Magnify Jesus: August 2022

Wednesday, August 31, 2022

August 31 = Life of Christ #173 (Matthew 19:1-12; Mark 10:1-12) Jesus Teaches About Marriage and Divorce

Jesus Teaches About Marriage and Divorce

Matthew 19:1-12

Mark 10:1-12

Intro Questions

Text Graphic

God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.

https://www.youtube.com/c/edmondchurchofchrist

https://groups.google.com/g/magnify-jesus

Tuesday, August 30, 2022

August 30 = Life of Christ #172 (Luke 18:9-14) Jesus Tells the Parable of Two Men who Prayed

Jesus Tells the Parable of Two Men who Prayed
Luke 18:9-14

God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
What are we to learn from the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector? What prompted Jesus to give this parable? Luke 18:9-14
How are grace and good works related? What is the place of good works in authentic Christian experience?
What group of people would be the Pharisees today?
Is there any reason to think the Pharisee was lying about his deeds? What use was he trying to make of them?
What is wrong with the Pharisee’s attitude in prayer?
How does this parable complement the one on persistence? Luke 18:1-8
How do both demonstrate faith?
I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
When have you been like the Pharisee? Like the tax collector? What accounts for the difference?
Right now, considering your attitude toward others, who are you most like?
How are you humble before God (Micah 6:8)?
You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.

https://www.youtube.com/c/edmondchurchofchrist

Monday, August 29, 2022

August 29 = Life of Christ #171 (Luke 18:1-8) Jesus Tells the Parable of the Persistent Widow

Jesus Tells the Parable of the Persistent Widow
Luke 18:1-8

What did you use to do to get your way with your parents: Sulk? Cry? Bribe? Persist? Force Wit? What worked best?

God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
What are we to learn from the parable of the unjust judge? Luke 18:1-8
What method did the woman use to get her way as she approached the judge?
How is God like and unlike the judge?
I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
As for prayer, are you more likely to give up or hang tough? Why? Under what circumstances are people more likely to be prayerful? Why?
Does this story about the persistent widow mean you should keep praying to get rich or to see the coming of God’s kingdom? Why?
You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.

https://www.youtube.com/c/edmondchurchofchrist

Friday, August 26, 2022

August 26 = Life of Christ #170 (Luke 17:20-37) Jesus Teaches About The Coming of the Kingdom of God

Jesus Teaches About The Coming of the Kingdom of God
Luke 17:20-37

What are you looking forward to or waiting for right now?

God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
In answering the Pharisees' question, what does Jesus say about the kingdom -- as to when, how or where it is?
What do you think Jesus meant by his comment about the kingdom being "in your midst"? Does he view the kingdom as an inward, spiritual reality with people? Or an outward, social manifestation among them? Or is he speaking of their failure to recognize who he is?
How would you describe the kingdom to someone who isn't a disciple of Jesus?
In what sense is the kingdom a present reality? In what sense do we still pray, "Your kingdom come"?
What was the basic misunderstanding of Jesus' contemporaries about the kingdom? Is that point of view still with us?
How do the kingdom and church relate to each other? Is every church member a kingdom person?
What did Jesus mean by "one of the days of the Son of Man"?
How will those days be like the days of Noah and Lot? What is so bad about the lives people were living in Luke 17:28-28? What is meant by the warning about Lot's wife (Genesis 19:17-26)?
Will there be a specific sign to announce that Jesus' coming is near? If not, why do you think so many people speculate about "signs of the return"?
Luke 17:37 was a common proverb implying that something will happen in its proper time. Why does Jesus say this?
I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
While you live "in the kingdom" waiting for "the Son of Man" to come, what do you see in this section about the way you ought to apply Luke 17:32-33?
Do you ever look back to your pre-Christ lifestyle? In what way?
Does your life ever get so busy that you neglect God? How can you prevent this?
If you were convinced Jesus would return within a month, what sorts of things would you do?
You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.

https://www.youtube.com/c/edmondchurchofchrist

Thursday, August 25, 2022

August 25 = Life of Christ #169 (Luke 17:11-19) Jesus Heals Ten Men with Leprosy

Jesus Heals Ten Men with Leprosy
Luke 17:11-19

When it comes to thank you notes are you: (a) Miss Manners (b) Sir Sometimes? (c) Father Forgetful? Why?

God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
Have you noticed things in Luke that signal his gentile perspective? Cite a few examples.
What is it like to be a leper? What would healing mean for them? What are we to learn from the story of the ten lepers?
As one of the nine, how would you rationalize not going back to Jesus to say "thank you"?
What is significant about the one being a Samaritan?
I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
Where have you observed Christ's power to unite people who are typically kept separate in society?
How do you express your gratitude to Jesus?
Explain Jesus' disappointment in the failure of the other nine lepers who had been healed. Do you ever take things for granted with God? With family? With friends?
You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.

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THE LORD OF GRATITUDE by Bob Russell (August 26-27, 2000)
A few years ago, I invited my two sons and their wives to go with us on vacation. I said, "I'll pay for it all, if you'll go." They said, "We'd love to go!" We got a van and drove to Niagara Falls. We had a great time. It was expensive, but it created a memory. I'll never forget when we turned into our driveway, both of my daughters-in-law said, "Thanks for spoiling us this week." They didn't have to say anything else. That made every dime worth it.

Hebrews 12:28 - "Since we have a Kingdom nothing can destroy, let us please God by serving him with thankful hearts and with holy fear and awe."
Isaac Walton said, "God dwells in two places: heaven, and humble, thankful heart." In Luke 17:11-19 there's a familiar biblical example of gratitude. As we study this story, let's allow Christ to transform us into grateful people.

I. The Bible Story- Exposition

A. Here were ten guys in about the worst possible circumstances.

1. Leprosy was a terminal, incurable disease that slowly ate away at the nerve endings.
2. Jesus Christ, the healer, represented their only hope of a return to normalcy. When He drew near, they called out in a loud voice, "Jesus, have pity on us!"
3. Jesus saw them and commanded, "Go show yourselves to the priest."

B. Notice the reaction of these men when they were cured.

1. One of them was a Samaritan. He was of a despised race.
2. But this Samaritan did the right things. He came to Jesus to express thanks. He was the only one who returned to give thanks.
3. Jesus was pleased with this man's expression, but He was disappointed in the others.

II. A question - Why are some people more grateful than others?

A. Unrealistic expectations.

1. Some of you had a privileged upbringing. Your parents and grandparents gave you almost everything you ever wanted.
2. Anytime life is less than perfect; you focus on the negative and miss the positive.

B. Affluent experience.

1. Generally speaking, the more we have the less grateful we are.
2. If you have eaten at Ruth's Chris Steak House, you're not as likely to enjoy a meal at Ponderosa. If you've driven a Jaguar, it's hard not to complain about your used Malibu.

C. Negative companions.

1. If your closest associates are grateful, positive people, you are likely to be thankful for what you have.
2. If you closest friends are negative, critical, complaining, ungrateful people, you will soon emulate them.

D. Frequent comparisons.

1. If you compare your job, your family, your house, your health, your physique to others, it can make you a very thankless person.
2. No matter how much you have, there's always someone who has it better.

III. An Application

A. Acknowledge that everything you have is God's.

1. Nothing you and I have is ours; it all belongs to the Lord. He loans it to us.
2. When we really grasp this concept, it makes us appreciate what we have.
3. God gives us the privilege of living in His world, but He doesn't guarantee for how long.

B. Give yourself exposure to those who have less.

1. One of the reasons we're not thankful is that we compare ourselves with those we think have it better.
2. One of the ways we can increase our sense of appreciation is to be around those that have it tougher. (That's one of the reasons we encourage short term missions trips.)

C. Avoid grumbling and complaining.

1. The Bible makes it clear that God is honored by praise and thanksgiving.
2. But the Bible is also clear that grumbling and griping incur God's wrath.

D. Express thanks frequently to God for His generosity.

1. When we mature as Christians we quit griping, regardless of circumstances.
2. Our personality is transformed to praise, joy, worship, and thanksgiving.
3. When you praise God for his blessings, He changes your attitude.

