Categories
Five

Believe in Him or Not

Week 62 | Sections 68, 69

The Pinewood Estate at Bok Tower Gardens, FLFrom one house to another and then into his home town, Jesus continues to heal, teach and inspire people with the Gospel. Over and over people’s encounter with Jesus teaches us that faith can: set us free, move mountains, raise the dead, heal the sick, and allow us to more than we can ask or imagine   – but what is to come from a lack of faith?  What is the cost of unbelief?


Scripture:

Section 68 | Matthew 9:27-34
27 As Jesus passed by from there,1 two blind men followed him, calling out and saying, “Have mercy on us, son of David!”2  28 When he had come into the house, the blind men came to him. Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?”They told him, “Yes, Lord.”3  29 Then he touched their eyes, saying,“According to your faith be it done to you.” 30 Their eyes were opened.4 Jesus strictly commanded them, saying, “See that no one knows about this.” 31 But they went out and spread abroad his fame in all that land.5  32 As they went out,6 behold, a mute man who was demon possessed was brought to him.7¯8  33 When the demon was cast out, the mute man spoke. The multitudes marveled, saying, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel!”9  34 But the Pharisees said, “By the prince of the demons, he casts out demons.”10

Section 69 
[one_half last=”no”]Matthew 13:54-58
54 Coming into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom, and these mighty works?

 

55 Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother called Mary, and his brothers, James, Joses, Simon, and Judas? 56 Aren’t all of his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all of these things?” 57 They were offended by him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country, and in his own house.” 58 He didn’t do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.[/one_half]
[one_half last=”yes”]Mark 6:1-6a
1 He went out from there. He came into his own country,11 and his disciples followed him. 2 When the Sabbath had come, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many hearing him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things?” and, “What is the wisdom that is given to this man, that such mighty works come about by his hands? 3 Isn’t this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judah, and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” They were offended at him.12 4 Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country, and among his own relatives, and in his own house.”13¯14 5 He could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people, and healed them. 6a He marveled15 because of their unbelief. [/one_half]


Group Dialog:

  1. What is the difference between faith, belief, and understanding?
  2. When considering what God has done in your life, for what are you most thankful, and how have you expressed that in your life and ministry?
  3. For which Christian topics would you say you have faith but not understanding?
  4. Are there experiences, issues or problems that undermine your faith?
  5. Should one’s character or moral failings interrupt our faith in God?
  6. What hope does Mark 9:23-24 offer those who doubt and question Jesus’ identity, teachings, and ability to perform miracles?
  7. In our exhaustion, how do you find energy and joy to continue in ministry to others?
  8. What should our reaction be to the godly-results seen in the ministry of others?
  9. If you are experiencing success in ministry, how do you avoid vanity, pride, self-importance and other sins that detract from God’s work among you?
  10. God does not promise every member of your family will believe because you do. In fact Jesus said that some families will divide over him (Matthew 10:34-39). What are we to do when those we love do not yet believe?

Learning Objectives: faith, doubt, prayer of faith, healing, diligence, investment of time, witness, prayer, prophet, welcome, when to move on


Photo: The Pinewood Estate at Bok Tower Gardens, FL


Study Notes:

Categories
One

Along the River Jordan

Week 14 | Sections 22, 23

Along the River JordanThis week we wrap up the first phase of Jesus’ life and ministry.  We want to stress to you the importance of our spiritual foundations and the faith experiences we are provided in life (as well as those we provide our children, friends and new church members).

These iconic experiences are like spiritual cairns or thresholds in the believers life which later serve as touch points that allow us to express our faith and relate with others. Of course, it redemption calls for surrender; and those who continually seek God shall find him and be blessed by his grace, mercy, and power.


Scripture Passages:

Section 22
[one_half last=”no”]Matthew 3:7-10
But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees1 coming for his baptism, he said to them, “You offspring of vipers,2 who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?3¯4  Therefore produce fruit5 worthy of repentance! Don’t think to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham6 for our father,’ for I tell you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. 10 “Even now the ax7 lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit is cut down, and cast into the fire.[/one_half]

[one_half last=”yes”]Luke 3:7-14
7 He said therefore to the multitudes8 who went out to be baptized by him, “You offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Therefore produce fruits worthy of repentance, and don’t begin to say among yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father;’ for I tell you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones! 9 Even now the ax also lies at the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that doesn’t produce good fruit is cut down, and thrown into the fire.” 10 The multitudes asked him, “What then must we do?” 11 He answered them, “He who has two coats, let him give to him who has none. He who has food, let him do likewise.” 12 Tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they said to him, “Teacher, what must we do?” 13 He said to them, “Collect no more than that which is appointed to you.” 14 Soldiers also asked him, saying, “What about us? What must we do?” He said to them, “Extort from no one by violence, neither accuse anyone wrongfully. Be content with your wages.”[/one_half]

Section 23

[one_third last=”no”]Matt 3:11-12
11 I indeed baptize you in water for repentance, but he who comes after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit.

