June 13 = Life of Christ #116 The Disciples Forbid Another To Use Jesus' Name (Mark 9:38-41; Luke 9:49-50)

The disciples forbid another to use Jesus' name
Mark 9:38-41
Luke 9:49-50

• God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
• We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
• In John’s concern Luke 9:49, what’s the root desire? The irony (see Luke 9:40)?
• I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How will I apply it to my life this today?
• 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. 

#Giving

    God is honored by our gifts (Exodus 35:22)

    Generous giving honors God (Ezra 2:68–69)

    God will reward us for giving to others (Mark 9:41)

    Giving helps others live (Acts 2:44–45)

    We should support Christian workers (Acts 28:10)

    Wealthy people should give generously (1 Timothy 6:17–19)

    God is pleased with our gifts (Hebrews 13:16)

    Giving reflects God’s love (1 John 3:17)

June 10 = Life of Christ #115 The Disciples Argue About Who Would Be The Greatest Matthew 18:1-6; Mark 9:33-37; Luke 9:46-48)

The disciples argue about who would be the greatest
Matthew 18:1-6
Mark 9:33-37
Luke 9:46-48

What is the one thing you are best at doing?

• God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?

• We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?

• In Luke 9:46-50, how are the disciples gaging “greatness”? How does Jesus do so?

• I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How will I apply it to my life this today?

• What have you done for someone recently “in Jesus’ name”?
• How can you enact “he who is least among you all … he is the greatest”? How did you picture “greatness” as a child? As an adult?

• 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/shorts/Z6mTK0YWWME?feature=share

June 9 = Life of Christ #114 Peter Finds the Coin in the Fish's Mouth (Matthew 17:24-27)

Peter finds the coin in the fish's mouth
Matthew 17:24-27

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 will I apply it to my life this today?

 

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.

June 8 = Life of Christ #113 Jesus Predicts His Death the Second Time (Matthew 17:22-23; Mark 9:30-32; Luke 9:44-45)

Jesus predicts his death the second time

Matthew 17:22-23
Mark 9:30-32
Luke 9:44-45

God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?

We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?

 Jesus tells them to "listen carefully" so what do you feel they were going to misunderstand?

I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How will I apply it to my life this today?

 When you read something difficult in the Bible, should we just skip over it or do some difficult research to understand what God is saying?

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.

June 7 = Life of Christ #112 Jesus Heals a Demon-Possessed Boy (Matthew 17:14-21; Mark 9:14-29; Luke 9:37-43)

Jesus Heals a Demon-Possessed Boy
Matthew 17:14-21
Mark 9:14-29
Luke 9:37-43

Can you remember a tantrum you threw as a child? What happened?

• God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
• We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
• What has evidently been going on while Jesus was gone?
• What feelings are behind Jesus’ words in Luke 9:41?
• After the healing, what does Jesus teach his disciples? What’s the significance of this teaching?
• I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How will I apply it to my life this today?
• If you had been one of the disciples who couldn't solve the boy’s problem only days after you had been on a mission trip, how would you feel?
• What spiritual low has recently followed a spiritual high for you?
• 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.
  

June 6 = Life of Christ #111 Jesus is Transfigured on the Mountain (Matthew 17:1-13; Mark 9:2-13; Luke 9:28-36)

Jesus is Transfigured on the Mountain
Matthew 17:1-13
Mark 9:2-13
Luke 9:28-36

When did you last say something you regretted?

• God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
• We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
•  Why would Jesus take these three disciples to witness this event? How is this related to:

a) Peter's confession (vv. 18-20)? 

b) Jesus' prophecy (v. 22)?

c) The preceding saying (v. 27)?

d) The radiant face of Moses (Exodus 34:29-30)?

• Why is this event misunderstood by Peter? Underscored by God (vv. 34-35)
• I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How will I apply it to my life this today?
•  When have you experienced God in a significant way? What happened?
• When it comes to listening to Jesus, how hard of hearing are you?
• 
  
• 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.

Atheist was walking through the woods

An atheist was walking through the woods.

"What majestic trees"!

"What powerful rivers"!

"What beautiful animals"!

He said to himself.

As he was walking alongside the river, he heard a rustling in the bushes behind him. He turned to look. He saw a 7 foot grizzly charge towards him. He ran as fast as he could up the path. He looked over his shoulder & saw that the bear was closing
In on him.

