tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-244199142024-02-20T17:29:57.006-08:00Pastor Tom's Look at LukeTom Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02230800786660841582noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24419914.post-37456627888982543132007-08-11T17:27:00.000-07:002007-08-11T17:38:56.111-07:00Luke 6:37 - 45Luke 6: 37-42 – Self-Checks and Restraint<br /><br />Central Truth: Take care of your spiritual health and leave judgment to God.<br /><br />Luke 6:37-42 "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 - Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."<br />39 - He also told them this parable: "Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? 40 - A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.<br />41 - "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 42 - How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,' when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.<br /><br />Read Verses 37-38.<br /><ul><li>What is the essence of Jesus’ teaching in these verses?</li><li>How would you define/explain these words?</li></ul><ol><li> Judge</li><li> Condemn</li><li> Forgive</li><li> Give</li></ol><ul><li>What does Jesus mean when He says that the way we give will come back to us?</li><li>How have you found this to be true?</li><li>What does this kind of generous living have to do with refusal to judge and condemn?</li><li>How hard is all of this?</li></ul><br />Read Verses 39-40.<br /><ul><li>What are some ways that “the blind try to lead the blind” in our day and time?</li><li>Are there some areas in which you are blind?</li><li>What are the dangers?</li><li>What does verse 40 mean to you? How can we be fully trained to be like our teacher?</li></ul><br />Read Verses 41-42.<br /><ul><li>What are some ways that we are guilty of what Jesus describes here?</li><li>Where does the concept of pride fit in here and how is it a hindrance to our spiritual health and ministry to others?</li><li>How can we avoid this pitfall?</li><li>What does this teach us about the importance of taking care of our spiritual health for the sake of others? How does the idea of humility fit in here?</li><li>What will you do this week for your spiritual health?</li></ul><br />Luke 6: 43-45 – Fruit and Thorns<br /><br />Central Truth: Take care of your spiritual health and leave judgment to God.<br /><br />43 - "No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. 44 - Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. 45 - The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.<br /><br /><br /><ul><li>What factors determine the nature of the fruit a tree bears (genetics, soil, etc…)? What factors determine the nature of the fruit a Christian bears?</li><li>Describe “good fruit” vs. “bad fruit.”</li><li>How is fruit recognized? What are some outward ways Christians are ‘known” by the world and/or by other Christians? Don’t give “Sunday School” answers here. Dig deep.</li><li>Paraphrase and apply verse 44.</li><li>Paraphrase and apply verse 45.</li><li>What does it mean to store “good things” or “bad things” in ones heart? What are some good things you want to store in your heart? How can and will you do so?</li><li>Have you ever experienced speaking out of the overflow of your heart? Describe the experience.</li><li>Develop a group strategy for encouraging good fruit in each others lives.</li></ul>Tom Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02230800786660841582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24419914.post-54893938834471422062007-03-16T19:40:00.000-07:002007-03-16T19:42:46.218-07:00Luke 6: 27-36 – Loving Our Enemies<b><span style="font-size: 4pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Central Truth: Jesus calls us to live a life that is categorical different from what the world calls “normal.”.<o:p></o:p></span></b> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 5pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">“…Jesus offers what became known in the sixteenth century as the "golden rule": <i>Do to others as you would have them do to you.</i> The verse has Old Testament roots (Lev <st1:time hour="19" minute="18" st="on">19:18</st1:time>). In addition, numerous such ethical statements existed in ancient Jewish and Greek culture. Jesus' formulation of the rule, however, is the least self-focused. Jesus is not saying, "Do good deeds for others so they will return the favor." Instead he is calling for actions of love regardless of how the other responds. Nor is he saying, "Think of what you like, then do that for others." Rather, we are to be sensitive to the needs, feelings and concerns of others and seek to meet them. Sensitivity in love means listening and serving. This does not mean ignoring moral limits, as Jesus' own ministry makes clear, but it does mean caring enough to be concerned about how others feel. The old adage "walk a mile in my shoes" may fit here: look at things from another's perspective and then act with concern.” – Intervarsity Bible Commentary</span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Verses 27-31 - </span></b><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> 27 - "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28<span style=""> </span>- bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 - If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. 30 - Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31 - Do to others as you would have them do to you. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">The three examples Jesus gives us are illustrations of situations where we must love our enemies and how we might respond in those situations:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <ol style="margin-top: 0in;" start="1" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">The fist had to do with rejection – perhaps rejection based upon our role as followers of Jesus. A slap with the back of the hand would be a way of symbolizing exclusion from the synagogue.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">The situation is theft of personal belongings – perhaps while we are in the course of doing missionary work. This happened to us in <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Mexico</st1:country-region></st1:place> several years ago where we had money stolen from our van. We were vulnerable and had the choice to stop giving or continuing to give, risk, and share the love of Jesus. We chose to continue.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">The third situation is the occasion to be generous with others without keeping a running account.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ol> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">The overriding principle is love as summarized in the Golden Rule.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">From <b>The Message:</b> <span class="sup"><i>27-30</i> – “</span>"To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer for that person. If someone slaps you in the face, stand there and take it. If someone grabs your shirt, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously. “<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Read verse 27 in both translations. What are some ways that God can use or has used enemies to bring out the best in you and others?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">What are some practical ways that we can do good to those who hate us?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Why is this diffcult? Where can we get the strength to follow this teaching of Jesus?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">In v. 28, Jesus advises us to have two love responses to our enemies: (1) Bless them, (2) Pray for them. What are some practical ways of accomplishing these actions?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Look at the three examples of practical applications of the principle in verses 27-30. Which of these is most challenging and why? Which have you experienced and how? What was the outcome?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Why is verse 31 often called “the Golden Rule?” What does it mean to you?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">The Message</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> says – “Grab the initiative.” How important is that and what effect/affect can it have on others?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Verses <span class="sup">31-36</span></span></b><span class="sup"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> - </span></span><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> 32 - "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. 33 - And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. 34 - And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. 35 - But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 - Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Here Jesus teaches through restating in the context of this statement that I paraphrase: It is no big deal or credit to you to love the loveable. You are called to be different like your Father. Living that way brings great rewards.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">From <b>The Message: </b><span class="sup">32-36</span> – “If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back? Run-of-the-mill sinners do that. If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal? Garden-variety sinners do that. If you only give for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that's charity? The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that. I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You'll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we're at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind.“<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial;">What are some rewards of living this way? Are any of them earthly rewards? Explain.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial;">Describe mercy. How have you received mercy?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial;">What, from this scripture, is our prime motivation for living a life of mercy?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">What are some ways we can practice mercy and kindness this week<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">People I Can “Bless”</span></u><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> <span style=""> </span><u>How I Can Bless Them</u><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Tom Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02230800786660841582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24419914.post-12573982812468206552007-03-11T16:11:00.000-07:002007-03-11T16:13:00.471-07:00Luke 6:17-26<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Discussion:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 4pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Verses 17-19: </span></b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></i><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">He went down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of his disciples was there and a great number of people from all over Judea, from Jerusalem, and from the coast of Tyre and Sidon, who had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. Those troubled by evil spirits were cured, and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all.</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 4pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">How would you describe this scene in your own words?<span style=""> </span>What if it were to be set in <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">America</st1:country-region></st1:place> in our times?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">What do you think it means when he says that power was coming from Him? What would it mean today?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Have you ever felt power come from you?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 4pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Verses 20-22: </span></b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></i><i><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;">Looking at his disciples, he said:<br /> "Blessed are you who are poor,<br /> for yours is the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placetype st="on">kingdom</st1:PlaceType> of <st1:placename st="on">God</st1:PlaceName></st1:place>.<br /> <span style=""> </span>Blessed are you who hunger now,<br /> for you will be satisfied.<br /> Blessed are you who weep now,<br /> for you will laugh.<br /> <span style=""> </span>Blessed are you when men hate you,<br /> when they exclude you and insult you<br /> and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of <st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on">Man.</st1:State></st1:place> <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 4pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">What does the word, “blessed” mean ?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Read <b>The Message</b>. How would you paraphrase these verses for your own life?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">What do we learn here about humility and dependence on God?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 4pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Verses 23-26: </span></b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></i><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">"Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets.<br /><span style=""> </span>"But woe to you who are rich,<br /> for you have already received your comfort.<br /><span style=""> </span>Woe to you who are well fed now,<br /> for you will go hungry.<br /> Woe to you who laugh now,<br /> for you will mourn and weep.<br /><span style=""> </span>Woe to you when all men speak well of you,<br /> for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets.</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 4pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">What do the woes teach us about the dangers of becoming callous and comfortable??<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Read <b>The Message</b>. How would you paraphrase these verses for your own life?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">What will you apply from these verses?</span><!--[endif]--></p>Tom Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02230800786660841582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24419914.post-14976157704091477182007-03-09T21:00:00.000-08:002007-03-09T21:06:55.917-08:00Luke 6:12-16 – Choosing the 12<b><span style="font-size: 4pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Central Truth: Jesus specifically, prayerfully, and deliberately chose those who he would call to discipleship..<o:p></o:p></span></b> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 5pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> <span class="sup">12 - </span>One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. <span class="sup">13 - </span>When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: <span class="sup">14 - </span>Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, <span class="sup">15 - </span>Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, <span class="sup">16 - </span>Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><i><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style=""> </span>(NIV), © 1984, International Bible Society</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Discussion Questions:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0in 12pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Tell about a time when you had a decision to make that was so important that you withdrew yourself from people and activities to spend a significant period of time in prayer. How did God guide you?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0in 12pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">What are some decisions about which we need this kind of prayer?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0in 12pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Why was the choosing of the 12 so important in Jesus’ ministry? How is it important to us?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0in 12pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">With which of the 12 do you most identify? Why. What others of the apostles have had a special impact on your life? How and why?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0in 12pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">What lessons have we learned from various apostles?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0in 12pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">In what ways does Jesus deliberately, specifically, and prayerfully call us today? In what ways and to what ministries have you sensed His call?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0in 12pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">What role do we have in calling disciples to Jesus? What can we learn from the way in which He went about this important work?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0in 12pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">For whom would you like to pray today that God will make His call clear?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><br /><i><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><i><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: Arial;"><br /><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>Tom Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02230800786660841582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24419914.post-28135151415831579872007-03-07T17:27:00.000-08:002007-03-08T07:09:07.164-08:00Luke 6:1-9<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><i><span style=";font-family:Arial;" >Luke 6:1-2</span></i></b><i><span style=";font-family:Arial;" > - -1 One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and his disciples began to pick some heads of grain, rub them in their hands and eat the kernels. 2 - Some of the Pharisees asked, "Why are you doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?" <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style=";font-family:Arial;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span style=";font-family:";" >The Message</span></b></span><span style="font-size:100%;">: <i>© 2002, Peterson: </i></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style=""> </span></span><span style=";font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;" >(1-2) On a certain Sabbath Jesus was walking through a field of ripe grain. His disciples were pulling off heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands to get rid of the chaff, and eating them. Some Pharisees said, "Why are you doing that, breaking a Sabbath rule?" (3-4 ) But Jesus stood up for them. "Have you never read what David and those with him did when they were hungry? How he entered the sanctuary and ate fresh bread off the altar, bread that no one but priests were allowed to eat? He also handed it out to his companions."</span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" > <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style=";font-family:Arial;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><i><span style=";font-family:Arial;" >Verses 3-4 -</span></i></b><i><span style=";font-family:Arial;" > 3 - Jesus answered them, "Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? 4 - He entered the house of God, and taking the consecrated bread, he ate what is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions."<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style=";font-family:Arial;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span style=";font-family:";" >The Message</span></b></span><span style="font-size:100%;">: <i>© 2002, Peterson: </i></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style=""> </span>(3-4 ) But Jesus stood up for them. "Have you never read what David and those with him did when they were hungry? How he entered the sanctuary and ate fresh bread off the altar, bread that no one but priests were allowed to eat? He also handed it out to his companions." <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style=";font-family:Arial;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" >One suspects that the disciples are doing what they have always done – feeding themselves whenever they were hungry. They were not Pharisees. Nor were they trained holy men.<span style=""> </span>But now they were under a microscope because they were following Jesus. The Pharisees wonder why Jesus dos not rebuke their crude, irreverent, and “unlawful” behavior. His answer comes from 1 Samuel 21:1-7 and 22:9-10.He seems to suggest that people and their needs are more important than ritual regulations.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style=";font-family:Arial;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-family:Wingdings;font-size:100%;" ><span style="">q<span style=";font-family:";" > </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" >Have you ever seen new believers criticized because they do not know and observe all the “house rules of decorum?”<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-family:Wingdings;font-size:100%;" ><span style="">q<span style=";font-family:";" > </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" >What are some traditions and rules that exist in churches that may not be biblically mandated but we use to judge people?<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style=";font-family:Arial;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><i><span style=";font-family:Arial;" >Verse<span style=""> </span>5-</span></i></b><i><span style=";font-family:Arial;" >Then Jesus said to them, "The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath." <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style=";font-family:Arial;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span style=";font-family:";" >The Message</span></b></span><span style="font-size:100%;">: <i>© 2002, Peterson: </i></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style=""> </span></span><span style=";font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;" >(5)Then he said, "The Son of Man is no slave to the Sabbath; he's in charge."</span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" > <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style=";font-family:Arial;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><i>From the NIV Commentary</i></b><i>: </i>Jesus' analogy is neat, because it raises an example, sanctioned by Scripture, where the letter of the law was not kept. Thus Jesus becomes an interpreter of the law, either by interpreting its real intended scope or by bringing a new law that shows the old law is passing away. … the declaration of Jesus' authority is clear, for he explains, <i>"The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath."<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style=";font-family:Arial;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" >The question for us is this: Is Jesus Christ the Lord of all my religious beliefs, rules, practices, devotions, and “opinions” or am I trying to please someone else or meet some other standard.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style=";font-family:Arial;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-family:Wingdings;font-size:100%;" ><span style="">q<span style=";font-family:";" > </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" >What does it mean for Jesus to be Lord of the Sabbath and Lord of all our religious practices.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style=";font-family:Arial;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span style=";font-family:Arial;" >NOTE:</span></b></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" > The Sabbath is a tricky issue and not really the core subject of this lesson. Sunday is not a Christian version of the Jewish Sabbath. The Jewish Sabbath is what it has always been. We are not under that covenant, but we are under the spirit of the law that teaches that one day out of seven should be devoted to rest and refreshment, physically and spiritually. Questions over whether to keep Saturday as a Sabbath, Sunday as a day of rest, or the Lord’s day as a day of worship and some other day as a day off can be handled at a later time.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style=";font-family:Arial;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><i><span style=";font-family:Arial;" >Verses 6-8 -</span></i></b><i><span style=";font-family:Arial;" > 6 - On another Sabbath he went into the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was shriveled. 7 - The Pharisees and the teachers of the law were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal on the Sabbath. 8 - But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said to the man with the shriveled hand, "Get up and stand in front of everyone." So he got up and stood there. <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style=";font-family:Arial;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span style=";font-family:";" >The Message</span></b></span><span style="font-size:100%;">: <i>© 2002, Peterson: </i></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style=""> </span></span><span style=";font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;" >(6-8)On another Sabbath he went to the meeting place and taught. There was a man there with a crippled right hand. The religion scholars and Pharisees had their eye on Jesus to see if he would heal the man, hoping to catch him in a Sabbath infraction. He knew what they were up to and spoke to the man with the crippled hand: "Get up and stand here before us." He did. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style=";font-family:Arial;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" >Some people try to avoid controversy; Jesus invites it by His actions and does so intentionally to make a point. He could have waited a day to heal the man with the shriveled hand or He could have done so privately, but He wanted to teach this lesson. The religious people just wanted to catch Him. Jesus was not afraid of being “caught.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style=";font-family:Arial;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-family:Wingdings;font-size:100%;" ><span style="">q<span style=";font-family:";" > </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" >First: do we ever try to sneak around to do what we know is right because we are afraid of criticism? How is Jesus’ example different?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-family:Wingdings;font-size:100%;" ><span style="">q<span style=";font-family:";" > </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" >What are some other reasons Jesus healed the man then and there?<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style=";font-family:Arial;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><i><span style=";font-family:Arial;" >Verse 9 - </span></i></b><i><span style=";font-family:Arial;" > 9 - Then Jesus said to them, "I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?" <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style=";font-family:Arial;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span style=";font-family:";" >The Message</span></b></span><span style="font-size:100%;">: <i>© 2002, Peterson: </i></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style=""> </span></span><span style=";font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;" >(9)Then Jesus addressed them, "Let me ask you something: What kind of action suits the Sabbath best? Doing good or doing evil? Helping people or leaving them helpless?" </span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style=";font-family:Arial;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-family:Wingdings;font-size:100%;" ><span style="">q<span style=";font-family:";" > </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" >What are some good things that can be done on a holy day of rest?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-family:Wingdings;font-size:100%;" ><span style="">q<span style=";font-family:";" > </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" >Which do you think Jesus felt was more important – helping people or dotting the letters of the law? Why?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-family:Wingdings;font-size:100%;" ><span style="">q<span style=";font-family:";" > </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" >What contemporary applications might there be for this principle?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style=";font-family:Arial;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><i><span style=";font-family:Arial;" >Verses 10-11 - </span></i></b><i><span style=";font-family:Arial;" > 10 - He looked around at them all, and then said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He did so, and his hand was completely restored. 11 - But they were furious and began to discuss with one another what they might do to Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style=";font-family:Arial;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span style=";font-family:";" >The Message</span></b></span><span style="font-size:100%;">: <i>© 2002, Peterson: </i></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style=""> </span></span><span style=";font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;" >(10-11) He looked around, looked each one in the eye. He said to the man, "Hold out your hand." He held it out—it was as good as new! They were beside themselves with anger, and started plotting how they might get even with him.</span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" > <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style=";font-family:Arial;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-family:Wingdings;font-size:100%;" ><span style="">q<span style=";font-family:";" > </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" >Did Jesus do good or evil on that Sabbath?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-family:Wingdings;font-size:100%;" ><span style="">q<span style=";font-family:";" > </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" >How about the Pharisees and religious leaders?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-family:Wingdings;font-size:100%;" ><span style="">q<span style=";font-family:";" > </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" >What would be some good things we could do on the Lord’s day?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-family:Wingdings;font-size:100%;" ><span style="">q<span style=";font-family:";" > </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" >How would you state the key principle(s) of this lesson?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-family:Wingdings;font-size:100%;" ><span style="">q<span style=";font-family:";" > </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" >How would you apply them?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span style=";font-family:Arial;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style=";font-family:Arial;" >Scriptures are quoted from the New International Version, (NIV), © 1984, International Bible Society<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p>Tom Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02230800786660841582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24419914.post-36099079944503087642007-03-04T17:15:00.000-08:002007-03-04T18:11:38.924-08:00Luke 5:31-32<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Verses 31-</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> </span></b><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style=""> </span>Jesus heard about it and spoke up, "Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick? </span></i><i><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Arial;">(the Message)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 4pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Let us back up to go forward. After Levi throws his own, “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus Party” for his rowdy friends and Jesus attends, the religious leaders are offended. He restates His mission for them in no uncertain terms, making it clear that He has come for people who know that they have needs. Jesus is Lord over His own mission and over ours. He came to invite outsiders to come to Him.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 4pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Have you ever offended any religious folks by doing what you knew to be your mission from Jesus Christ?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">How often do you go to the doctor? How do you know when you need to go?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Have you ever needed medical attention, but believed you were perfectly healthy?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">What are some signs that people need a spiritual doctor these days? List some of them here:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="">o<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">______________________<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="">o<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">______________________<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="">o<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">______________________<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="">o<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">______________________<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="">o<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">______________________<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Discuss these words, “Jesus heard about it and spoke up. Are there some things that Christians do to exclude people that Jesus might want to speak up about these days?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">In what ways is Jesus like a doctor? What are some ways we can be on His healing team?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="">o<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">______________________<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="">o<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">______________________<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="">o<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">______________________<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="">o<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">______________________<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="">o<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">______________________<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Verse 32 -</span></b><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> I'm here inviting outsiders, not insiders—an invitation to a changed life, changed inside and out." </span></i><i><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Arial;">(the Message)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 6pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Jesus had attended a party at the invitation of Levi in order to invite people to a changed life?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 6pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">What are some places we can go to find outsiders? How can we meet them?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">How can we develop our invitation to a changed life so that we are ready to offer it?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">What is an “outsider? Have you ever been one?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">What is it like to be changed inside and out?<o:p></o:p></span></p>Tom Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02230800786660841582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24419914.post-30326983335634758312007-03-03T12:21:00.000-08:002007-03-03T17:25:21.664-08:00Luke 5:27-31<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Verse 27 - </span></b><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Luke 5: 27 - After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. "Follow me," Jesus said to him, <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">There is not a great deal that we know about Levi except what we learn here. Mark adds that he was the son of Alphaeus. Matthew calls him, “Matthew,” thus identifying himself. Mark does the same. We know that he became an apostle. We also know that James was also called the “son of Alphaeus.” Matthew was a tax collector. <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Rome</st1:City></st1:place> auctioned off tax territories to various individuals. The tax-collectors would then gather the amount they had bid. After that, <span style=""> </span>any money that was left over was their profit. There was a great deal of room for abuse in this system and most abused it Many tax collectors became rich by cheating and coercing people. <span style=""> </span>Tax-collectors were considered to be so dishonest that they could not testify in courts of law. They were also considered to be traitors to <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place>. This was the sort of man that Jesus zeroed in on that particular day and said, “Follow me.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Who are some people (and professions) that our society looks down upon these days and considers to be dishonest and unlikely to follow Jesus?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Are you ever surprised when Jesus calls and uses certain people?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Have you been surprised by the testimony of any “public” people lately?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">How can we avoid discounting or disqualifying anyone for kingdom service?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Verse 27 - </span></b><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">28 - and Levi got up, left everything and followed him. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">There was such immediacy to Levi’s response. No hesitation is noted or recorded. No questions are asked and no price is spared. Levi leaves it all and that includes a very lucrative profession. One wonders what sort of experiences, teachings, or thoughts had prepared him for this moment. God is working behind the scenes in people’s lives in ways that may not be readily apparent. He is creating memories, frames of reference, and connecting points that lie dormant until the time when someone comes along and issues the call of Jesus to follow. We may be surprised at their receptive responses, but it is likely that they did not come to the point of receptivity over night. What is of most importance is that we, who know the Master, be as eager and ready to respond to His call as this tax collector was.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Have you ever witnesses what seemed to be a “sudden conversion” in a person’s life? When?<span style=""> </span>What was your response?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Has Jesus ever called you to make a sudden change in your living circumstances in order to answer a call? Tell us about it.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">What would it be like to receive such a call today? Could you leave everything and follow Him?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> 29 - Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them. 30 - But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and 'sinners'?" <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Leaving everything apparently did not leave Levi homeless, but it meant that His home was now a place where he could invite all of his friends to meet Jesus. He filled his house with former business associates and other people of bad reputation. It was no doubt an unscrupulous, loud, and perhaps, vulgar company of people and Jesus was among them He did not compromise anything of His character by keeping company with this lot. He maintained His dignity, but He also bestowed dignity upon these who had become outcasts of religious society – just by His presence and acceptance of them as people of value. The religious contingent that had been stalking Him was incensed. Their impression of holy people was that they kept themselves removed from sinners. This was not the pattern of Jesus and it is not the pattern He has for us.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Note: It is important to consider the company we keep. This example does not negate the need for people to break old behavior patterns by breaking off certain old associations. What it does say, that the church cannot be the salt of the earth and the light of the world by removing itself from all contact with people. Jesus set the example by spending time with sinners.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">There was a controversy about Jesus’ behavior. Do we have similar controversies in the church today?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">What are some ways that people can follow Jesus example today without engaging in sinful or destructive behavior?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> 31 - Jesus answered them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 32 - I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Here we have Jesus’ rationale for His behavior and for our ministries. We are not called to spend so much time with fellow believers that we have no time at all for non-believers. Jesus was intentional about His association with people who needed to receive His message. He communicated His love for them first with His presence. Can we do any less?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">How can we be more intentional about spending time with non-believers?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Practical Applications<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Name one or two people who do not know but need to know Jesus with whom you will seek to cultivate a relationship. OR -><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">If you cannot name such people, where will you find them and what will be your plan for making friends with people who need the Lord?