E. Live a joyful life.

Conclusion
Warren Wiersbe points out the literal translation of Luke 17:19 is "Rise and go, your faith has saved you." The Samaritan's nine friends were declared clean by the priest, but this leper was declared saved by the Son of God! While it is wonderful to experience the miracle of physical healing, it is even more wonderful to experience the miracle of eternal salvation.

==============

https://www.youtube.com/c/edmondchurchofchrist

https://youtu.be/_wNrrUAxebE?t=1752

Wednesday, August 24, 2022

August 24 = Life of Christ #168 (John 11:45-57) Religious Leaders Plot to Kill Jesus

Religious Leaders Plot to Kill Jesus
John 11:45-57

Intro Questions

The Sanhedrin’s Plot against Jesus

John 11:45–54

⁴⁵Therefore many of the Jews who came to Mary and saw what He did believed in Him. ⁴⁶But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.

⁴⁷So the chief priests and the Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said, “What are we going to do since this man does many signs? ⁴⁸If we let Him continue in this way, everybody will believe in Him! Then the Romans will come and remove both our place and our nation.”

⁴⁹One of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all! ⁵⁰You’re not considering that it is to your advantage that one man should die for the people rather than the whole nation perish.” ⁵¹He did not say this on his own; but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, ⁵²and not for the nation only, but also to unite the scattered children of God. ⁵³So from that day on they plotted to kill Him. ⁵⁴Therefore Jesus no longer walked openly among the Jews, but departed from there to the countryside near the wilderness, to a town called Ephraim^†. And He stayed there with the disciples.

Jn 11:55–56Now the Jewish Passover was near, and before the Passover many went up to Jerusalem from the country† to purify themselves. 56They were looking for Jesus, and asking one another as they stood in the temple complex: “What do you think? He won’t come to the festival, will He?”

57The chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that if anyone knew where He was, he should report it so they could arrest Him.

Knight, G. W. (2001). A simplified harmony of the Gospels (p. 183). Holman Bible Publishers.

Text Graphic

God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.

The Jewish Sanhedrin

Jesus’ raising of Lazarus near Jerusalem caused such a sensation among the people that Jesus’ enemies decided it was time for official action. They called a meeting of the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish court in the land. This group, consisting of 70 members plus the Jewish high priest, exercised authority over the religious life of the Jewish people. The Romans were the ultimate authority in Palestine, but they generally let the Jews take care of their own religious matters.

From the time of this meeting of the Sanhedrin, Jesus was a marked man. His enemies were determined to arrest Him and to orchestrate His execution. They knew they would have to make a civil case against Him and get Him convicted by the Roman officials. Rome refused to allow groups such as the Sanhedrin in their subject provinces to pronounce and carry out the death penalty

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Tuesday, August 23, 2022

August 23 = Life of Christ #167 (John 11:38-44) Jesus Raises Lazarus from the Dead

Jesus Raises Lazarus from the Dead
John 11:38-44

³⁸Then Jesus, angry in Himself again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. ^39a“Remove the stone,” Jesus said.

^39bMartha, the dead man’s sister, told Him, “Lord, he already stinks. It’s been four days.”

⁴⁰Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?”

⁴¹So they removed the stone. Then Jesus raised His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You heard Me. ⁴²I know that You always hear Me, but because of the crowd standing here I said this, so they may believe You sent Me.” ⁴³After He said this, He shouted with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” ⁴⁴The dead man came out bound hand and foot with linen strips and with his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Loose him and let him go.”^{^[1]}

^{^[1]} Knight, G. W. (2001). A simplified harmony of the Gospels (pp. 167–168). Holman Bible Publishers.

Text Graphic

God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.

============

The Raising of Lazarus and the Resurrection of Jesus

It is natural to seek some link between the raising of Lazarus and the resurrection of Jesus. But it is important to recognize the distinct differences between the two. Lazarus was resuscitated, or restored to life, only to experience death a second time as human frailty returned him to the grave. Jesus was resurrected, brought back from the dead to die no more, thus becoming “the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Cor. 15:20). Lazarus was only a sign of the resurrection, but Jesus was the reality itself. Lazarus was released from the tomb with the help of others. Jesus needed no such human help (John 20:1). Lazarus appeared bound in graveclothes, but Jesus left these behind (John 20:6–7). Lazarus was restored to his family, while Jesus ascended to His Father (John 20:17).

