reasons she could have given to be "stingy".
1 Timothy 6:17-19 - How should you live if you have money?

2 Corinthians 9:6-15
  1. Have you decided to give generously to God?
  2. Are you giving that amount regularly?
  3. What does God promise to those who give freely?
  4. How does your giving benefit others, God, and yourself?
Application: If you think your financial giving has not been generous or faithful, decide what you will give and honor that promise to God.

Day 37 -The Grace of Giving
Luke 21:1-4
  1. What do you learn from this widow's example?
  2. Think of at least 3 reasons she could have given to be "stingy".
1 Timothy 6:17-19 - How should you live if you have money?

2 Corinthians 9:6-15
  1. Have you decided to give generously to God?
  2. Are you giving that amount regularly?
  3. What does God promise to those who give freely?
  4. How does your giving benefit others, God, and yourself?
Application: If you think your financial giving has not been generous or faithful, decide what you will give and honor that promise to God.

Day 40 - Good Heart, Good Deeds, Good Things
Luke 8:15
  1. Do you have a heart like this?
  2. What is your life producing?
Philemon 4-7 - What are 3 things Philemon did that showed a good heart?

2 Peter 1:5-11
  1. What do you need to do to keep growing as a Christian?
  2. Define goodness, perseverance, brotherly kindness.
  3. What happens if you stop growing?
  4. What does verse 10 mean?
3 John 2-6
  1. If a brother or sister came to visit you, what kind of report would they give about your Life?
  2. How do you feel about your life in Christ up until today?
  3. Are you growing?
  4. In what areas do you need help?
Application: Now that you have finished your 40-days study, decide what you are going to study next and have a plan. Share these notes with the people you are leading to the Lord. Keep growing!

Ministry - The Generator of Power
John 15:1-7; Mt 7:7-12; Luke 18:1-8

Prayer generates the power in a disciple's life. Without prayer, there is no power, no relationship with God, and no expectation of miracles. Prayer connects us to God's heart and reveals to us God's will. We can be afraid to pray because we think God will test us by not answering our prayers. James chapter 1 tells us that trials test our faith not unanswered prayer. We begin to pray with unbelief in our hearts and no expectation of answered prayer in our minds. God does not always answer when WE want Him to but He will answer. It is up to us to persevere and mature long enough to receive the answer. God desires to give us whatever we wish as long as we remain in relationship with Him. God is a merciful and loving God. He wants to bless us and encourage us. Generations of powerful men and women have walked before us in real relationship with God. They witnessed incredible answers to prayer. God has not changed since then. He is willing to answer; are you willing to pray?

Pray with Passion
Pray with Expectation
Pray with Specificity
Pray with Boldness
Pray with Perseverance

What three things will you pray about until they are answered, no matter how long it takes?

Ministry - The Generator of Power
John 15:1-7; Mt 7:7-12; Luke 18:1-8

Prayer generates the power in a disciple's life. Without prayer, there is no power, no relationship with God, and no expectation of miracles. Prayer connects us to God's heart and reveals to us God's will. We can be afraid to pray because we think God will test us by not answering our prayers. James chapter 1 tells us that trials test our faith not unanswered prayer. We begin to pray with unbelief in our hearts and no expectation of answered prayer in our minds. God does not always answer when WE want Him to but He will answer. It is up to us to persevere and mature long enough to receive the answer. God desires to give us whatever we wish as long as we remain in relationship with Him. God is a merciful and loving God. He wants to bless us and encourage us. Generations of powerful men and women have walked before us in real relationship with God. They witnessed incredible answers to prayer. God has not changed since then. He is willing to answer; are you willing to pray?

Pray with Passion
Pray with Expectation
Pray with Specificity
Pray with Boldness
Pray with Perseverance

What three things will you pray about until they are answered, no matter how long it takes?

Ministry - The Generator of Power
John 15:1-7; Mt 7:7-12; Luke 18:1-8

Prayer generates the power in a disciple's life. Without prayer, there is no power, no relationship with God, and no expectation of miracles. Prayer connects us to God's heart and reveals to us God's will. We can be afraid to pray because we think God will test us by not answering our prayers. James chapter 1 tells us that trials test our faith not unanswered prayer. We begin to pray with unbelief in our hearts and no expectation of answered prayer in our minds. God does not always answer when WE want Him to but He will answer. It is up to us to persevere and mature long enough to receive the answer. God desires to give us whatever we wish as long as we remain in relationship with Him. God is a merciful and loving God. He wants to bless us and encourage us. Generations of powerful men and women have walked before us in real relationship with God. They witnessed incredible answers to prayer. God has not changed since then. He is willing to answer; are you willing to pray?

Pray with Passion
Pray with Expectation
Pray with Specificity
Pray with Boldness
Pray with Perseverance

What three things will you pray about until they are answered, no matter how long it takes?

Ministry - The Generator of Power
John 15:1-7; Mt 7:7-12; Luke 18:1-8

Prayer generates the power in a disciple's life. Without prayer, there is no power, no relationship with God, and no expectation of miracles. Prayer connects us to God's heart and reveals to us God's will. We can be afraid to pray because we think God will test us by not answering our prayers. James chapter 1 tells us that trials test our faith not unanswered prayer. We begin to pray with unbelief in our hearts and no expectation of answered prayer in our minds. God does not always answer when WE want Him to but He will answer. It is up to us to persevere and mature long enough to receive the answer. God desires to give us whatever we wish as long as we remain in relationship with Him. God is a merciful and loving God. He wants to bless us and encourage us. Generations of powerful men and women have walked before us in real relationship with God. They witnessed incredible answers to prayer. God has not changed since then. He is willing to answer; are you willing to pray?

Pray with Passion
Pray with Expectation
Pray with Specificity
Pray with Boldness
Pray with Perseverance

What three things will you pray about until they are answered, no matter how long it takes?

Ministry - The Generator of Power
John 15:1-7; Mt 7:7-12; Luke 18:1-8

Prayer generates the power in a disciple's life. Without prayer, there is no power, no relationship with God, and no expectation of miracles. Prayer connects us to God's heart and reveals to us God's will. We can be afraid to pray because we think God will test us by not answering our prayers. James chapter 1 tells us that trials test our faith not unanswered prayer. We begin to pray with unbelief in our hearts and no expectation of answered prayer in our minds. God does not always answer when WE want Him to but He will answer. It is up to us to persevere and mature long enough to receive the answer. God desires to give us whatever we wish as long as we remain in relationship with Him. God is a merciful and loving God. He wants to bless us and encourage us. Generations of powerful men and women have walked before us in real relationship with God. They witnessed incredible answers to prayer. God has not changed since then. He is willing to answer; are you willing to pray?

Pray with Passion
Pray with Expectation
Pray with Specificity
Pray with Boldness
Pray with Perseverance

What three things will you pray about until they are answered, no matter how long it takes?

Ministry - The Generator of Power
John 15:1-7; Mt 7:7-12; Luke 18:1-8

Prayer generates the power in a disciple's life. Without prayer, there is no power, no relationship with God, and no expectation of miracles. Prayer connects us to God's heart and reveals to us God's will. We can be afraid to pray because we think God will test us by not answering our prayers. James chapter 1 tells us that trials test our faith not unanswered prayer. We begin to pray with unbelief in our hearts and no expectation of answered prayer in our minds. God does not always answer when WE want Him to but He will answer. It is up to us to persevere and mature long enough to receive the answer. God desires to give us whatever we wish as long as we remain in relationship with Him. God is a merciful and loving God. He wants to bless us and encourage us. Generations of powerful men and women have walked before us in real relationship with God. They witnessed incredible answers to prayer. God has not changed since then. He is willing to answer; are you willing to pray?

Pray with Passion
Pray with Expectation
Pray with Specificity
Pray with Boldness
Pray with Perseverance

What three things will you pray about until they are answered, no matter how long it takes?

Ministry - The Generator of Power
John 15:1-7; Mt 7:7-12; Luke 18:1-8

Prayer generates the power in a disciple's life. Without prayer, there is no power, no relationship with God, and no expectation of miracles. Prayer connects us to God's heart and reveals to us God's will. We can be afraid to pray because we think God will test us by not answering our prayers. James chapter 1 tells us that trials test our faith not unanswered prayer. We begin to pray with unbelief in our hearts and no expectation of answered prayer in our minds. God does not always answer when WE want Him to but He will answer. It is up to us to persevere and mature long enough to receive the answer. God desires to give us whatever we wish as long as we remain in relationship with Him. God is a merciful and loving God. He wants to bless us and encourage us. Generations of powerful men and women have walked before us in real relationship with God. They witnessed incredible answers to prayer. God has not changed since then. He is willing to answer; are you willing to pray?

Pray with Passion
Pray with Expectation
Pray with Specificity
Pray with Boldness
Pray with Perseverance

What three things will you pray about until they are answered, no matter how long it takes?

Ministry - The Generator of Power
John 15:1-7; Mt 7:7-12; Luke 18:1-8

Prayer generates the power in a disciple's life. Without prayer, there is no power, no relationship with God, and no expectation of miracles. Prayer connects us to God's heart and reveals to us God's will. We can be afraid to pray because we think God will test us by not answering our prayers. James chapter 1 tells us that trials test our faith not unanswered prayer. We begin to pray with unbelief in our hearts and no expectation of answered prayer in our minds. God does not always answer when WE want Him to but He will answer. It is up to us to persevere and mature long enough to receive the answer. God desires to give us whatever we wish as long as we remain in relationship with Him. God is a merciful and loving God. He wants to bless us and encourage us. Generations of powerful men and women have walked before us in real relationship with God. They witnessed incredible answers to prayer. God has not changed since then. He is willing to answer; are you willing to pray?

Pray with Passion
Pray with Expectation
Pray with Specificity
Pray with Boldness
Pray with Perseverance

What three things will you pray about until they are answered, no matter how long it takes?

Ministry -The Miracle of Training
Luke 6:39-40

Have you ever felt stuck in the mud in your Christian life? Feeling like you can't change? God's way to help us to change and grow spiritually is through discipleship. In Mark 1:17, Jesus said, "Come follow me and I will make you fishers of men." The beauty of God's plan is that whatever we lack in our character, He makes up the difference as long as we have the heart to imitate Jesus. God blesses us with spiritual people who we can imitate and be trained by.

Remember as a child when you wanted to be "grown up" and would copy mom or dad. You tried to talk like them and dress up like them because you wanted to be just like them. What happened to our childlike heart to imitate? You don't have to have all the answers, or be smart or talented to be just like Jesus---all you need is the heart to imitate and want to be trained.

Would people say that you remind them of your discipleship partner? Why or why not?

Today tell your discipleship partner one characteristic that you admire about them and ask them how you can be more like that.

Ministry -The Miracle of Training
Luke 6:39-40

Have you ever felt stuck in the mud in your Christian life? Feeling like you can't change? God's way to help us to change and grow spiritually is through discipleship. In Mark 1:17, Jesus said, "Come follow me and I will make you fishers of men." The beauty of God's plan is that whatever we lack in our character, He makes up the difference as long as we have the heart to imitate Jesus. God blesses us with spiritual people who we can imitate and be trained by.

Remember as a child when you wanted to be "grown up" and would copy mom or dad. You tried to talk like them and dress up like them because you wanted to be just like them. What happened to our childlike heart to imitate? You don't have to have all the answers, or be smart or talented to be just like Jesus---all you need is the heart to imitate and want to be trained.

Would people say that you remind them of your discipleship partner? Why or why not?

Today tell your discipleship partner one characteristic that you admire about them and ask them how you can be more like that.

Ministry - The Serving Heart of Jesus
John 13: 1 - 17

At a time when Jesus could have most concerned about himself and what lay ahead he chose to serve the disciples instead. Jesus was known for his acts of service before God and men. Rather than just telling people what they should do for him and each other Jesus set the example. After he served them he asked them if they understood what he had done for them. Do we really understand the importance of serving?

True servitude comes from a childlike heart.

Matthew 18: 1 - 9
Children are humble-hearted and love to serve. We need to consider others and look for ways to meet their needs both physically and spiritually. Sin is what stops us from serving. When we are in sin we are serving ourselves: our pleasures and desires. Jesus had a radical attitude toward sin because it keeps us from the spiritual act of serving and into the acts of the sinful nature. When we are serving it is difficult to be selfish, inward focused, prideful, self-righteous, sad and depressed. Jesus experienced great joy by meeting other people's needs. Jesus understood that serving is the true path to greatness. If we desire to be like Jesus we must develop deep convictions in the area of servitude.

How did Jesus Serve?
  • He met people's spiritual needs. John 4: 1 - 26
  • He taught people to serve by meeting physical needs. Luke 10:25 - 37
Sometimes serving others means saying "no" to ourselves. How can you say "no" to your needs today in order meet someone else's?

Ministry - But Because You Say So
Luke 5:1-11

Peter's faith was ebbing with the tide. No fish, no breakfast. After a frustrating night of fruitless fishing he was struggling to accept a carpenter's fishing tip to let down the nets yet again. Yet Peter softened his will to the Master's will and obeyed out of faith. He had no other reason to believe he would even get a nibble at the net. As the fish came in Peter got that sinking feeling of realizing the depth of his own sin. He deferred to Jesus and knew he did not deserve to be in the Master's presence. I am struck by Peter's decision to follow Christ's command to let down the net again even though years of experience and an empty-netted night begged him not to. Sometimes experience can breed cynicism because we are used to certain results and have formed certain expectations. Cynicism replaces obedience and robs us of faith. It gives us a reason to not have to believe because "we have been there, done that" and it has never work. Peter's humility is convicting and his responsiveness to Jesus is a powerful example. We can easily be deceived by experience that has result in fruitless and netted us nothing.

Is your evangelism producing fruit?

Maybe you are letting your nets down in the wrong place or in the wrong way.
Find a new fishing hole. Consider reaching out to different kinds of people.

Ministry - But Because You Say So
Luke 5:1-11

Peter's faith was ebbing with the tide. No fish, no breakfast. After a frustrating night of fruitless fishing he was struggling to accept a carpenter's fishing tip to let down the nets yet again. Yet Peter softened his will to the Master's will and obeyed out of faith. He had no other reason to believe he would even get a nibble at the net. As the fish came in Peter got that sinking feeling of realizing the depth of his own sin. He deferred to Jesus and knew he did not deserve to be in the Master's presence. I am struck by Peter's decision to follow Christ's command to let down the net again even though years of experience and an empty-netted night begged him not to. Sometimes experience can breed cynicism because we are used to certain results and have formed certain expectations. Cynicism replaces obedience and robs us of faith. It gives us a reason to not have to believe because "we have been there, done that" and it has never work. Peter's humility is convicting and his responsiveness to Jesus is a powerful example. We can easily be deceived by experience that has result in fruitless and netted us nothing.

Is your evangelism producing fruit?

Maybe you are letting your nets down in the wrong place or in the wrong way.
Find a new fishing hole. Consider reaching out to different kinds of people.

Ministry - But Because You Say So
Luke 5:1-11

Peter's faith was ebbing with the tide. No fish, no breakfast. After a frustrating night of fruitless fishing he was struggling to accept a carpenter's fishing tip to let down the nets yet again. Yet Peter softened his will to the Master's will and obeyed out of faith. He had no other reason to believe he would even get a nibble at the net. As the fish came in Peter got that sinking feeling of realizing the depth of his own sin. He deferred to Jesus and knew he did not deserve to be in the Master's presence. I am struck by Peter's decision to follow Christ's command to let down the net again even though years of experience and an empty-netted night begged him not to. Sometimes experience can breed cynicism because we are used to certain results and have formed certain expectations. Cynicism replaces obedience and robs us of faith. It gives us a reason to not have to believe because "we have been there, done that" and it has never work. Peter's humility is convicting and his responsiveness to Jesus is a powerful example. We can easily be deceived by experience that has result in fruitless and netted us nothing.

Is your evangelism producing fruit?

Maybe you are letting your nets down in the wrong place or in the wrong way.
Find a new fishing hole. Consider reaching out to different kinds of people.

Ministry - But Because You Say So
Luke 5:1-11

Peter's faith was ebbing with the tide. No fish, no breakfast. After a frustrating night of fruitless fishing he was struggling to accept a carpenter's fishing tip to let down the nets yet again. Yet Peter softened his will to the Master's will and obeyed out of faith. He had no other reason to believe he would even get a nibble at the net. As the fish came in Peter got that sinking feeling of realizing the depth of his own sin. He deferred to Jesus and knew he did not deserve to be in the Master's presence. I am struck by Peter's decision to follow Christ's command to let down the net again even though years of experience and an empty-netted night begged him not to. Sometimes experience can breed cynicism because we are used to certain results and have formed certain expectations. Cynicism replaces obedience and robs us of faith. It gives us a reason to not have to believe because "we have been there, done that" and it has never work. Peter's humility is convicting and his responsiveness to Jesus is a powerful example. We can easily be deceived by experience that has result in fruitless and netted us nothing.

Is your evangelism producing fruit?

Maybe you are letting your nets down in the wrong place or in the wrong way.
Find a new fishing hole. Consider reaching out to different kinds of people.

Ministry - But Because You Say So
Luke 5:1-11

Peter's faith was ebbing with the tide. No fish, no breakfast. After a frustrating night of fruitless fishing he was struggling to accept a carpenter's fishing tip to let down the nets yet again. Yet Peter softened his will to the Master's will and obeyed out of faith. He had no other reason to believe he would even get a nibble at the net. As the fish came in Peter got that sinking feeling of realizing the depth of his own sin. He deferred to Jesus and knew he did not deserve to be in the Master's presence. I am struck by Peter's decision to follow Christ's command to let down the net again even though years of experience and an empty-netted night begged him not to. Sometimes experience can breed cynicism because we are used to certain results and have formed certain expectations. Cynicism replaces obedience and robs us of faith. It gives us a reason to not have to believe because "we have been there, done that" and it has never work. Peter's humility is convicting and his responsiveness to Jesus is a powerful example. We can easily be deceived by experience that has result in fruitless and netted us nothing.

Is your evangelism producing fruit?

Maybe you are letting your nets down in the wrong place or in the wrong way.
Find a new fishing hole. Consider reaching out to different kinds of people.

Ministry - But Because You Say So
Luke 5:1-11

Peter's faith was ebbing with the tide. No fish, no breakfast. After a frustrating night of fruitless fishing he was struggling to accept a carpenter's fishing tip to let down the nets yet again. Yet Peter softened his will to the Master's will and obeyed out of faith. He had no other reason to believe he would even get a nibble at the net. As the fish came in Peter got that sinking feeling of realizing the depth of his own sin. He deferred to Jesus and knew he did not deserve to be in the Master's presence. I am struck by Peter's decision to follow Christ's command to let down the net again even though years of experience and an empty-netted night begged him not to. Sometimes experience can breed cynicism because we are used to certain results and have formed certain expectations. Cynicism replaces obedience and robs us of faith. It gives us a reason to not have to believe because "we have been there, done that" and it has never work. Peter's humility is convicting and his responsiveness to Jesus is a powerful example. We can easily be deceived by experience that has result in fruitless and netted us nothing.

Is your evangelism producing fruit?

Maybe you are letting your nets down in the wrong place or in the wrong way.
Find a new fishing hole. Consider reaching out to different kinds of people.

Ministry - But Because You Say So
Luke 5:1-11

Peter's faith was ebbing with the tide. No fish, no breakfast. After a frustrating night of fruitless fishing he was struggling to accept a carpenter's fishing tip to let down the nets yet again. Yet Peter softened his will to the Master's will and obeyed out of faith. He had no other reason to believe he would even get a nibble at the net. As the fish came in Peter got that sinking feeling of realizing the depth of his own sin. He deferred to Jesus and knew he did not deserve to be in the Master's presence. I am struck by Peter's decision to follow Christ's command to let down the net again even though years of experience and an empty-netted night begged him not to. Sometimes experience can breed cynicism because we are used to certain results and have formed certain expectations. Cynicism replaces obedience and robs us of faith. It gives us a reason to not have to believe because "we have been there, done that" and it has never work. Peter's humility is convicting and his responsiveness to Jesus is a powerful example. We can easily be deceived by experience that has result in fruitless and netted us nothing.

Is your evangelism producing fruit?

Maybe you are letting your nets down in the wrong place or in the wrong way.
Find a new fishing hole. Consider reaching out to different kinds of people.

Ministry - But Because You Say So
Luke 5:1-11

Peter's faith was ebbing with the tide. No fish, no breakfast. After a frustrating night of fruitless fishing he was struggling to accept a carpenter's fishing tip to let down the nets yet again. Yet Peter softened his will to the Master's will and obeyed out of faith. He had no other reason to believe he would even get a nibble at the net. As the fish came in Peter got that sinking feeling of realizing the depth of his own sin. He deferred to Jesus and knew he did not deserve to be in the Master's presence. I am struck by Peter's decision to follow Christ's command to let down the net again even though years of experience and an empty-netted night begged him not to. Sometimes experience can breed cynicism because we are used to certain results and have formed certain expectations. Cynicism replaces obedience and robs us of faith. It gives us a reason to not have to believe because "we have been there, done that" and it has never work. Peter's humility is convicting and his responsiveness to Jesus is a powerful example. We can easily be deceived by experience that has result in fruitless and netted us nothing.

Is your evangelism producing fruit?

Maybe you are letting your nets down in the wrong place or in the wrong way.
Find a new fishing hole. Consider reaching out to different kinds of people.

Ministry - But Because You Say So
Luke 5:1-11

Peter's faith was ebbing with the tide. No fish, no breakfast. After a frustrating night of fruitless fishing he was struggling to accept a carpenter's fishing tip to let down the nets yet again. Yet Peter softened his will to the Master's will and obeyed out of faith. He had no other reason to believe he would even get a nibble at the net. As the fish came in Peter got that sinking feeling of realizing the depth of his own sin. He deferred to Jesus and knew he did not deserve to be in the Master's presence. I am struck by Peter's decision to follow Christ's command to let down the net again even though years of experience and an empty-netted night begged him not to. Sometimes experience can breed cynicism because we are used to certain results and have formed certain expectations. Cynicism replaces obedience and robs us of faith. It gives us a reason to not have to believe because "we have been there, done that" and it has never work. Peter's humility is convicting and his responsiveness to Jesus is a powerful example. We can easily be deceived by experience that has result in fruitless and netted us nothing.

Is your evangelism producing fruit?

Maybe you are letting your nets down in the wrong place or in the wrong way.
Find a new fishing hole. Consider reaching out to different kinds of people.

Ministry - But Because You Say So
Luke 5:1-11

Peter's faith was ebbing with the tide. No fish, no breakfast. After a frustrating night of fruitless fishing he was struggling to accept a carpenter's fishing tip to let down the nets yet again. Yet Peter softened his will to the Master's will and obeyed out of faith. He had no other reason to believe he would even get a nibble at the net. As the fish came in Peter got that sinking feeling of realizing the depth of his own sin. He deferred to Jesus and knew he did not deserve to be in the Master's presence. I am struck by Peter's decision to follow Christ's command to let down the net again even though years of experience and an empty-netted night begged him not to. Sometimes experience can breed cynicism because we are used to certain results and have formed certain expectations. Cynicism replaces obedience and robs us of faith. It gives us a reason to not have to believe because "we have been there, done that" and it has never work. Peter's humility is convicting and his responsiveness to Jesus is a powerful example. We can easily be deceived by experience that has result in fruitless and netted us nothing.

Is your evangelism producing fruit?

Maybe you are letting your nets down in the wrong place or in the wrong way.
Find a new fishing hole. Consider reaching out to different kinds of people.

Ministry - But Because You Say So
Luke 5:1-11

Peter's faith was ebbing with the tide. No fish, no breakfast. After a frustrating night of fruitless fishing he was struggling to accept a carpenter's fishing tip to let down the nets yet again. Yet Peter softened his will to the Master's will and obeyed out of faith. He had no other reason to believe he would even get a nibble at the net. As the fish came in Peter got that sinking feeling of realizing the depth of his own sin. He deferred to Jesus and knew he did not deserve to be in the Master's presence. I am struck by Peter's decision to follow Christ's command to let down the net again even though years of experience and an empty-netted night begged him not to. Sometimes experience can breed cynicism because we are used to certain results and have formed certain expectations. Cynicism replaces obedience and robs us of faith. It gives us a reason to not have to believe because "we have been there, done that" and it has never work. Peter's humility is convicting and his responsiveness to Jesus is a powerful example. We can easily be deceived by experience that has result in fruitless and netted us nothing.

Is your evangelism producing fruit?

Maybe you are letting your nets down in the wrong place or in the wrong way.
Find a new fishing hole. Consider reaching out to different kinds of people.

Ministry - Are You Willing to Keep Praying?
Luke 18:1-8

Jesus tells this parable to show us something. The scriptures even go so far as to tell us exactly what that something is that we should always pray and not give up. Have you ever decided to pray about a specific situation and not stopped until it has changed? What if it took a year to change? Five years? Ten years? Twenty years? Jesus says to never give up! Too often we get discouraged and want to quit-even on God-because something doesn't change. Maybe we haven't been fruitful for a while or we don't have a dating relationship yet. Maybe things have not changed in our marriage fast enough or our job situation is still not working out. Maybe we are just not changing our hearts the way we should. The answer is not to give up but to keep on praying. Jesus ends the parable questioning whether there would still be faith on earth when he returns. Our lack of prayer is a sign of a lack of faith! To keep praying and not give up is a sign of great faith.

Write down three things you have quit praying about and recommit yourself to be faithful in prayer. Decide to trust.

God and be in the kingdom for the long haul-no matter how many decades of prayer it takes!!

Ministry - Are You Willing to Keep Praying?
Luke 18:1-8

Jesus tells this parable to show us something. The scriptures even go so far as to tell us exactly what that something is that we should always pray and not give up. Have you ever decided to pray about a specific situation and not stopped until it has changed? What if it took a year to change? Five years? Ten years? Twenty years? Jesus says to never give up! Too often we get discouraged and want to quit-even on God-because something doesn't change. Maybe we haven't been fruitful for a while or we don't have a dating relationship yet. Maybe things have not changed in our marriage fast enough or our job situation is still not working out. Maybe we are just not changing our hearts the way we should. The answer is not to give up but to keep on praying. Jesus ends the parable questioning whether there would still be faith on earth when he returns. Our lack of prayer is a sign of a lack of faith! To keep praying and not give up is a sign of great faith.

Write down three things you have quit praying about and recommit yourself to be faithful in prayer. Decide to trust.

God and be in the kingdom for the long haul-no matter how many decades of prayer it takes!!

Ministry - Are You Willing to Keep Praying?
Luke 18:1-8

Jesus tells this parable to show us something. The scriptures even go so far as to tell us exactly what that something is that we should always pray and not give up. Have you ever decided to pray about a specific situation and not stopped until it has changed? What if it took a year to change? Five years? Ten years? Twenty years? Jesus says to never give up! Too often we get discouraged and want to quit-even on God-because something doesn't change. Maybe we haven't been fruitful for a while or we don't have a dating relationship yet. Maybe things have not changed in our marriage fast enough or our job situation is still not working out. Maybe we are just not changing our hearts the way we should. The answer is not to give up but to keep on praying. Jesus ends the parable questioning whether there would still be faith on earth when he returns. Our lack of prayer is a sign of a lack of faith! To keep praying and not give up is a sign of great faith.

Write down three things you have quit praying about and recommit yourself to be faithful in prayer. Decide to trust.

God and be in the kingdom for the long haul-no matter how many decades of prayer it takes!!

Ministry - Are You Willing to Keep Praying?
Luke 18:1-8

Jesus tells this parable to show us something. The scriptures even go so far as to tell us exactly what that something is that we should always pray and not give up. Have you ever decided to pray about a specific situation and not stopped until it has changed? What if it took a year to change? Five years? Ten years? Twenty years? Jesus says to never give up! Too often we get discouraged and want to quit-even on God-because something doesn't change. Maybe we haven't been fruitful for a while or we don't have a dating relationship yet. Maybe things have not changed in our marriage fast enough or our job situation is still not working out. Maybe we are just not changing our hearts the way we should. The answer is not to give up but to keep on praying. Jesus ends the parable questioning whether there would still be faith on earth when he returns. Our lack of prayer is a sign of a lack of faith! To keep praying and not give up is a sign of great faith.

Write down three things you have quit praying about and recommit yourself to be faithful in prayer. Decide to trust.

God and be in the kingdom for the long haul-no matter how many decades of prayer it takes!!

Ministry - Are You Willing to Keep Praying?
Luke 18:1-8

Jesus tells this parable to show us something. The scriptures even go so far as to tell us exactly what that something is that we should always pray and not give up. Have you ever decided to pray about a specific situation and not stopped until it has changed? What if it took a year to change? Five years? Ten years? Twenty years? Jesus says to never give up! Too often we get discouraged and want to quit-even on God-because something doesn't change. Maybe we haven't been fruitful for a while or we don't have a dating relationship yet. Maybe things have not changed in our marriage fast enough or our job situation is still not working out. Maybe we are just not changing our hearts the way we should. The answer is not to give up but to keep on praying. Jesus ends the parable questioning whether there would still be faith on earth when he returns. Our lack of prayer is a sign of a lack of faith! To keep praying and not give up is a sign of great faith.

Write down three things you have quit praying about and recommit yourself to be faithful in prayer. Decide to trust.

God and be in the kingdom for the long haul-no matter how many decades of prayer it takes!!

Ministry - Are You Willing to Keep Praying?
Luke 18:1-8

Jesus tells this parable to show us something. The scriptures even go so far as to tell us exactly what that something is that we should always pray and not give up. Have you ever decided to pray about a specific situation and not stopped until it has changed? What if it took a year to change? Five years? Ten years? Twenty years? Jesus says to never give up! Too often we get discouraged and want to quit-even on God-because something doesn't change. Maybe we haven't been fruitful for a while or we don't have a dating relationship yet. Maybe things have not changed in our marriage fast enough or our job situation is still not working out. Maybe we are just not changing our hearts the way we should. The answer is not to give up but to keep on praying. Jesus ends the parable questioning whether there would still be faith on earth when he returns. Our lack of prayer is a sign of a lack of faith! To keep praying and not give up is a sign of great faith.

