Luke Pt. 16: Christ’s Provision For His Disciples

How does Christ provide for His Disciples as shown in the Scriptures? There is a pattern in this passage that I have personally experienced. Provision shown in Scripture is for His Disciples, ones who lay down their lives for Him. This passage is specific to the provision for those who were doing His will & following. We are going to see individual provision & community provision (same pattern in both). We will see how amongst Christ Disciples there is a network of shared provision. The generosity of ‘Christ’s Surrendered Disciples’ is used by God as a means to provide for other surrendered disciples. Of course He does the heavy lifting! Our part is to venture out with open hearts & hands to join Christ in His work and to take chances while living for the Gospel, trusting Christ will provide.

Luke 9:1-17

One day Jesus called together his twelve disciples and gave them power and authority to cast out all demons and to heal all diseases. 2 Then he sent them out to tell everyone about the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

  • ‘The Twelve’ Named select group (called by God, confirmed by their following)
  • Christ confers power to His chosen disciples (All disciples of Christ are ‘Chosen’)
  • The power He gives them is to heal others, to provide freedom, wholeness & life
  • Important: power over demons & diseases (not all disease is caused by demons)
  • He provides power to be used (use it or lose it)
  • He empowers those who act: He provides for those who distribute HIS love

3 “Take nothing for your journey,” he instructed them. “Don’t take a walking stick, a traveler’s bag, food, money, or even a change of clothes. 4 Wherever you go, stay in the same house until you leave town.

  • If you are going to be provided for you don’t need to provide for yourself
  • This is a class for those who are serving & obeying as true disciples (just 12 now)
  • He tells them I am going to provide for you through others (Those who respond)
  • God’s people are going to take care of His ‘Co-Workers’ (Don’t steal my blessing!)
  • Be good with what he provides, don’t go ‘provision shopping’ (trust God is right)
  • Whatever season you are in trust that the way God is providing for you is best

5 And if a town refuses to welcome you, shake its dust from your feet as you leave to show that you have abandoned those people to their fate.” 6 So they began their circuit of the villages, preaching the Good News and healing the sick.

  • If you are not part of Christ’s providing for His Co-Workers, you are on your own!
  • The ‘Circle of Provision’ in The Kingdom of God: be provided for and help provide
  • Once given the mission they went.
  • This is Christ’s expectation of His disciples: Gospel Living & People Loving!
  • They trusted Christ to provide…does it work?

7 When Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, heard about everything Jesus was doing, he was puzzled. Some were saying that John the Baptist had been raised from the dead.

  • It is an aside between the two stories, He is interested but clueless
  • Classic example of being so self-absorbed you can’t get what God is doing

8 Others thought Jesus was Elijah or one of the other prophets risen from the dead. 9 “I beheaded John,” Herod said, “so who is this man about whom I hear such stories?” And he kept trying to see him

  • Secular view of a limited God: He recycles old guys, only works in certain ways
  • Herod thinking he controls something, can’t be John…I dealt with him!
  • There is interest in a condescending way… He didn’t try very hard to see Him

10 When the apostles returned, they told Jesus everything they had done. Then he slipped quietly away with them toward the town of Bethsaida. 11 But the crowds found out where he was going, and they followed him. He welcomed them and taught them about the Kingdom of God, and he healed those who were sick.

  • Everything ‘THEY’ had done…they knew it was Christ’s power
  • Bottom line ‘Stuff happened’! When you rely on God you will see ‘God Stuff’
  • He was in Capernaum, went around top of sea of Galilee…
  • Even without trying Jesus was drawing crowds
  • Once the crowds found Him, He welcomed, taught & healed
  • Those who took the time to find him were provided for! It is worth it to seek Him!
  • The crowd was there to be discipled: they listened, learned & followed

12 Late in the afternoon the twelve disciples came to him and said, “Send the crowds away to the nearby villages and farms, so they can find food and lodging for the night. There is nothing to eat here in this remote place.”

  • The Twelve wanted to provide for the crowds, but not thinking of the supernatural
  • Just like the 12, our ideas of provision are often limited to what we can see
  • Just like us they needed to be taught how to get in on the provision network

13 But Jesus said, “You feed them.” “But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. “Or are you expecting us to go and buy enough food for this whole crowd?” 14 For there were about 5,000 men there.

  • They have expressed that there is no way to provide, Christ says: ‘You can do it!’
  • Jesus shows them they can’t provide from what they have or what they can get
  • it is important for us to get out of our limited perceptions and illusion of control
  • I have looked at situations and said, there is no way I can do this…
  • When I have walked in faith and obedience I have seen God do what I could not

Jesus replied, “Tell them to sit down in groups of about fifty each.” 15 So the people all sat down. 16 Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them.

  • 50 is about the perfect size for a fellow ship meal (like we are going to have soon)
  • He took what was there and looked to heaven
  • He blessed what was shared…His Disciples shared the 5 loves & 2 fish

Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he kept giving the bread and fish to the disciples so they could distribute it to the people. 17 They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers!

  • In order for us to bless others Christ wants to break us first! (Maturation Process)
  • Oswald Chambers: ‘We are to be broken bread and poured out wine’.
  • We get in on the provision network when we live sacrificially
  • Sharing our lives for Him & with Him as Disciples He will use us to provides 4 His
  • And as we live in such a manner, we will in turn be provided for by His Disciples
  • Midtown Has been provided fro by communities of disciples: New Hope / 1st Woodstock / Crosspoint / 1st Powdersville / Victor Church / 1027
  • As a community of disciples we have provided for communities of disciples:

    Summary:

    Christ wants us to venture out to do His work, in His power, trusting He will provide.

    Christ wants us to be content with the provision He has given us.

    Christ wants His disciples to participate in His Provision for His Disciples.

    Christ wants to bless both sides of His Disciple Provision Network.

    Application Questions:

    What has kept you from taking chances to share Christ’s message & healing?

    What has happened when you did something that required you to really trust God to provide?

    Have you not been content with what God has provided? What might change that?

    How have you been provided for by Christ’s Disciples? How have you provided for Christ’s Disciples?

    /by

    Easter 2020 Who Jesus Christ Is: 4 Scenes From 66 Hours

    4 SCENES THAT ANSWER 4 QUESTIONS

    WHO DO WE BELONG TO?

    WHO BOUGHT US?

    WHO IS OUR HOPE IN?

    WHO IS OUR REVELATION?

    The four scenes take place from 6pm Thursday to Noon Sunday

    6pm Thursday: WHO DO WE BELONG TO? John 13:1-6

    The setting is the ‘Upper Room’, they are about to begin the ‘Passover Seder Ritual’. Before they begin the meal, the guests feet were washed by a servant of the Host

    1 Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end. 2 It was time for supper, and the devil had already prompted Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus.

    • John gives us insight from the Holy Spirit as to Jesus’ state of mind
    • He had loved them by action, and His death would be the ultimate act of love
    • The betrayal was part of God’s plan

    3 Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. 4 So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, 5 and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him.

    • With full knowledge of EVERYTHING… Jesus sought to demonstrate His love
    • The Mystery of the Incarnation…not a mystery to Jesus
    • He took on the role of the lowliest servant and one by one, washed their feet

    6 When Jesus came to Simon Peter, Peter said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus replied, “You don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will.” 8 “No,” Peter protested, “you will never ever wash my feet!” Jesus replied, “Unless I wash you, you won’t belong to me.” 9 Simon Peter exclaimed, “Then wash my hands and head as well, Lord, not just my feet!”

    • Peter is like: your not really going to do this are you?
    • Peter can’t understand how Jesus is the greatest because He is willing to be least
    • You have to let Jesus serve you (Die For You) in order to belong to Him
    • Once Peter realizes what is at stake, he is all in
    • Are you all in with the idea of letting Jesus cleanse you / forgive you / redeem you

    Who do we belong to? CHRIST CALLS US TO BELONG TO HIM!

    3pm Friday: WHO BOUGHT US? Matthew 27:46 & 50-53

    The setting: The Place of the Skull… At about 9am Jesus is nailed to the cross. Roman solders throw dice for his clothes. The religious leaders mock him. He interacts with one of the thieves next to him. At Noon it goes dark for three hours…Here is where we pick up the action:

    46 At about three o’clock, Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”

    • The sin of all mankind is placed upon The Christ
    • God the Father cannot be in fellowship with sin so He must abandon Him
    • David prophesied this; it only makes sense in a bigger context
    • A price had to be paid, God’s perfect Justice demanded it

    50 Then Jesus shouted out again, and he released his spirit.

    • He says: ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit’ & ‘It is finished!’
    • His Life-Force left that body…for now (He Himself released His Spirit)

    51 At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart, 52 and tombs opened. The bodies of many godly men and women who had died were raised from the dead. 53 They left the cemetery after Jesus’ resurrection, went into the holy city of Jerusalem, and appeared to many people.

    • In both Mark and Luke the curtain being torn TOP TO BOTTOM is recorded
    • The separation of God’s presence from us because of sin is ended from His end
    • Supernatural power caused nature to resonate & God’s people to rise to new life
    • They were godly because God animated them & they demonstrated redemption

    Who Bought us? CHRIST BOUGHT & PAID FOR US TO BE RAISED FROM THE DEAD!

    6am Sunday: WHO IS OUR HOPE IN? Mark 16:1-6

    1 Saturday evening, when the Sabbath ended, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome went out and purchased burial spices so they could anoint Jesus’ body. 2 Very early on Sunday morning, just at sunrise, they went to the tomb. 3 On the way they were asking each other, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?”

    • Sabbath was sundown Friday to sundown Saturday (No commerce)
    • The stones were not meant to be rolled away often
    • With a lever you could get it open enough to get inside
    • There would normally be men who performed such a service but not 1st thing
    • Rich people’s cemetery, there would be ‘attendants’

    4 But as they arrived, they looked up and saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled aside. 5 When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a white robe sitting on the right side.

    • Something had happened, they didn’t see it happen, they just could see the result
    • Luke describes ‘A young man clothed in a white robe’

    The women were shocked, 6 but the angel said, “Don’t be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Look, this is where they laid his body.

    • If you search for Jesus, who was crucified, there is no need to be alarmed
    • The angel tells them exactly what has happened; we have God’s word on it!
    • The angel says: believe in what you can’t see! That is what Hope is!

    Who is our hope in? CHRIST IS OUR HOPE FOR ETERNITY WITH GOD!

    Noon Sunday: WHO IS OUR REVELATION? Luke 24:13-17 & 21-27

    13 That same day two of Jesus’ followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 As they walked along they were talking about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them. 16 But God kept them from recognizing him. 17 He asked them, “What are you discussing so intently…

    • They were part of the core of Jesus’ followers talking about the past 66 hours…
    • The resurrected Christ seems to be just another traveler
    • Jesus wants to start with what they think about it (God meets you where you are)
    • He is there to reveal Himself to them

    21 We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel. This all happened three days ago. 22 “Then some women from our group of his followers were at his tomb early this morning, and they came back with an amazing report.

    • They had hoped… but they did not believe Jesus was the Messiah
    • They had an amazing ‘report’….Amazing as in there was no explanation for it

    23 They said his body was missing, and they had seen angels who told them Jesus is alive! 24 Some of our men ran out to see, and sure enough, his body was gone, just as the women had said.”

    • Angels telling them Jesus is alive, an empty tomb and STILL they don’t believe
    • They had information, but no revelation!
    • Throughout the world people know some the story but do not believe
    • The problem is they don’t know the Whole Story…
    • Where do you get the whole Story?