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The details surrounding death may vary, but the reality is universal. Scenes like Lazarus’s funeral in Bethany are repeated many times around the world each day. A grieving family gathers at a graveside. Friends agonize over what to say. Their helpless silence, downcast eyes, and shuffling feet provide more distraction than comfort. When death is unexpected, the whys hang in the air like choking smog.

Drawn by grief and duty, people came from Jerusalem and the surrounding area to pay their last respects to a citizen of Bethany. Jesus’ friend Lazarus was dead. His brief sickness proved stronger than any available medicine. Jesus had been sent for, but had failed to arrive in time. Death didn’t wait. Following the wisdom of hot countries, the body was soon wrapped and buried. Four days later, Jesus arrived.

Lazarus’s sisters Mary and Martha reacted in shock. Grief-stricken, they struggled to understand why Jesus had delayed in coming. We have no idea how Lazarus reacted to his own death. In fact, we don’t have a record of a single word he said. We do know that he listened to Jesus. Even when the curtain of death was between them, Lazarus responded to Jesus’ voice. He came hobbling out of his cave-tomb, still wrapped in the grave clothes. Jesus raised him from the dead!

When all is said and done, only what God accomplished through us will really matter. We will take little credit. Jesus worked in and around Lazarus just as he does with us. We have Christ’s invitation to participate in his work, but we must not forget that he will do much more than we will know. Meanwhile, we delight in what Christ does with the little we have to offer him.

Lazarus’s resurrection poses an important question: When you die, do you fully expect that your next conscious experience will be hearing the voice of Jesus call you by name?

Strengths and accomplishments

• Regularly hosted Jesus in his home

• Raised from the dead by Jesus after four days in the grave

Lessons from his life

• Once we have given God ownership of our lives, we can’t predict what he will do with them

• Jesus’ circle of relationships went beyond the 12 disciples

• Jesus declared that the events surrounding Lazarus’s sickness and death would glorify God

Vital statistics

• Where: Bethany

• Relatives: Sisters: Mary and Martha

Key verse

“But when Jesus heard about it he said, ‘Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this’ ” (John 11:4).

Lazarus’s role as an “active spectator” is recorded in John 11:1–12:11.

https://youtu.be/MZLfvSv9KJM

https://youtu.be/Oa4SMKvO5o4?list=PLFcO2Quu62KLWLVlxkB0OuOWSLiTAxz4n

https://youtu.be/G64jA7Jnmzo

Jesus Comforts Mary and Martha
John 11:17-37

Intro Questions

Text Graphic

God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.

https://www.youtube.com/c/edmondchurchofchrist

More Resources:

Faith in Jesus - John 11

https://youtu.be/qD9bWOLLfbc

Monday, August 22, 2022

August 22 = Life of Christ #166 (John 11:17-37) Jesus Comforts Mary and Martha

Jesus Comforts Mary and Martha
John 11:17-37

Intro Questions

The Resurrection and the Life

¹⁷When Jesus arrived, He found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. ¹⁸Bethany was near Jerusalem (about two miles away). ¹⁹Many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them about their brother. ²⁰As soon as Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet Him. But Mary remained seated in the house.

²¹Then Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother wouldn’t have died. ²²Yet even now I know that whatever You ask from God, God will give You.”

²³“Your brother will rise again,” Jesus told her.

²⁴Martha said, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”

²⁵Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me, even if he dies, will live. ²⁶Everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die^†ever. Do you believe this?”

²⁷“Yes, Lord,” she told Him, “I believe You are the Messiah, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.”

²⁸Having said this, she went back and called her sister Mary, saying in private, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.”

²⁹As soon as she heard this, she got up quickly and went to Him. ³⁰Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was still in the place where Martha had met Him. ³¹The Jews who were with her in the house consoling her saw that Mary got up quickly and went out. So they followed her, supposing that she was going to the tomb to cry there.

³²When Mary came to where Jesus was and saw Him, she fell at His feet and told Him, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died!”

³³When Jesus saw her crying, and the Jews who had come with her crying, He was angry in His spirit and deeply moved. ^34a“Where have you put him?” He asked.

^34b“Lord,” they told Him, “come and see.”

³⁵Jesus wept.

³⁶So the Jews said, “See how He loved him!” ³⁷But some of them said, “Couldn’t He who opened the blind man’s eyes also have kept this man from dying?”

³⁸Then Jesus, angry in Himself again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. ^39a“Remove the stone,” Jesus said.^{^[1]}

^{^[1]} Knight, G. W. (2001). A simplified harmony of the Gospels (pp. 166–167). Holman Bible Publishers.

Text Graphic

God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.

#IAm:InHisOwnWords

https://www.youtube.com/c/edmondchurchofchrist

https://youtu.be/Oa4SMKvO5o4?list=PLFcO2Quu62KLWLVlxkB0OuOWSLiTAxz4n

Other Resources:

Faith In Jesus - John 11

Friday, August 19, 2022

August 19 = Life of Christ #165 (John 11:1-16) Lazarus Becomes Ill and Dies

Lazarus Becomes Ill and Dies
John 11:1-16

Intro Questions

Jesus Raises Lazarus from the Dead

John 11:1–16

¹Now a man was sick, Lazarus, from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. ²Mary was the one who anointed the Lord with fragrant oil and wiped His feet with her hair, and it was her brother Lazarus who was sick. ³So the sisters sent a message to Him: “Lord, the one You love is sick.”

⁴When Jesus heard it, He said, “This sickness will not end in death, but is for the glory of God^†, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” ⁵(Jesus loved Martha, her sister, and Lazarus.) ⁶So when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was. ⁷Then after that, He said to the disciples, “Let’s go to Judea again.”

⁸“Rabbi,” the disciples told Him, “just now the Jews tried to stone You, and You’re going there again?”

⁹“Aren’t there twelve hours in a day?” Jesus answered. “If anyone walks during the day, he doesn’t stumble, because he sees the light of this world. ¹⁰If anyone walks during the night, he does stumble, because the light is not in him.” ¹¹He said this, and then He told them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I’m on My way to wake him up.”

¹²Then the disciples said to Him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will get well.”

¹³Jesus, however, was speaking about his death, but they thought He was speaking about natural sleep. ¹⁴So Jesus then told them plainly, “Lazarus has died. ¹⁵I’m glad for you that I wasn’t there, so that you may believe. But let’s go to him.”

¹⁶Then Thomas (called “Twin”) said to his fellow disciples, “Let’s go so that we may die with Him.”^{^[1]}

^{^[1]} Knight, G. W. (2001). A simplified harmony of the Gospels (pp. 165–166). Holman Bible Publishers.

Text Graphic

God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.

https://youtu.be/Oa4SMKvO5o4?list=PLFcO2Quu62KLWLVlxkB0OuOWSLiTAxz4n

https://youtu.be/qD9bWOLLfbc

https://youtu.be/grn7Wpm4BTo

https://www.youtube.com/c/edmondchurchofchrist

Thursday, August 18, 2022

August 18 = Life of Christ #164 (Luke 17:1-10) Jesus Tells About Forgiveness and Faith

Jesus Tells About Forgiveness and Faith
Luke 17:1-10

As a child, what was a sure-fire way that your siblings or parents could get your goat?

God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
What might be an example of Jesus' meaning in Luke 17:1? What does Jesus say about a person who encourages another to sin?
How could you practice Luke 17:3-4 without reinforcing someone's bad behavior?
According to Luke 17:3-4, is forgiveness a matter of faith or duty?
Why is it often difficult to obey Luke 17:4? What can a Christian do about this difficulty?
How might the disciples' plea in Luke 17:5 relate to Jesus' statement in verses 3-4? What does Jesus' response in Luke 17:6 really mean?
What attitudes should Jesus' followers have in serving him according to Luke 17:7-10? What do you understand Luke 17:10 to mean?
Is God ever under obligation to his servants? Explain.
I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
Which quality of discipleship do you have the most difficulty with? How might dealing with this affect the other qualities?
You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.