He looked over his shoulder again, & the bear was even closer. He tripped & fell on the ground. He rolled over to pick himself up but saw that the bear was right on top of him, reaching for him with his left paw & raising his right paw to strike him. At that instant the Atheist cried out, "Oh my God!"

Time Stopped.
The bear froze.
The forest was silent.

As a bright light shone upon the man, a voice came out of the sky. "You deny my existence for all these years, teach others I don't exist and even credit creation to cosmic accident." "Do you expect me to help you out of this predicament? Am I to count you as a believer"?

The atheist looked directly into the light, "It would be hypocritical of me to suddenly ask You to treat me as a Christian now, but perhaps You could make the BEAR a Christian"?

"Very Well," said the voice.

The light went out. The sounds of the forest resumed. And the bear dropped his right paw, brought both paws together, bowed his head & spoke:

"Lord bless this food, which I am about to receive from thy bounty through Christ our Lord, Amen."

June 3 = Life of Christ #110 Jesus Predicts His Death the First Time (Matthew 16:21-28; Mark 8:31-9:1; Luke 9:21-27)

Jesus Predicts His Death the First Time
Matthew 16:21-28
Mark 8:31-9:1
Luke 9:21-27

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 will I apply it to my life this today?

 

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.

Hunter or Farmer?

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/hunter-farmer-jacob-hawk-ph-d--zn8dc/





https://youtu.be/e_tnPE5sn2k

#Humility

What Happened to the Disciples of Jesus?




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

Working Document for DBS

Series Questions Jesus Asked

Title: What Good Is It?

Bookmark: Click Here

Opening Thoughts:

v  Who should as the question?

o   Crowd & Disciples

v  Oxymorons and Paradox

v  Jesus' question forces us to think about our priorities and pursuits in life.  What does your life say about what you are truly gaining and what you are truly losing?

 

Text: Mark 8:34-38

The Way of the Cross

³⁴ Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. ³⁵ For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. ³⁶ What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? ³⁷ Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? ³⁸ If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”

 

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

·          Review and retell the story.

Reflections for applications:

v  Matthew 4:8-10 ⁸ Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. ⁹ “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” ¹⁰ Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”

v  Someone who had it all. Steve Jobs died at 56 years old.

o   “…maybe it’s just like an on/off switch and click – and you’re gone. Maybe that’s why I don’t like putting on/off switches on Apple devices.” (Steve Jobs in Biography by Walter Isaacson)

Digging Questions:

·         How will you respond to this question Jesus asked?

·         What do these biblical texts tell you about God and His nature?

·         What is God calling us 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 #Reward #Jesus #enemies

Sunday sermon link                      https://youtu.be/CYlAMMW2VX8

Kevin’s Blog Link to more resources: Click here for Kevin’s Blog Notes

Comments and resources with some more details:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+4%3A35-41&version=NIV

 

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

Open Arms
Finding Your Way Back

“At What Cost?”    By Randy Roper
Bible Study & Discussion Guide

Use this study guide on Sunday evening or at another time as a supplement to the Sunday sermon on May 3. After viewing the sermon entitled “At What Cost?” on the Edmond Church of Christ Youtube channel, use this discussion guide for a small group Bible study or devotional with family members in your house or friends in a video conference.

Main Idea: If we choose to live apart from God, we need to understand that decision has repercussions in this life and in the next life. So much in life seems to come down to a cost-benefit analysis. Do you understand the cost of living and dying without Christ?

Open
• Can you think of a time when a warranty or guarantee benefited you? Explain.
• What guarantees do we have when it comes to living the Christian life?
• When do you feel the tension between the world’s values and the values of God’s kingdom?

People often feel the tension of choosing between the values of the world and the values of the kingdom of God. What we pursue in life reveals what we value, or view as most important. When we choose to pursue the things of this world, we do so with no guarantee of getting what we want or what we need most.

Dig
Read Matthew 16:21-27
• What event had just occurred which prompted Jesus’s validation of Peter?

After Peter’s celebrated confession of Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah and Son of God, everything in the gospel story seems to move toward Jerusalem and Jesus’ destiny at the cross. Peter’s confession serves as the hinge point in the narrative. From that point on, Jesus openly spoke of his approaching death and resurrection.

• How did Peter respond to Jesus’ statement about his impending suffering and crucifixion?
• Where did Peter’s response come from? How is it understandable? How is it surprising?