    25 Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. 26 Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?”

    • It’s all there in the Hebrew Scriptures! Who the messiah is and what He does…
    • The death, burial & resurrection of Jesus the Christ only makes sense with O.T.

    27 Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

    • The information in the Bible comes alive as God’s Spirit enables us to understand
    • God Himself wants to take us through the Scriptures to understand who He is
    • Christ Himself provides the Illumination that leads to Revelation of God’s Glory
    • We need the whole of Scripture, Old & New Testaments understood together
    • We are so blessed to have the complete revelation!

    Who Reveals God to us? CHRIST IS OUR REVELATION OF GOD’S GLORY!

    Application Questions:

    What are some lifestyle choices that can help you more fully belong to Jesus Christ?

    How can you intentionally pay forward what Jesus Christ paid for you?

    How can you focus on expressing your hope for eternal union with Him?

    How can you increase your openness to Scripture’s revelation of who Christ is?

    /by

    Luke Pt. 15: Faith For Yourself & Others

    What is ‘Faith’ and where does it come from? How do you practice your faith, act in faith and live by your faith? When I think of practicing my faith this is what it looks like, trusting God can change things that seem unchangeable. You need a firm foundation: God’s Word. Faith comes from God’s hand, we are gifted by God with the faith to believe in Him. We can ask God for faith but we cannot create it ourselves.

    Faith is the belief in a reality that we cannot completely document or prove, something for which there is incomplete evidence. Yet it is not a belief founded in nothing.

    This passage shows that when we believe in Him as the All Everything God, amazing thing, unexpected things, long hoped for things… will happen in our lives!

    Luke 8:40-56

    40 Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him. 41 Then a man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with him to come to his house 42 because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying.

    • People are tracking Jesus’ movements and are waiting for him (Capernaum)
    • A Jewish Religious leader, more like an Elder than a Pastor in our context
    • Meets Jesus at the shore, wants Him to come with him to his house (faith act)
    • Big deal for such a man to fall at Jesus’s feet (it was all for someone else)

    As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. 43 And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. 44 She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped.

    • Picture Jesus walking through town being mobbed by people in the street
    • Some manuscripts include: though she had spent all her living on physicians V43
    • What it meant to have bleeding for 12 years!
    • The desperation she must have experienced…she had exhausted human means
    • She approached Him in faith
    • She was like: “If I can just touch Him”
    • Mat 9:21 & Mark 5:28 She said to herself, If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed
    • BAM! Instant healing

    45 “Who touched me?” Jesus asked. When they all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.” 46 But Jesus said, “Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.”

    • Jesus’ healing power is accessible by faith
    • Peter talks to Him like He is just a man who can only have finite knowledge
    • All God / All Man, Jesus invokes His divinity here and is ‘All Knowing’
    • He knows who the someone is, He wants her to tell her story
    • Christ wants you to tell your story

    47 Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. 48 Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”

    • Even after Jesus had healed her she tried to hide…then she publicly testified
    • Her story leaves no doubt divine intervention had occurred (Miracle)
    • Jesus proclaims it’s her faith that caused the healing (Faith In Jesus to heal her)
    • We know God does the healing but our faith
    • She is to go in peace because she knows 1st hand who Jesus is

    49 While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” he said. “Don’t bother the teacher anymore.” 50 Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.”

    • One of Jairus’ people come to tell him that his daughter has died (human view)
    • With Jesus there He says “no point having the ‘Teacher’ come” (underestimating)
    • Jesus says: Don’t listen to fear, trust ME! Believe in ME!
    • Putting your faith in Jesus for ‘Others’ (praying for others)

    51 When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child’s father and mother. 52 Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. “Stop wailing,” Jesus said. “She is not dead but asleep.” 53 They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead.

    • Why only the three & the parents? Did Jesus only want faith in the house?
    • Faith in Jesus for who He truly is plays some role in God’s healing process
    • The people were convinced she was dead based on what they knew & could see
    • When Jesus claims He can change the situation, they laugh (Pure Pride)

    54 But he took her by the hand and said, “My child, get up!” 55 Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. 56 Her parents were astonished, but he ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened.

    • By HIS WORD He changes what was thought to be unchangeable
    • Dominion over life & death, proven by The Resurrection, 4 details see next week
    • The eating is to demonstrate the restored life is same as before, human
    • Why does He order them to not tell? He tells the parents not to tell, but the girl…

    Summary:

    Jesus responds to acts of faith with miracles.

    Christ has a healing agenda of His own that is not always clear to us.

    Our faith is part of the process God uses to bring healing to our lives.

    If we trust Jesus and relinquish control, we will see miracles for ourselves others

    Application Questions:

    How can & do you specifically approach Jesus Christ in faith for your own needs?

    When was a time you acted in faith on someone else’s behalf? What did you learn?

    When God is not doing something on your timetable how do you react?

    Are there things in your life you are convinced God can’t change? What & Why?

    Make the most of this Holy Week and get ready to celebrate Easter next Sunday!

    /by

    Luke Pt. 14: The Essential Value of God’s Word

    This passage is a great example of Jesus’ way of discipleship: life experience and relatable stories to establish spiritual principals to be put into practice. This is what ‘The Church’ is founded on! It is also about God controlling the grace that brings salvation & our stewardship of what He gives.

    Luke 8: 8:4-21

    4 While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told this parable: 5 “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds ate it up. 6 Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture.