A SENSE OF DUTY

Early one morning, a mother went in to wake up her son. "Wake up, son. It's time to go to school!"

"But why, Mom? I don't want to go."

"Give me two reasons why you don't want to go."

"Well, the kids hate me for one, and the teachers hate me, too!"

"Oh, that's no reason not to go to school. Come on now and get ready."

"Give me two reasons why I should go to school."

"Well, for one, you're 52 years old. And for another, you're the principal!"

Sometimes we have to do things even when we don't feel like doing them! It's called having a sense of duty. I think perhaps the concept of duty has taken some abuse in the church. We sometimes talk about the importance of doing things for God because we want to, not because we have to. And I would wholeheartedly agree with that. But if we only serve God when we really "feel" like it, our service would be minimal indeed. Sometimes the feelings aren't there, and we need to continue to serve knowing that it is the "right" thing to do.

It shouldn't bother us to think that way because we do many other things in life for the same reason. For example, I am a father. When each of of those babies entered my home, I loved them. And I provided for their needs because I loved them. But, I can honestly say that there were many times I got up in the middle of night to meet their needs when I didn't "feel" like it. There were times when I got out of bed exhausted and irritable, and the only reason I got up was because I had a responsibility as a father to meet their needs. The love is always there, but sometimes it is a sense of duty that drives you to do what needs to be done.

The same thing is true in our Christian walk. When you get "exhausted and irritable" in your service to Christ, when you don't "feel" like doing what you know needs to be done, may a sense of responsibility, a sense of duty, drive you to continue to remain faithful.

"And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, 'Come at once and sit down to eat'? But will he not rather say to him, 'Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink'? Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.' " (Luke 17:7-10)

https://www.youtube.com/c/edmondchurchofchrist

Wednesday, August 17, 2022

August 17 = Life of Christ #163 (Luke 16:19-31) Jesus Tells About the Rich Man and the Beggar

Jesus Tells About the Rich Man and the Beggar
Luke 16:19-31

For what occasions do you feel like dressing to the hilt? When are you permitted and content to dress just in rags?

God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
What are the lessons we can learn from the story of the rich man and Lazarus? Does it make any difference whether this was a parable or a real story?
In verses 19-22 Jesus contrasts the earthly status of the rich man and of Lazarus. What impresses you most about the differences? After death?
How should those who are rich respond to the parable?
How could the rich man have attained the blessings Lazarus received?
What determines who enters heaven? Why does this poor man qualify while the rich man is kept out?
What does this story teach you about comfort Suffering? Why is it so difficult for people to be convinced of God's ways? How is Luke 16:31 prophetic?
Verses 23-26 possibly give us the most graphic picture of heaven and hell in the Bible. What facts — open and hidden — do you observe about these dimensions of existence?
What does this passage teach about the afterlife?
Why was the rich man’s request in Luke 16:27-28, 30 futile? What did he believe and why was he wrong?
How should Pharisees and other lovers of money respond to this parable?
I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
On a scale of 1 (the rich man and his brothers) to 10 (Lazarus), where do you stand? Why there?
Since lack of knowledge is not the brothers' problem, what is? How do you see that tendency in yourself?
How do you feel about discussing judgement day with friends?
You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.

"To the rich man, Lazarus was part of the landscape. If ever he did notice him, it never struck him that Lazarus had anything to do with him. He was simply unaware of his presence, or, if he was aware of it, he had no sense of responsibility for it... A man may well be condemned, not for doing something, but for doing nothing." — William Barclay

Link to information by Phil Sanders
Life After Death or What happens After Death?

Here are a few characteristics of hell set forth in the New Testament:

* It is a place of weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 8:12).
* It is a place where people scream for mercy, have memories, are tormented, feel alone, cannot escape (Luke 16:23-31).
* It is a place of unquenchable fire (Mark 9:48).
* It is a place of darkness (Revelation 9:2).
* It is a place of eternal damnation (Mark 3:29 KJV).
* It is a place where God's wrath is poured out (Revelation 14:10).
* It is a place of everlasting destruction (2 Thessalonians 1:9).