Write down three things you have quit praying about and recommit yourself to be faithful in prayer. Decide to trust.

God and be in the kingdom for the long haul-no matter how many decades of prayer it takes!!

Ministry - Are You Willing to Keep Praying?
Luke 18:1-8

Jesus tells this parable to show us something. The scriptures even go so far as to tell us exactly what that something is that we should always pray and not give up. Have you ever decided to pray about a specific situation and not stopped until it has changed? What if it took a year to change? Five years? Ten years? Twenty years? Jesus says to never give up! Too often we get discouraged and want to quit-even on God-because something doesn't change. Maybe we haven't been fruitful for a while or we don't have a dating relationship yet. Maybe things have not changed in our marriage fast enough or our job situation is still not working out. Maybe we are just not changing our hearts the way we should. The answer is not to give up but to keep on praying. Jesus ends the parable questioning whether there would still be faith on earth when he returns. Our lack of prayer is a sign of a lack of faith! To keep praying and not give up is a sign of great faith.

Write down three things you have quit praying about and recommit yourself to be faithful in prayer. Decide to trust.

God and be in the kingdom for the long haul-no matter how many decades of prayer it takes!!

Ministry - Are You Willing to Keep Praying?
Luke 18:1-8

Jesus tells this parable to show us something. The scriptures even go so far as to tell us exactly what that something is that we should always pray and not give up. Have you ever decided to pray about a specific situation and not stopped until it has changed? What if it took a year to change? Five years? Ten years? Twenty years? Jesus says to never give up! Too often we get discouraged and want to quit-even on God-because something doesn't change. Maybe we haven't been fruitful for a while or we don't have a dating relationship yet. Maybe things have not changed in our marriage fast enough or our job situation is still not working out. Maybe we are just not changing our hearts the way we should. The answer is not to give up but to keep on praying. Jesus ends the parable questioning whether there would still be faith on earth when he returns. Our lack of prayer is a sign of a lack of faith! To keep praying and not give up is a sign of great faith.

Write down three things you have quit praying about and recommit yourself to be faithful in prayer. Decide to trust.

God and be in the kingdom for the long haul-no matter how many decades of prayer it takes!!

Fear of Failure - That Our Faith Should Not Fail
by Rosalind Lam, San Francisco Church of Christ

Luke 22:31-62

Jesus recognized the spiritual battle both he and his disciples would undergo before his arrest and therefore prayed that Simon's faith would not fail him and that he would "repent and turn to [Jesus] again, strengthen and build up [his] brothers" (NLT). Peter was blinded by his pride and did not have a sober view of his own ability to resist temptation, even after Jesus warned him that he would deny him. Peter's overconfidence was evident when he chose to sleep instead of pray and Peter's reliance on his flesh led to him being overpowered by fear and failing to have conviction during the time of pressure. Though Peter got bitter at his failure initially, he did not let it destroy his faith but went on to do amazing things for God, including preaching the opening sermon for the church.

What I learn from this passage about my own failures as a Christian is that Satan's ultimate goal is that my faith will fail me. Jesus' prayer helped me to make a decision that as long as I fight hard in prayer to repent and turn back to God, use my failures to build the faith of other Christians, and never give up, I can always make a comeback as Peter did and see God use me to fulfill his dreams for my life.

Decisions:
  • Look at how God has overcome my shortcomings to help me grow.
  • Build trust in God today by sharing a victory with a friend.


Fear of Failure - That Our Faith Should Not Fail
by Rosalind Lam, San Francisco Church of Christ

Luke 22:31-62

Jesus recognized the spiritual battle both he and his disciples would undergo before his arrest and therefore prayed that Simon's faith would not fail him and that he would "repent and turn to [Jesus] again, strengthen and build up [his] brothers" (NLT). Peter was blinded by his pride and did not have a sober view of his own ability to resist temptation, even after Jesus warned him that he would deny him. Peter's overconfidence was evident when he chose to sleep instead of pray and Peter's reliance on his flesh led to him being overpowered by fear and failing to have conviction during the time of pressure. Though Peter got bitter at his failure initially, he did not let it destroy his faith but went on to do amazing things for God, including preaching the opening sermon for the church.

What I learn from this passage about my own failures as a Christian is that Satan's ultimate goal is that my faith will fail me. Jesus' prayer helped me to make a decision that as long as I fight hard in prayer to repent and turn back to God, use my failures to build the faith of other Christians, and never give up, I can always make a comeback as Peter did and see God use me to fulfill his dreams for my life.

Decisions:
  • Look at how God has overcome my shortcomings to help me grow.
  • Build trust in God today by sharing a victory with a friend.


Fear of Failure - That Our Faith Should Not Fail
by Rosalind Lam, San Francisco Church of Christ

Luke 22:31-62

Jesus recognized the spiritual battle both he and his disciples would undergo before his arrest and therefore prayed that Simon's faith would not fail him and that he would "repent and turn to [Jesus] again, strengthen and build up [his] brothers" (NLT). Peter was blinded by his pride and did not have a sober view of his own ability to resist temptation, even after Jesus warned him that he would deny him. Peter's overconfidence was evident when he chose to sleep instead of pray and Peter's reliance on his flesh led to him being overpowered by fear and failing to have conviction during the time of pressure. Though Peter got bitter at his failure initially, he did not let it destroy his faith but went on to do amazing things for God, including preaching the opening sermon for the church.

What I learn from this passage about my own failures as a Christian is that Satan's ultimate goal is that my faith will fail me. Jesus' prayer helped me to make a decision that as long as I fight hard in prayer to repent and turn back to God, use my failures to build the faith of other Christians, and never give up, I can always make a comeback as Peter did and see God use me to fulfill his dreams for my life.

Decisions:
  • Look at how God has overcome my shortcomings to help me grow.
  • Build trust in God today by sharing a victory with a friend.


Fear of Failure - That Our Faith Should Not Fail
by Rosalind Lam, San Francisco Church of Christ

Luke 22:31-62

Jesus recognized the spiritual battle both he and his disciples would undergo before his arrest and therefore prayed that Simon's faith would not fail him and that he would "repent and turn to [Jesus] again, strengthen and build up [his] brothers" (NLT). Peter was blinded by his pride and did not have a sober view of his own ability to resist temptation, even after Jesus warned him that he would deny him. Peter's overconfidence was evident when he chose to sleep instead of pray and Peter's reliance on his flesh led to him being overpowered by fear and failing to have conviction during the time of pressure. Though Peter got bitter at his failure initially, he did not let it destroy his faith but went on to do amazing things for God, including preaching the opening sermon for the church.

What I learn from this passage about my own failures as a Christian is that Satan's ultimate goal is that my faith will fail me. Jesus' prayer helped me to make a decision that as long as I fight hard in prayer to repent and turn back to God, use my failures to build the faith of other Christians, and never give up, I can always make a comeback as Peter did and see God use me to fulfill his dreams for my life.

Decisions:
  • Look at how God has overcome my shortcomings to help me grow.
  • Build trust in God today by sharing a victory with a friend.


Fear of Failure - That Our Faith Should Not Fail
by Rosalind Lam, San Francisco Church of Christ

Luke 22:31-62

Jesus recognized the spiritual battle both he and his disciples would undergo before his arrest and therefore prayed that Simon's faith would not fail him and that he would "repent and turn to [Jesus] again, strengthen and build up [his] brothers" (NLT). Peter was blinded by his pride and did not have a sober view of his own ability to resist temptation, even after Jesus warned him that he would deny him. Peter's overconfidence was evident when he chose to sleep instead of pray and Peter's reliance on his flesh led to him being overpowered by fear and failing to have conviction during the time of pressure. Though Peter got bitter at his failure initially, he did not let it destroy his faith but went on to do amazing things for God, including preaching the opening sermon for the church.

What I learn from this passage about my own failures as a Christian is that Satan's ultimate goal is that my faith will fail me. Jesus' prayer helped me to make a decision that as long as I fight hard in prayer to repent and turn back to God, use my failures to build the faith of other Christians, and never give up, I can always make a comeback as Peter did and see God use me to fulfill his dreams for my life.

Decisions:
  • Look at how God has overcome my shortcomings to help me grow.
  • Build trust in God today by sharing a victory with a friend.


Fear of Failure - That Our Faith Should Not Fail
by Rosalind Lam, San Francisco Church of Christ

Luke 22:31-62

Jesus recognized the spiritual battle both he and his disciples would undergo before his arrest and therefore prayed that Simon's faith would not fail him and that he would "repent and turn to [Jesus] again, strengthen and build up [his] brothers" (NLT). Peter was blinded by his pride and did not have a sober view of his own ability to resist temptation, even after Jesus warned him that he would deny him. Peter's overconfidence was evident when he chose to sleep instead of pray and Peter's reliance on his flesh led to him being overpowered by fear and failing to have conviction during the time of pressure. Though Peter got bitter at his failure initially, he did not let it destroy his faith but went on to do amazing things for God, including preaching the opening sermon for the church.

What I learn from this passage about my own failures as a Christian is that Satan's ultimate goal is that my faith will fail me. Jesus' prayer helped me to make a decision that as long as I fight hard in prayer to repent and turn back to God, use my failures to build the faith of other Christians, and never give up, I can always make a comeback as Peter did and see God use me to fulfill his dreams for my life.

Decisions:
  • Look at how God has overcome my shortcomings to help me grow.
  • Build trust in God today by sharing a victory with a friend.


Fear of Failure - That Our Faith Should Not Fail
by Rosalind Lam, San Francisco Church of Christ

Luke 22:31-62

Jesus recognized the spiritual battle both he and his disciples would undergo before his arrest and therefore prayed that Simon's faith would not fail him and that he would "repent and turn to [Jesus] again, strengthen and build up [his] brothers" (NLT). Peter was blinded by his pride and did not have a sober view of his own ability to resist temptation, even after Jesus warned him that he would deny him. Peter's overconfidence was evident when he chose to sleep instead of pray and Peter's reliance on his flesh led to him being overpowered by fear and failing to have conviction during the time of pressure. Though Peter got bitter at his failure initially, he did not let it destroy his faith but went on to do amazing things for God, including preaching the opening sermon for the church.

What I learn from this passage about my own failures as a Christian is that Satan's ultimate goal is that my faith will fail me. Jesus' prayer helped me to make a decision that as long as I fight hard in prayer to repent and turn back to God, use my failures to build the faith of other Christians, and never give up, I can always make a comeback as Peter did and see God use me to fulfill his dreams for my life.

Decisions:
  • Look at how God has overcome my shortcomings to help me grow.
  • Build trust in God today by sharing a victory with a friend.


Fear of Failure - That Our Faith Should Not Fail
by Rosalind Lam, San Francisco Church of Christ

Luke 22:31-62

Jesus recognized the spiritual battle both he and his disciples would undergo before his arrest and therefore prayed that Simon's faith would not fail him and that he would "repent and turn to [Jesus] again, strengthen and build up [his] brothers" (NLT). Peter was blinded by his pride and did not have a sober view of his own ability to resist temptation, even after Jesus warned him that he would deny him. Peter's overconfidence was evident when he chose to sleep instead of pray and Peter's reliance on his flesh led to him being overpowered by fear and failing to have conviction during the time of pressure. Though Peter got bitter at his failure initially, he did not let it destroy his faith but went on to do amazing things for God, including preaching the opening sermon for the church.

What I learn from this passage about my own failures as a Christian is that Satan's ultimate goal is that my faith will fail me. Jesus' prayer helped me to make a decision that as long as I fight hard in prayer to repent and turn back to God, use my failures to build the faith of other Christians, and never give up, I can always make a comeback as Peter did and see God use me to fulfill his dreams for my life.

Decisions:
  • Look at how God has overcome my shortcomings to help me grow.
  • Build trust in God today by sharing a victory with a friend.


Fear of Failure - That Our Faith Should Not Fail
by Rosalind Lam, San Francisco Church of Christ

Luke 22:31-62

Jesus recognized the spiritual battle both he and his disciples would undergo before his arrest and therefore prayed that Simon's faith would not fail him and that he would "repent and turn to [Jesus] again, strengthen and build up [his] brothers" (NLT). Peter was blinded by his pride and did not have a sober view of his own ability to resist temptation, even after Jesus warned him that he would deny him. Peter's overconfidence was evident when he chose to sleep instead of pray and Peter's reliance on his flesh led to him being overpowered by fear and failing to have conviction during the time of pressure. Though Peter got bitter at his failure initially, he did not let it destroy his faith but went on to do amazing things for God, including preaching the opening sermon for the church.

What I learn from this passage about my own failures as a Christian is that Satan's ultimate goal is that my faith will fail me. Jesus' prayer helped me to make a decision that as long as I fight hard in prayer to repent and turn back to God, use my failures to build the faith of other Christians, and never give up, I can always make a comeback as Peter did and see God use me to fulfill his dreams for my life.

Decisions:
  • Look at how God has overcome my shortcomings to help me grow.
  • Build trust in God today by sharing a victory with a friend.


Fear of Failure - That Our Faith Should Not Fail
by Rosalind Lam, San Francisco Church of Christ

Luke 22:31-62

Jesus recognized the spiritual battle both he and his disciples would undergo before his arrest and therefore prayed that Simon's faith would not fail him and that he would "repent and turn to [Jesus] again, strengthen and build up [his] brothers" (NLT). Peter was blinded by his pride and did not have a sober view of his own ability to resist temptation, even after Jesus warned him that he would deny him. Peter's overconfidence was evident when he chose to sleep instead of pray and Peter's reliance on his flesh led to him being overpowered by fear and failing to have conviction during the time of pressure. Though Peter got bitter at his failure initially, he did not let it destroy his faith but went on to do amazing things for God, including preaching the opening sermon for the church.

What I learn from this passage about my own failures as a Christian is that Satan's ultimate goal is that my faith will fail me. Jesus' prayer helped me to make a decision that as long as I fight hard in prayer to repent and turn back to God, use my failures to build the faith of other Christians, and never give up, I can always make a comeback as Peter did and see God use me to fulfill his dreams for my life.

Decisions:
  • Look at how God has overcome my shortcomings to help me grow.
  • Build trust in God today by sharing a victory with a friend.


Fear of Failure - That Our Faith Should Not Fail
by Rosalind Lam, San Francisco Church of Christ

Luke 22:31-62

Jesus recognized the spiritual battle both he and his disciples would undergo before his arrest and therefore prayed that Simon's faith would not fail him and that he would "repent and turn to [Jesus] again, strengthen and build up [his] brothers" (NLT). Peter was blinded by his pride and did not have a sober view of his own ability to resist temptation, even after Jesus warned him that he would deny him. Peter's overconfidence was evident when he chose to sleep instead of pray and Peter's reliance on his flesh led to him being overpowered by fear and failing to have conviction during the time of pressure. Though Peter got bitter at his failure initially, he did not let it destroy his faith but went on to do amazing things for God, including preaching the opening sermon for the church.

What I learn from this passage about my own failures as a Christian is that Satan's ultimate goal is that my faith will fail me. Jesus' prayer helped me to make a decision that as long as I fight hard in prayer to repent and turn back to God, use my failures to build the faith of other Christians, and never give up, I can always make a comeback as Peter did and see God use me to fulfill his dreams for my life.

Decisions:
  • Look at how God has overcome my shortcomings to help me grow.
  • Build trust in God today by sharing a victory with a friend.


Fear of Failure - That Our Faith Should Not Fail
by Rosalind Lam, San Francisco Church of Christ

Luke 22:31-62

Jesus recognized the spiritual battle both he and his disciples would undergo before his arrest and therefore prayed that Simon's faith would not fail him and that he would "repent and turn to [Jesus] again, strengthen and build up [his] brothers" (NLT). Peter was blinded by his pride and did not have a sober view of his own ability to resist temptation, even after Jesus warned him that he would deny him. Peter's overconfidence was evident when he chose to sleep instead of pray and Peter's reliance on his flesh led to him being overpowered by fear and failing to have conviction during the time of pressure. Though Peter got bitter at his failure initially, he did not let it destroy his faith but went on to do amazing things for God, including preaching the opening sermon for the church.

What I learn from this passage about my own failures as a Christian is that Satan's ultimate goal is that my faith will fail me. Jesus' prayer helped me to make a decision that as long as I fight hard in prayer to repent and turn back to God, use my failures to build the faith of other Christians, and never give up, I can always make a comeback as Peter did and see God use me to fulfill his dreams for my life.

Decisions:
  • Look at how God has overcome my shortcomings to help me grow.
  • Build trust in God today by sharing a victory with a friend.


Fear of Failure - That Our Faith Should Not Fail
by Rosalind Lam, San Francisco Church of Christ

Luke 22:31-62

Jesus recognized the spiritual battle both he and his disciples would undergo before his arrest and therefore prayed that Simon's faith would not fail him and that he would "repent and turn to [Jesus] again, strengthen and build up [his] brothers" (NLT). Peter was blinded by his pride and did not have a sober view of his own ability to resist temptation, even after Jesus warned him that he would deny him. Peter's overconfidence was evident when he chose to sleep instead of pray and Peter's reliance on his flesh led to him being overpowered by fear and failing to have conviction during the time of pressure. Though Peter got bitter at his failure initially, he did not let it destroy his faith but went on to do amazing things for God, including preaching the opening sermon for the church.

What I learn from this passage about my own failures as a Christian is that Satan's ultimate goal is that my faith will fail me. Jesus' prayer helped me to make a decision that as long as I fight hard in prayer to repent and turn back to God, use my failures to build the faith of other Christians, and never give up, I can always make a comeback as Peter did and see God use me to fulfill his dreams for my life.

Decisions:
  • Look at how God has overcome my shortcomings to help me grow.
  • Build trust in God today by sharing a victory with a friend.


Fear of Failure - That Our Faith Should Not Fail
by Rosalind Lam, San Francisco Church of Christ

Luke 22:31-62

Jesus recognized the spiritual battle both he and his disciples would undergo before his arrest and therefore prayed that Simon's faith would not fail him and that he would "repent and turn to [Jesus] again, strengthen and build up [his] brothers" (NLT). Peter was blinded by his pride and did not have a sober view of his own ability to resist temptation, even after Jesus warned him that he would deny him. Peter's overconfidence was evident when he chose to sleep instead of pray and Peter's reliance on his flesh led to him being overpowered by fear and failing to have conviction during the time of pressure. Though Peter got bitter at his failure initially, he did not let it destroy his faith but went on to do amazing things for God, including preaching the opening sermon for the church.

What I learn from this passage about my own failures as a Christian is that Satan's ultimate goal is that my faith will fail me. Jesus' prayer helped me to make a decision that as long as I fight hard in prayer to repent and turn back to God, use my failures to build the faith of other Christians, and never give up, I can always make a comeback as Peter did and see God use me to fulfill his dreams for my life.

Decisions:
  • Look at how God has overcome my shortcomings to help me grow.
  • Build trust in God today by sharing a victory with a friend.


Fear of Failure - That Our Faith Should Not Fail
by Rosalind Lam, San Francisco Church of Christ

Luke 22:31-62

Jesus recognized the spiritual battle both he and his disciples would undergo before his arrest and therefore prayed that Simon's faith would not fail him and that he would "repent and turn to [Jesus] again, strengthen and build up [his] brothers" (NLT). Peter was blinded by his pride and did not have a sober view of his own ability to resist temptation, even after Jesus warned him that he would deny him. Peter's overconfidence was evident when he chose to sleep instead of pray and Peter's reliance on his flesh led to him being overpowered by fear and failing to have conviction during the time of pressure. Though Peter got bitter at his failure initially, he did not let it destroy his faith but went on to do amazing things for God, including preaching the opening sermon for the church.

What I learn from this passage about my own failures as a Christian is that Satan's ultimate goal is that my faith will fail me. Jesus' prayer helped me to make a decision that as long as I fight hard in prayer to repent and turn back to God, use my failures to build the faith of other Christians, and never give up, I can always make a comeback as Peter did and see God use me to fulfill his dreams for my life.

Decisions:
  • Look at how God has overcome my shortcomings to help me grow.
  • Build trust in God today by sharing a victory with a friend.


Fear of Failure - That Our Faith Should Not Fail
by Rosalind Lam, San Francisco Church of Christ

Luke 22:31-62

Jesus recognized the spiritual battle both he and his disciples would undergo before his arrest and therefore prayed that Simon's faith would not fail him and that he would "repent and turn to [Jesus] again, strengthen and build up [his] brothers" (NLT). Peter was blinded by his pride and did not have a sober view of his own ability to resist temptation, even after Jesus warned him that he would deny him. Peter's overconfidence was evident when he chose to sleep instead of pray and Peter's reliance on his flesh led to him being overpowered by fear and failing to have conviction during the time of pressure. Though Peter got bitter at his failure initially, he did not let it destroy his faith but went on to do amazing things for God, including preaching the opening sermon for the church.

What I learn from this passage about my own failures as a Christian is that Satan's ultimate goal is that my faith will fail me. Jesus' prayer helped me to make a decision that as long as I fight hard in prayer to repent and turn back to God, use my failures to build the faith of other Christians, and never give up, I can always make a comeback as Peter did and see God use me to fulfill his dreams for my life.

Decisions:
  • Look at how God has overcome my shortcomings to help me grow.
  • Build trust in God today by sharing a victory with a friend.


Fear of Failure - That Our Faith Should Not Fail
by Rosalind Lam, San Francisco Church of Christ

Luke 22:31-62

Jesus recognized the spiritual battle both he and his disciples would undergo before his arrest and therefore prayed that Simon's faith would not fail him and that he would "repent and turn to [Jesus] again, strengthen and build up [his] brothers" (NLT). Peter was blinded by his pride and did not have a sober view of his own ability to resist temptation, even after Jesus warned him that he would deny him. Peter's overconfidence was evident when he chose to sleep instead of pray and Peter's reliance on his flesh led to him being overpowered by fear and failing to have conviction during the time of pressure. Though Peter got bitter at his failure initially, he did not let it destroy his faith but went on to do amazing things for God, including preaching the opening sermon for the church.

What I learn from this passage about my own failures as a Christian is that Satan's ultimate goal is that my faith will fail me. Jesus' prayer helped me to make a decision that as long as I fight hard in prayer to repent and turn back to God, use my failures to build the faith of other Christians, and never give up, I can always make a comeback as Peter did and see God use me to fulfill his dreams for my life.

Decisions:
  • Look at how God has overcome my shortcomings to help me grow.
  • Build trust in God today by sharing a victory with a friend.


Fear of Failure - That Our Faith Should Not Fail
by Rosalind Lam, San Francisco Church of Christ

Luke 22:31-62

Jesus recognized the spiritual battle both he and his disciples would undergo before his arrest and therefore prayed that Simon's faith would not fail him and that he would "repent and turn to [Jesus] again, strengthen and build up [his] brothers" (NLT). Peter was blinded by his pride and did not have a sober view of his own ability to resist temptation, even after Jesus warned him that he would deny him. Peter's overconfidence was evident when he chose to sleep instead of pray and Peter's reliance on his flesh led to him being overpowered by fear and failing to have conviction during the time of pressure. Though Peter got bitter at his failure initially, he did not let it destroy his faith but went on to do amazing things for God, including preaching the opening sermon for the church.

What I learn from this passage about my own failures as a Christian is that Satan's ultimate goal is that my faith will fail me. Jesus' prayer helped me to make a decision that as long as I fight hard in prayer to repent and turn back to God, use my failures to build the faith of other Christians, and never give up, I can always make a comeback as Peter did and see God use me to fulfill his dreams for my life.

Decisions:
  • Look at how God has overcome my shortcomings to help me grow.
  • Build trust in God today by sharing a victory with a friend.


Fear of Failure - That Our Faith Should Not Fail
by Rosalind Lam, San Francisco Church of Christ

Luke 22:31-62

Jesus recognized the spiritual battle both he and his disciples would undergo before his arrest and therefore prayed that Simon's faith would not fail him and that he would "repent and turn to [Jesus] again, strengthen and build up [his] brothers" (NLT). Peter was blinded by his pride and did not have a sober view of his own ability to resist temptation, even after Jesus warned him that he would deny him. Peter's overconfidence was evident when he chose to sleep instead of pray and Peter's reliance on his flesh led to him being overpowered by fear and failing to have conviction during the time of pressure. Though Peter got bitter at his failure initially, he did not let it destroy his faith but went on to do amazing things for God, including preaching the opening sermon for the church.

What I learn from this passage about my own failures as a Christian is that Satan's ultimate goal is that my faith will fail me. Jesus' prayer helped me to make a decision that as long as I fight hard in prayer to repent and turn back to God, use my failures to build the faith of other Christians, and never give up, I can always make a comeback as Peter did and see God use me to fulfill his dreams for my life.

Decisions:
  • Look at how God has overcome my shortcomings to help me grow.
  • Build trust in God today by sharing a victory with a friend.


Fear of Failure - That Our Faith Should Not Fail
by Rosalind Lam, San Francisco Church of Christ

Luke 22:31-62

Jesus recognized the spiritual battle both he and his disciples would undergo before his arrest and therefore prayed that Simon's faith would not fail him and that he would "repent and turn to [Jesus] again, strengthen and build up [his] brothers" (NLT). Peter was blinded by his pride and did not have a sober view of his own ability to resist temptation, even after Jesus warned him that he would deny him. Peter's overconfidence was evident when he chose to sleep instead of pray and Peter's reliance on his flesh led to him being overpowered by fear and failing to have conviction during the time of pressure. Though Peter got bitter at his failure initially, he did not let it destroy his faith but went on to do amazing things for God, including preaching the opening sermon for the church.

What I learn from this passage about my own failures as a Christian is that Satan's ultimate goal is that my faith will fail me. Jesus' prayer helped me to make a decision that as long as I fight hard in prayer to repent and turn back to God, use my failures to build the faith of other Christians, and never give up, I can always make a comeback as Peter did and see God use me to fulfill his dreams for my life.

Decisions:
  • Look at how God has overcome my shortcomings to help me grow.
  • Build trust in God today by sharing a victory with a friend.


Fear of Failure - That Our Faith Should Not Fail
by Rosalind Lam, San Francisco Church of Christ

Luke 22:31-62

Jesus recognized the spiritual battle both he and his disciples would undergo before his arrest and therefore prayed that Simon's faith would not fail him and that he would "repent and turn to [Jesus] again, strengthen and build up [his] brothers" (NLT). Peter was blinded by his pride and did not have a sober view of his own ability to resist temptation, even after Jesus warned him that he would deny him. Peter's overconfidence was evident when he chose to sleep instead of pray and Peter's reliance on his flesh led to him being overpowered by fear and failing to have conviction during the time of pressure. Though Peter got bitter at his failure initially, he did not let it destroy his faith but went on to do amazing things for God, including preaching the opening sermon for the church.

What I learn from this passage about my own failures as a Christian is that Satan's ultimate goal is that my faith will fail me. Jesus' prayer helped me to make a decision that as long as I fight hard in prayer to repent and turn back to God, use my failures to build the faith of other Christians, and never give up, I can always make a comeback as Peter did and see God use me to fulfill his dreams for my life.

Decisions:
  • Look at how God has overcome my shortcomings to help me grow.
  • Build trust in God today by sharing a victory with a friend.


Fear of Failure - That Our Faith Should Not Fail
by Rosalind Lam, San Francisco Church of Christ

Luke 22:31-62

Jesus recognized the spiritual battle both he and his disciples would undergo before his arrest and therefore prayed that Simon's faith would not fail him and that he would "repent and turn to [Jesus] again, strengthen and build up [his] brothers" (NLT). Peter was blinded by his pride and did not have a sober view of his own ability to resist temptation, even after Jesus warned him that he would deny him. Peter's overconfidence was evident when he chose to sleep instead of pray and Peter's reliance on his flesh led to him being overpowered by fear and failing to have conviction during the time of pressure. Though Peter got bitter at his failure initially, he did not let it destroy his faith but went on to do amazing things for God, including preaching the opening sermon for the church.

What I learn from this passage about my own failures as a Christian is that Satan's ultimate goal is that my faith will fail me. Jesus' prayer helped me to make a decision that as long as I fight hard in prayer to repent and turn back to God, use my failures to build the faith of other Christians, and never give up, I can always make a comeback as Peter did and see God use me to fulfill his dreams for my life.

Decisions:
  • Look at how God has overcome my shortcomings to help me grow.
  • Build trust in God today by sharing a victory with a friend.


Fear of Failure - That Our Faith Should Not Fail
by Rosalind Lam, San Francisco Church of Christ

Luke 22:31-62

Jesus recognized the spiritual battle both he and his disciples would undergo before his arrest and therefore prayed that Simon's faith would not fail him and that he would "repent and turn to [Jesus] again, strengthen and build up [his] brothers" (NLT). Peter was blinded by his pride and did not have a sober view of his own ability to resist temptation, even after Jesus warned him that he would deny him. Peter's overconfidence was evident when he chose to sleep instead of pray and Peter's reliance on his flesh led to him being overpowered by fear and failing to have conviction during the time of pressure. Though Peter got bitter at his failure initially, he did not let it destroy his faith but went on to do amazing things for God, including preaching the opening sermon for the church.

What I learn from this passage about my own failures as a Christian is that Satan's ultimate goal is that my faith will fail me. Jesus' prayer helped me to make a decision that as long as I fight hard in prayer to repent and turn back to God, use my failures to build the faith of other Christians, and never give up, I can always make a comeback as Peter did and see God use me to fulfill his dreams for my life.

Decisions:
  • Look at how God has overcome my shortcomings to help me grow.
  • Build trust in God today by sharing a victory with a friend.