 

12 His winnowing fork9 is in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his threshing floor. He will gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn up with unquenchable fire.”[/one_third]
[one_third last=”no”]Mark 1:7-8
7 He preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and loosen.10 8 I baptized you in water, but he will baptize you in the Holy Spirit.”11[/one_third]
[one_third last=”yes”]Luke 3:15-18
15 As the people were in expectation, and all men reasoned in their hearts concerning John, whether perhaps he was the Christ, 16 John answered them all, “I indeed baptize you with water, but he comes who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to loosen. He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and fire, 17 whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his threshing floor, and will gather the wheat into his barn; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”12 18 Then with many other exhortations he preached good news to the people.[/one_third]


Group Dialog:

  1. What stirs up conflict within you and among your family, friends and neighbors? What do you do to mediate these conflicts?
  2. How has your life changed as the fruit of the Holy Spirit has become more prevalent throughout your life?
  3. Begin a conversation about eternal life (heaven and hell) and that of grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
  4. What does it take to produce good fruit? How do you go about doing that?

Learning Objectives:

grace, repentance, transformation, conflict, law, baptism, salvation, humility, fruit of the spirit


Study Notes:

Categories
One

Our Consolation has Come

Week 10 | Sections 12, 13

Our Consolation has ComeHow many people there are still in need of consolation. People who are ensnared by the evil and wrong doing of others and those who are embroiled by their own vices be they from striving or indulgence.

The good news is that our consolation has come. This was the was the truth that the Simeon, the president of the Sanhedrin, and Anna, the prophetess, discovered that day when Joseph and Mary brought Jesus to the temple as an infant.

Indeed, freedom is freely available to all those who accept the finished work of Jesus Christ.


Scripture:
Luke 2:21 | Section 12

21 When eight days were fulfilled for the circumcision1of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was given by the angel2 before he was conceived in the womb.

Luke 2:22-38 | Section 13

22 When the days of their purification according to the law of Moses3 were fulfilled, they brought him4 up to Jerusalem,5 to present him to the Lord6 23 (as it is written in the law7 of the Lord, “Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”), 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” 25 Behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon.8 This man was righteous and devout,9 looking for the consolation of Israel,10 and the Holy Spirit11 was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.12 27 He came in the Spirit into the temple. When the parents brought in the child, Jesus, that they might do concerning him according to the custom of the law, 28 then he received him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,13 29 “Now you are releasing your servant, Master,according to your word, in peace;14¯15¯16 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared17 before the face of all peoples;18 32 a light for revelation to the nations,and the glory of your people Israel.” 33 Joseph and his mother were marveling at the things which were spoken concerning him, 34 and Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary, his mother, “Behold, this child is set for the falling19 and the rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which is spoken against. 35 Yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” 36 There was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher (she was of a great age, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity, 37 and she had been a widow for about eighty-four years), who didn’t depart from the temple, worshiping with fastings and petitions night and day. 38 Coming up at that very hour, she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of him to all those who were looking for redemption in Jerusalem.


 

Group Dialog:

  1. What do you find most touching about this story?
  2. What was your own experience with the dedication or baptism of an infant?
  3. What assurances of grace can be communicated by this act? And what benefit do they bring?
  4. Why is peace so hard to find? What disturbs your own sense of peace?
  5. How might Scripture, grace, and faith mitigate disturbances that so easily beset us from the intention of God?