Nothing had prepared Jesus’ disciples for the prediction of his coming death. As Jesus’ notoriety was mounting and momentum for an uprising against Rome was increasing, surely many of the Jews who followed Jesus expected him to storm into Jerusalem and lead a holy war against the Roman regime. Such a revolution would be impossible if Jesus were dead.

• How did Jesus respond to Peter?
• Compare and contrast Jesus’ response to Peter’s earlier remarks (i.e., his confession
of Jesus as Messiah) and his response to Peter’s later remarks (i.e., his rebuke of Jesus for announcing his death).
• Does Jesus’ response to Peter seem excessive? Why or why not?
• What does Jesus mean by the “concerns of God” and “human concerns”?
• How does Jesus describe the nature of discipleship?
• How does Jesus’ example in Philippians 2:5-8 help us understand the nature of discipleship?
• Can a person “gain the world” without forfeiting his/her soul? Explain.

Read Philippians 3:4b-11
• Explain the significance of Paul’s credentials.

Paul’s resume may not be impressive in today’s terms, but many people in Paul’s day would have given their very lives to achieve the successes and acquire the accomplishments of Paul. He had it all—everything the world offered in that day to guarantee success, social standing and respect. But as the Spirit of God aligned the heart of Paul with the will of God, the truth was revealed.

• What was Paul’s perspective on all his worldly accomplishments?  What specifically did he call them?
• What did Paul claim was far better than his worldly accomplishments?
• What does it mean to “know Christ, know the power of his resurrection and to participate in his sufferings” in our current-day context?

When it comes to material things we buy, dreams we chase and accomplishments we pursue, there is always a cost-benefit analysis. Is it worth it? What a tragedy to get to the end of our lives and realize everything we valued and everything we worked for turned out to be momentary and meaningless.


Is it worth it?
Everything in life comes with a price tag,
but not everything comes with a guarantee.

Reflect & Apply
• Do you agree with the statement above, that “everything in life comes with a price tag, but not everything comes with a guarantee”? Give an example.
• What guarantee do we have for eternal salvation?
• When do you most feel the tension between choosing to adopt the world’s
values or aligning with Kingdom values? How do you deal with the tension?
• What is your reaction to Jesus’ statement, “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”
• What is the appeal of “gaining the world”?
• What would you tell someone who is choosing to live their life apart from Christ?

Prayer Starter
“Dear God,
Your ways are not my ways.
Your thoughts are not my thoughts.
Your wisdom exceeds my understanding.
Your will transcends my ways.
Help me submit to your wisdom and align with
your will in every area of my life, including…”

June 2 = Life of Christ #109 Peter Says Jesus is The Messiah (Matthew 16:13-20; Mark 8:27-30; Luke 9:18-20)

#Who Is Jesus?

Who Do You Say I Am?

Matthew 16:13-20
Mark 8:27-30
Luke 9:18-20
Caesarea Philippi

If we polled two good friends from your early teen years, what adjective would they use to describe you?

If you could "gain the world," where would you place your summer and winter castles?

God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?

We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?

 Why did people think that Jesus was John the Baptist, Elijah or Jeremiah?

What was significant about Peter's confession?

How do you interpret the insight (v. 17), power (v. 18), and authority (v. 19) given to Peter? What are the "keys" of the Kingdom? What do they "bind" and "loose"?

Why does Jesus change the direction of his teaching now?

What kind of Messiah was Peter expecting? Why was Jesus' response to Peter so strong?

What activities and attitudes are the heart of Christian discipleship? How does a Christian forfeit his life? What might tempt people to lose their life or exchange their soul?

I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How will I apply it to my life this today?

 When and how did you come to recognize Jesus as your Messiah?

In what area does Matthew 16:24 strike home to you now?

How does Mattew 16:26 influence the way you make priorities?

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/DElT-ZjwjoU

https://youtu.be/5OTgwXGh6XE?list=PLFcO2Quu62KLWLVlxkB0OuOWSLiTAxz4n

That's My King Dr. S.M. Lockridge - [OFFICIAL]

https://youtu.be/yzqTFNfeDnE

https://youtu.be/kOQClgNRoPc

DBS

Series Questions Jesus Asked

Title: Who Do You Say I Am?

Bookmark: Click Here

Opening Thoughts:

v  “Ask A Librarian”

 

Text: Matthew 16:13-20

 

Peter Declares That Jesus Is the Messiah

¹³ When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”

¹⁴ They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

¹⁵ “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

¹⁶ Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

¹⁷ Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. ¹⁸ And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. ¹⁹ I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” ²⁰ Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

 

 

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

·          Review and retell the story.