Fear of Failure - That Our Faith Should Not Fail
by Rosalind Lam, San Francisco Church of Christ

Luke 22:31-62

Jesus recognized the spiritual battle both he and his disciples would undergo before his arrest and therefore prayed that Simon's faith would not fail him and that he would "repent and turn to [Jesus] again, strengthen and build up [his] brothers" (NLT). Peter was blinded by his pride and did not have a sober view of his own ability to resist temptation, even after Jesus warned him that he would deny him. Peter's overconfidence was evident when he chose to sleep instead of pray and Peter's reliance on his flesh led to him being overpowered by fear and failing to have conviction during the time of pressure. Though Peter got bitter at his failure initially, he did not let it destroy his faith but went on to do amazing things for God, including preaching the opening sermon for the church.

What I learn from this passage about my own failures as a Christian is that Satan's ultimate goal is that my faith will fail me. Jesus' prayer helped me to make a decision that as long as I fight hard in prayer to repent and turn back to God, use my failures to build the faith of other Christians, and never give up, I can always make a comeback as Peter did and see God use me to fulfill his dreams for my life.

Decisions:
  • Look at how God has overcome my shortcomings to help me grow.
  • Build trust in God today by sharing a victory with a friend.


Fear of Failure - That Our Faith Should Not Fail
by Rosalind Lam, San Francisco Church of Christ

Luke 22:31-62

Jesus recognized the spiritual battle both he and his disciples would undergo before his arrest and therefore prayed that Simon's faith would not fail him and that he would "repent and turn to [Jesus] again, strengthen and build up [his] brothers" (NLT). Peter was blinded by his pride and did not have a sober view of his own ability to resist temptation, even after Jesus warned him that he would deny him. Peter's overconfidence was evident when he chose to sleep instead of pray and Peter's reliance on his flesh led to him being overpowered by fear and failing to have conviction during the time of pressure. Though Peter got bitter at his failure initially, he did not let it destroy his faith but went on to do amazing things for God, including preaching the opening sermon for the church.

What I learn from this passage about my own failures as a Christian is that Satan's ultimate goal is that my faith will fail me. Jesus' prayer helped me to make a decision that as long as I fight hard in prayer to repent and turn back to God, use my failures to build the faith of other Christians, and never give up, I can always make a comeback as Peter did and see God use me to fulfill his dreams for my life.

Decisions:
  • Look at how God has overcome my shortcomings to help me grow.
  • Build trust in God today by sharing a victory with a friend.


Fear of Failure - That Our Faith Should Not Fail
by Rosalind Lam, San Francisco Church of Christ

Luke 22:31-62

Jesus recognized the spiritual battle both he and his disciples would undergo before his arrest and therefore prayed that Simon's faith would not fail him and that he would "repent and turn to [Jesus] again, strengthen and build up [his] brothers" (NLT). Peter was blinded by his pride and did not have a sober view of his own ability to resist temptation, even after Jesus warned him that he would deny him. Peter's overconfidence was evident when he chose to sleep instead of pray and Peter's reliance on his flesh led to him being overpowered by fear and failing to have conviction during the time of pressure. Though Peter got bitter at his failure initially, he did not let it destroy his faith but went on to do amazing things for God, including preaching the opening sermon for the church.

What I learn from this passage about my own failures as a Christian is that Satan's ultimate goal is that my faith will fail me. Jesus' prayer helped me to make a decision that as long as I fight hard in prayer to repent and turn back to God, use my failures to build the faith of other Christians, and never give up, I can always make a comeback as Peter did and see God use me to fulfill his dreams for my life.

Decisions:
  • Look at how God has overcome my shortcomings to help me grow.
  • Build trust in God today by sharing a victory with a friend.


Fear of Failure - That Our Faith Should Not Fail
by Rosalind Lam, San Francisco Church of Christ

Luke 22:31-62

Jesus recognized the spiritual battle both he and his disciples would undergo before his arrest and therefore prayed that Simon's faith would not fail him and that he would "repent and turn to [Jesus] again, strengthen and build up [his] brothers" (NLT). Peter was blinded by his pride and did not have a sober view of his own ability to resist temptation, even after Jesus warned him that he would deny him. Peter's overconfidence was evident when he chose to sleep instead of pray and Peter's reliance on his flesh led to him being overpowered by fear and failing to have conviction during the time of pressure. Though Peter got bitter at his failure initially, he did not let it destroy his faith but went on to do amazing things for God, including preaching the opening sermon for the church.

What I learn from this passage about my own failures as a Christian is that Satan's ultimate goal is that my faith will fail me. Jesus' prayer helped me to make a decision that as long as I fight hard in prayer to repent and turn back to God, use my failures to build the faith of other Christians, and never give up, I can always make a comeback as Peter did and see God use me to fulfill his dreams for my life.

Decisions:
  • Look at how God has overcome my shortcomings to help me grow.
  • Build trust in God today by sharing a victory with a friend.


Fear of Failure - That Our Faith Should Not Fail
by Rosalind Lam, San Francisco Church of Christ

Luke 22:31-62

Jesus recognized the spiritual battle both he and his disciples would undergo before his arrest and therefore prayed that Simon's faith would not fail him and that he would "repent and turn to [Jesus] again, strengthen and build up [his] brothers" (NLT). Peter was blinded by his pride and did not have a sober view of his own ability to resist temptation, even after Jesus warned him that he would deny him. Peter's overconfidence was evident when he chose to sleep instead of pray and Peter's reliance on his flesh led to him being overpowered by fear and failing to have conviction during the time of pressure. Though Peter got bitter at his failure initially, he did not let it destroy his faith but went on to do amazing things for God, including preaching the opening sermon for the church.

What I learn from this passage about my own failures as a Christian is that Satan's ultimate goal is that my faith will fail me. Jesus' prayer helped me to make a decision that as long as I fight hard in prayer to repent and turn back to God, use my failures to build the faith of other Christians, and never give up, I can always make a comeback as Peter did and see God use me to fulfill his dreams for my life.

Decisions:
  • Look at how God has overcome my shortcomings to help me grow.
  • Build trust in God today by sharing a victory with a friend.


Fear of Failure - That Our Faith Should Not Fail
by Rosalind Lam, San Francisco Church of Christ

Luke 22:31-62

Jesus recognized the spiritual battle both he and his disciples would undergo before his arrest and therefore prayed that Simon's faith would not fail him and that he would "repent and turn to [Jesus] again, strengthen and build up [his] brothers" (NLT). Peter was blinded by his pride and did not have a sober view of his own ability to resist temptation, even after Jesus warned him that he would deny him. Peter's overconfidence was evident when he chose to sleep instead of pray and Peter's reliance on his flesh led to him being overpowered by fear and failing to have conviction during the time of pressure. Though Peter got bitter at his failure initially, he did not let it destroy his faith but went on to do amazing things for God, including preaching the opening sermon for the church.

What I learn from this passage about my own failures as a Christian is that Satan's ultimate goal is that my faith will fail me. Jesus' prayer helped me to make a decision that as long as I fight hard in prayer to repent and turn back to God, use my failures to build the faith of other Christians, and never give up, I can always make a comeback as Peter did and see God use me to fulfill his dreams for my life.

Decisions:
  • Look at how God has overcome my shortcomings to help me grow.
  • Build trust in God today by sharing a victory with a friend.


Fear of Failure - That Our Faith Should Not Fail
by Rosalind Lam, San Francisco Church of Christ

Luke 22:31-62

Jesus recognized the spiritual battle both he and his disciples would undergo before his arrest and therefore prayed that Simon's faith would not fail him and that he would "repent and turn to [Jesus] again, strengthen and build up [his] brothers" (NLT). Peter was blinded by his pride and did not have a sober view of his own ability to resist temptation, even after Jesus warned him that he would deny him. Peter's overconfidence was evident when he chose to sleep instead of pray and Peter's reliance on his flesh led to him being overpowered by fear and failing to have conviction during the time of pressure. Though Peter got bitter at his failure initially, he did not let it destroy his faith but went on to do amazing things for God, including preaching the opening sermon for the church.

What I learn from this passage about my own failures as a Christian is that Satan's ultimate goal is that my faith will fail me. Jesus' prayer helped me to make a decision that as long as I fight hard in prayer to repent and turn back to God, use my failures to build the faith of other Christians, and never give up, I can always make a comeback as Peter did and see God use me to fulfill his dreams for my life.

Decisions:
  • Look at how God has overcome my shortcomings to help me grow.
  • Build trust in God today by sharing a victory with a friend.


Fear of Failure - That Our Faith Should Not Fail
by Rosalind Lam, San Francisco Church of Christ

Luke 22:31-62

Jesus recognized the spiritual battle both he and his disciples would undergo before his arrest and therefore prayed that Simon's faith would not fail him and that he would "repent and turn to [Jesus] again, strengthen and build up [his] brothers" (NLT). Peter was blinded by his pride and did not have a sober view of his own ability to resist temptation, even after Jesus warned him that he would deny him. Peter's overconfidence was evident when he chose to sleep instead of pray and Peter's reliance on his flesh led to him being overpowered by fear and failing to have conviction during the time of pressure. Though Peter got bitter at his failure initially, he did not let it destroy his faith but went on to do amazing things for God, including preaching the opening sermon for the church.

What I learn from this passage about my own failures as a Christian is that Satan's ultimate goal is that my faith will fail me. Jesus' prayer helped me to make a decision that as long as I fight hard in prayer to repent and turn back to God, use my failures to build the faith of other Christians, and never give up, I can always make a comeback as Peter did and see God use me to fulfill his dreams for my life.

Decisions:
  • Look at how God has overcome my shortcomings to help me grow.
  • Build trust in God today by sharing a victory with a friend.


Fear of Failure - That Our Faith Should Not Fail
by Rosalind Lam, San Francisco Church of Christ

Luke 22:31-62

Jesus recognized the spiritual battle both he and his disciples would undergo before his arrest and therefore prayed that Simon's faith would not fail him and that he would "repent and turn to [Jesus] again, strengthen and build up [his] brothers" (NLT). Peter was blinded by his pride and did not have a sober view of his own ability to resist temptation, even after Jesus warned him that he would deny him. Peter's overconfidence was evident when he chose to sleep instead of pray and Peter's reliance on his flesh led to him being overpowered by fear and failing to have conviction during the time of pressure. Though Peter got bitter at his failure initially, he did not let it destroy his faith but went on to do amazing things for God, including preaching the opening sermon for the church.

What I learn from this passage about my own failures as a Christian is that Satan's ultimate goal is that my faith will fail me. Jesus' prayer helped me to make a decision that as long as I fight hard in prayer to repent and turn back to God, use my failures to build the faith of other Christians, and never give up, I can always make a comeback as Peter did and see God use me to fulfill his dreams for my life.

Decisions:
  • Look at how God has overcome my shortcomings to help me grow.
  • Build trust in God today by sharing a victory with a friend.


Blessings In Christ (part V)
Continue studying through the blessing of Jesus:

21. We receive imputed righteousness - Romans 4:6

22. Our names are written in heaven - Luke 10:20

23. We are given a blessed hope of Christ's returning - Titus 2:13

24. We are seated in heavenly places - Ephesians 2:6

25. We have fellowship with the trinity - 1 John 1:3

Prayer of the Righeous - God is Crawling (part I)
God humbled and dirtied himself just to search for one lost soul - you
  • He who was rich, became poor - 2 Corinthians 8:9
  • And became sin for us - 2 Corinthians 5:21
  • He is able to sympathize with us
  • He was tempted in every way - Hebrews 4:15-16
  • He got down and washed the disciples feet - John 13:1-5

Some feel distant from him because of our sin but God is desperately looking for us - Luke 15:8



Prayer of the Righeous - God is Crawling (part II)
We think he could never accept us just as we are

Peter: Go away from Lord - Luke 5:8
When Jesus started getting too close, he was afraid

Legion: Ran from Jesus when he saw him - Mark 5:6
He was wearing a mask of anger and violence and self-destructive habits to hide the pain inside his hear

We feel too sinful to let him in
Our relationship suffer because we are afraid of rejection because of lack of closeness with God
He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand - Psalms 40:1-2

He is willing to get dirty and and get involved with the real you
Confession and humility you closer
He will not reject you no matter how dirty you are

Are you afraid of rejection to the point of finding it difficult to pray?

Prayer of the Righeous - Arms Wide Open (part I)
Wild Living of the Prodical Son

Son became incredibly ungrateful toward his father - Luke 15:12-13
The sad situation became worse when be became greedy too - Wanted "his" part of the estate
Consuming his thoughts and with no regard to what his father felt, he asked
Amazingly, his father said yes

From there the son wasted this money
His life was full of sin - Luke 15:13,30
Then the economy collapsed and there was a severe famine - Luke 15:14
Life was so bad and he was so hungry, he became jealous of the pigs - Luke 15:15-16
The son was incredibly ashamed and reluctant to go home

When he came to his senses, he remember his father and his generosity and kindness
He thought as least as a servant, I would be better off than this - Luke 15:18-19


Prayer of the Righeous - Arms Wide Open (part I)
Wild Living of the Prodical Son

Son became incredibly ungrateful toward his father - Luke 15:12-13
The sad situation became worse when be became greedy too - Wanted "his" part of the estate
Consuming his thoughts and with no regard to what his father felt, he asked
Amazingly, his father said yes

From there the son wasted this money
His life was full of sin - Luke 15:13,30
Then the economy collapsed and there was a severe famine - Luke 15:14
Life was so bad and he was so hungry, he became jealous of the pigs - Luke 15:15-16
The son was incredibly ashamed and reluctant to go home

When he came to his senses, he remember his father and his generosity and kindness
He thought as least as a servant, I would be better off than this - Luke 15:18-19


Prayer of the Righeous - Arms Wide Open (part I)
Wild Living of the Prodical Son

Son became incredibly ungrateful toward his father - Luke 15:12-13
The sad situation became worse when be became greedy too - Wanted "his" part of the estate
Consuming his thoughts and with no regard to what his father felt, he asked
Amazingly, his father said yes

From there the son wasted this money
His life was full of sin - Luke 15:13,30
Then the economy collapsed and there was a severe famine - Luke 15:14
Life was so bad and he was so hungry, he became jealous of the pigs - Luke 15:15-16
The son was incredibly ashamed and reluctant to go home

When he came to his senses, he remember his father and his generosity and kindness
He thought as least as a servant, I would be better off than this - Luke 15:18-19


Prayer of the Righeous - Arms Wide Open (part I)
Wild Living of the Prodical Son

Son became incredibly ungrateful toward his father - Luke 15:12-13
The sad situation became worse when be became greedy too - Wanted "his" part of the estate
Consuming his thoughts and with no regard to what his father felt, he asked
Amazingly, his father said yes

From there the son wasted this money
His life was full of sin - Luke 15:13,30
Then the economy collapsed and there was a severe famine - Luke 15:14
Life was so bad and he was so hungry, he became jealous of the pigs - Luke 15:15-16
The son was incredibly ashamed and reluctant to go home

When he came to his senses, he remember his father and his generosity and kindness
He thought as least as a servant, I would be better off than this - Luke 15:18-19


Prayer of the Righeous - Arms Wide Open (part I)
Wild Living of the Prodical Son

Son became incredibly ungrateful toward his father - Luke 15:12-13
The sad situation became worse when be became greedy too - Wanted "his" part of the estate
Consuming his thoughts and with no regard to what his father felt, he asked
Amazingly, his father said yes

From there the son wasted this money
His life was full of sin - Luke 15:13,30
Then the economy collapsed and there was a severe famine - Luke 15:14
Life was so bad and he was so hungry, he became jealous of the pigs - Luke 15:15-16
The son was incredibly ashamed and reluctant to go home

When he came to his senses, he remember his father and his generosity and kindness
He thought as least as a servant, I would be better off than this - Luke 15:18-19


Prayer of the Righeous - Arms Wide Open (part I)
Wild Living of the Prodical Son

Son became incredibly ungrateful toward his father - Luke 15:12-13
The sad situation became worse when be became greedy too - Wanted "his" part of the estate
Consuming his thoughts and with no regard to what his father felt, he asked
Amazingly, his father said yes

From there the son wasted this money
His life was full of sin - Luke 15:13,30
Then the economy collapsed and there was a severe famine - Luke 15:14
Life was so bad and he was so hungry, he became jealous of the pigs - Luke 15:15-16
The son was incredibly ashamed and reluctant to go home

When he came to his senses, he remember his father and his generosity and kindness
He thought as least as a servant, I would be better off than this - Luke 15:18-19


Prayer of the Righeous - Arms Wide Open (part I)
Wild Living of the Prodical Son

Son became incredibly ungrateful toward his father - Luke 15:12-13
The sad situation became worse when be became greedy too - Wanted "his" part of the estate
Consuming his thoughts and with no regard to what his father felt, he asked
Amazingly, his father said yes

From there the son wasted this money
His life was full of sin - Luke 15:13,30
Then the economy collapsed and there was a severe famine - Luke 15:14
Life was so bad and he was so hungry, he became jealous of the pigs - Luke 15:15-16
The son was incredibly ashamed and reluctant to go home

When he came to his senses, he remember his father and his generosity and kindness
He thought as least as a servant, I would be better off than this - Luke 15:18-19


Prayer of the Righeous - Arms Wide Open (part II)
The lost son took his first steps home and was ready to apologize

Father perhaps had been scanning the horizon day after day - Luke 15:20
Until one day his dream came true
The celebration spared no expense - Luke 15:22-24
He welcomes sinners who do not deserve it - it is how he feels about us

Jesus literally opened wide his arms for us on the cross
He opens his arms for us all day long - Romans 10:21
Peter, at Pentecost, pleaded with the people to be saved on God's behalf - Acts 2:40
God's heart cares deeply for us
His heart was filled with pain during the time of Noah - Genesis 6:6
His heart is in that same way now - Luke 17:26


Prayer of the Righeous - Arms Wide Open (part II)
The lost son took his first steps home and was ready to apologize

Father perhaps had been scanning the horizon day after day - Luke 15:20
Until one day his dream came true
The celebration spared no expense - Luke 15:22-24
He welcomes sinners who do not deserve it - it is how he feels about us

Jesus literally opened wide his arms for us on the cross
He opens his arms for us all day long - Romans 10:21
Peter, at Pentecost, pleaded with the people to be saved on God's behalf - Acts 2:40
God's heart cares deeply for us
His heart was filled with pain during the time of Noah - Genesis 6:6
His heart is in that same way now - Luke 17:26


Prayer of the Righeous - Arms Wide Open (part II)
The lost son took his first steps home and was ready to apologize

Father perhaps had been scanning the horizon day after day - Luke 15:20
Until one day his dream came true
The celebration spared no expense - Luke 15:22-24
He welcomes sinners who do not deserve it - it is how he feels about us

Jesus literally opened wide his arms for us on the cross
He opens his arms for us all day long - Romans 10:21
Peter, at Pentecost, pleaded with the people to be saved on God's behalf - Acts 2:40
God's heart cares deeply for us
His heart was filled with pain during the time of Noah - Genesis 6:6
His heart is in that same way now - Luke 17:26


Prayer of the Righeous - Arms Wide Open (part II)
The lost son took his first steps home and was ready to apologize

Father perhaps had been scanning the horizon day after day - Luke 15:20
Until one day his dream came true
The celebration spared no expense - Luke 15:22-24
He welcomes sinners who do not deserve it - it is how he feels about us

Jesus literally opened wide his arms for us on the cross
He opens his arms for us all day long - Romans 10:21
Peter, at Pentecost, pleaded with the people to be saved on God's behalf - Acts 2:40
God's heart cares deeply for us
His heart was filled with pain during the time of Noah - Genesis 6:6
His heart is in that same way now - Luke 17:26


Prayer of the Righeous - Arms Wide Open (part II)
The lost son took his first steps home and was ready to apologize

Father perhaps had been scanning the horizon day after day - Luke 15:20
Until one day his dream came true
The celebration spared no expense - Luke 15:22-24
He welcomes sinners who do not deserve it - it is how he feels about us

Jesus literally opened wide his arms for us on the cross
He opens his arms for us all day long - Romans 10:21
Peter, at Pentecost, pleaded with the people to be saved on God's behalf - Acts 2:40
God's heart cares deeply for us
His heart was filled with pain during the time of Noah - Genesis 6:6
His heart is in that same way now - Luke 17:26


Prayer of the Righeous - Arms Wide Open (part III)
The older son a problem with his brother's return and his father's warm welcome
The father pleaded with him - Luke 15:28
He refused to call him brother but instead "this son of yours" - Luke 15:30

It is difficult to pray when you are angry with God and you feel like he owes you something
May feel God has not brought justice but Jesus promises to bring it but we need to persevere - Luke 18:7-8
Justice will come but not on our timetable
When God's arms are wide open to us, we should not fold ours
We can draw close to God with bitterness in our heart

Reconcile with our brother BEFORE offering gifts to God - Matthew 5:23-24
Husbands treat your wives with respect so nothing will hinder your prayers - 1 Peter 3:7

If we can not throw our arms wide open for others around us, we are not being like God
If we do not forgive, he can not forgive us - Matthew 6:15


Prayer of the Righeous - Arms Wide Open (part III)
The older son a problem with his brother's return and his father's warm welcome
The father pleaded with him - Luke 15:28
He refused to call him brother but instead "this son of yours" - Luke 15:30

It is difficult to pray when you are angry with God and you feel like he owes you something
May feel God has not brought justice but Jesus promises to bring it but we need to persevere - Luke 18:7-8
Justice will come but not on our timetable
When God's arms are wide open to us, we should not fold ours
We can draw close to God with bitterness in our heart

Reconcile with our brother BEFORE offering gifts to God - Matthew 5:23-24
Husbands treat your wives with respect so nothing will hinder your prayers - 1 Peter 3:7

If we can not throw our arms wide open for others around us, we are not being like God
If we do not forgive, he can not forgive us - Matthew 6:15


Prayer of the Righeous - Arms Wide Open (part III)
The older son a problem with his brother's return and his father's warm welcome
The father pleaded with him - Luke 15:28
He refused to call him brother but instead "this son of yours" - Luke 15:30

It is difficult to pray when you are angry with God and you feel like he owes you something
May feel God has not brought justice but Jesus promises to bring it but we need to persevere - Luke 18:7-8
Justice will come but not on our timetable
When God's arms are wide open to us, we should not fold ours
We can draw close to God with bitterness in our heart

Reconcile with our brother BEFORE offering gifts to God - Matthew 5:23-24
Husbands treat your wives with respect so nothing will hinder your prayers - 1 Peter 3:7

If we can not throw our arms wide open for others around us, we are not being like God
If we do not forgive, he can not forgive us - Matthew 6:15


Prayer of the Righeous - Arms Wide Open (part III)
The older son a problem with his brother's return and his father's warm welcome
The father pleaded with him - Luke 15:28
He refused to call him brother but instead "this son of yours" - Luke 15:30

It is difficult to pray when you are angry with God and you feel like he owes you something
May feel God has not brought justice but Jesus promises to bring it but we need to persevere - Luke 18:7-8
Justice will come but not on our timetable
When God's arms are wide open to us, we should not fold ours
We can draw close to God with bitterness in our heart

Reconcile with our brother BEFORE offering gifts to God - Matthew 5:23-24
Husbands treat your wives with respect so nothing will hinder your prayers - 1 Peter 3:7

If we can not throw our arms wide open for others around us, we are not being like God
If we do not forgive, he can not forgive us - Matthew 6:15


Prayer of the Righeous - Carrying Me
Parable of the Lost Sheep illustrates Jesus comfort he want to provide
He carries his lamb close to his heart - Isaiah 40:11

God's journey toward us:
  • He runs through the fields
  • He crawls on his knees to pick us up
  • He throws open his arms to forgive
  • He carries us home in his arms

Arms of comfort

At Lazarus' death, the angels tenderly bring him to God - Luke 16:19-22

A child who is not regularly cuddled is deeply damaged

As a mother conforms her child, so I will comfort you - Isaiah 66:13

Sometimes we doubt and ours lives are frantic and full of activities and without the peace of God
God promises to take hold of the hands of kings - Isaiah 45:1
...and his people - Isaiah 42:6

Mary and Martha - Martha was too busy with the details of life to spend time with Jesus - Luke 10
She missed the peace that passes understanding
Time in prayer is time when we can quiet our anxious soul

Be still my soul and know that I am God - Psalms 46:10
God will give us rest - Matthew 11:28



Prayer of the Righeous - Carrying Me
Parable of the Lost Sheep illustrates Jesus comfort he want to provide
He carries his lamb close to his heart - Isaiah 40:11

God's journey toward us:
  • He runs through the fields
  • He crawls on his knees to pick us up
  • He throws open his arms to forgive
  • He carries us home in his arms

Arms of comfort

At Lazarus' death, the angels tenderly bring him to God - Luke 16:19-22

A child who is not regularly cuddled is deeply damaged

As a mother conforms her child, so I will comfort you - Isaiah 66:13

Sometimes we doubt and ours lives are frantic and full of activities and without the peace of God
God promises to take hold of the hands of kings - Isaiah 45:1
...and his people - Isaiah 42:6

Mary and Martha - Martha was too busy with the details of life to spend time with Jesus - Luke 10
She missed the peace that passes understanding
Time in prayer is time when we can quiet our anxious soul

Be still my soul and know that I am God - Psalms 46:10
God will give us rest - Matthew 11:28



Prayer of the Righeous - Carrying Me
Parable of the Lost Sheep illustrates Jesus comfort he want to provide
He carries his lamb close to his heart - Isaiah 40:11

God's journey toward us:
  • He runs through the fields
  • He crawls on his knees to pick us up
  • He throws open his arms to forgive
  • He carries us home in his arms

Arms of comfort

At Lazarus' death, the angels tenderly bring him to God - Luke 16:19-22

A child who is not regularly cuddled is deeply damaged

As a mother conforms her child, so I will comfort you - Isaiah 66:13

Sometimes we doubt and ours lives are frantic and full of activities and without the peace of God
God promises to take hold of the hands of kings - Isaiah 45:1
...and his people - Isaiah 42:6

Mary and Martha - Martha was too busy with the details of life to spend time with Jesus - Luke 10
She missed the peace that passes understanding
Time in prayer is time when we can quiet our anxious soul

Be still my soul and know that I am God - Psalms 46:10
God will give us rest - Matthew 11:28



Prayer of the Righeous - Carrying Me
Parable of the Lost Sheep illustrates Jesus comfort he want to provide
He carries his lamb close to his heart - Isaiah 40:11

God's journey toward us:
  • He runs through the fields
  • He crawls on his knees to pick us up
  • He throws open his arms to forgive
  • He carries us home in his arms

Arms of comfort

At Lazarus' death, the angels tenderly bring him to God - Luke 16:19-22

A child who is not regularly cuddled is deeply damaged

As a mother conforms her child, so I will comfort you - Isaiah 66:13

Sometimes we doubt and ours lives are frantic and full of activities and without the peace of God
God promises to take hold of the hands of kings - Isaiah 45:1
...and his people - Isaiah 42:6

Mary and Martha - Martha was too busy with the details of life to spend time with Jesus - Luke 10
She missed the peace that passes understanding
Time in prayer is time when we can quiet our anxious soul

Be still my soul and know that I am God - Psalms 46:10
God will give us rest - Matthew 11:28



Prayer of the Righeous - Treasuring Us
We are jewels in the hand of God - Isaiah 62:3
He is rejoicing like the woman in the Lost Coin parable - Luke 15:9
Are worth much more than sparrows - Matthew 10:31

Like young people in love carving their names to profess their love, God has engraved you on the palms of his hand - Isaiah 49:16
He gave his own son in exchange for us - Isaiah 43:4
Who else would do this?

He world does always treasure us like jewels
  • They saw a immoral Samaritan woman, Jesus saw a lady who could change the city - John 4
  • They saw a demon-possessed Legion, Jesus saw a man who could change ten cites - Mark 5
  • They saw a impetuous pebble, Jesus called him the Rock - Matthew 16:18

God saw us for who we really were and yet treasures us like jewels in his hand.



Prayer of the Righeous - Singing to Me
Zephaniah 3:17
  • He has taken away our punishment
  • He has turned back our enemy
  • He is mighty to save
  • He rejoices over us with singing
The Lord rejoices when one sinner repents - Luke 15:10
Nature rejoices in God's presence - Psalms 98:7-8
God promises that nature will rejoice in our presence - Isaiah 55:12

Faithful servants are invited to come share in the master's happiness - Matthew 25:23

The very nature of heaven is to share the happiness of God for all of eternity

Joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit - Galatians 5:22

Our prayer needs to be an outpouring of joy and thanksgiving before a joyful, singing God
He loves to hear us being happy
My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song - Psalms 28:7

Centrality of the Heart (part I)
The heart does not respond to principles and programs
It does not seek efficiency but passion

Jesus so often taught and related to people by telling parables and asking questions

Something calls to us through our experiences
It awakes a yearning for intimacy, beauty, and adventure
It fuels our search for meaning, for wholeness, for a sense of being truly alive
Our heart of hearts is the passion of our life

We can not hear his voice if we have lost touch with our heart
The true story of each person is the journey of his or her heart
Jesus spoke his strongest warnings about people who had a loss of heart (mostly about the religious people)

For many of us, our faith is more lie a series of problem that need to be solved
We see a problem and tinker with our outer lives

We ask what are we suppose to be doing? - Luke 10:25
Jesus did not respond with a set of instructions

Centrality of the Heart (part II)
The Christian life is a love affair of the heart
It can not be lived primarily as a set of principles

What must we do? Love the Lord your God with all of your heart - Luke 10:26
The truth of the gospel is intended to free us to love God
If we ignore our heart and only try to live out our religion solely as correct doctrine or ethics, our passion is crippled

What God cares about is the inner life, the life of the heart - Matthew 23:25-28
Our heart is the key to the Christian life - Isaiah 29:13

Paul - the hardness of the heart is behind all the addictions and evils of the human race - Romans 1:21-25
Above all we are to guard our heart

It was from the longing of our hearts that most of us first responded to Jesus
What changed?

It is possible to recover from the lost life of the heart - we must leave what is familiar and comfortable
Change our heart and go back to when we lived with our heart, a heart of a child - Mark 10:15


Prayer of the Righeous - God is a Consuming Fire (part II)

We must totally aware of our own unworthiness

It took a while, but Job finally understood this: "My ears heard you but now my eyes...and repent in dust and ashes" - Job 42:5-6

This is the reaction we should have when sinful selfs meets a pure, holy and prefect God

David understood our unworthiness: "But who I am... Everything comes from you" - 1 Chonicles 29:14-15

Solomon aware of his own afflicions, asked God to hear men's prayers - 1 Kings 8:38

Jesus warned that we need to be careful to not be proud based off anything we have or done - Revelations 3:17
But to have the attitude of the tax collect who prayed "Have mercy on me, a sinner " - Luke 18:13

Our good deeds or possessions in no way make worthly of coming in the presence of the holy one



Becoming a Chain Breaker (part I)

Men need to realize how much is at stake
It is important to resolve which man you will become.
Live for yourself and lose so many of the incredible rewards or the one who breaks the chain and creates a new legacy for your family

We need to ask God to break the chains in our lives and from our past
Chain breakers - men who break away from anything holding us back
Chain breakers are the ones God uses to end the legacy of rebellion against God

Children are not punished for the sins of their parents, they are definitely affected and negatively influenced by them.
Unless we break free from our family weaknesses by the power of God—by seeking Him, trusting Him, and following Him instead.
God is the One who established your family of origin - Psalms 139:13–16
For that a reason—so that you would seek Him and ultimately find Him.

You matter the circumstances of your birth, you were not an accident - Acts 17:24-27
Though you may not have understood your path, God has been guiding your steps.
If you were to know everything God knows, you wouldn’t have had it any other way.
You could be the very one God has strategically placed in your family to turn things around.

Chains present in all of our lives:

  • from nature—our inbred sinful nature
  • from choices—sins we commit ourselves
  • from nurture—hurtful examples, lies, and worldly traditions we follow

God is the ultimate Chain Breaker
Jesus was sent “to proclaim release to the captives” and “to set free those who are oppressed” - Luke 4:18

 



Man of Resposibility

When did you become a man? Men are often unsure.

Learning this can not only help us understand ourselves better but also help our sons become secure men as well.

When Jesus was twelve years old and His parents accidentally left Him
They didn’t find Him in a back alley playing with children. They found Him in the temple - Luke 2:46-47

After this event, the Scriptures say that He “kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” - Luke 2:52

In the Jewish community today, when a boy reaches puberty (around the age of thirteen)
Bar means “son of.” Mitzvah means “the law”

  • When asked to give a financial contribution during a census, God required it of every man “twenty years old and over.” - Exodus 30:14
  • When making vows to fund the sanctuary, God expected the “males from twenty years even to sixty years old” to give the most - Leviticus 27:3
  • Men ready to fight in war for Israel were men who were “twenty years old and upward.” - Numbers 1:3
  • Men who were held accountable and punished severely by God were, again, those “twenty years old and upward.” - Numbers 14:29

He may have become a responsible adult earlier than twenty, but by then he had no excuse.

God calls us to an appropriate and excellent standard: His.

To be a man is to fully own your roles as an adult, husband, father, employee, neighbor, and any other role you choose to undertake.



Man of Resposibility

When did you become a man? Men are often unsure.

Learning this can not only help us understand ourselves better but also help our sons become secure men as well.

When Jesus was twelve years old and His parents accidentally left Him
They didn’t find Him in a back alley playing with children. They found Him in the temple - Luke 2:46-47

After this event, the Scriptures say that He “kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” - Luke 2:52

In the Jewish community today, when a boy reaches puberty (around the age of thirteen)
Bar means “son of.” Mitzvah means “the law”

  • When asked to give a financial contribution during a census, God required it of every man “twenty years old and over.” - Exodus 30:14
  • When making vows to fund the sanctuary, God expected the “males from twenty years even to sixty years old” to give the most - Leviticus 27:3
  • Men ready to fight in war for Israel were men who were “twenty years old and upward.” - Numbers 1:3
  • Men who were held accountable and punished severely by God were, again, those “twenty years old and upward.” - Numbers 14:29

He may have become a responsible adult earlier than twenty, but by then he had no excuse.

God calls us to an appropriate and excellent standard: His.

To be a man is to fully own your roles as an adult, husband, father, employee, neighbor, and any other role you choose to undertake.



Man of Resposibility

When did you become a man? Men are often unsure.

Learning this can not only help us understand ourselves better but also help our sons become secure men as well.

When Jesus was twelve years old and His parents accidentally left Him
They didn’t find Him in a back alley playing with children. They found Him in the temple - Luke 2:46-47

After this event, the Scriptures say that He “kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” - Luke 2:52

In the Jewish community today, when a boy reaches puberty (around the age of thirteen)
Bar means “son of.” Mitzvah means “the law”

  • When asked to give a financial contribution during a census, God required it of every man “twenty years old and over.” - Exodus 30:14
  • When making vows to fund the sanctuary, God expected the “males from twenty years even to sixty years old” to give the most - Leviticus 27:3
  • Men ready to fight in war for Israel were men who were “twenty years old and upward.” - Numbers 1:3
  • Men who were held accountable and punished severely by God were, again, those “twenty years old and upward.” - Numbers 14:29

He may have become a responsible adult earlier than twenty, but by then he had no excuse.

God calls us to an appropriate and excellent standard: His.

To be a man is to fully own your roles as an adult, husband, father, employee, neighbor, and any other role you choose to undertake.



A Man Embraces Responsibility

Men are happiest and at their best when they are responsible

We must resolve to fully embrace all of our responsibilities before God

Responsibility = you are being entrusted and empowered by a higher authority to care for something or someone

The first thing God did after creating Adam, was to give him responsibilities. He placed him in the garden “to cultivate it and keep it” - Genesis 2:15

Sin makes men tend to resist responsibility, but embracing it is part of our manhood

It is a relatively modern invention that establishes teen years as a moratorium on responsibility and prolongs childhood indefinitely.

When a young man is passive and irresponsible, he greatly limits his freedoms, opportunities, and successes.

Responsibility calls us to action and tests us. It reveals our character.

The more maturity a man has, the more responsibility God can trust him with.

Embrace responsibility! Love it. Live it. Teach it to your children.

If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward” - Luke 12:42-43



A Man Embraces Responsibility

Men are happiest and at their best when they are responsible

We must resolve to fully embrace all of our responsibilities before God

Responsibility = you are being entrusted and empowered by a higher authority to care for something or someone

The first thing God did after creating Adam, was to give him responsibilities. He placed him in the garden “to cultivate it and keep it” - Genesis 2:15

Sin makes men tend to resist responsibility, but embracing it is part of our manhood

It is a relatively modern invention that establishes teen years as a moratorium on responsibility and prolongs childhood indefinitely.

When a young man is passive and irresponsible, he greatly limits his freedoms, opportunities, and successes.

Responsibility calls us to action and tests us. It reveals our character.

The more maturity a man has, the more responsibility God can trust him with.

Embrace responsibility! Love it. Live it. Teach it to your children.

If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward” - Luke 12:42-43



Protect Them

Fathers are the primary protectors - physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
When walking down the isle

  • The father is saying he has guarded her moral purity throughout her life for her husband - 2 Corinthians 11:2
  • And the man she is marrying is proven morally, financially, and spiritually qualified to lead her, provide for her, and protect her from that day on

When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are undisturbed - Luke 11:21

You should not only guard your own heart but your wife’s as well
Your children need help making the right decisions. That is why you are still their dad.
Being active on the front end as a father will pay off well and save you time and heartache on the back end.

Teaches your children to love wisdom instead of developing a greater appetite for the world.
Your job is not just to give your children boundaries but to use God’s Word to teach them how to think wisely
Train them to fear and love God and not to “set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men.” - Proverbs 4:14–15

The older your kids get, the more they will need to understand the rationale behind your rules.
They willthen  discern why certain things are right and wrong, wise and unwise, better and best.
This requires your courageous leadership!



The Miracle of John's birth

 Luke 1:13 - Your prayer has been heard

A priest’s intercession for the nation undoubtedly included a petition for the Messiah, Israel’s promised Deliverer and King.

The Creator and Sustainer of the universe was ready to answer a prayer that had been prayed for hundreds of years, but He purposely chose a man who could pray an old prayer with a fresh heart.

The prayer at that exact moment may not have been for a son.
Perhaps he remembered Abraham and Sarah, and he knew God could do the impossible.

Zechariah could not possibly have known was how intimately connected would be his corporate prayer for the Messiah and his personal prayer for a son.

Not becoming hopeless over a repetitious request can be terribly challenging.
God does not have some limited supply of power, requiring that we carefully select a few choice things to pray about.
God was simply waiting for the perfect time.

We need to continue to walk faithfully with God even though you are disappointed.
Recognizing all the other works God is doing in your life will prevent discouragement

Zechariah waited a long time for God’s answer, but when it came, it exceeded everything the priest could have thought or asked.

Can you even imagine being told in advance of your child’s conception that he or she would bring joy and delight to you and be great in the sight of the Lord?
We breathe a huge sigh of relief over a sonogram showing all the right appendages. What we’d give for a few guarantees about their character!

 



Show Compassion

Jesus: He sent them out to tell everyone about the kigdom of God and to heal the sick - Luke 9:1-2

He didn't just want them to just show people the good news of salvation but also to tell them about it as well

Jesus was the example of the One who struck a perfect balance between good works and effective words

He spoke the message that fueled his acts of compassion

That same message - people need today to both see and hear!

What compassion or help do people around you need the most? What good news do they need to hear?



Show Compassion

Jesus: He sent them out to tell everyone about the kigdom of God and to heal the sick - Luke 9:1-2

He didn't just want them to just show people the good news of salvation but also to tell them about it as well

Jesus was the example of the One who struck a perfect balance between good works and effective words

He spoke the message that fueled his acts of compassion

That same message - people need today to both see and hear!

What compassion or help do people around you need the most? What good news do they need to hear?



Honest Examination

Those who humbel themselves will be exalted - Luke 18:14

We need a regular spiritual checkups to assess our relationship with God

Jesus told a story of self-righteous Pharisee who had no idea of his desparate spiritual sickness and the tax collector who, after some painful soul-searching found himself in desparate need of mercy and forgiveness

True confession before God means being honest enough to admit who you really are and humble enough to understand you can never earn God's forgiveness



Gratitude

Go back to your family and tell them everything God has done for you - Luke 8:39

People who express daily gratitude reported higer levels of:

  • Alertness
  • Enthusiasm
  • Determination
  • Optimism
  • Energy

Jesus and his disciples encountered a violent demon-possessed man - naked, out of his mind, completely alone

He calmly and purposefully took control of the situation and delivered the man from his life of torment

Jesus told the man to go home and tell everyone what had happened

The man gratefully followed Jesus' instructions

When you think of everything that God has done for you, what other response is there but to follow him?

A greateful heart is the best, infectious witness to the goodness and power of God

 



Cure for Disappointment

Didn't our hearts burns within us as he talked with us - Luke 24:32

If I look at myself, I am depressed
If I look at those around me, I am disappointed.
If I look at my circumstances, I am discouraged
But if I look at Jesus, I am constantly, consistently and eternally fulfilled

When Jesus died, as the disciples saw it, all hope for a better life was gone

At just the right moment, Jesus reveal himself to them

When he disappeared from their sight, he took with him the pain, despair, and disappointment

When you face situations that leave you feeling despressed, disappointed, and discouraged, look to Jesus



Believe and Receive

How can I be sure this will happen? - Luke 1:18

Faith is based on the fact that God keeps his promises - especially the promises that seem impossible

God had not forgetten Zechariah's prayers

He send Gabriel to tell to tell them they would have a son and their son would be the appointed to introduce the Messiah

Instead of thanking Gabriel, Zechariah spoke words of unbelief - Luke 1:18

God wasn't about to allow Zechariah's unbelief to get in the way

Who you respond when God make you a wonderful promise?



Believe and Receive

How can I be sure this will happen? - Luke 1:18

Faith is based on the fact that God keeps his promises - especially the promises that seem impossible

God had not forgetten Zechariah's prayers

He send Gabriel to tell to tell them they would have a son and their son would be the appointed to introduce the Messiah

Instead of thanking Gabriel, Zechariah spoke words of unbelief - Luke 1:18

God wasn't about to allow Zechariah's unbelief to get in the way

Who you respond when God make you a wonderful promise?



Desparate Faith

Jairus fall at Jesus' feet, pleading with him for his dying daughter - Luke 8:41-42

Desparation has a way of making people forget about themselves and take unusual risks

Jarius knew the risks when he fell at Jesus' feet:

  • Jewish countrymen won't take kindly of him approaching Jesus this way
  • By falling to his knees, Jairus acknowledge that Jesus was everything he said he was

He needed more than faith to come to Jesus, he needed courage

Being a synagogue leader, he had access to the very best health care

Jairus had one final hope - Jesus, he knew Jesus could heal his daughter

The Savior  who never turns down a humble man gave him exactly what he needed

Where do you turn when you're in desparate need?



Desparate Faith

Jairus fall at Jesus' feet, pleading with him for his dying daughter - Luke 8:41-42

Desparation has a way of making people forget about themselves and take unusual risks

Jarius knew the risks when he fell at Jesus' feet:

  • Jewish countrymen won't take kindly of him approaching Jesus this way
  • By falling to his knees, Jairus acknowledge that Jesus was everything he said he was

He needed more than faith to come to Jesus, he needed courage

Being a synagogue leader, he had access to the very best health care

Jairus had one final hope - Jesus, he knew Jesus could heal his daughter

The Savior  who never turns down a humble man gave him exactly what he needed

Where do you turn when you're in desparate need?



Thank You

One of them fell to the ground at Jesus' feet, thnking him for what he had done - Luke 17:14

Sometimes expressing gratitude means going out of your way to let the party know how thankful you feel

Out of ten men healed with leparosy, only one thanked him

Ten men asked for and received help, only one man was changed for good and received a greater gift - greatful heart

Jesus asked where the other nine went - Luke 17:17



Thank You

One of them fell to the ground at Jesus' feet, thnking him for what he had done - Luke 17:14

Sometimes expressing gratitude means going out of your way to let the party know how thankful you feel

Out of ten men healed with leparosy, only one thanked him

Ten men asked for and received help, only one man was changed for good and received a greater gift - greatful heart

Jesus asked where the other nine went - Luke 17:17



Assurance

Today you will be with me in paradise - Luke 23:43

The criminal knew Jesus had the power to heal but also knew everyone will die eventually

He asked for something for the eternity and he faith about it

The man also knew something better could be waiting for him if he could just muster enough strength to speak to Jesus

With only minutes to live, this condememned criminal came to know in a short time he would hear the same voice welcoming him into an eternal home on the other side

 



Great for the Soul

I have sinned against both heaven and you, I am no longer worth of being called your son - Luke 15:18-19

Bible repeatedly teaches the importance of confession and tells us that God is faithful and just - 1 John 1:9

Jesus illustrates this point by telling the story of a father/son and then son coming to his senses

He returns home, confesses his sins and humbly asks his father if he could be one of his hired hands

The father wouldn't hear of it and welcomed his boy back into his home for a celebration - Luke 15:22-24

Confession to God and to others hurt by your actions is good for the soul

 



Great for the Soul

I have sinned against both heaven and you, I am no longer worth of being called your son - Luke 15:18-19

Bible repeatedly teaches the importance of confession and tells us that God is faithful and just - 1 John 1:9

Jesus illustrates this point by telling the story of a father/son and then son coming to his senses

He returns home, confesses his sins and humbly asks his father if he could be one of his hired hands

The father wouldn't hear of it and welcomed his boy back into his home for a celebration - Luke 15:22-24

Confession to God and to others hurt by your actions is good for the soul

 



Great for the Soul

I have sinned against both heaven and you, I am no longer worth of being called your son - Luke 15:18-19

Bible repeatedly teaches the importance of confession and tells us that God is faithful and just - 1 John 1:9

Jesus illustrates this point by telling the story of a father/son and then son coming to his senses

He returns home, confesses his sins and humbly asks his father if he could be one of his hired hands

The father wouldn't hear of it and welcomed his boy back into his home for a celebration - Luke 15:22-24

Confession to God and to others hurt by your actions is good for the soul

 



Great for the Soul

I have sinned against both heaven and you, I am no longer worth of being called your son - Luke 15:18-19

Bible repeatedly teaches the importance of confession and tells us that God is faithful and just - 1 John 1:9

Jesus illustrates this point by telling the story of a father/son and then son coming to his senses

He returns home, confesses his sins and humbly asks his father if he could be one of his hired hands

The father wouldn't hear of it and welcomed his boy back into his home for a celebration - Luke 15:22-24

Confession to God and to others hurt by your actions is good for the soul

 



Great for the Soul

I have sinned against both heaven and you, I am no longer worth of being called your son - Luke 15:18-19

Bible repeatedly teaches the importance of confession and tells us that God is faithful and just - 1 John 1:9

Jesus illustrates this point by telling the story of a father/son and then son coming to his senses

He returns home, confesses his sins and humbly asks his father if he could be one of his hired hands

The father wouldn't hear of it and welcomed his boy back into his home for a celebration - Luke 15:22-24

Confession to God and to others hurt by your actions is good for the soul

 



Anticipation Rewarded

Holy Spirit reveal to him that he woul not die until he had seen the Lord's Messiah - Luke 2:26

Humans are creatures of anticipation. Serveral studies show expectation of something good benefits our health and sense of well-being

Simon had lived a long life of such close fellowship with God and the Holy Spirit told him he would see the Messiah

A voice told him to go to the Temple, this was his day

When Simon saw baby Jesus, he knew immediately that this was the One he had been waiting for

Simon: Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people - Luke 2:29-31 



Compassion

When he saw the man, he felt compassion for him - Luke 10:33

It is easy to have compassion for those we are close to but what about those we don't know or don't like?

When we reach out to a stranger or enemy, we will receive a reward from heaven - Luke 6:35-36

Jew and Samaritan didn't care much for one another, Jews saw Samaritan:

  • A mixed race
  • Impure
  • Not one of them

This particular Samaritan didn't see the man lying in the ditch as an enemy or someone who hated him.

The Samaritan saw him as a human in need and took the extra steps to care for them

This kind of love and compassion is what Jesus extends to you



Compassion

When he saw the man, he felt compassion for him - Luke 10:33

It is easy to have compassion for those we are close to but what about those we don't know or don't like?

When we reach out to a stranger or enemy, we will receive a reward from heaven - Luke 6:35-36

Jew and Samaritan didn't care much for one another, Jews saw Samaritan:

  • A mixed race
  • Impure
  • Not one of them

This particular Samaritan didn't see the man lying in the ditch as an enemy or someone who hated him.

The Samaritan saw him as a human in need and took the extra steps to care for them

This kind of love and compassion is what Jesus extends to you



Compassion

When he saw the man, he felt compassion for him - Luke 10:33

It is easy to have compassion for those we are close to but what about those we don't know or don't like?

When we reach out to a stranger or enemy, we will receive a reward from heaven - Luke 6:35-36

Jew and Samaritan didn't care much for one another, Jews saw Samaritan:

  • A mixed race
  • Impure
  • Not one of them

This particular Samaritan didn't see the man lying in the ditch as an enemy or someone who hated him.

The Samaritan saw him as a human in need and took the extra steps to care for them

This kind of love and compassion is what Jesus extends to you



Submission

Jesus returned to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them - Luke 2:51

It is easy to ignroe the yield signs God puts up for us

We enjoy God's blessing and protection when we heed the warning signs

As the Son of God, Jesus knew his identity

He understood that to grow into a perfect man of God, he needed to honor his earthly mother and father

Everything Jesus did, said, and thought sprang from the fact that he had yielded his own will to his Father - John 5:30

Jesus built his life on a solid foundation of submission

What foundation have you build your life on?



Fatherly Love

While he was still a long way off - Luke 15:20

It is not hard to imagine a father tears watching his son taking his inheritance and disappearing from view

When the father saw his son appear on the horizen, he recongized

Despite the shuffle and haggard appearance, he knew him

He couldn't just stand and wait, so he ran

The father saw him not as a servant or as damaged goods but as a much-loved son in good standing

When you freely give yourself in this way, you heal your relationshops and set an example for others



Replaced

Kill him and release Barabbas to us - Luke 23:18

Barabbas no doubt arose the morning of his scheduled execution and felt dread

What he didn't know that morning was he would live to see another day because Someone would save his life and take his place

Jesus understood the augish - he sweat, wept, and begged if only there was another way

There wasn't

Pilot tried to secure Jesus' release but the people weren't having it

We don't know what Barabbas did following his reprieve but he surely remembered Jesus as the one who died in his place

We should think of Jesus in the same way



Coming Atteactions

Peter, no even knowing what he was saying - Luke 9:33

Peter, James, and John once saw a spectacular preview of a coming attraction and it changed them forever

As they awoke, they saw Jesus in an unexpected light - he had changed and looked different

Jesus' clothes glowed white and Moses, Elijah appeared and began talking to him

Fast forward 40 years, Peter wrote, "we saw his majestic splendor with our own eyes when he received honor and glory from the Father - 2 Peter 1:16-17

Peter saw the divinity of Jesus and could not wait to see more



Glimpse of Jesus

He ran ahead and climbed a sycamore fig tree beside the road where Jesus would pass by - Luke 19:4

Zacchaeus understood his wretched condition well

He understood more than anyone how despartely he needed forgiveness

Zacchaeus sensed he obtain forgiveness by making contact with Jesus

Many of us would have given up and gone home but Zacchaeus found a way

Jesus recongnized Zacchaeus' willingness and desparation and his life changed forever

How uncomfortable are you willing to be to spend time with Jesus?



Rise to the Occasion

He went to Pilate and asked for Jesus's body - Luke 23:52

Joseph rose to the occasion as a member of the Jewish council

He was a "good and rigteous man" who kept his discipleship a secret our of fear of his fellow council members

Somehow he had the courage to approach Pilate and get permission to remove Jesus' body from the cross so that he could be buried

Joseph rolled a large stone against the tomb to protect Jesus' body from vandals and grave robbers

The newly emboldened Joseph extended to Christ the honor due to him in death



Forgiveness

Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing - Luke 23:34

Jesus always did something first before before commanding his disciples to do something

This included loving those who hated and persecuted him - Luke 6

Jesus went to the cross willingly and obediently without calling thousands of angels to destory the earth

He even did the more unthinkable - he asked the Father to forgive his excutioners

Who in your life seems eager to do you harm? Are you willing to forgive them as Jesus did?

 



Rejected but Undaunted

No prophet is accepted in his own hometown - Luke 4:24

The people of Nazareth welcomed Jesus home to their Sabbath service

The things Jesus said amazed the people first but then he ruffed some feathers

Jesus' friends and family becamse irate and intented to throw him off a nearby cliff

Jesus escaped but grieved at what had happened

Jesus did not allow his hometown's rejection to discourage him



Need for the Holy Spirit

Jesus returned to Galilee filled with the Holy Spirit - Luke 4:14

Any man who has accomplished something for the Lord owes his sucess to the empowerment of the Holy Spirit

Jesus left us an example on how to depend on the Spirit for power, guidance, and encouragement

Every wise word he spoke and every miraculous deed he performed grew out of the Spirt's prompting

Jesus didn't began his public ministry until "the Holy Spirit descended on him like a dove - Luke 3:22

If Jesus, as the perfect Son of God, needed the empowerment of God's Spirit, how much more do you need his power today?



Need for the Holy Spirit

Jesus returned to Galilee filled with the Holy Spirit - Luke 4:14

Any man who has accomplished something for the Lord owes his sucess to the empowerment of the Holy Spirit

Jesus left us an example on how to depend on the Spirit for power, guidance, and encouragement

Every wise word he spoke and every miraculous deed he performed grew out of the Spirt's prompting

Jesus didn't began his public ministry until "the Holy Spirit descended on him like a dove - Luke 3:22

If Jesus, as the perfect Son of God, needed the empowerment of God's Spirit, how much more do you need his power today?



Terrified but Overjoyed

The Lord's glory surrounded them, they were terrified - Luke 2:9

Nothing will seem more frightening and joyful than coming face-to-face with the living God

The group of shephards were guarding their flock the night Jesus was born

Suddenly an anegel appeared, interrupting the night's slience and darkness with his radiant glory

The sight terrified them

The agel quickly replaced their fears with unspeakable joy - the Messiah had come

The angel brought the best news the world had ever heard

The shepherd felt awe and terror at seeing them, followed by joy at what they had to say

How do you reconcile biblical commands to fear God and love him at the same time?



NT Authors Telling the Truth (part IV)

8. New Testament Writers Challenge Readers to Check their Facts

  • Luke's overt assertion of accuracy to Theophilus - Luke 1:1
  • Peter's claim they didn't follow clevery devised tales but were eyewitnesses - 2 Peter 1:16
  • Paul's bold declaration to Festus and King Aprippa about the resurrected Christ - Acts 26

9. New Testament Writers Describe Miracles Like Historical Events

Resurrection is the central event of Christianity

If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile - 1 Corinthians 15:17

If the Resurrection was fact at the time, the writers would have spent more time making their accounts longer and more detailed

The writers were level headed with other miracles they records

Miracles were described like a report would not a wild-eyed preacher, just the facts



Who is Jesus? Proof and Sinless Life

Proof of Jesus is God:

  • He filfilled numerous messianic prophecies
  • He lived a sinless life and performed miracles
  • He predicted and then accomplished his own resurrection from the dead

Sinlessness confirmed:

  •  Peter: Jesus is unblemished and spotless - 1 Peter 1:19
  • John: In Him (Jesus) there is no sin - 1 John 3:5
  • Paul: Jesus knew no sin - 2 Corinthians 5:21
  • Writer of Hebrews: Jesus was without sin - Hebrews 4:15
  • Phariesses: could not find fault - Mark 14:55
  • Pilate: found him innocent of any wrong doing - Luke 23:22

 



Jesus and the Old Testament (part II)

7. Jesus asserted the Old Testament has ultimate Supremacy

Jesus corrected the Pharisees who were teaching to following man0made tradiations instead of the Old Testament - Matthew 15:3,6

Blasted leadersfor failing to live up to the Scriptures- Matthew 15:7-9

Why would Jesus question religious leaders with the Old Testament unless it was the ultimate authority?

There was no question that the Old Testament was inerrant, he claimed to fulfull the Old Testment - Matthew 5:17

What books was he referring to? 

All of them from Abel to Zechariah - Matthew 23:35

See pp360, Old Testament Events/New Testament Affirmation

Jesus affirms the historicity of:

  • Creation - Mark 13:19
  • Adam and Eve - Matthew 19:4-5
  • Sodom and Gomorrah - Luke 10:12
  • Moses and the bushing bush - Luke 20:37

 



Jesus and the Old Testament (part II)

7. Jesus asserted the Old Testament has ultimate Supremacy

Jesus corrected the Pharisees who were teaching to following man0made tradiations instead of the Old Testament - Matthew 15:3,6

Blasted leadersfor failing to live up to the Scriptures- Matthew 15:7-9

Why would Jesus question religious leaders with the Old Testament unless it was the ultimate authority?

There was no question that the Old Testament was inerrant, he claimed to fulfull the Old Testment - Matthew 5:17

What books was he referring to? 

All of them from Abel to Zechariah - Matthew 23:35

See pp360, Old Testament Events/New Testament Affirmation

Jesus affirms the historicity of:

  • Creation - Mark 13:19
  • Adam and Eve - Matthew 19:4-5
  • Sodom and Gomorrah - Luke 10:12
  • Moses and the bushing bush - Luke 20:37

 



Lure and Threat of Political Power (part II)

States by their very nature reserve to themselves as the ultimate power of life and death over their individual members

Ineveitably come to thinks of themselves as divine:

  • Pharaohs of Egypt
  • King of Babylon
  • Emporeror of Rome

"Jesus is Lord" confession is hersey in their mind. Idolatry is the unoffical religon of every state.

Do not be afraid of those who can kill the body and nothing else - Luke 12:4

First century church was persecutied for its first 275 years: non-conformity was the crime - Romans 12:2

In 313, major persecution ended with Edict of Milan. The tables had turned and Christian emperors favored the church and began persecuting the pagans

Privilege always comes with a price. For when the empire becomes Christan, the church becomes imperial. Proclaim to the whole world, right? - Luke 24:47

However, no one can serve to masters - Matthew 6:24, other priorities eventually creep in. 

Jesus did not intend to mandate building cathedrals, wearing crosses, fish bummer stickers, Christian tatoos or clerical dress

Large building can be visibility initmidating more than inviting

It is the lives people that speak and act in witness to the love of God revealed in Jesus. Nothing else is required.



Lure and Threat of Political Power (part II)

States by their very nature reserve to themselves as the ultimate power of life and death over their individual members

Ineveitably come to thinks of themselves as divine:

  • Pharaohs of Egypt
  • King of Babylon
  • Emporeror of Rome

"Jesus is Lord" confession is hersey in their mind. Idolatry is the unoffical religon of every state.

Do not be afraid of those who can kill the body and nothing else - Luke 12:4

First century church was persecutied for its first 275 years: non-conformity was the crime - Romans 12:2

In 313, major persecution ended with Edict of Milan. The tables had turned and Christian emperors favored the church and began persecuting the pagans

Privilege always comes with a price. For when the empire becomes Christan, the church becomes imperial. Proclaim to the whole world, right? - Luke 24:47

However, no one can serve to masters - Matthew 6:24, other priorities eventually creep in. 

Jesus did not intend to mandate building cathedrals, wearing crosses, fish bummer stickers, Christian tatoos or clerical dress

Large building can be visibility initmidating more than inviting

It is the lives people that speak and act in witness to the love of God revealed in Jesus. Nothing else is required.



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