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Tuesday, August 16, 2022

August 16 = Life of Christ #162 (Luke 16:1-18) Jesus Tells the Parable of the Shrewd Manager

Jesus Tells the Parable of the Shrewd Manager
Luke 16:1-18

Which job would best fit your personality: Ringmaster at the circus? Movie Producer? Sculptor? Librarian? Skydiving Instructor? Gourmet chef? Church leader?

God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
Why would it be important for Jesus' disciples to hear this parable?
In what crisis does the manager find himself? What plan does he devise? In light of this scheme, why does the owner commend the manager according to Luke 16:8?
How does Jesus summarize this parable in Luke 16:9? What do you think he's commending here? How does Luke 16:10-12 help you understand his point?
What's the problem with trying to serve two masters in Luke 16:13? What characterizes the attitude of the Pharisees in Luke 16:14? How does the parable speak to them?
Reading Luke 16:16-18, how has the coming of the kingdom supplanted the law? Reinforced it?
How is Luke 16:18 to be applied today?
I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
How do you view your money: (a) It's mine, keep your hands off? (b) It's my creditors? (c) It's God's-- I just manage it? Why? How could you use it for the sake of the kingdom?
Who (or what) are some of the masters you've served in the past? What masters pull at you for allegiance now? How do you deal with these pressures in light of your commitment to Christ?
You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.

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Monday, August 15, 2022

August 15 = Life of Christ #161 (Luke 15:11-32) Jesus Tells the Parable of the Lost Son

Jesus Tells the Parable of the Lost Son
Luke 15:11-32

Did you every run away from home? Where did you go? What happened?
Who was (or is) the "obedient type" in your family? The "wild one"? Which were (or are) you? How did (or do) these types get along?

God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
What do you see in Luke 15:11-21 that the prodigal son hoped to gain by leaving home?
What stages does the young son go through on his pilgrimage? What brings him to his senses? What does he realize then? With what sort of attitude does he approach his father?
Explain the reaction and emotions of the prodigal son's father. How does the father receive his son? Why?
Explain why the older brother was upset. How does the older brother feel about his younger brother's return? Why? How does the father answer the older brother's objection?
What's Jesus' point with this parable? What does this story teach about sin, repentance and God's love?
In summary, how do these three parables answer the Pharisee's objection in Luke 15:2? What does Jesus want to teach the Pharisees in Luke 15:25-31? In light of the Luke 15:2, why does Jesus leave the story open-ended as to how the older brother responded to his father's plea?
I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
Comparing yourself to the two brothers in this story, who are you most like? Why? Are you quietly "at home"? Living only for today? Paying the consequences for yesterday? On the way home? Whom would you have identified with 10 years ago, or in your youth?
How have you experienced God as similar to this father?
When have you been like the older brother, quietly resentful of God's lavishness to less deserving people? Why?
Consider Luke 15:31, what does God have to give you that you have not taken?
You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.

Parables -

Prodigal Son

Luke 15:11-32

———————————————

Alliterated Prodigal Son

The Final Fixing of the Foolish Fugitive

Feeling footloose, fancy-free and frisky, this feather-brained fellow finagled his fond father into forking over his fortune. Forthwith, he fled for foreign fields and frittered his farthings feasting fabulously with fair-weather friends. Finally, fleeced by those folly filled fellows and facing famine, he found himself a feed flinger in a filthy farm-lot. He fain would have filled his frame with foraged food from fodder fragments.

"Fooey! My father's flunkies fare far fancier," the frazzled fugitive fumed feverishly, frankly facing fact.

Frustrated from failure and filled with forebodings, he fled for his family. Falling at his father's feet, he floundered forlornly. "Father, I have flunked and fruitlessly forfeited further family favors . . ."

But the faithful father, forestalling further flinching, frantically flagged his flunkies to fetch forth the finest fatling and fix a feast.