<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">How can you cultivate deeds of service that will give you this opportunity?<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Pray specifically for each other in support of these goals.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>Tom Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02230800786660841582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24419914.post-1158725210856394302006-09-19T21:05:00.000-07:002006-09-19T21:06:50.930-07:00Luke 5:12-15 Bible Study<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Verses 12:<span style=""> </span></span></b><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Luke 5:12 - While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy.<sup>[a]</sup> When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean."</span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="">a.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%205&version=31#en-NIV-25112" title="Go to Luke 5:12">Luke 5:12</a> The Greek word was used for various diseases affecting the skin—not necessarily leprosy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 4pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Luke uses the words, <i>“while Jesus …”</i> to remind us that so many things happen in our lives while something else is going on. Think of times when you were about one sort of business and another opportunity arose. Luke tells us that “<i> a man came along ..”<span style=""> </span></i>While you are about your business, people “come along.” These are often people with real needs, people to whom you can minister if you will. The man recognized Jesus and fell on His knees. Part of that may have been his desperation and part may have been recognition of Jesus’ greatness. Either way, He makes a great statement, “<i>If you are willing, you can …”</i><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 4pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Share some ministry opportunities that have come to you while something else was happening in your life.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Can you think of some people who have just “come along” in your life and have been key contacts for ministry?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">What was it like to have leprosy in the first century? (hint: being ostracized from community, considered unclean.) What does this do to a person? <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Are there people who are like lepers in our society today? How can we reach out to them?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">How would you describe this man’s faith based upon His words and actions?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">What do you believe that God can do if He is willing? Does that affect your praying?</span></span><b><span style="font-size: 4pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 4pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Verse 13: </span></b><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Luke </span></i><st1:time hour="17" minute="13"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">5:13</span></i></st1:time><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" And immediately the leprosy left him. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 4pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Jesus did not hesitate to reach out to the man. He defied social norms and any concern for His own well-being to touch a man who was not only considered unclean, but was thought to be highly contagious. He told the man that He was willing to heal him. Since many people believed that leprosy was a sign of sin in a person’s life, Jesus might be seen to be forgiving this man of sin without even mentioning any sin in his life. Immediately, the leprosy left the man. This can be seen as a symbol of how the stain of sin immediately leaves our lives when we are forgiven.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 4pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Tell about a time when Jesus touched you even though you felt dirty and unworthy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">What are some ways that we can touch people who deeply need to be touched by Jesus, but are considered (or consider themselves to be) unclean?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Jesus was willing to do what it took to restore this man to health, well-being, and spiritual restoration.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">What do you believe that Jesus is willing to do in your life?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 4pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Verse 14: </span></b><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Luke 5 14 Then Jesus ordered him, "Don't tell anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them." <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 4pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Jesus was interested in this man’s whole being as well as his reintegration into society. That required that he approach the civil/religious authorities based upon their established laws. Because his disease was also a form of ritual uncleanness, he needed to take care of his responsibilities in that arena before he could mingle with people again. You can announce that you are whole, saved, forgiven, and cleansed, but the real proof is in your life. Be willing to be scrutinized.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 4pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Once we are healed and forgiven, what sorts of responsibilities do we sometimes have before being fully restored as a whole person in society? <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">How do we help people take the necessary steps in follow through after Jesus has brought them healing and forgiveness?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">We understand why Jesus might not want the demons testifying about Him, but why not this man? (Hint: It had more to do with the man’s need to follow through on his change than about Jesus).<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">What does it mean today for us to “show ourselves to the priests?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 4pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Verses 15-16: </span></b><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Luke </span></i><st1:time minute="15" hour="17"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">5:</span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> 1<i>5</i></span></st1:time><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> <span style=""> </span><i>Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. <o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 4pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">These things cannot be kept silent. When real life change and forgiveness come to people, the news spreads and others gather to hear about it. Nothing beats word of mouth for getting the word out about anything. The change in the leper’s life was obvious. People everywhere are hurting and burdened by sin and <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 4pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">How does news about Jesus spread today?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Do you think people are as hungry today for a genuine word from Jesus Christ, forgiveness, and life change as they were in Jesus’ day?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Why aren’t more people coming to Jesus today? What would make the difference?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 4pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Verse 16 - </span></b><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Luke 5: 16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 4pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Jesus’ whole life mission was to seek and to save the lost. He was successful at that mission in many ways. He enjoyed large crowds and miraculous events that gathered around His ministry. However, He did not let success “go to His head.” Nor did He rely on His human strength to carry on. Jesus knew what we must know: No matter how desperate the need or successful the message in meeting that need, one must withdraw from time to time. Time alone with God for prayer and reflection is essential to our lives and to our ministries. If Jesus needed that, we do.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 4pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Have you ever been so overwhelmed with the needs or carried away with success that you neglected your own spiritual nurture??<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">In what ways is it true that in order to care for others, we must care for ourselves?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">In what ways is it difficult to leave the masses of people that God wants to heal and forgive and retreat to a quiet place for prayer? How do you overcome that?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">What are some things that you love about your personal quiet time? <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">How does your quiet time better equip you to share God’s love and forgiveness?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 4pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Note: </span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Jesus was not looking for the leper when He found him. Like Jesus, we must remain in a state of constant preparedness if we are going to be ready to communicate God’s cleansing power to people in need that we meet around every corner?.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 4pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 4pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Practical Applications<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">In what ways are you ready for an encounter like the one Jesus had with the leper?<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">In what ways are you not ready??<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">How can you prepare yourself spiritually this week so that you will be ready?<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">What are one or two things you can do starting today or tomorrow to make your quiet time more meaningful?<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 2pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><i><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: Arial;">Scriptures are quoted from the New International Version, (NIV), © 1984, International Bible Society<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>Tom Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02230800786660841582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24419914.post-1151810462717238972006-07-01T20:08:00.000-07:002006-07-01T20:23:06.113-07:00Catching Up<span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" >Here are some from my files - perhaps some repeats and some rough notes:</span><span style="font-family: arial;font-size:100%;" ><br /><br /></span> <p style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span class="lyricwords" style="font-size:100%;"><i style=""><o:p> </o:p></i></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Luke 2:22-35 (New International Version)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-family: arial;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> <sup>22</sup>When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord <sup>23</sup>(as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord"), <sup>24</sup>and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: "a pair of doves or two young pigeons." <sup>25</sup>Now there was a man in <st1:city><st1:place>Jerusalem</st1:place></st1:city></span><span style="font-size:100%;"> called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of <st1:country-region><st1:place>Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region></span><span style="font-size:100%;">, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. <sup>26</sup>It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. <sup>27</sup>Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, <sup>28</sup>Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.2in; font-family: arial;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i> <sup>29</sup>"Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,<br /> you now dismiss<sup>]</sup> your servant in peace.<br /> <sup>30</sup>For my eyes have seen your salvation,<br /> <sup>31</sup>which you have prepared in the sight of all people,<br /> <sup>32</sup>a light for revelation to the Gentiles<br /> and for glory to your people </i><st1:country-region><st1:place><i>Israel</i></st1:place></st1:country-region><i>." <o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-family: arial;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> <sup>33</sup>The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. <sup>34</sup>Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in <st1:country-region><st1:place>Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region></span><span style="font-size:100%;">, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, <sup>35</sup>so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too." <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><i><o:p> </o:p></i></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-family: arial;font-family:arial;"><span lang="ES" style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><u>Sermon Notes: Simeon’s Gift<o:p></o:p></u></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><u><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></u></b></span></p> <ol style="margin-top: 0in; font-family: arial;" start="1" type="1"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>We know his location:<o:p></o:p></b></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>We know his orientation:<o:p></o:p></b></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>We know his vocation:<o:p></o:p></b></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>We know his motivation:<o:p></o:p></b></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>We know his consecration:<o:p></o:p></b></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>We know his invocation:<o:p></o:p></b></span></li> </ol> <p style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><o:p> </o:p></b></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>Luke 3 (NIV)<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span class="sup" style="font-size:100%;"><i><sup>1</sup></i></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><i>In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene— <span class="sup"><sup>2</sup></span>during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in t desert. <span class="sup"><sup>3</sup></span>He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. <span class="sup"><sup>4</sup></span>As is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: <o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i>"A voice of one calling in the desert,<br />'Prepare the way for the Lord,<br />make straight paths for him.<br /> <span class="sup"><sup>5</sup></span>Every valley shall be filled in,<br />every mountain and hill made low.<br />The crooked roads shall become straight,<br />the rough ways smooth.<br /> <span class="sup"><sup>6</sup></span>And all mankind will see God's salvation.' "<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-family: arial;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" class="MsoBodyText"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-family: arial;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><i style="">The Voice in the Wilderness<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1.5in; font-family: arial;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><i style=""><o:p> </o:p></i></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;font-family:times new roman;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">q<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;"><i style="">God’s Word Comes to Us.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;font-family:times new roman;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">q<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;"><i style="">We Discover Our Place in His Plan.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;font-family:times new roman;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">q<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;"><i style="">He Gives Us a Vision.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;font-family:times new roman;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">q<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;"><i style="">We Proclaim a Life Changing Message.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;font-family:times new roman;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">q<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;"><i style="">God Brings the Results.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-family: courier new;font-family:times new roman;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><o:p> </o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-family: courier new;font-family:times new roman;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><o:p> </o:p></i></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>Luke 3 (NIV): </b></span> <span class="sup" style="font-size:100%;"><sup>6</sup></span><span style="font-size:100%;">And all mankind will see God's salvation.' "<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">The background is found in <b>Isaiah 40:5 (NIV)<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;font-family:times new roman;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">q<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;"><b>We are called to be part of the revelation of God’s glory. </b></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><i>“And the glory of the Lord will be revealed,”</i><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;font-family:times new roman;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">q<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;"><b>God wants all to see His glory. </b></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><i>“… and all mankind together will see it.”</i><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;font-family:times new roman;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">q<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;"><b>God has spoken and that is that. </b></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><i>“For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”</i><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-family: courier new;font-family:times new roman;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><o:p> </o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-family: courier new;font-family:times new roman;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><o:p> </o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-family: courier new;font-family:times new roman;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i>Luke 3:3, 7-10 –<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span style=""> </span>Fruits of Repentance: Meaning Business with God<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><o:p> </o:p></b></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><i>Luke 3 (NIV): </i></b></span><span class="sup" style="font-size:100%;"><i>(3) </i></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><i>He went into all the country around the </i><st1:country-region><st1:place><i>Jordan</i></st1:place></st1:country-region><i>, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. (</i></span><span class="sup" style="font-size:100%;"><i>7)</i></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><i>John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? (</i></span><span class="sup" style="font-size:100%;"><i>8)</i></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><i>Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. (</i></span><span class="sup" style="font-size:100%;"><i>9)</i></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><i>The axe is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire." <span style=""> </span>(</i></span><span class="sup" style="font-size:100%;"><i>10) </i></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><i>"What should we do then?" the crowd asked.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><o:p> </o:p></b></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><i>Discussion </i></b></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><o:p> </o:p></i></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i>What is the difference between true repentance and just wanting to have a “quick” religious experience?<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><o:p> </o:p></i></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i>What does it mean to really mean business with God? Why is it important?<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><o:p> </o:p></i></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i>What are some practical ways we show we want change in our lives?<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><o:p> </o:p></i></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i>What is the significance of the question in verse 10 – “What shall we do?”<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><o:p> </o:p></i></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i>Do these verses remind you of something that you need to do to show that you mean business with God?<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-family: courier new;font-family:times new roman;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><o:p> </o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-family: courier new;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><u>Ethics of Repentance: What Shall We Do?<o:p></o:p></u></b></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><i>Luke 3:10-14 (NIV): </i></b></span><span class="sup" style="font-size:100%;"><i><sup>10</sup></i></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><i>"What should we do then?" the crowd asked. <span class="sup"><sup>11</sup></span>John answered, "The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same." <o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><o:p> </o:p></i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-family: courier new;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><sup>1<span class="sup">2</span></sup></i><i>Tax collectors also came to be baptized. "Teacher," they asked, "what should we do?" <span class="sup"><sup>13</sup></span>"Don't collect any more than you are required to," he told them. <o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><o:p> </o:p></i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-family: courier new;font-family:times new roman;"><span class="sup" style="font-size:100%;"><i><sup>14</sup></i></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><i>Then some soldiers asked him, "And what should we do?" He replied, "Don't extort money and don't accuse people falsely—be content with your pay."<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><i>Discussion<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 4pt 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;font-family:times new roman;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">q<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;"><i>What does the word, “ethics” mean to you? (Hint: It is the study of right and wrong and how we determine which is which).<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 4pt 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;font-family:times new roman;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">q<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;"><i>John calls people to practical repentance. What does that mean? How might it be different for different people?<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 4pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;font-family:times new roman;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-size:100%;" >o<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;"><i>What was it for ordinary folks?<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 4pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;font-family:times new roman;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-size:100%;" >o<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;"><i>What was it for tax collectors?<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 4pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;font-family:times new roman;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-size:100%;" >o<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;"><i>What was it for soldiers?<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 4pt 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;font-family:times new roman;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">q<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;"><i>Respond to this statement: Different people struggle with different issues and temptations.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 4pt 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;font-family:times new roman;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">q<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style=""> </span>What might be some modern applications to these practical evidences of real repentance?<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;font-family:times new roman;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">q<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;"><i>What does the possibility of life change mean to you? How can we communicate it?<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-family: courier new;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><o:p> </o:p></i></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><o:p> </o:p></b></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>March 26 – Lk. </b><st1:time minute="15" hour="15"><b>3:15</b></st1:time><b>-20 – One More Powerful –Who Baptizes with the Spirit.:<br /> <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /> <!--[endif]--></b><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">q<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;"><i>What do you see as the significance of John’s life? What was his role according to his own testimony?<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">q<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;"><i>How does that role apply to us?<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">q<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;"><i>Why is it important to point people away from us to Jesus? How can we do that?<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">q<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;"><i>What does it mean to be baptized with the Holy Spirit?<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">q<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;"><i>What does it mean for chaff to be burned? Is this another picture of baptism? Why or why not?<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">q<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;"><i>What was so good about John’s good news?<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><o:p> </o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-family: courier new;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><u>One More Powerful –Who Baptizes with the Spirit.:</u></b><u><o:p></o:p></u></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><i><span style="">Lk. 3:15-20(NIV): </span></i></b><i><span style=""> <span class="sup"><sup>15</sup></span>The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Christ. <span class="sup"><sup>16</sup></span>John answered them all, "I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. <span class="sup"><sup>17</sup></span>His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire." <span class="sup"><sup>18</sup></span>And with many other words John exhorted the people and preached the good news to them. <span class="sup"><sup>19</sup></span>But when John rebuked Herod the tetrarch because of Herodias, his brother's wife, and all the other evil things he had done, <span class="sup"><sup>20</sup></span>Herod added this to them all: He locked John up in prison.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-family: courier new;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><i>Discussion <o:p></o:p></i></b></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><i><o:p> </o:p></i></b></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i>Have a time of prayer and read the scripture together.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">q<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;"><i>What do you see as the significance of John’s life? What was his role according to his own testimony?<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">q<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;"><i>How does that role apply to us?<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">q<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;"><i>Why is it important to point people away from us to Jesus? How can we do that?<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">q<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;"><i>What does it mean to be baptized with the Holy Spirit?<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">q<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;"><i>What does it mean for chaff to be burned? Is this another picture of baptism? Why or why not?<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">q<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;"><i>What was so good about John’s good news?<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><i><o:p> </o:p></i></b></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><i><o:p> </o:p></i></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-family: courier new;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>Bible Study<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-family: courier new;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>The First Step Toward the Cross – The Baptism of Jesus<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-family: courier new;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><o:p> </o:p></b></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i>Why was Jesus baptized? (from lecture – obedience, identification, demonstration)<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i>What was God pleased with? Why do you think he announced His pleasure?<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i>Have you ever felt Heaven opened up as you were praying?<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i>Describe your feelings about/experience of baptism. What did it mean to you – or would it mean to you if you are not yet baptized?<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i>What is the relationship between baptism with water and with the Spirit?<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><i><o:p> </o:p></i></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-family: courier new;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><o:p> </o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-family: courier new;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><o:p> </o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-family: courier new;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>Luke 4:1-2 –<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-family: courier new;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><u>The Forty Factor</u></b><i><br />Luke 4:1-2 : And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from </i><st1:country-region><st1:place><i>Jordan</i></st1:place></st1:country-region><i>, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-family: courier new;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center; font-family: courier new;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style="" lang="ES">Lucas 4:1-2 - Jesús, lleno del Espíritu Santo, volvió del Jordán y fue llevado por el Espíritu al desierto.<span style=""> </span>Allí estuvo cuarenta días y fue tentado por el diablo. No comió nada durante esos días, pasados los cuales tuvo hambre.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style="" lang="ES"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><u>The Bible is full of "40"s. <o:p></o:p></u></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">q<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;"><u>4</u></span><span style="font-size:100%;">0 years in the wilderness for the children of <st1:country-region><st1:place>Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>, <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style="">q<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;"><span style=";color:black;" >40 years reign of Saul, David and Solomon, <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style="">q<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;"><span style=";color:black;" >40 days and nights flood<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style="">q<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;"><span style=";color:black;" >40 days fasting by Jesus in the wilderness. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style="">q<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;"><span style=";color:black;" >40 years in a generation<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">q<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;">The spies were in </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:place>Canaan</st1:place> for 40 days. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">q<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;">Elijah fasted 40 days. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">q<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;">After His resurrection, Jesus was with the disciples for 40 days, <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></i></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">1. He<b> deprived </b>Himself. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">q<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;">He was full of the Holy Spirit. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">q<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;">He was led by the Holy Spirit. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">2. He was <b>depleted. </b><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i>Isaiah 53:4-6: Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style="" lang="ES">Ciertamente él cargó con nuestras enfermedades y soportó nuestros dolores, pero nosotros lo consideramos herido, golpeado por Dios, y humillado. Él fue traspasado por nuestras rebeliones, y molido por nuestras iniquidades; sobre él recayó el castigo, precio de nuestra *paz, y gracias a sus heridas fuimos sanados. Todos andábamos perdidos, como ovejas; cada uno seguía su propio *camino, pero el Señor hizo recaer sobre él la iniquidad de todos nosotros.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style="" lang="ES"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i>Hebrews 4:10</i>:<i>For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></i></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style=""> </span></i><i><span lang="ES">porque el que entra en el reposo de Dios descansa también de sus obras, así como Dios descansó de las suyas.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">This temptation was severe because of two factors:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">q<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;">His <b>weakened condition</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">q<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;">His <b>weary consecration<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">3. He was <b>done</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">q<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;">The <b>test</b> is real. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">q<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;">The <b>trust</b> is even more real. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">q<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-family: courier new;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i>Be not dismayed.<br />The Father knows your needs.<br />Be not swayed.<br />It is His hand that feeds you.<br />When come the tests of time<br />And all your strength is past,<br />You've only begun to climb,<br />This is God's chosen fast.<br /></i><i><span style="">© ) 2006, Tom Sims</span></i><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-family: courier new;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><u><span style=""><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></u></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-family: courier new;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><u><span style=""><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></u></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-family: courier new;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><u><span style=""><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></u></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center; font-family: courier new;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><u><span style="">Three Great Areas of Temptations of Jesus:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">q<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;"><b><span style="">Significance<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">o<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">It was a <b><u>personal</u></b> attack and a <b>primary</b> attack.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">q<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;"><b><span style="">Surrender<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">o<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">Two things count: God’s <b><u>purposes </u></b>and God’s <b><u>ways.</u></b> To these only must we surrender.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">q<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;"><b><span style="">Success<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">o<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">Beware of: <b><u>Shortcuts</u></b> and <b><u>Sensationalism</u></b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style=""><br /><!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /><!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p> <h3 style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></h3> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-family: courier new;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><u><span style="">Luke<span style=""> </span>4:3-13<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style="">And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread. And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence: For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee: And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style="" lang="ES">Si eres el Hijo de Dios --le propuso el diablo--, dile a esta piedra que se convierta en pan. Jesús le respondió: --Escrito está: 'No sólo de pan vive el hombre.'*Entonces el diablo lo llevó a un lugar alto y le mostró en un instante todos los reinos del mundo. Sobre estos reinos y todo su esplendor --le dijo--, te daré la autoridad, porque a mí me ha sido entregada, y puedo dársela a quien yo quiera. Así que, si me adoras, todo será tuyo. Jesús le contestó: Escrito está: Ádorarás al Señor tu Dios, y a él sólo servirás.'* El diablo lo llevó luego a Jerusalén e hizo que se pusiera de pie en la parte más alta del templo, y le dijo: --Si eres el Hijo de Dios, ¡tírate de aquí! Pues escrito está: "'Ordenará a sus ángeles que te guarden con cuidado; te sostendrán en sus manos, para que no tropiece tu pie con piedra alguna.'* También está escrito: 'No pongas a prueba al Señor tu Dios.'* --le replicó Jesús. Así que el diablo, habiendo agotado todo recurso de tentación, lo dejó hasta otra oportunidad. <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style="" lang="ES"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center; font-family: courier new;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><u><span style="">Three Great Areas of Temptations of Jesus:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">q<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;"><b><span style="">Significance<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">o<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">It was a <b><u>personal</u></b> attack and a <b>primary</b> attack.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">q<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;"><b><span style="">Surrender<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">o<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">Two things count: God’s <b><u>purposes </u></b>and God’s <b><u>ways.</u></b> To these only must we surrender.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">q<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;"><b><span style="">Success<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">o<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">Beware of: <b><u>Shortcuts</u></b> and <b><u>Sensationalism</u></b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <h3 style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></h3> <h3 style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></h3> <h3 style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The Great Calling : <i><span style="">Luke 4:14-20</span></i><o:p></o:p></span></h3> <p style="margin: 4pt 0in; font-family: courier new;"><span class="sup" style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style="">14</span></i></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style=""> -And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into </span></i><st1:place><i><span style="">Galilee</span></i></st1:place><i><span style="">: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p> <p style="margin: 4pt 0in; font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span style="">Lesson # 1 – Walk in the Spirit and Listen for the Buzz.</span></b></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin: 4pt 0in; font-family: courier new;"><span class="sup" style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style="">15 - </span></i></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style="">And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all. <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p> <p style="margin: 4pt 0in; font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span style="">Lesson # 2 – Settle on Your Identity in Christ and Be Yourself.</span></b></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin: 4pt 0in; font-family: courier new;"><span class="sup" style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style="">16 - </span></i></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style="">And he came to </span></i><st1:city><st1:place><i><span style="">Nazareth</span></i></st1:place></st1:city><i><span style="">, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p> <p style="margin: 4pt 0in; font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span style="">Lesson # 3 – Don’t Be Afraid to Go Home and, when in Doubt, Let the Scriptures Speak for You.</span></b></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin: 4pt 0in; font-family: courier new;"><span class="sup" style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style="">17</span></i></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style=""> - And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p> <p style="margin: 4pt 0in; font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span style="">Lesson # 4 – If You Want to Be Sure of Your Calling, Prepare Your for Life by Immersing Yourself in the Sacred Scriptures.</span></b></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin: 4pt 0in; font-family: courier new;"><span class="sup" style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style="">18</span></i></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style=""> - The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p> <p style="margin: 4pt 0in; font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span style="">Lesson # 5 – You Are Not the Messiah, but You Are Indwelt by Him. Therefore, speak with Confidence.</span></b></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin: 4pt 0in; font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span style="">Lesson # 6 – It’s Not All About You. It IS All About the Message.</span></b></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin: 4pt 0in; font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span style="">Lesson # 7 – Jesus Has Set the Pattern for Our Individual Callings with His Great Calling.</span></b></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin: 4pt 0in 4pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" >q</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style=";font-size:100%;" >Are the poor being told the good news? <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin: 4pt 0in 4pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" >q</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style=";font-size:100%;" >Are the brokenhearted being healed? </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin: 4pt 0in 4pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" >q</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style=";font-size:100%;" >Are captives being delivered? <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin: 4pt 0in 4pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" >q</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style=";font-size:100%;" >Are the blind seeing? </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin: 4pt 0in 4pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" >q</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style=";font-size:100%;" >Are we setting people free? <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin: 4pt 0in 4pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" >q</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style=";font-size:100%;" >Is it happening? </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin: 4pt 0in; font-family: courier new;"><span class="sup" style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style="">19 - </span></i></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span style="">To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. <span class="sup">20 - </span>And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. <span class="sup">21</span> - And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p> <p style="margin: 4pt 0in; font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span style="">Lesson # 8 – This Is the Time to Proclaim Christ and That Is Our Highest Calling.</span></b></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><u>Luke 5:12-18 - Ministry<o:p></o:p></u></b></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>Verses 12:<span style=""> </span></b><i>Luke 5:12 - While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy.<sup>[a]</sup> When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean</i></span><span lang="ES" style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span style="" lang="ES"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Luke uses the words, <i>“while Jesus …”</i> to remind us that so many <i>things</i> happen in our lives while something else is going on. Think of times when you were about one sort of business and another opportunity arose. Luke tells us that “<i> a man came along ..”<span style=""> </span></i>While you are about your business, people “come along.” These are often people with real needs, people to whom you can minister if you will. The man recognized Jesus and fell on His knees. Part of that may have been his desperation and part may have been recognition of Jesus’ greatness. Either way, He makes a great statement, “<i>If you are willing, you can …”<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: courier new;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span style=""> </span><u>Ministry Happens<o:p></o:p></u></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">q<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;">Ministry happens when you are making other plans.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">q<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;">Ministry contacts come along and Sometimes they are among the “unclean,” with great faith.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">q<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;">What do you believe that God can do if He is willing? <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>Verse 13: </b><i>Luke </i><st1:time hour="17" minute="13"><i>5:13</i></st1:time><i> Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" And immediately the leprosy left him.</i></span><span lang="ES" style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: courier new;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" lang="ES" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Jesus did not hesitate to reach out to the man. He defied social norms and any concern for His own well-being to touch a man who was not only considered unclean, but was thought to be highly contagious. He told the man that He was willing to heal him. Since many people believed that leprosy was a sign of sin in a person’s life, Jesus might be seen to be forgiving this man of sin without even mentioning any sin in his life. Immediately, the leprosy left the man. This can be seen as a symbol of how the stain of sin immediately leaves our lives when we are forgiven.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: courier new;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span style=""> </span><u>Ministry Happens with Touch.<o:p></o:p></u></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">q<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;">Jesus touched you when you felt dirty and unworthy.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">q<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;">We can touch people who deeply need to be touched by Jesus, but are considered unclean. We are the hands of Jesus for touching people.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">q<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;">Jesus is willing. Are we?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: courier new;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>Verse 14: </b><i>Luke 5 14 Then Jesus ordered him, "Don't tell anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them." </i></span><span lang="ES" style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: courier new;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" lang="ES" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Jesus was interested in this man’s whole being as well as his reintegration into society. That required that he approach the civil/religious authorities based upon their established laws. Because his disease was also a form of ritual uncleanness, he needed to take care of his responsibilities in that arena before he could mingle with people again. You can announce that you are whole, saved, forgiven, and cleansed, but the real proof is in your life. Be willing to be scrutinized.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: courier new;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span style=""> </span><u>The Ministry of Touch Transforms<o:p></o:p></u></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">q<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;">It changes us.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">q<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;">It challenges us.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">q<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;">It channels us.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: courier new;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>Verses 15-16: </b>Luke 5: 15-16</span><span style=";font-size:100%;" > </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. </span><span lang="ES" style="font-size:100%;">But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: courier new;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" lang="ES" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:100%;">These things cannot be kept silent. When real life change and forgiveness come to people, the news spreads and others gather to hear about it. Nothing beats word of mouth for getting the word out about anything. The change in the leper’s life was obvious. People everywhere are hurting and burdened by sin and <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: courier new;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span style=""> </span><u>News of Ministry Travels<o:p></o:p></u></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">q<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;">How does news about Jesus spread today?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">q<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;">Are people hungry?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; font-family: courier new;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">q<span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr" style="font-size:100%;">Why aren’t more people coming to Jesus today? What would make the difference?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-family: courier new;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><u><span style="">The Calling - Matthew 4:18, Luke 5:1-10<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <h3 style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-family: courier new;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" >Matthew 4:18-22 (New International Version)<o:p></o:p></span></h3> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" > <sup>18</sup>As Jesus was walking beside the </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:place><span style="">Sea of Galilee</span></st1:place></span><span style=";font-size:100%;" >, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. <sup>19</sup>"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." <sup>20</sup>At once they left their nets and followed him.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-family: courier new;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" lang="ES" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><i><u><span style="">Observation 1: He saw them.<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-family: courier new;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <h3 style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-family: courier new;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" >Luke 5:1-11 (New International Version)<o:p></o:p></span></h3> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" > <sup>1</sup>One day as Jesus was standing by the </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:place><st1:placetype><span style="">Lake</span></st1:placetype><span style=""> of </span><st1:placename><span style="">Gennesaret</span></st1:placename></st1:place></span><span style=";font-size:100%;" >, with the people crowding around him and listening to the word of God, <sup>2</sup>he saw at the water's edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. <sup>3</sup>He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><i><u><span style="">Observation 2: He involved<span style=""> </span>them.<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><i><u><span style=""><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></u></i></b></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" > <sup>4</sup>When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch." <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" > <sup>5</sup>Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets." <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-family: courier new;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" > </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><sup><span style="" lang="ES">4</span></sup></span><span style=";font-size:100%;" lang="ES" >Cuando acabó de hablar, le dijo a Simón: --Lleva la barca hacia aguas más profundas, y echen allí las redes para pescar. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" lang="ES" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><i><u><span style="" lang="ES">Observation 3: Hechallenged them.<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" lang="ES" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" > <sup>6</sup>When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. <sup>7</sup>So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.<span style=""> </span> <sup>8</sup>When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" lang="ES" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><i><u><span style="">Observation 4: He startled<span style=""> </span>them.<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><i><u><span style=""><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></u></i></b></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><sup><span style="">9</span></sup></span><span style=";font-size:100%;" >For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, <sup>10</sup>and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" > Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-family: courier new;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" lang="ES" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><i><u><span style="">Observation 5: He calmed them.<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><i><u><span style=""><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></u></i></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><i><u><span style="">Observation 6: He inspired them.<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><i><u><span style=""><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></u></i></b></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><sup><span style="">11<span style=""> </span></span></sup></span><span style=";font-size:100%;" >So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-family: courier new;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-family: courier new;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><i><u><span style="" lang="ES">Observation 7: He called them.<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES" style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Tom Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02230800786660841582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24419914.post-1148943656755983082006-05-29T16:00:00.000-07:002006-05-29T16:00:56.786-07:00Bible Study on Luke 5:1-11<p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">The Calling of the First Disciples <o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Central Truth: Jesus calls ordinary people to be witnesses for Him.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><i><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">New International Version, (NIV), © 1984, International Bible Society<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Luke 5: 1One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret,<sup>[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%205&version=31#fen-NIV-25101a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup>with the people crowding around him and listening to the word of God, 2 he saw at the water's edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. 3 He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> 4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down<sup>[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%205&version=31#fen-NIV-25104b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]</sup> the nets for a catch." <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> 5 Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets." <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> 6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> 8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="">a.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%205&version=31#en-NIV-25101" title="Go to Luke 5:1">Luke 5:1</a> That is, </span></span><st1:place><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Arial;">Sea of Galilee</span></st1:place><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="">b.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%205&version=31#en-NIV-25104" title="Go to Luke 5:4">Luke 5:4</a> The Greek verb is plural.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <h2 style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Background: Matthew Henry’s Commentary:<span style=""> </span>The miraculous draught of fishes, Peter, James, and John called: </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal;">When Christ had done preaching, he told Peter to apply to the business of his calling. Time spent on week days in public exercises of religion, need be but little hinderance in time, and may be great furtherance to us in temper of mind, as to our worldly business. With what cheerfulness may we go about the duties of our calling, when we have been with God, and thus have our worldly employments sanctified to us by the word and prayer! Though they had taken nothing, yet Christ told them to let down their nets again. We must not abruptly quit our callings because we have not the success in them we desire. We are likely to speed well, when we follow the guidance of Christ's word. The draught of fishes was by a miracle. We must all, like Peter, own ourselves to be sinful men, therefore Jesus Christ might justly depart from us. But we must beseech him that he would not depart; for woe unto us if the Saviour depart from sinners! Rather let us entreat him to come and dwell in our hearts by faith, that he may transform and cleanse them. These fishermen forsook all, and followed Jesus, when their calling prospered. When riches increase, and we are tempted to set our hearts upon them, then to quit them for Christ is thankworthy.</span> <o:p></o:p></h2> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Key Questions and Issues:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Verses 1-3: <o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Jesus enlisted the services of Simon and his boat even before He called him. He used the boat as a platform for His teaching.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">How can we involve people in ministry even before they come to faith?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">How might this give them exposure to Christianity, to the message and God’s people?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Can you remember your impressions of the church, of Christian faith, or of Christians before you made a commitment to Him? How important was that exposure?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Verse 4:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">The next thing Jesus did with Simon was take him fishing – on Simon’s own boat! Through that experience He was able to accomplish two things. (1) He bonded with Simon. (2) He shared an experience with Simon that He was able to use as an illustration of His call.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">What are some ways that we can bond with non-believers as we seek to “make friends for Christ?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">What are some common every day experiences that might be used to illustrate the call of Jesus in people’s lives?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Verse 5:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Simon had very low expectations of fishing with Jesus because his previous experience had disappointed him. He had been fishing all night with little success and was frustrated. However, he had been listening to Jesus and was apparently impressed. He was willing to try again, but only because Jesus said so. Jesus had earned an influence in Simon’s life.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">What sorts of frustrations and low expectations do people around us have regarding their own futures and matters of faith? Have many people just given up?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">What are some ways that we might win the right and the ability to have influence over people and how might we use that influence over people to persuade them to take another look at Jesus Christ?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Verses 6-7:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">What happened next was a surprise to everyone except Jesus. The only difference in the fishing was that He was with Simon and that He was directing the efforts. Often, people think they have tried everything, but they have tried it all on their own. They are surprised when they get a taste of the possibilities of life with Jesus Christ. We can help people take such a taste and accumulate some life experiences that verify the claims of Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Did you or someone you know ever experience the difference of the faith life before actually coming to Christ? Tell us about that.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">What is the difference that “launching out into the deep” and “fishing with Jesus” makes in your life over going it alone?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">How do you help other people understand the difference?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Do you ever revert to the old pattern of “fishing alone?” What are the typical results?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Note: Jesus was modeling with Simon what it means to “fish for men.” He was also teaching Simon that in his future ministry, which he was yet to even imagine, he would not do so alone or on his own initiative. Nor would he be fishing in shallow waters.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Verses 8-10a:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">To say the least, Simon and his other companions were impressed. In the same way, when we take non-believers “fishing” with us and involve them in Christian life and ministry, they are often impressed with what God does. They can find no explanation for it. They are amazed and somewhat bewildered. Notice that Jesus never mentioned their sin, yet Simon came under deep conviction of his sin and bowed down before Jesus, calling Him Lord. All Jesus had really done was to take them fishing after a “Bible study” lesson.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">What can your learn about witnessing from the example of Jesus? How can we practice His example?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">What does it take to impress non-believers? Why is important?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Remembering that he had been exposed to a verbal witness, how did Jesus’ demonstration make Simon aware of His sin? What does it take for people to come under conviction? Do we need to badger them or expose them to truth?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">What was happening spiritually that caused Simon to bow down and call Jesus Lord? What brought you to this point in your spiritual life? If it has not happened yet, what would it take?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Verses 10b-11:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Finally, Jesus defined for Simon and the others what their experience had all been about. He called them to discipleship as He calls each of us. He calmed their fears and assured them that they would become “fishers of men.” This call was so compelling and attractive to them that they left everything to follow Him. In less than a day, they had come to understand that in order to experience real significance in their lives, they would need to follow Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">How important is significance in a person’s life? What does it mean?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">When and how did you first realize that God was calling you? How did you respond?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">What does it take for a person to leave everything and follow Jesus? Would you be bold enough to ask someone to do that? Have you done that?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">What does it mean to be a “fisher of men?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">How will you apply the lessons of Jesus to your own personal witnessing this week?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Practical Applications<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Who are some people in your life that you need to spend time with as a way of exposing them to the claims of Christ?<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">How might you involve them in ministry or fellowship in order to give them a taste of Christian life, faith, and Christians?<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Pray for these people and each other for opportunities, awareness, wisdom, and spiritual power to accomplish great things for the </span></span><st1:place><st1:placetype><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Kingdom</span></st1:PlaceType><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> of </span><st1:placename><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">God</span></st1:PlaceName></st1:place><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>Tom Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02230800786660841582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24419914.post-1148943547038085792006-05-29T15:57:00.000-07:002006-10-08T19:22:53.720-07:00Luke 4:38-44<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Luke 4:38-44<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Lessons from Jesus<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">1. “Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is.” <o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Romans 2: 17Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and brag about your relationship to God; 18if you know his will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law; 19if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark, 20an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— 21you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? 22You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23You who brag about the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? 24As it is written: "God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you."<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Translate that cliché into <b>“Put Your Actions Where Your Mouth Is,” or “Live What You Teach.”<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style=""> </span><b>Illustration:<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Luke 4: 38Jesus left the synagogue and went to the home of Simon. Now Simon's mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked Jesus to help her. 39So he bent over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up at once and began to wait on them. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;" lang="ES"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Lesson – We are saved to serve.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">2. Flip </span></b><st1:city><st1:place><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Wilson</span></b></st1:place></st1:City><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> said, “What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG).” <o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> 25Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, you have become as though you had not been circumcised. 26If those who are not circumcised keep the law's requirements, will they not be regarded as though they were circumcised? 27The one who is not circumcised physically and yet obeys the law will condemn you who, even though you have the<sup>[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans%202&version=31#fen-NIV-27975c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]</sup> written code and circumcision, are a lawbreaker. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Translate that cliché into: <b>“The outward symbolism of your life (your deeds) reveal more about who you are than hidden or obscure symbols.”<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Illustration:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> 40When the sun was setting, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them. 41Moreover, demons came out of many people, shouting, "You are the Son of God!" But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew he was the Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Lesson: It is not enough to know who Jesus is if we have no intention to obey Him and follow Him.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">3. Dorothy Parker said, “Beauty Is Only Skin Deep, But Ugly Goes Clean to The Bone.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> 28A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. 29No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man's praise is not from men, but from God.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Translate that cliché into, <b>“You can’t correct what is wrong in the outer man with more symbols or even actions; you have to change his heart.”<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Illustration:</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> 42At daybreak Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for him and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them. 43But he said, "I must preach the good news of the </span></i><st1:place><st1:placetype><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">kingdom</span></i></st1:PlaceType><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> of </span></i><st1:placename><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">God</span></i></st1:PlaceName></st1:place><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent." 44And he kept on preaching in the synagogues of </span></i><st1:place><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Judea</span></i></st1:place><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Lesson #1 – Jesus prioritized the preaching of the gospel over everything else, because only the gospel is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Lesson #2 – You can’t stay where you are and follow Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>Tom Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02230800786660841582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24419914.post-1148942825025892542006-05-29T15:37:00.000-07:002006-05-29T15:47:05.043-07:00Fair WarningI'm going to start posting my outlines whether or not they are refined.<br /><br />Just whatever it is. We can edit later.Tom Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02230800786660841582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24419914.post-1147824552268517762006-05-16T16:48:00.000-07:002006-07-01T20:09:01.773-07:00Offending Sensibilities<span id="en-KJV-25084" class="sup">20</span>And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. <p> <span id="en-KJV-25085" class="sup">21</span>And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears. </p> <p> <span id="en-KJV-25086" class="sup">22</span>And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph's son? </p> <p> <span id="en-KJV-25087" class="sup">23</span>And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country. </p> <p> <span id="en-KJV-25088" class="sup">24</span>And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country. </p> <p> <span id="en-KJV-25089" class="sup">25</span>But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land; </p> <p> <span id="en-KJV-25090" class="sup">26</span>But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow. </p> <p> <span id="en-KJV-25091" class="sup">27</span>And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian. </p> <p> <span id="en-KJV-25092" class="sup">28</span>And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, </p> <p> <span id="en-KJV-25093" class="sup">29</span>And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong. </p> <p> <span id="en-KJV-25094" class="sup">30</span>But he passing through the midst of them went his way, </p>Tom Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02230800786660841582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24419914.post-1146537296811889112006-05-01T17:41:00.000-07:002006-05-01T19:34:56.856-07:00The Great Calling<p><i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Luke 4:14-20 <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">There is a calling in our lives. It is specific and it is special. Each of us shares some strong elements of a common call and each of us is called to a particular role that is ours and ours alone. Jesus emerged from His wilderness trial confirmed in what He already knew. He exemplified the champion of a ministry that He would call us to share. He announced not only His personal ministry, but a new Messianic era. It was and is the Great Calling and it paved the way for us.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span class="sup"><i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">14</span></i></span><i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"> -And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into </span></i><st1:place><i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Galilee</span></i></st1:place><i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Having withstood near starvation and ruthless temptation, Jesus returned to </span><st1:place><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Galilee</span></st1:place><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">. In returning, He did so in the power of the Holy Spirit. It was that same Spirit who had filled Him at His baptism and led Him into the wilderness. It was that same Spirit who would accompany Him throughout His ministry and upon whom He would rely. It was that same Spirit He would give to the believers at Pentecost and to us today. Jesus called upon no other power than that which He gives to us freely.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">He just did it perfectly and in perfect submission.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">As He went forth, His fame spread. There was a buzz. People were talking. Luke does not record any miracles up until this point. Nor does he tell us the content of any of Jesus’ teaching in the synagogues. Yet, there was something about Him and everywhere He went, people noticed.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Is there something about your life as Christ dwells in you? Is there a uniqueness and spiritual vitality that people can notice even if they cannot define it? Those who move in the power of the Spirit have it and it attracts attention.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Lesson # 1 – Walk in the Spirit and Listen for the Buzz.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">There is no greater resource for your Christian life. You simply cannot live it apart from the Holy Spirit. If you do walk in the Spirit, you’ll reflect the life of Jesus everywhere you go and people will see the difference. You won’t have to manipulate the conversations to bring Him into them.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span class="sup"><i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">15 - </span></i></span><i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">We know how Jesus taught. We read His words throughout the gospels. He shattered stereotypes, defied norms, redefined tired old religious language, and challenged empty traditions and prejudicial assumptions wherever He went.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Having been freed the need to prove Himself (significance), having settled the matter of His mission and loyalty (surrender) once and for all, and having laid aside all definitions and means success other than those that were from His Father and intrinsic to His nature, He could simply be who He was and say what He was given to say.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">His countrymen were not accustomed to preachers like that. The early polls indicated approval. People were praising Him, but the unanimity of that praise would not last. He was about to become controversial.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Lesson # 2 – Settle on Your Identity in Christ and Be Yourself.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">You have nothing to prove and nothing to lose. Be yourself – the person God made you to be – not the phony baloney self that you have fashioned for public consumption, but the truth-telling, Spirit-walking, joy-living, love-giving person you really are. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"> <span class="sup">16 - </span>And he came to </span></i><st1:city><st1:place><i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Nazareth</span></i></st1:place></st1:City><i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Then He went home. It is tough going home. You will always be the little boy or girl they used to know. Familiarity to breeds many things, but one of them surely is contempt – not hostility – just contempt. He returned to His home synagogue where He had read aloud many times. This time would be different.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">We all enjoy going home and we all have a sense of trepidation about it. How will we present ourselves? Will we be accepted? How will people relate to the experiences and insights we’ve had since we left?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Lesson # 3 – Don’t Be Afraid to Go Home and, when in Doubt, Let the Scriptures Speak for You.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Again, we have Jesus, the called, looking for a way to let the people who thought they knew Him know who He really was. Those folks thought they already knew. They had Him boxed in. Some folks think they know who you were; they have you defined, categorized, and set upon a course that they have predicted. Don’t buy into it. God designs you, defines you, and directs you.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"> <span class="sup">17</span> - And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">We pronounce the name of this book, “Isaiah.” He was the great prophet who had predicted the exile and return as well as the coming of the Messiah, the Suffering Servant. Jesus knew where to find the passage He wanted for that day. He knew exactly. He had immersed Himself in the scriptures all of His life. They had provided the foundation for His life and they had provided the ammunition He had needed to face temptation in the wilderness. Now, they would define His mission.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Lesson # 4 – If You Want to Be Sure of Your Calling, Prepare Your for Life by Immersing Yourself in the Sacred Scriptures.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">If the One who authored them read them, at what point to we become to wise or familiar with them to leave them behind? Jesus came under the authority of the Word of God and centered His life and ministry in them. We can learn from that.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">The old hymn goes like this:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Sing them over again to me,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Wonderful words of life.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Let me more of their beauty see,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Wonderful words of life.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Words of life and beauty,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Teach me faith and duty.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Beautiful words, wonderful words.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Wonderful words of life.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"> <span class="sup">18</span> - The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me” is what a Messiah might say – certainly one who is certain of His words, certain that what He is saying is from God and is authoritative. It is the voice of confidence and clarity.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">“He has anointed me.” Messiah means, “one anointed by God.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Lesson # 5 – You Are Not the Messiah, but You Are Indwelt by Him. Therefore, speak with Confidence.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">That gives you the authority that comes from being directly under authority. And it bestows confidence upon you.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">“He has anointed me <u>to</u> …” Somehow, the One about whom it is ALL ABOUT had the attitude that it was not all about Him. For Jesus, it was about the message and for us it is about the message., Of course, He is the message because He is the agent of the liberation He is about to proclaim.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Lesson # 6 – It’s Not All About You. It IS All About the Message.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">“To preach the gospel to the poor…” The Master who needs no affirmation from any man, does not need the status of a court prophet, a ladder climber, or an elite circle runner. He came to preach good news to the neediest of all. He would explain that the poor are the truly blessed because of their special place in the Kingdom. The poor could not help Jesus climb to power and He chose to relate to them.<br /> <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /> <!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-size: 4pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Anyone can be poor enough to be included if they will just see themselves for what they are.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Lesson # 7 – Jesus Has Set the Pattern for Our Individual Callings with His Great Calling.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">God has created you with a unique ability to proclaim the message that Jesus proclaimed. You will do it in your own way. You may focus on a particular component of it, but you share His overall calling to share good news with the poor and “<i> to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,” <o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">We need to measure the success or failure of our church’s ministries against the standard of Jesus as He read from Isaiah:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Are the poor being told the good news? Or are targeting only those audiences that we think can make our churches gown and stroke our egos. It’s not that God does not care about the rich in this world’s wealth, but He can’t help them much until they know how poor they are.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Are the brokenhearted being healed? He is not saying that He has come to relieve our superficial sadness. It is more. People hearts are broken and that is more than being forlorn and lovelorn. <span style=""> </span>It is about losing heart and giving up, throwing in the life towel and resigning from life. We have a message that can revive the heart and it is our calling to deliver it to the point of brokenness for the ultimate healing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Are captives being delivered? Are people coming out of addictions and sin? Are they being lifted? Is Satan losing the battle for people’s souls?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Are the blind seeing? Are we doing our best and seeing some results in the ministry of physical, emotional, and spiritual healing and we promote a message of wholeness and truth? Are eyes being opened that once were oblivious to truth? Are people perceiving reality in a new way?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Are we setting people free from the chains that bind them and the old tapes that tell them they can never be any more than they are? Are we communicating our calling through His calling that people in bondage have a calling as well and that they can become more than they are?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="">q<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Is it happening? Is the Spirit of the Lord upon us? Are we confidently embracing our call?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p><i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"> <span class="sup">19 - </span>To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Jesus announced a new day. A careful study of the text including the context of Isaiah, informs us that Jesus was announcing a Messianic age and that He was the fulfillment of the Messianic Year of Jubilee. It was bold and scandalous, but it was true and He did not hold back.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">We live in the Messianic Age of Jesus Christ. We live in the Day of Grace, the Moment of Liberation, a Time of Hope – the Day of the Lord!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">These are urgent times and these are opportune times.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"> <span class="sup">20 - </span>And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p><i><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"> <span class="sup">21</span> - And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">There was something about the way He spoke that they knew more was coming, but His sermon was very short and very powerful.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Today, this scripture is fulfilled.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">And everything is fulfilled in Christ – all of our hopes and expectations, all of our needs and all of our aspirations, the whole law, the prophets, and the wisdom of the Hebrew Scriptures, all the wisdom of the ages, all the longings of humanity through the generations.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Lesson # 8 – This Is the Time to Proclaim Christ and That Is Our Highest Calling.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Tom Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02230800786660841582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24419914.post-1146006577708570742006-04-25T14:35:00.000-07:002006-04-25T16:09:59.846-07:00Tempted As We Are<p>Luke 4:3-13<span id="en-KJV-25067"><br /><!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /><!--[endif]--></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p><span id="en-KJV-25067"></span><i>And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread. And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence: For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee: <span id="en-KJV-25075"></span>And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. <span id="en-KJV-25077"></span>And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.</i><o:p></o:p></p> <p>The writer of Hebrews tells us that Jesus was tempted at all points as we are, yet without sin.<o:p></o:p></p> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center"><i>Hebrews 4:13: For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p>First, He identified with us in His baptism, now He is identifying with our ongoing struggle with sin.<o:p></o:p></p> <p>Again, the book of Hebrews gives us insight into this application in our lives:<o:p></o:p></p> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span id="en-KJV-30217"></span><i>Hebrews 12:4 - Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.</i><o:p></o:p></p> <p>So, as Jesus emerged from 40 days of fasting, hungry and weary, weak, and desperate for food, starving, hanging between death and life, He was going before us that He might come alongside of us when we are tempted.<o:p></o:p></p> <p>Satan, the accusing adversary, is ready to pounce on Jesus and the pattern laid out here alerts us to areas where we are vulnerable as well. There were three great temptations that Jesus' faced and they prepared Him for every other temptation as well as for the cross. They revolve around three areas of active concern in our lives as well: significance, surrender, and success.<o:p></o:p></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style=""><b>Significance</b> - The evil one challenged Jesus about His own purpose and identity when he said, "<i>If thou be the Son of God </i>" Of course He was the Son of God and He knew it, but He had been beaten down by the fast and depleted of all but Holy Spirit strength. He had emptied Himself of all divine shortcuts. The attack came at the core of His being.<o:p></o:p></li> </ul> <ul type="disc"> <ul type="circle"><li class="MsoNormal" style="">It was a <b>personal attack</b>. It was a "double-dog dare" because it challenged His nature, His power, His resolve, His purpose, and His essential calling. Everything was at stake and a lesser man or woman might have confused Satan's challenge as a call to arms, an occasion to prove oneself.<o:p></o:p></li></ul> </ul> <ul type="disc"> <ul type="circle"><ul type="square"><li class="MsoNormal" style="">Here's a hint: Whenever you feel the need to prove yourself, resist it. It is most likely not coming from God. Your significance in Him is secure. He knows who you are and your value to Him. There is nothing to prove.<o:p></o:p></li></ul></ul> </ul> <ul type="disc"> <ul type="circle"><li class="MsoNormal" style="">It was a <b>primary attack</b>. It was based upon a real and genuine need. Jesus was now actively dying, starving to death. "<i>command this stone that it be made bread.</i>" He really needed that bread - just like you really need some of the things that are just out of your reach right now. It is likely that the devil will show up in some form or another - recognizable or not - with an idea that will tempt you to sacrifice your significance and compromise your purpose to get what you really need. All of the martyrs could have saved their own lives simply by recanting their faith. You can very often get real needs met by sacrificing what really counts.<o:p></o:p></li></ul> </ul> <ul type="disc"> <ul type="circle"><ul type="square"><li class="MsoNormal" style="">Here is another hint: When someone says, "but you have to live," respond with, "No I don't. I have to be faithful to my calling. For me to live is Christ and to die is gain." (Philippians 1:21). That's was like Jesus' response - Real life isn't about getting bread when you need it. Real food is God's Word. Hanging your life on the Word of God is no milk toast Christianity. It is gut-level, life or death, ready to lay it all down significance of the highest order. It doesn't matter how desperate you are for what you "really need," there is always something MORE important and it is wrapped up in God's truth and that is where we get our significance.<o:p></o:p></li></ul></ul> </ul> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style=""><b>Surrender</b> - Satan took Jesus to a high place. From that vantage, he could show Jesus the kingdoms of the world and try to tempt Him with them. High places had been temptations for the children of Israel for centuries. Leviticus 26:30 alerts us to the attitude that God had toward such places as they became substitutes for true worship of the true God: <o:p></o:p></li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: center;" align="center"><i> And I will destroy your high places, and cut down your images, and cast your carcases upon the carcases of your idols, and my soul shall abhor you. </i><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> This temptation was about to surrender to God's purposes and God's ways.<o:p></o:p></p> <ul type="disc"> <ul type="circle"><li class="MsoNormal" style="">Jesus knew what the high places represented. He knew that when the children of Israel had grown impatient with God, they turned to the false gods worshipped there. Throughout the times of the kings, the altars there had remained and even the kings and prophets had, from time to time, returned there. Perhaps Satan thought that he could lure the weakened, weary Jesus into something less than the best. After all, what he was offering looked like <b>God's purposes</b>. But approximation is not authentication. God's purposes are authentic and unique and the authority and splendor that the world, the flesh, and the devil offer are poor substitutes for the real thing.<o:p></o:p></li></ul> </ul> <ul type="disc"> <ul type="circle"><ul type="square"><li class="MsoNormal" style="">Hint Time: Just because something has the trappings of the worship of God, the language of spirituality, or the look and feel of authentic Christianity, does not make it real. God's purposes are discovered in knowing and doing His will - nothing less. The authority of this world may be appealing and you may be attracted to earthly power, but there is something greater. Splendor is compelling, but there is something that eye has not seen, ear heard, or the heart considered that God has prepared for them that love Him.<o:p></o:p></li></ul></ul> </ul> <ul type="disc"> <ul type="circle"><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><b>God's ways</b> are very specific and refined. They never involve surrender to anything or anyone but Him. They do not allow for compromise in the areas of holiness and wholehearted devotion to the God of the universe. Even depleted of all strength and resources but the Holy Spirit, Jesus knew this. He had already laid aside all of the glory, authority, power, and splendor of eternity to empty Himself and become a man. Perhaps the memory was not vivid at the moment, just as our vision of what lays in store for us may be dim. But the devil offered bug spit compared to the glory to come. Jesus answered with the Word of God yet again: Worship only God. Serve only Him. Those are His ways and nothing else will do.<o:p></o:p></li></ul> </ul> <ul type="disc"> <ul type="circle"><ul type="square"><li class="MsoNormal" style="">Another Hint: When you are tempted to shift your loyalties for something that looks attractive in the here and now, remember two thigs: (1) There is always free cheese in a mousetrap, (2) The one offering you these things doesn't have the clout to give them. All he has is a cheap substitute. Only God deserves your service and worship. The way to victory is through surrender. If Jesus had to surrender to the will of God to complete His mission, how much more must we?<o:p></o:p></li></ul></ul> </ul> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style=""><b>Success</b> - God cheers for our success, but He insists on defining it and timing it. We live in an age of instant everything and we want instant success as well. We fall for get rich quick schemes, get burned, heal, and fall again. The less work, sacrifice, and discomfort - the better. Satan tried to pull the wool over Jesus' eyes one more time. This time, He was using all the tactics the Master had resisted before and adding one more. Don't think that Satan will not attack you with the same temptations again once you have overcome. He will try all the angles. He pulled out the significance card (If you are ...), upped the ante on high places and took Him to the highest place, and through in a deal breaker: scripture with a does of frivilous faith. "God won't let anything bad happen to you. Let's get this thing over with. Put on a good show. Then everyone will believe and we can get back to normal." And what he wasn't saying - which was most important - "We can avoid the nastiness of that cross you have in mind."<o:p></o:p></li> </ul> <ul type="disc"> <ul type="circle"><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><b>Beware of shortcuts</b>. They abound - short definitions of suucess, abbeviated definitions of success, superficial assessments of success - shortcuts. They will appeal to your sense of significance and even mimic surrender to God, but they are sinister. What was at stake here anyway? It was not Jesus' soul. His soul was secure. He would not and could not be lost. It was His mission. And you better be grateful He wasn't willing to lay it aside or we would be lost without hope. His mission was to seek and to save that which was lost and there would be no easy road to that end, no shortcuts, no avoiding the cross. And there are no shortcuts in your road to spiritual success either. God defines it; God decrees it; God directs it; and God drives it.<o:p></o:p></li></ul> </ul> <ul type="disc"> <ul type="circle"><ul type="square"><li class="MsoNormal" style="">Let's Try Another Hint: If it looks too good to be true; it probably isn't true. If it seems too easy, there is probably little value in it. All success is costly, even spiritual success. There are no shortcuts, but if we will apply God's truth to our quest for success, we can find it. The Master refused the shortcuts and calls to us, "Follow me."<o:p></o:p></li></ul></ul> </ul> <ul type="disc"> <ul type="circle"><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><b>Beware of Sensationalism</b> - cheap substitutes for real faith, trust, and commitment. Don't tempt God! That was Jesus short quote for Stan's long quote. Both quoted scripture. The devil might have sounded spiritual, but he wasn't advocating anything but cheap shot sensationalism. "<i>Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. </i>" He is not playing games and He has not called us to play games. This is serious business. This is about redemption. This is not just about life and death; it is about eternal life and eternal death. The stakes are high and everyone is playing for keeps.<o:p></o:p></li></ul> </ul> <ul type="disc"> <ul type="circle"><ul type="square"><li class="MsoNormal" style="">One More Hint: All that glitters is not gold. Just because something is flashy or someone can perform tricks and impress people, it doesn't mean that such a person or thing is from God. God can do the miraculous. Jesus, in His life would perform many miracles and would declare that we would do even greater works - but not to be sensational. God will never resort to trickery to be successful or to make us successful. He is the real thing and He calls us to be real.<o:p></o:p></li></ul></ul> </ul> <ul type="disc"> <ul type="circle"><ul type="square"><li class="MsoNormal" style="">How About One More: In ministry we do not have to manipulate people into belief or surrender to the will of God. The same Holy Spirit who gave Jesus the strength, wisdom, and power to resist the devil will bring that same Word of God to the forefront of our lives to convict the world of sin, and righteousness, and judgment as He speaks through our faithful witness and consistent lifestyle. Never use manipulative methods and never fall for them.<o:p></o:p></li></ul></ul> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal">A final word: the devil left Jesus after those three temptations - but only until an opportune time. We never know when it will be opportune for him again, so we need to be ready as Jesus was: filled with the Spirit and led by the Spirit. Then we can resist and overcome. Then, we will see our true significance affirmed, real surrender activated, and genuine success attained.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">He was tempted as we are and He is with us in every temptation. Through His overcoming Spirit, we too can overcome.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> Amen.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <div style="text-align: center;"> <div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></div> </div>Tom Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02230800786660841582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24419914.post-1145329206528263442006-04-17T18:51:00.000-07:002006-04-17T20:00:07.766-07:00The Forty Factor<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Luke 4:1-2 </span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from </span></i><st1:country-region><st1:place><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Jordan</span></i></st1:place></st1:country-region><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Bible is full of "40"s.<br /><br />There were 40 years in the wilderness for the children of Israel, <span style="color: black;">40 years reign of Saul, David and Solomon, 40 days and nights flood, and, of course 40 days fasting by Jesus in the wilderness. Forty seems to be the length of a biblical generation and a time of completeness.<br /><br />For me, the age of 40 seemed to usher in middle age.<br /><br />Back to the Bible:</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The spies were in </span><st1:place><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Canaan</span></st1:place><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> for 40 days. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Elijah fasted 40 days. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt;">40 days were given to </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Nineveh</span></st1:place></st1:City><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> to repent.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It seemed to take 40 days or 40 years to get much of what God purposed done in the lives of people. Today, we have Rick Warren's "40 Days of Purpose" as a propellant to spiritual growth.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt;">After His resurrection, Jesus was with the disciples for 49 days, instructing them and fellowshipping with them in preparation for their lives of ministry and evangelism.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt;">So, what is it about this 4o day period in Jesus' life?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt;">1. For one thing, <b>He deprived Himself</b>. He set aside the natural desire and need for food to sustain His body and during that time He was tempted.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt;">But the temptation of that time was not recorded. We already know what it was. He went into the wilderness strong and at a high spiritual moment in His life. During that time, He chose not to eat. He deprived Himself of food. We can all imagine that sort of temptation. It is the temptation to break the commitment, break the fast, rationalize it away.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt;">After all, it is a rather extraordinary thing to do. Surely this is not required. We need food.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt;">You can come up with your own responses. For the first two-three days, the body will inform the mind of many. It is in those days of a fast that the stomach is still used to food; it growls with discomfort and cries out to be fed.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt;">But those were not the days of deepest temptation. He was still strong. He was still nourished. He has enough nutrients stored up to sustain Him and the voices were controllable. He could ignore the pangs. His temptation at that time was to avoid the greater temptation.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt;">After a few days, the pangs ceased. He was still actually doing something good for His body. Periodic fasts are healthy and promote cleansing. Beyond a few days, we enter into a weakened condition. Extended fasts are not for everyone physically, but Jesus was up to the challenge. The hunger pangs ceased. He may even have felt some euphoria, even times of heightened spiritual awareness. The afterglow of His baptism must have warmed His heart. His Father was very near and He knew it. As long as He did not engage is intense physical exertion, He was OK.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Note: For more information on therapeutic fasting see Dr. Saul's web page<a href="http://www.doctoryourself.com/juicefast.html">: Doctor Yourself.</a><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Concerning this period of deprivation, it is important to note two factors:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt;">He was full of the Holy Spirit. At His baptism, the Spirit of the Lord had come upon Him in an extraordinary way. He had always been the Incarnate One, but here He was walking the path of an obedient believer. In order to live and we are called to live, He had to draw from the same well that is offered us. Jesus lived the Spirit-filled life that we are called to live. The power that flowed through Him is the power that He offers us. Do not wander off into the wilderness of fasting or temptation on your own. Go in the power of the Holy Spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></li> </ul> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt;">He was led by the Holy Spirit. He did not move on His own intuition as holy and in-tune as that was. He did not go on a whim or a challenge. He was led. You may be thinking even now about how inadequate you are compared to spiritual giants you admire. You may be convinced that the secret of their power is found in some spiritual methodology or practice. Indeed, God may use those practices in our lives, but they alone are not the secret of power. The secret is to be led by the same Spirit who fills us. His is perfect timing and perfect methodology and it is customized to individuals and groups of believers such as churches for particular times and needs. God may call you or your church to a concentrated period of fasting, spiritual seeking, or even testing for particular need or opportunity. As the Spirit leads, heed, but don't go off on your own.<o:p></o:p></span></li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The time of temptation is most often associated with the time of spiritual intensity. It is not to be taken lightly. Nor is it to be accomplished in our own strength. The forty factor here is the perfect timing of God for our deprivation and deepening. He must be in charge.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt;">2. He was <b>depleted. </b>There was nothing left to give. He demanded more<b> </b>of Himself than would be expected. At the end of 40 days, He was hungry. The human body can generally go 30 days without food, after which the hunger returns and the body begins to feed on itself. That is starvation.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Jesus went further with this discipline. He completely emptied Himself. There were no resources left. See Philippians 2 to understand how deep was His emptying. This was beyond deprivation. Jesus was now starving.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt;">But it was the purpose of God that he be tempted. That is why He went into the wilderness in the first place.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Otherwise, He might not have fulfilled Isaiah 53:4-6:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.</span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt;">He faced the worst so that we can face whatever we must. Hebrews </span><st1:time minute="10" hour="16"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">4:10</span></st1:time><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> puts it this way:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.</span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This temptation was severe because of two factors:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt;">His <b>weakened condition</b>. The hardest part was yet to come and three great temptations lay ahead of Jesus in His weakened state. They would go to the heart of His self-understanding and deepest commitments. They would appeal to His lofty goals and essential goodness. Often, temptation does not come to us wrapped in obvious garments of greed, hatred, and envy. Satan appeals to something good inside of us - Good, but not God. Jesus' condition was weakened so that it was more difficult to be wary of Satan's wiles. You may be there right now - weakened by whatever has come your way. Your only strength is God, but that is enough.<o:p></o:p></span></li> </ul> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt;">His <b>weary consecration</b>. For 40 days He had prayed and fasted. There was no more spiritual high to sustain Him, no emotional charge to spring Him forward, and no physical power to hold Him upright. He was weary. All He had was His Father's Word and the Spirit's presence. Yes, that Holy Spirit who had filled Him and led Him into the wilderness was still with Him. He does not abandon us when we are weary. He is no less present when we are less enthused. Our consecration may be weary, but in such moments, it is very real as we are upheld by the power of God and nothing else. You may be depleted in Spirit, feeling that the best moments of opportunity have passed. A few days or weeks ago, you feel you could have faced this trial, but now, there is nothing left. Don't be discouraged. Everything that counts is left.<o:p></o:p></span></li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Jesus gave His best resistance to temptation when He was at His weakest and weariness. Having deprived Himself, He was now depleted. It was then that the Word and the Spirit upheld Him and we have those same resources in our lives.<br /><br />3. He was <b>done</b>. The 4o days were ended and it was time to eat. No question about it, food was necessary. Without food, He would now die. Some of us would be desparate, He was simply done. It was at this point where the choices He would make would be matters of life and death.<br /><br />Are you desperate or are you just done?<br /><br />If you are desperate, you are susceptible to the devil's shortcuts and tricks. If you are merely done, you have already made a choice: Live or die, it's God all the way!<br /><br />Jesus made that choice. Nothing would short circuit His mission. Nothing would compromise His commitment. Nothing would keep Him from doing what He came to do.<br /><br />But He could have died.<br /><br />He came to die. This was not the way He had seen it, but He was ready. It was in God's hands. So are our lives. Two things come to mind:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The <b>test</b> is real. Our needs are not imaginary. Our hunger is not all in our heads. Our desperation is based upon reality. We really are done. We could die, or go bankrupt, or be crippled, or be hurt in some way. And Satan will most likely show us a way out and it will not be God's way. We need to be ready for that, make a prior decision, and be filled with the Spirit in a way that transcends good feelings. We are in for a test. Some time or another, there will be a big test in our lives, perhaps more than one. We need to be prepared. Jesus has gone before us and He has showed the way.<o:p></o:p></span></li> </ul> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The <b>trust</b> is even more real. Jesus entered the wilderness trusting the Father and we can trust Jesus who has gone before us. Job said, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him." We can trust Him to save us or take us home. He will bring us through or carry us over. Andre Crouch said it this way:<o:p></o:p></span></li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: center;" align="center"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Through it all, through it all;<br />I've learned to trust in Jesus;<br />I've learned to trust in God ...<br /><br />I've learned to depend upon His Word.</span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">That is what He leaves us with, a lesson and example of absolute trust. Jesus did not know how His next meal would come, but He knew that He was in the Father's care. And so are we. So are you. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Be not dismayed.<br />The Father knows your needs.<br />Be not swayed.<br />It is His hand that feeds you.<br />When come the tests of time<br />And all your strength is past,<br />You've only begun to climb,<br />This is God's chosen fast.<br /></span>(c) 2006, Tom Sims</i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Tom Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02230800786660841582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24419914.post-1143326458984082472006-03-25T13:47:00.000-08:002006-03-25T14:40:59.013-08:00<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b> <span class="sup"><span id="en-KJV-25041">Luke 3:21-23a</span></span></b><br /><span class="sup"></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;"> <span class="sup"><span id="en-KJV-25047"></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;">21</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;"> -Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;">Isn't it </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">curious that Jesus waited until "all the people were baptized" before He showed up? Some translations say, "when" and "while," but the weight seems to be with the wait. The preparation John was making included preparing the people through baptism. He was tiling soil the old fashioned way - roughing it up, making it tender and vulnerable, and reminding them all the while that they were just in the beginning stages of something big - really big.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;">It still happens that way. God gets us ready through His Spirit and His servants and Jesus shows up, "full of grace and truth." The first requirement for salvation is an awareness that you need salvation. One reason many of us do not baptize small children as converts is because they do not have an idea of what they are converting from. We don't want to give them a false impression. They cannot repent of sins for which they have not experienced conviction. They can't be sorry and desire change from a rebellious spirit that they have not become aware of.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;">That is when Jesus showed up. It was during a process where people were repenting for sins through baptism and He stepped into the water with them - water defiled by the sins of humanity, being sanctified by His own holiness. He got into the middle of it with us. No wonder other recorded John's objections.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;">He had never sinned, but He saw fit to identify with sinners.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;">It was a necessary prelude to the cross, a foretaste of what would come, a preview of His full identification with sinful humanity whose sins He would bear in one great act of atonement.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;">It was no easy or lighthearted baptism into which He was entering there.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;">So, He prayed and as He prayed, Heaven was opened.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;">Here we see Jesus, High Priest, redeemer, reconciler, entering into the fray of our every human experience, willing to stand with us, die for us, and pray on our behalf that Heaven might be opened. Halleluiah! What a Savior!</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;"></span><i><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;"> </span></i><i><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;">22 -</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;">And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.<br /></span></i><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;"><br />Not surprisingly God's Spirit made Himself visible and the Father spoke audibly. It had not happened often in History that the voice of God thundered for all to hear. It has seldom happened since. This was a momentous occasion. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">And what He said was beyond the capacity of the crowds to grasp: This is my Son. I am very, very pleased with Him.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">He had nothing for which to repent. He was the first to enter those waters sinless and, in His Passion, as He entered further into the depths of His baptism (Remember, He called it a baptism), He would bring out many sons and daughters clean and sanctified as He was when He stepped into the water.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">The Father was pleased with Him already. He was very pleased that at the age of 30, He had come to realize and live out His mission in the world.<br /> <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;"> </span><i><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;">23</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;"> - And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age…</span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;">Indeed, and because He did, we have hope that we never had before. Amen.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Tom Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02230800786660841582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24419914.post-1143071801950773742006-03-22T14:48:00.001-08:002006-03-22T15:56:41.953-08:00One Comes After<p><b><i> <span class="sup"><span id="en-KJV-25041">Luke 3:15-20</span></span></i></b><i><br /><span class="sup">15</span> -And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not;</i><o:p></o:p></p> <p>Having engaged in a fair amount of heart musing myself, I am not surprised at this response from the people that have been listening to John's preaching. Somewhat overwhelmed with his physical appearance, coming to terms with his mannerisms, and hearing his hard-hitting, yet simple and hopeful message that life change is possible as well as mandated, they must have wondered who and what this fellow might be. He could not be an ordinary man.<o:p></o:p></p> <p>In fact he was an ordinary man, a man under the authority of God and moved by the power of God. He was not the Christ, but he was the closest anyone had ever seen to him.<o:p></o:p></p> <p><i> <span class="sup"><span id="en-KJV-25042">16</span></span> - John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:</i><o:p></o:p></p> <p>John did not let their wonderings go unanswered. He could tell what they were thinking. In fact, they likely had verbalized their thoughts.<o:p></o:p></p> <p>"I'm a water baptizer," he said. I'm the guy that gets you wet. In fact, he had done a bit more than that; he had held them accountable for meaning business by their baptism. He had challenged them that what they were doing was significant and life changing.<o:p></o:p></p> <p>"I am not worthy to untie the Messiah's shoes," he said. "He is mightier than I. He is coming after me. He will get you so wet with the Spirit and so hot with fire that you will boil over with the Holy Spirit."<o:p></o:p></p> <p>The symbolic actions John was officiating for pointed to something real, something genuinely heart changing and life affirming. Reality is spiritual. Water is nothing more than a reminder of what is real. Ritual points the way to what is validated by the One to come after.<o:p></o:p></p> <p><i> <span class="sup"><span id="en-KJV-25043">17</span></span> - Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.</i><o:p></o:p></p> <p>John's message that the people needed to mean business with their repentance/baptism was based upon his knowledge that the Christ would mean business. He was not coming to play games with people. He would not be all talk. He would sort things out decisively. What was rubbish would be identified as such and dealt with appropriately. No idle words would remain. No chaff would endure the heat of His holy fire.<o:p></o:p></p> <p>John is not talking about final judgment here. He is talking about immediate judgment, the kind that gets to the heart of things right away. He is talking about a Messiah who has the authority and the will assert Himself in the world.<o:p></o:p></p> <p><i> <span class="sup"><span id="en-KJV-25044">18</span></span> - And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people. </i><o:p></o:p></p> <p>One can only imagine what those many other things might have been that John preached - but he never seemed to want for an audience. It is interesting that when Jesus did come, He did not look as much like John's picture of Him as John described. Nor did He look and sound much like John. But don't be fooled by that. With His gentle touch, compassionate deeds, and humorous stories, He was piercing the hearts of men and women with truth and sorting out the wheat and chaff. he still is.<o:p></o:p></p> <p>The Word of God, incarnate and spoken in Jesus Christ is harsh to the harsh and brittle of spirit and gentle to the tender hearted. Once delivered, it baptizes thoroughly. The water of the Spirit permeates every pore of our existence and saturates us with the very presence of God. The fire that He brings energizes and consumes. <o:p></o:p></p> <p>John was absolutely accurate in his description of the Christ even beyond his ability to understand how.<o:p></o:p></p> <p><i> <span class="sup"><span id="en-KJV-25045">19 -</span></span>But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother Philip's wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done, <span class="sup"><span id="en-KJV-25046">20</span></span> - Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison.</i><o:p></o:p></p> <p>Truth does not sit well with everyone and certainly not with reproved kings. People in power do not like to be questioned. Prophets cannot help but reprove them. There are consequences and John would pay dearly.<o:p></o:p></p> <p>What John brought to the table of our experience of the Messiah was integrity, humility, and courage. He had the integrity to tell the truth, the humility not to take too much credit, and the courage not to modify his message in spite of the dangers to himself.<o:p></o:p></p> <p>We need a little of his gumption today.<o:p></o:p></p>Tom Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02230800786660841582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24419914.post-1142888922667105802006-03-20T13:05:00.000-08:002006-03-20T13:08:42.686-08:00Why So Late?Since December, I have been preaching from the gospel of Luke. A few weeks ago, I moved my preaching series to a bible study and just today, I decided to start posting the gleanings and insights in a blog. That means I will be starting well into chapter 3 with the hopes of going back and filling in the blanks at some point. I just wanted the reader to know that.<br /><br />More later...Tom Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02230800786660841582noreply@blogger.com0