    • This is a message for the masses
    • The Farmer had a purpose: sowing seed
    • ‘Broadcast Spreading’ The Gospel is proclaimed to everyone
    • Seed on the path has no shot; no soil and it is exposed to being taken away
    • The seed on the rocky ground is without the means to grow (moisture)
    • The seed on the rocky ground couldn’t grow, seed need soil

    7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.” When he said this, he called out, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”

    • The seed among the thorns couldn’t compete with what was already there (world)
    • What is there before the seed keeps growing (thorns grew up with the seed)
    • The seed cannot grow amongst the thorns, it needs to separate (called out)
    • The good soil had everything necessary for the seed to grow and produce fruit
    • Crops that are in the right environment reproduce more and more of themselves
    • If God has given you the ability to hear (‘Spiritual Ears’) then pay close attention

    9 His disciples asked him what this parable meant. 10 He said, “The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, “‘though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.’ (Isaiah 6:9)

    • How a ‘Disciple’ should act: Going to God & asking for answers (James 1:5)
    • God allows some to hear & understand kingdom things others are destined to not
    • The Isaiah verse shows God has always operated like this
    • Here is where we find the tension between God’s control and our free will

    11 “This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God.”

    • The ‘Word’ of God is the fullness of who God is and how He is to us
    • God’s Word is the Gospel or The Kingdom.
    • Basically a synopsis of the Scriptures
    • God enabling us to embrace & surrender to His Word brings us into ‘Right Relationship’

    12 “Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved.”

    • The different soils are representative of different people and their receptiveness to God’s Word
    • ‘Along the path’ has the opportunity to hear but the Devil deceives them
    • This group is what we call ‘Non-Regenerate’ they literally cannot believe
    • Consistent in the Scriptures is the message that God controls who believes

    13 “Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away.”

    • The ‘Rocky Ground’ has an emotional response to God’s Word (not enough)
    • They receive it but it is not rooted, God’s Word is not foundational in their life
    • They are good with God while everything is smooth, but when life’s storms come..
    • Following Jesus without a foundation rooted in God’s Word is not following Jesus

    14 “The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.”

    • Those ‘Among The Thorns’ hear but go on ‘their’ way, not changing to God’s way
    • They begin the process of surrendering their life but try to add it to current life
    • They focus on the things of this world over God’s Word
    • 2 Timothy 3:4b-5a…lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power.
    • They do not mature… Literal translation: ‘They bear not to completion’
    • Maturity is making it to the point where you reproduce (Mature things reproduce)

    15 “But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.”

    • The ‘Good Soil’ is prepared by God, those who God has given grace to be saved
    • The Word of God is what makes us noble and of good heart (Hear & Retain)
    • Disciples of Christ find the Word of God to be of ultimate value.
    • Matthew 13:44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.”
    • Those who God puts His Spirit in CAN & DO persevere in being lifelong disciples
    • Treasuring God’s Word transforms us, that’s what produces a crop (multiplication)
    • The Crop that is a hundred times what is sown = ‘Kingdom Reproduction’

    The salvation implications of the parable: 3 of the 4 ‘Soils’ do not inherit the Kingdom. Then there are discipleship principals in this parable for those who are saved and the last four verses in this passage speak of stewardship regarding God’s Word amongst His Family.

    16 “No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light. 17 For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.”

    • Jesus gives some overall principals for how we apply the previous parable
    • The Word of God is the lamp, it has a obvious purpose to those who ‘Use’ it
    • The truth will be found to be the truth, at some point all will be revealed
    • This is true about your salvation and your discipleship

    18 “Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they think they have will be taken from them.”

    • This is a call to examine your follow-ship and discipleship in light of God’s Word
    • What does the the ‘therefore’ refer to? Both the soils and the lamp!
    • Are you being a good steward of what you have been given?
    • How well do you listen to God / God’s Word?

    19 Now Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him, but they were not able to get near him because of the crowd. 20 Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.” 21 He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.”

    • Does growing up around church or your linage make you Jesus’ family?
    • True Family is those who share your values, Jesus values God’s Word
    • What makes you part of His family is based on valuing & applying God’s Word!
    • Listening = Hearing + Understanding (practice)
    • Putting God’s Word into practice takes: motivation, faith, grace & intentionality
    • We call this process Discipleship!
    • It is meant to be done TOGETHER AS FAMILY!

    Summary

    • Demonic forces are always working to diminish God’s Word.
    • A true relationship with God is founded on & rooted in God’s Word.
    • Jesus teaches we are to unrelentingly prioritize God’s Word over care for earthy things.
    • The goal of our salvation is to join God in reproducing it, based on God’s Word.
    • Jesus teaches we must share the light we have been given: God’s Word.
    • The measure of our being Jesus family is how we listen to and practice God’s Word.

    Application Questions: (Assumption is that you want to Biblically Grow as a Disciple)

    What does it look like to consider how you listen to God’s Word, making the most of the grace you have been given to understand the Gospel? (Listen = Hear & Understand ) (Use the grace given to open up to more grace)

    How do you reconcile this Scripture saying some won’t listen to God’s Word & perish? (They will be ‘Unable to believe unto salvation)

    Which are your biggest challenges & why? Spiritual attacks, your rooting in God’s Word or being preoccupied with things of this world? (letting lies run your life / lack of Scripture based life / what ‘captivates’ you?)

    What fuels your vision of growing to maturity and reproducing as a disciple of Christ? (Motivation based on others and God’s Glory)

    In what ways can you intentionally hear God’s Word & apply it so HIS light shines? (specific practices, priorities & lifestyle choices that grow your ‘Spirit-Living’)

    /by

    Luke pt. 13: The Storm & The Demons

    In the life as disciples of Christ, serving in obedience to Christ and growing in Christ, there will be storms to ride out and demonic forces to face. As Jesus’ disciples gathered as His church how do we deal with these things?

    When it comes to ‘Storms’ in our life, it’s not a question of if they come, but rather when. It’s not a question of demonic forces, it’s a question of how many… this is a fallen world! Often, and especially in times like these, it is some of both!

    This is the reality of our world; storms & demons…but take heart! Christ is there with us! In the Storm and as we deal with demonic activity. As His surrendered followers we can weather the storms & rebuke the demonic forces.

    Luke 8:22-39

    22 One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.

    • Jesus had a reason to go across the lake (eternal purpose marked every move)
    • Did he fall asleep on purpose?
    • Were they in great danger or did Luke express the view of the disciples?
    • Fear can create ‘alternate realities’ in our lives

    24 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm.

    • They use the title ‘Master’ as in ‘Master Teacher’ NOT ‘Master of All Creation’
    • They didn’t fully know who Jesus was at this point so they reacted in fear
    • But Christ is there!
    • If we don’t fully know Jesus, we too will be fearful in the storm
    • When we give Him control of our lives (Discipleship) we see the storm differently

    25 “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.”

    • Who is your faith in? Who do you think is in control of your life & everything else?
    • The combination of fear & amazement is a good learning environment
    • His control has been demonstrated, yet they are slow to understand (Like US!)

    The Storm is a metaphor for the danger we face in this fallen world, our world. What makes this a dangerous and fallen world is the presence of sin & demons. 1/3 of the Angels created followed Lucifer in his attempted ‘Coup’ & became demons.

    26 They sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, which is across the lake from Galilee. 27 When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demon-possessed man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tombs.

    • He is met…this was a ‘prearranged’ meeting. Are there any coincidences?
    • Christ is there with THIS guy and with everyone dealing with the demonic activity
    • This is someone we would call ‘Mentally Ill’…
    • Not all mental illness caused directly by demons
    • Then and even now, there is not much that humans can do for such people

    28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell at his feet, shouting at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don’t torture me!” 29 For Jesus had commanded the impure spirit to come out of the man.

    • His recognition of Jesus was intense! He knows His ‘Name’
    • Demonic forces are subject to Christ, yet still totally rebellious
    • Jesus made it clear they were being cast out of the man and so negotiations start
    • Demons displays they believe lies about Jesus / God (Judgement V Torture)

    Many times it had seized him, and though he was chained hand and foot and kept under guard, he had broken his chains and had been driven by the demon into solitary places. 30 Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “Legion,” he replied, because many demons had gone into him. 31 And they begged Jesus repeatedly not to order them to go into the Abyss.

    • We get a description of how the demons possessed this man (they like to isolate)
    • Demons look for the opportunity to be of greater strength
    • Humans empower their activity by being deceived and giving them place
    • They traffic in lies (followers of ‘The Father of Lies’)
    • They know their next destiny is to be locked in the Abyss

    32 A large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside. The demons begged Jesus to let them go into the pigs, and he gave them permission. 33 When the demons came out of the man, they went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned.

    • Places where pigs were kept were symbolic for places where God is not honored
    • (The story of the prodigal son in Luke 15)
    • The demons choose the pigs, or do they? They had to have Jesus permission
    • Not a good choice to destroy their host, the pigs…
    • Without a ‘Host’ the demons scatter (Jesus allows them to stay in the world)

    34 When those tending the pigs saw what had happened, they ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, 35 and the people went out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting at Jesus’ feet, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid.

    • The pig herders lose their whole herd…and freak out!
    • When everyone came to see what happened they found the ‘Freed Man’
    • Seeing the massive change in the man scares them

    36 Those who had seen it told the people how the demon-possessed man had been cured. 37 Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them, because they were overcome with fear. So he got into the boat and left.

    • The locals are more concerned with keeping the status quo than God’s work
    • Jesus Christ will not force Himself on anyone (The Ultimate Gentleman)
    • Fear kept them from seeing that God himself was there
    • Fear can overcome people and make them do stupid things (Tell God to Leave)
    • Even when Christ is shown to be a savior, there will be people who fear change

    38 The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, 39 “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.

    • Like the women who had been delivered this man wanted to go with Jesus
    • Jesus specifically wanted this man to be a ‘witness’ among his own people
    • This guy didn’t get the job he wanted but he did what Jesus asked HIM to do
    • I hope we can be grateful for what Christ has done in our lives & be content

    The Storm can be something that causes us to fear and react irrationally. The Storm can also be a means by which we learn who Jesus Christ truly is. The battle we fight to keep from being influenced & impacted by Demonic Forces is our Biblical reality. The ‘Good News’ is: Christ is there with you! He wants to empower you to overcome. As a disciple are you ready? How strong is your faith in Christ and His power over demons?

    Application Questions:

    What things right now are making you feel like you are going to drown? (Talking with someone you trust about these things helps)

    Jesus asks His disciples: “Where is Your Faith”? Answer that as specifically as you can. (Why is your faith in Jesus? How did you get to that place?)

    What do you know about demons based on Scripture? (Knowing your enemy)

    How can you leverage Christ’s power over demons as His Spirit-Indwelt follower? ( Biblical Understanding / Seasoned Guides / Faith Based on Experience )

    How can you grow to trust Christ more in life’s storms and during demonic activity? (Taking Ownership of Your Discipleship)

    /by

    Luke Pt. 12: The Great Equalizer

    This is a story of ‘The Experience of Forgiveness’ and how that experience will effect those who truly experience it. It is also a cautionary tale about what happens when you become ‘self-satisfied’ in your relationship with God. When we get ‘Holier than thou’ and begin focusing on the judgement of other people’s situations, we become the same as the Pharisees.

    36 When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. 37 A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume.

    • Why did he invite Jesus to dinner?
    • He was aware of the miracles Jesus was doing, It was probably a test / vetting
    • Woman ‘who lived a sinful life’ would have been a prostitute in that context
    • She too had heard all that Jesus was doing…and she brought the ‘Jar’
    • She didn’t let her sin keep her from coming to Jesus

    38 As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.

    • Coming face to face with God she seems to be under great conviction
    • The logistics of how it worked (she was in the background)
    • Her brokenness was such that she was without pretense or shame

    39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.” 40 Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” “Tell me, teacher,” he said.

    • He said to himself (thought it) Jesus answered (knew what He was thinking)
    • He was figuring out how to discredit Jesus rather than how to believe on Him
    • He supposes he knows what the whole story is (playing ‘holy spirit’)
    • Do you approach Jesus with skepticism or with faith?

    41 “Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.” “You have judged correctly,” Jesus said.

    • He tells the story do demonstrate the inequity of our transgressions
    • Yet he shows how God makes us all equal with His forgiveness
    • The awareness of sin & the depth of repentance (reality) is reflected in our love

    44 Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.

    • He demonstrates to Simeon what it looks like when you surrender to God
    • Her brokenness is to be our example

    45 You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet.

    • The extravagance of her selfless actions opposed to his self-righteousness
    • Simeon didn’t recognize Christ in any way, she recognized Christ in every way

    47 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” 48 Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

    • Jesus says her forgiveness is validated by what she does
    • The reality of her experience of forgiveness changes how she acts
    • Jesus tells her directly that she is forgiven, a sweet assurance

    49 The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” 50 Jesus said to the woman,“Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

    • The question only has one answer: God Himself!
    • Jesus gives her and us assurance of salvation
    • He had not even died for her and yet she puts her faith in Him (God given faith)

    1 After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases:

    • The Twelve (Special category) called to leadership
    • The Women were there as a result of being healed by Jesus

    Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; 3 Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.

    • They had been so impacted by Jesus (like the woman with the perfume)
    • They responded to what they had been given by giving
    • We see different roles played by different people in the community
    • What is your role in this community?
    • As a members there are some common roles we all play

    We have two people, Simeon the religious leader & a Woman who lived a sinful life. Regarding the two of them, Jesus is going to basically say: be like her, not like him

    Application Questions:

    What are the specific sins that can keep you from being broken & intimate with Jesus?

    Why should you not suppose to know what is going on in someone else’s spiritual life?

    How do you specifically respond to God’s forgiveness? How much do you love?

    How would you describe your experience of having your sin forgiven by Jesus Christ?

    /by

    Luke Pt. 10: Authority & Accountability

    Are you a servant under authority? Who are you accountable to? Are you willing to live under the authority of The Risen Christ? In doing that will you be obedient to the human authority He places you under? Do you see the Authority you are under as ‘God Ordained’? An extension of God?

    Are you good with God healing you & ones you love for HIS reasons & in HIS timing?

    Do you believe He has authority over life & death? Do you recognize that the miracle of salvation, moving from eternally being dead to being eternally alive with God, is totally under God’s authority?

    Today’s Scripture passage answers these questions and points us to how we should live under authority and accountable.

    1When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people who were listening, he entered Capernaum. 2 There a centurion’s servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die.

    • Post Sermon on The Mount: expectations of Christ’s followers is set
    • Why would he value a replaceable slave?

    3 The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. 4 When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, “This man deserves to have you do this, 5 because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.” 6 So Jesus went with them.

    • This man has had revelation about who God is, who His people were…
    • Sensitivity to the work of God (Holy Spirit)
    • Recognition of God’s people and a desire to bless them
    • Person of Peace / Friend of God (The Unlikely Someone God Uses)
    • Jesus is responsive to that kind of openness to God, He will come see that

    He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. 7 That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed.

    • The massive humility of the Centurion is important (humility before Christ)
    • He knows who He is and Who God is (created & Creator)
    • The Centurion is tuned into God’s total control (even ‘remote control’)

    8 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

    • His understanding of authority is his reality in the government / military/ God
    • Why does God use this example instead of Jewish religious authority?
    • He understands that if God is in control he has those He operates thru
    • Scripture teaching that God uses human authority structures to enact His Will

    9 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” 10 Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.

    • Is Jesus really amazed or does He act that way to make His point?
    • The amazing thing is that this guys totally gets it (God has revealed it to him)
    • He points it out to the crowd
    • Great Faith is living like God is in control!
    • Great Faith is living like everything is an extension of His authority!

    The Grace of God’s authority and accountability: We need it! Left to our own devices…we default to rebellion. His control is best for us; Christ wants what is best for us, always

    11 Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him. 12 As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out—the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her.

    • Jesus is traveling, bringing the reality of God’s presence to many
    • Scripture states a ‘Large Crowd’ went along with Jesus (not typical)
    • This was a death that hurt the community, a sonless widow
    • A large crowd was actively mourning and supporting the widow
    • Jesus had an opportunity to impact 2 separate & distinct ‘large crowds’

    13 When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, “Don’t cry.” 14 Then He went up and touched the bier they were carrying him on, and the bearers stood still. He said, “Young man, I say to you, get up!” 15 The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.

    • Personal approach to the mother, this is really for her (disenfranchised)
    • Sneak peak of the ‘The Kingdom’…every tear will be wiped away!
    • Everyone stopped! Jesus says: ‘I say’ as in ‘God says’
    • The boy talking proves he is ‘Fully Restored’…given back to his Mother!
    • All is made right for someone who had only God to depend on

    16 They were all filled with awe and praised God. “A great prophet has appeared among us,” they said. “God has come to help his people.” 17 This news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding country.

    • ‘Filled’ denotes being overwhelmed with and consumed by ‘Reverent Worship’
    • ‘A Great Prophet’ in their context, is one fully operating in God’s power
    • The embodiment of God’s presence coming to physically help HIS people
    • They almost get it right…
    • Bringing someone back from the dead is the biggest miracle possible
    • That is what happens every time God saves one of us; MASSIVE MIRACLE!

    Application Questions:

    Based on your bank account and your schedule; are there actions you take that are not under the authority of the Jesus Christ?

    Do your recognize the human authority structure God has set you under, or are you answerable only to Jesus Himself?

    Why might God want you to obediently operate under an authority you have doubts about?

    Why does Jesus’ heart go out to this particular widow and raise her son from death?

    /by

    Luke Pt. 9: The Plank & The House

    As Jesus gives ‘The Sermon on The Mount’, He and His disciples, they ‘stood together’…

    How are you with the idea of ‘Standing with Jesus’? Standing with Jesus means taking on HIS humility, HIS grace and HIS ways. When we abide with Him, walk with Him, learn from Him: we store up good things that come from Him, good things we can then give to each other! This is growing ‘The Heart of Christ’: Thinking, Feeling & Acting Like Christ! This is the goal of our discipleship, that we may glorify God in living our lives for HIM!

    Our membership covenant is designed to encapsulate ‘Jesus’ Words’. We are to not just hear them but put them into practice: here @ Midtown we have committed to! Knowing what we are called to, committing to it and then not doing it is dangerous. Jesus says it will result in complete destruction…carefully consider violating that

    37 “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.”

    • Continuation of the ideas about Christ-based relationship from last week
    • This pertains to interpersonal relationships (not about you & God)
    • The key is to be concerned with YOUR part, not anyone else
    • Doing it God’s way get you rewards only God can give
    • Grace over law!

    39 He also told them this parable: “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit? 40 The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.

    • Parable is to drive home the point about self awareness and self development
    • Until you have been a good student you are blind, (no good to the blind)
    • Embracing the ‘training’ / discipleship needed before trying to be a leader
    • Big picture of the concept then illustration

    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?

    • It is meant to be extreme to show us how we lack self awareness, all of us
    • Your ability to help others is regulated by your own spiritual & emotional health
    • Your credibility is suspect when you try to help from a place without humility

    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.

    • Without seeing your own errors & shortcoming you are no way fit to lead others
    • Dealing with my problems, being teachable & humble enables God to use me!
    • Clarity to help others comes from working out your own issues
    • What makes you think people can’t see that plank?

    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 thorn-bushes, or grapes from briers.

    • The reality of WHO you are & WHAT you are will be proven
    • We all know what is good (figs or grapes) and that is what we want (not thorns)

    45 A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.

    • What you store up in your heart is your ’emotional relational’ reality (worldview)
    • That reality colors everything you say & do; you can’t really fool people for long
    • What is in your emotional, relational self (heart) comes

    46 “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? 47 As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like.

    • Calling Jesus ‘Lord’ is not the same as living your life like He truly is ‘LORD’
    • Jesus positive example of how we are to structure our lives (priorities / time)
    • Words without application are WORTHLESS

    48 They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.

    • Digging deep into WHO and WHAT Jesus the Christ is (The Rock)
    • The structure of a life based on the Biblical Truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
    • This life of Discipleship can stand up to whatever life throws at it
    • Not ‘If’ the flood came, but rather ‘When’ it came (it’s coming!)

    49 But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.”

    • Here is the other way people go: exposed to the truth but unaffected by it
    • The foolishness of thinking a house has no need for a foundation!
    • The destruction being complete has an eternal aspect to it

    Application Questions:

    How can you be more grace giving, and less judgmental in your relationships?

    Can you ask someone you trust to tell you if you have reoccurring ‘Plank Eye’?

    What is your specific & intentional plan of how you are going to store up good things in your heart?

    What are some specifics of Biblical Christian Theology you are building the foundation of your life on?

    What are your weak areas of putting Christ’s words into practice consistently?

    /by

    Luke Pt. 8 The Twelve & The Sermon

    It is important to connect the choosing of the twelve to the message Jesus gives them. Those who identify fully as disciples are those Jesus designates to send, and they are to go into the world and show it a different way to live. It is a life marked by sacrifice, rejection and others focus; life lived by the power of total association with Lord Jesus Christ. The ‘Twelve’ set the pattern were are to follow…what we are TO BE: transformed priorities, attitudes and actions.

    Luke 6:12-36
    12 One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. 13 When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: 14 Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, 15 Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, 16 Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.
    This scene takes place during this early time of traveling and preaching
    He pulled and ‘All Nighter’…
    He need to have undivided fellowship with The Father
    The significance of choosing ‘Twelve’ (12 tribes of Israel)
    Rag-tag group of ‘Non-Elites’
    Why choose such people?
    17 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 coastal region around Tyre and Sidon, 18 who had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. Those troubled by impure spirits were cured, 19 and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all.
    He ‘Stood’ with them, they ‘Stood’ with Him (Total Association)
    Those who were learners / followers who would then be ‘sent’
    The power was abundant because the faith of His ‘posse’ was abundant
    20 Looking at his disciples, he said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. 21 Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.”
    This message is for those who as identified as ‘His Disciples’
    You have to surrender your life to Him in order for this stuff to make sense
    Poor here and now, rich in eternity
    Eternal blessing flow from a poverty of Spirit which results in surrender to God
    Lacking creature comforts here VS the satisfaction of eternity with your Creator
    The road of discipleship is not one of luxury & fun but the destination is worth it!
    22 “Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. 23 Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets.”
    If the opposition know who you are that is a sign you are the ‘Real Deal’
    Your reward: You are saved for eternity by your true ‘unconditional surrender’
    You’re in good company; those who spoke for God no matter the consequence
    There is no comparing human accolades and heavenly rewards
    24 “But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort. 25 Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep. 26 Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets.”
    ‘WOE TO YOU… if you’re holding on to this world & it’s standards / pursuits
    In that context to not suffer in the least meant serious wealth
    People speaking well of you proves nothing: words are bought
    False prophets were propped up by people to gain advantage by their lies
    27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. 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.”
    The act of listening involves hearing, understanding and application
    Act counter to your basic desires and self interest
    Don’t base relationships on what the other person does, YOU do what is right
    Leave your life and what you get in God’s hands…
    Isn’t that what we say we do when we surrender our lives to Christ?
    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.”
    Love that requires reciprocation is not love in God’s economy
    If your good deeds are done only to get something in return that’s self-centered
    Lending and getting repaid is just business, not charity
    In both cases those living without the influence of God can do them
    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 children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
    We who are disciples of Christ are to live exactly the opposite way of the world
    Our reward is not to come from others but from our Creator
    We are His children when we trust HE will take care of us
    When we are truly His disciples HE will use us to bless those in rebellion to Him
    His mercy doesn’t make sense by human standards
    We are to be imitators of this other-worldly mercy & kindness
    We are only able to live like this by yielding to God’s Spirit in us
    Only way to have God’s Spirit is a life surrendered to Christ
    Application Questions
    What keeps you from being ‘totally associated’ with Christ and being ‘sent’ by Him
    What is the relationship between your commitment to Christ’s discipleship & healing?
    Are your priorities more aligned with here and now or eternity?
    What are some specific ways to trust God more and rely on what you can do less?
    When you live with open hands and a open heart, like God, what kind of things happen?

    /by

    Luke Pt. 6 Jesus Christ is Willing!

    Do you think Jesus is willing to: save / forgive / bless / heal / work with you? The demonstration of what Jesus ‘Is Willing’ to do is here in the Scripture. What is God’s will for your life? (Midtown Culture of intentionally seeking God’s Will) ForAll of Us = Scripture. You Specifically = Scripture + Holy Spirit (Spirit’s Guidance agrees with Scripture) Today’s Text contains some of what Jesus is willing to do in your life, general guidance each of us needs to explore and apply to get the specifics.

    1 One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. 2 He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. 3 Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So He sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there.

    • He recognized the need of the masses to hear His message
    • He is willing to accommodate anyone who will listen
    • He is willing to recruit co-workers…to incorporate us in HIS plan,as HE wills

    4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.” 5 “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.”

    • He taught the crowds, now He was going to recruit some co-workers
    • Peter has done what he could do in his own power regarding fishing…
    • Jesus is willing to demonstrate what He can do that is beyond what you can do
    • Peter is willing to let Jesus Christ show him what He can do

    6 And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! 7 A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.

    • From zero fish to too many fish, The difference is important
    • Jesus says: what you can do for eternity without me is ZIP… But with me…
    • Supernatural VS Natural

    8 When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m such a sinful man.” 9 For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. 10 His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed.

    • Peter calls Him ‘Lord’
    • Peter thinks his sinfulness should disqualify him from being around Jesus
    • The experience was shared by John & James (They become the 3)

    Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” 11 And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.

    • The Christ says: ‘Don’t be afraid of my Holiness’
    • He says ‘I am willing to forgive your sin so we can work together’
    • He is willing to work thru Peter…as He is willing to work thru YOU!

    He ‘Wills’ that you work with and for HIM…What else is Jesus willing to do?

    12 In one of the villages, Jesus met a man with an advanced case of leprosy. When the man saw Jesus, he bowed with his face to the ground, begging to be healed. “Lord,” he said, “if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.” 13 Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” He said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared.

    • Notice the approach…He is resigned to what God is willing to do
    • Jesus does it in personal way, with physical touch
    • He says: ‘I Am Willing’ The ‘I Am’ is important
    • He is definitely willing to heal, but the choice to do it is His alone

    14 Then Jesus instructed him not to tell anyone what had happened. He said, “Go to the priest and let him examine you. Take along the offering required in the law of Moses for those who have been healed of leprosy. This will be a public testimony that you have been cleansed.”

    • Jesus’ goal is not to get attention for Himself now
    • He has the healed man go thru the current process of thanksgiving for healing
    • He want to point people to God (even thru the soon to be replaced system)

    15 But despite Jesus’ instructions, the report of his power spread even faster, and vast crowds came to hear him preach and to be healed of their diseases. 16 But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.

    • The healed guy couldn’t help but tell people
    • When we recognize God’s will being enacted in our lives we will ‘Witness’

    17 One day while Jesus was teaching, some Pharisees and teachers of religious law were sitting nearby. (It seemed that these men showed up from every village in all Galilee and Judea, as well as from Jerusalem.) And the Lord’s healing power was strongly with Jesus.

    • The Religious Elites were turning up everywhere Jesus went (Control)
    • Jesus healing power is connected to the faith of those involved
    • These people believed Jesus was the Messiah = Healing happened

    18 Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a sleeping mat. They tried to take him inside to Jesus, 9 but they couldn’t reach him because of the crowd. So they went up to the roof and took off some tiles. Then they lowered the sick man on his mat down into the crowd, right in front of Jesus. 20 Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man, “Young man, your sins are forgiven.”

    • These Guys wanted to get their friend to Jesus (a real show of faith)
    • When they couldn’t get him to Jesus by normal means they kept trying
    • Jesus is willing to reward faith in Him!
    • Faith in Him will lead to the forgiveness of your sins!

    21 But the Pharisees and teachers of religious law said to themselves, “Who does he think he is? That’s blasphemy! Only God can forgive sins!” 22 Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you question this in your hearts?

    • The Jewish religious leaders were not willing to see Jesus as the Messiah
    • He knew exactly what they were thinking and HE wants them to realize it

    23 Is it easier to say ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up and walk’? 24 So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!”

    • Jesus is willing to forgive sin, & He is willing to heal the results of it!
    • Being ‘All Powerful’ means He has the Authority to do as He wills

    25 And immediately, as everyone watched, the man jumped up, picked up his mat, and went home praising God. 26 Everyone was gripped with great wonder and awe, and they praised God, exclaiming, “We have seen amazing things today!”

    • The forgiveness of sin was not demonstrable, instant healing can be seen
    • Jesus is willing to do things in your live seen & unseen!
    • Connecting God to blessings / healings / The unexplainable

    Application Questions:

    What might Jesus recruit you to do with Him?

    What are you unwilling to accept or embrace that Jesus is willing to do in your life?

    What is the connection between Jesus’ willingness to forgive sin and healing in you?

    What is your level of praising God when you see Him do amazing things?

    /by