Reflections for applications:

v  What is identity?

o   Identity is the definition of self that one accepts.

§  Mistaken identity leads to misguided actions.

v  Who is Jesus?

o   Options: Liar, Lunatic, or Lord

o   John 20:31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

o   Everyone has to choose.

o   Who is the Son of Man? What do YOU say?

o   Jesus was not suggesting you get to decide who he is.

o   Knowing who Jesus is changes everything, including who we are.

Digging Questions:

·         How will you respond to this question Jesus asked?

·         What do these biblical texts tell you about God and His nature?

·         What is God calling us 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 #Identity #Jesus

Sunday sermon link               https://youtu.be/DElT-ZjwjoU

Kevin’s Blog Link to more resources:            Click here for Kevin’s Blog Notes

 

Comments and resources with some more details:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+16%3A13-20&version=NIV

 

----------------


Christ through the Bible

In the book of ... He is...

#Genesis The Woman's Seed
#Exodus The Passover Lamb
#Leviticus The atoning Sacrifice
#Numbers The bronze Serpent
#Deuteronomy The promised Prophet
#Joshua The unseen Captain
#Judges My Deliverer
#Ruth My heavenly Kinsman
#Samuel, Kings Chronicles The promised King
#Ezra and Nehemiah The Restorer of the nations
#Esther My Advocate
#Job My Redeemer
#Psalms My All in All
#Proverbs My Pattern
#Ecclesiastes My Goal
#Song of Solomon My Beloved
#The Prophets The coming Prince of Peace
#Matthew Christ the King
#Mark Christ the Servant
#Luke Christ the Son of Man
#John Christ the Son of God
#Acts Risen, seated, and sending
#The Epistles Indwelling and filling
#Revelation Reigning in Heaven




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

~He Is God~ 

He is the First and Last,
The Beginning and the End!

He is the keeper of Creation and the Creator of all!
He is the Architect of the universe and the Manager of all times.
He always was, He always is, and He always will be ...
unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated, and never Undone!

He was bruised and brought healing!
He was pierced and eased pain!
He was persecuted and brought freedom!
He was dead and brought life!
He is risen and brings power!
He reigns and brings Peace!
The world can't understand him,
The armies can't defeat Him,
The schools can't explain Him, and The leaders can't ignore Him.
Herod couldn't kill Him, The Pharisees couldn't confuse Him,  and The people couldn't hold Him!
Nero couldn't crush Him, Hitler couldn't silence Him,
The New Age can't replace Him, and "Oprah" can't explain Him away!

He is light, love, longevity, and Lord.
He is goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, and God.
He is Holy, Righteous, mighty, powerful, and pure.

His ways are right,
His word is eternal,
His will is unchanging, and His mind is on me.
He is my Savior,
He is my guide, and He is my peace!
He is my Joy,
He is my comfort,
He is my Lord, and He rules my life!

I serve Him because His bond is love,
His burden is light, and His goal for me is abundant life.

I follow Him because He is the wisdom of the wise,
the power of the powerful,
the ancient of days, the ruler of rulers, the leader of leaders, the overseer of the overcomers, and is to come. And if that seems impressive to you, try this for size.

His goal is a relationship with ME!
He will never leave me,
never forsake me,
never mislead me,
never forget me,
never overlook me and
never cancel my appointment in His appointment book!

When I fall, He lifts me up!
When I fail, He forgives!
When I am weak, He is strong!
When I am lost, He is the way!
When I am afraid, He is my courage!
When I stumble, He steadies me!
When I am hurt, He heals me!
When I am broken, He mends me!
When I am blind, He leads me!
When I am hungry, He feeds me!
When I face trials, He is with me!
When I face persecution, He shields me!
When I face problems, He comforts me!
When I face loss, He provides for me!
When I face Death, He carries me Home!

He is everything for everybody everywhere, every time, and every way.

He is God, He is faithful. I am His, and He is mine!

My Father in heaven can whip the father of this world.
So, if you're wondering why I feel so secure, understand this...

He said it and that settles it.
God is in control, I am on His side,
and that means all is well with my soul.

Everyday is a blessing for GOD Is!

June 1 = Life of Christ #108 Jesus Restores Sight to a Blind Man (Mark 8:22-26)

 Jesus Restores Sight to a Blind Man

Mark 8:22-26

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