But the fugitive's fault finding frater , faithfully farming his father's fields for free, frowned at this fickle forgiveness of former falderal. His fury flashed, but fussing was futile.

His foresighted father figured, "Such filial fidelity is fine, but what forbids fervent festivities? The fugitive is found! Unfurl the flags! With fanfare flaring, let fun, frolic and frivolity flow freely, former failures forgotten and folly forsaken. Forgiveness forms a firm foundation for future fortitude."

Originally composed by W. O. Taylor, quoted in More Holy Humor, Cal and Rose Samra, Thomas Nelson Publishers, ISBN 0-7852-7156-2, modified by Robert Woodman.

Questions to Get us Thinking:

Did you ever run away from home? Where did you go? What happened?

Text

Prodigal Son—Luke 15:11-32

11Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. 12The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.

13“Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

17“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20So he got up and went to his father.

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

21“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

22“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

25“Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’

28“The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’

31“ ‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ ”

Questions to help us “dig deeper” to find the treasure.

What makes it difficult to accept another person's repentance?
Identify several ways the prodigal was repulsive to the Pharisees.
Is there evidence in the story that the prodigal was able to repent?
Find in the story ways that the father exemplified God’s total acceptance of repentant sinners.
In describing the older son, of what sins did Jesus ask the Pharisees to repent?

Questions to help us live it today for The King

What was the most critical point of this chapter to you personally?
Do you feel the father in this parable was totally fair to the older brother who had worked so hard for him all those years? Why?
Imagine that your own child ran away from home and was gone for several months. What would you want your child to hear you say at your reunion? (After you decide, why not say it to your child today?)
Why do you think the younger son in this parable really left home?
If this parable were a play and you are an actor/actress, which part do you see yourself playing most naturally? Why?
At the end of this parable, the family is still dysfunctional. If no attitudes change, what do you see this family becoming as time goes on? If the older son’s attitude changes in a positive way, what could happen?
This week, how can you translate your repentance into actions that really show your change?

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Resources:

Document for DBS

Series: True Story “Parables of Jesus”

Stories are the language of the soul. We connect with stories and we remember them. That is why Jesus used storytelling so often to illustrate deeper truths. His stories, known as parables, were Jesus’ way to communicate important Kingdom principles. Although the details of these stories were imagined, the Kingdom principles are not. They are true and eternal.

Title: “Lost & Found” (Lost Parables)

Bookmark: Click Here

Opening Thoughts: Jesus' familiar stories of the wayward sheep, coin and son remind us of our own stories of lostness. But they also call us to join Jesus in his mission to seek and save the lost and to joyfully celebrate when the lost are found.

Have you ever been lost or left behind?
What would it feel like to have a lost child?
ABC news social experiment
How much you care determines how much you do

What about the spiritually lost?

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Text: Luke 15

The Parable of the Lost Sheep

15 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

The Parable of the Lost Coin

8 “Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? 9 And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ 10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

The Parable of the Lost Son

11 Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.

13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father.

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’

28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’

31 “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”

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Summarize the main story: Describe the events of the story in your own words.

Review and retell the story.

Reflections for applications:

Pride is always a roadblock to confession
Luke 15:1-2 NIV - Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them."

Lost People Matter to God
Being “lost” is not about one’s character; it’s about one’s condition
There’s always a way back
John 14:6 NIV - Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Two Words

Seek the lost
Celebrate their return

Benjamin Hall’s book Saved A War Reporter’s Mission to Make it Home

Quote: “The book may have my name on it, but the story is really about all the people who came from all around the world to find me, to save me, to rebuild me … that community of courageous people who risk their lives to save others.”

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Digging Questions:

How will you respond to God’s “True Story”? What transformative move needs to be made?
What do these biblical texts tell you about God and His nature?
What is God calling us (me and you individually) to do?

Take Away Challenges

What has the Holy Spirit revealed to you in this passage? How will you apply it to your life this week?

Whom do you know who needs to hear this?
What is God bringing to your attention in this discussion? What beliefs, thoughts or actions need to be addressed or changed?

Hash tags #Parables #Talents #Faithfulness #Responsibility #Fear #Apathy #Risk-taking