Learning Objectives:

Consecration, consolation, Divine plan, humanity of Christ, sensitivity to the Holy Spirit,


Study Notes:

 

 

Categories
One

Veracity and Virtue

Week 8 | Section 9

Veracity and VirtueJoseph (like Zechariah) was a righteous man, and he too had a wife who was blessed with a child, Jesus the Son of God. Perhaps we all know the details of this story but many choose to question the veracity of Mary’s virginity. Like Joseph, some logically think, there must be another man involved. However, if we believe that his paternal father was of human decent, it changes the Gospel forever and denies the testimony of the Apostle John who wrote, “…the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.” Friends, we hope that you too can accept these words today for in them, by the grace of God, lie the keys of freedom for all humanity.


Scripture:
Matthew 1:18-25

18 Now1 the birth of Jesus Christ2 was like this: After his mother, Mary, was engaged3 to Joseph, before they came together, she was found pregnant4 by the Holy Spirit.5¯6 19 Joseph, her husband,7 being a righteous man, and not willing to make her a public example, intended to put her away secretly.8  20 But when he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord9 appeared to him in a dream,10 saying, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid11 to take to yourself Mary, your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.12 21 She shall give birth to a son. You shall call his name Jesus,13 for it is he who shall save his people14 from their sins.” 22 Now all this has happened, that it might be fulfilled15¯16¯17 which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall give birth to a son.18  They shall call his name Immanuel;” which is, being interpreted, “God with us.”19 24 Joseph arose from his sleep, and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him,20 and took his wife to himself; 25 and didn’t know her sexually until she had given birth to her firstborn son. He named him Jesus.21  


Group Dialog:

  1. What rights ad responsibilities were given and expected of you and your siblings?
  2. What questions remain for you when considering Jesus’ birth, his divine nature and purpose?
  3. Open the Scriptures and a dialog about the nature of sin, and the need for redemption, and reconciliation and the role of the Savior.
  4. What characteristics and behaviors of Joseph do you find most compelling?
  5. If you’ve had divine inspiration or exhortation in a dream, would you share the experience and forth coming lessons with the group?

Learning Objectives:

reasoning, righteous decision making process, openness to the Holy Spirit, Divinity of Jesus, Salvation from  sins, God with us.


Study Notes:

Categories
One

The Shoot of Jesse

Week 5 | Section 5,6

The Shoot of JesseGabriel is listed in Jewish literature as one of seven archangels, holding the highest rank after Michael. Five hundred years earlier, Gabriel gave Daniel an exact account of the time of the Messiah’s coming. Now he appeared to Mary, announcing the good news – that she would give birth to the savior of the world. Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit and stands in awe when she recognizes Mary is carrying the Lord Jesus, The King of Kings. It’s amazing how God is able to carry forth his plans – with Mary, with Elizabeth, and with us.


Scripture:
Luke 1:26-38 | Section 5

26 Now in the sixth month,1 the angel2Gabriel3 was sent from God4 to a city of Galilee,5 named Nazareth,6 27 to a virgin7 pledged to be married8 to a man whose name was Joseph, of David’s house.9 The virgin’s name was Mary.28 Having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice,10 you highly favored one!11 The Lord is with you. Blessed12 are you among women!” 29 But when she saw him, she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered what kind of salutation this might be. 30 The angel said to her, “Don’t be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 Behold, you will conceive in your womb, and give birth to a son, and will call his name ‘Jesus.’13 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High.14 The Lord God will give him the throne of his father, David,15 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob16 forever. There will be no end to his Kingdom.”34 Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, seeing I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit17 will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore also the holy one who is born from you will be called the Son of God.36 Behold, Elizabeth, your relative, also has conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren.37 For nothing spoken by God is impossible.” 38 Mary said, “Behold, the servant of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.”The angel departed from her.

Luke 1:39-45 | Section 6

39 Mary arose in those days18 and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Judah,19 40 and entered into the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth.41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby20 leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.21 42 She called out with a loud voice, and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!22 43 Why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, when the voice of your greeting came into my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy! 45 Blessed is she who believed,23 for there will be a fulfillment of the things which have been spoken to her from the Lord!”


Group Dialog:

  1. What can we learn about the Holy Spirit and the trinity from this passage and the rest of scripture?
  2. How can (or should) we trust God’s word in prayer, Scripture or from the prophetic voice of gifted people?
  3. What can we learn about the nature and character of Mary the Mother of Jesus from this passage and others?
  4. Read and discuss: What’s in a surname?

Learning Outcomes:

Humility, being God’s vessel, God’s plan, importance of the virgin birth, nothing impossible for God. The existence of the Holy Spirit.


Study Notes: