Posted on June 28, 2026
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Paul’s Ponder
June 28, 2026
Micah 3
9
Hear this, you leaders of Jacob,
you rulers of Israel,
who despise justice
and distort all that is right;
12
Therefore because of you,
Zion will be plowed like a field,
Jerusalem will become a heap of rubble,
the temple hill a mound overgrown with thickets.
In Micah 3, the prophet rebukes the leaders of God’s people. The phrase in verse 12, “Therefore because of you,” started me to ponder. What is the therefore because of me?
Craig Clark died on Friday, June 26. We knew Craig for several years. Debbie and I met him while he was on parole. As a young man he was involved in a heinous crime resulting in a death. We never ask the men we work with to tell us why they were in prison. But Craig wanted us to know. It is healing to confess our sins. Craig had a lot to confess.
Craig lost his sight while he was in prison. He had learned to protect himself by listening and appearing meaner than he was. When we met Craig, he wanted to be better. He was weighed down with guilt and wanted relief. He was like a young child eager to learn. He had a repentant heart. We baptized him a few years ago in his late 50’s.
I learned more about grace and strength through faith because of Craig Clark. Blind and with his organs shutting down he hurt and was severely restricted in what he could do. This man who didn’t know how to pray began praying constantly. He drank in God’s word. And as we talked, he would share his confidence in God as he faced death daily. I thought he would die in January when he became really sick. God gave him six more months. He powerfully impacted me and those to whom we have told his story. Therefore, because of you, Craig Clark, others are learning about peace in pain and the unstoppable grace of God.
No matter how restricted your activities may be, no matter how much you hurt and can’t stand the pain any longer, “Therefore because of you,” God will touch the lives of those you may never know. It is not about you. It is about Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Just Pondering
Posted on June 21, 2026
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Paul’s Ponder
June 21, 2026
The “Sermon on the Mount” is the best known sermon and the longest we have of Jesus. In the course of the sermon, Jesus identifies the characteristics of his disciples. He discusses contrary blessings, personal relationships, worship, goals, and focusing.
The ending of a sermon is usually a conclusion and a very important part. Sometimes it summarizes, sometimes it presses a point. Preachers usually include the invitation as the last thing they say, a very vital part of the sermon. The conclusion should provoke thought and let the audience know how to respond. Without a response to the sermon, the sermon itself loses its value, whether that response is physical, spiritual, emotional or mental.
Jesus’ conclusion to the Sermon on the Mount is the parable of the Wise and Foolish Men. The comparison Jesus is making is in regard to the response to his sermon. Both the wise and the foolish men heard the sermon. Jesus identifies two responses: do what he has said, or not. It urges us to reflect back on the way of life Jesus has given in the sermon and then to do what he has said. It is about building a life that centers on the teachings of Jesus. It is the essence of discipleship for in doing what Jesus teaches us, we grow closer to our Lord and Master because we now have experiential knowledge to supplement our intellectual understanding. We know because we have been there.
24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
Matthew 7:24 - 27
Just Pondering
Posted on June 14, 2026
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Paul’s Ponder
June 14, 2026
Grace is often defined as God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. Once we become a Christian, Jesus’ blood forgives us from all sins by his grace. God’s Riches at Christ’s Expense. It doesn’t make any difference how many times we sin, God still forgives because his son died for us. So our sins have been paid at the cross in advance for us. Since the blood of Jesus continues to cover us God’s grace can be used without end. People can interpret that as meaning they can sin all they want and the grace of God will cleanse them of all sin. If it was a ledger, it would be like giving someone a black check to buy all he wanted. It cheapens grace.
Romans 6:1
What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?
The problem with this definition is that it emphasizes the forgiveness we receive from the blood of Christ, but ignores how we respond to God’s grace. Grace that ignores godly discipline and discipleship denies the very blood that bought us grace. Continuing in sin once we have received the forgiving grace of God is a mockery of God and discounts the great cost Jesus paid to purchase that grace. It makes grace cheap.
Romans 6:2
By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?
Grace is not cheap. It cost Jesus his life. Grace is not cheap. Our response is our life. The response to grace that honors God is to live, to the best of our ability, hearing and doing as we have been instructed by Jesus. To be wise and not foolish.
Go back and read Romans 5 and 6 with grace in mind.
Just Pondering
Posted on June 28, 2026
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Last week we discussed Luke 9:18 - 20, where Jesus asks His disciples who they think He is. Peter says He is God’s Messiah.
We learn in Matthew 16:13, that this event and the ones following it occurred in the region of Caesarea Philippi.
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
BACKGROUND
Caesarea Philippi was situated about 25 miles north of the Sea of Galilee at the base of Mount Hermon. It was the center of heavy pagan worship (specifically to the Greek god Pan) and Roman emperor worship. It is very interesting that Jesus chose this backdrop to ask His disciples who they believed He was.
Things get even more interesting as we move into our next passage.
Luke 9:28 -36
28 About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. 29 As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. 30 Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. 31 They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. 32 Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. 33 As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what he was saying.)
34 While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and covered them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” 36 When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves and did not tell anyone at that time what they had seen.
What does Luke tell us happens after eight days?
BACKGROUND
Scholars today believe that the mountain Luke is talking about is Mount Hermon. It was taller than Mount Tabor and closer to Caesarea Philippi. It was also less populated.
Jesus picks Mount Herman to reveal to Peter, James and John exactly who He is - the embodied glory - essence of God.
Jesus is also putting Satan and his forces on notice. It’s almost like Jesus is saying;
“I’ve come back to earth to take back what is mine.
The Kingdom of God is at hand.”
Jesus has thrown down the gauntlet. The enemy knows who Jesus is, but the forces of darkness do not know the plan. Jesus has baited them into action and act they will.
What happened as Jesus was praying?
What two men appeared to talk to Jesus?
What did they talk about?
BACKGROUND
The Transfiguration is discussed in Matthew, Mark and Luke. Luke is the only one who tells us what the three of them talked about.
The Greek term for “departure” is “Exodus” in English. They are speaking about Jesus’ exodus from this world through Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection into heaven, the place where they dwell with God. That exodus can only happen in accord with what Jesus had predicted earlier.
Why do you think this conversation was beneficial to Jesus?
What condition does Luke say Peter, James and John were in?
When they were fully awake, what did they see?
What does Peter want to do?
Mark 9:5 - 6 words it this way:
5 Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 6 (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.)
What appears as Peter is speaking?
What did it do?
How did this affect Peter, James and John?
What did the voice in the cloud say?
What happened after the voice spoke?
What did the disciples do?
Notice the words “at that time”. It appears that there came a time when they did talk about it.
Luke 9:37 - 43
37 The next day, when they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met him. 38 A man in the crowd called out, “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child. 39 A spirit seizes him and he suddenly screams; it throws him into convulsions so that he foams at the mouth. It scarcely ever leaves him and is destroying him. 40 I begged your disciples to drive it out, but they could not.”
41 “You unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you and put up with you? Bring your son here.”
42 Even while the boy was coming, the demon threw him to the ground in a convulsion. But Jesus rebuked the impure spirit, healed the boy and gave him back to his father. 43 And they were all amazed at the greatness of God.
What did Jesus, Peter, James and John do the next day?
Who came to meet them?
What did a man in the crowd cry out?
What had the man asked Jesus’ disciples to do?
Could they?
What does Jesus say in verse 41?
This verse captures Jesus’ deep frustration with the widespread lack of faith and people’s stubborn refusal to trust God.
“Unbelieving” refers to a failure to trust in God’s power.
“Perverse” suggests a moral and spiritual twisting away from God’s intended path.
Jesus had given the disciples the power to perform miracles and cast out demons earlier, but their own wavering faith prevented them from healing the boy.
What does the demon do to the boy in Jesus’ presence?
What does Jesus do?
What were they amazed by?
Luke 9:43 - 45
While everyone was marveling at all that Jesus did, he said to his disciples, 44 “Listen carefully to what I am about to tell you: The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men.” 45 But they did not understand what this meant. It was hidden from them, so that they did not grasp it, and they were afraid to ask him about it.
What does Jesus say to His disciples?
Did they understand what He said?
Why?
The true meaning of the cross was hidden from the disciples because it fundamentally contradicted their expectations of a triumphant, earthly Messiah. They couldn’t understand because their expectations were in the way.
Luke 9:46 - 50
46 An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. 47 Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. 48 Then he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.”
49 “Master,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us.”
50 “Do not stop him,” Jesus said, “for whoever is not against you is for you.”
What started among the disciples?
What was it about?
What did Jesus know?
What did Jesus do?
What did Jesus say about the child?
Who would be the greatest among them?
In Jesus’ time, what was the status of a child?
What did John tell Jesus?
Why was John upset?
How does Jesus respond?
Is John’s concern still prevalent with us today?
Is Jesus’ response the same for us today?
Why do you think this incident was such a struggle for John?
Why is it still a struggle for us?
Luke 9:51 - 56
51 As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. 52 And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; 53 but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. 54 When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?” 55 But Jesus turned and rebuked them. 56 Then he and his disciples went to another village.
What is approaching in verse 51?
What does Jesus do?
“Resolutely" is doing something in a firm, unwavering and determined manner.
What does Jesus send messengers to do?
What was the response of the people in the village, and why?
They had political and spiritual differences concerning Jerusalem. What did James and John want to do to the village?
What was Jesus’ response to James and John?
What did Jesus do instead?
What lesson was Jesus teaching His disciples in this passage?
Luke 9:57 - 62
57 As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.”
58 Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”
59 He said to another man, “Follow me.”
But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”
60 Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”
61 Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.”
62 Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”
What did the first man in this passage say to Jesus?
What was Jesus’ response?
What did Jesus say to another man?
What was the man’s response?
What did Jesus say to the man?
What did Jesus mean by this?
What did another man say to Jesus?
What does Jesus say in verse 50?
What do you think He meant by this?
Sweet Sisters, Jesus is saying that to effectively serve God’s Kingdom, you cannot look back with longing at your past, old habits or worldly attachments. You cannot follow Jesus if you are constantly longing for the life you left behind. Your focus has to be on Jesus.
Next week we will begin Luke 10.
TRUST GOD
OBEY GOD
WAIT ON GOD
Debbie
Posted on June 21, 2026
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Luke 9 marks a turning point in Jesus’ ministry, shifting from miracles to the cost of discipleship. It centers on Jesus’ true identity, the delegation of authority to the Twelve, and Jesus resolute journey toward the cross in Jerusalem.
Luke 9:1 - 6
When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, 2 and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 3 He told them: “Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt. 4 Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. 5 If people do not welcome you, leave their town and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.” 6 So they set out and went from village to village, proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere.
What did Jesus do when He called the Twelve together?
There is a difference between power and authority. Power implies force and physical strength; authority implies a delegated right to influence. A traffic policeman does not have the physical power to stop a car at an intersection, but he has the authority. Authority has been delegated to the traffic officer to control the flow of cars. He directs traffic by virtue of his positional authority.
Power, on the other hand, is physical in nature. For the Twelve, the power is the spoken word, invoking the name of Jesus. That is all the power they need because they have been given authority and power over the demons and diseases.
What did Jesus send the Twelve out to do?
What does it mean to “proclaim the Kingdom of God”?
How do you think proclaiming the Kingdom of God and healing the sick work together?
When the twelve showed they had power and authority over demons and diseases, it gave more creditability to their message about the Kingdom of God. When the Twelve healed people physically, it made the people more open to then be healed spiritually. It still works that way today.
When we meet someone’s physical needs they are more willing to let us met their spiritual needs.
What did Jesus tell the Twelve not to take with them on their journey?
What did this force them to do?
Where were they to stay on their journey?
What were they to do when people did not welcome them?
“Dusting off your feet” was a Hebrew saying for leaving rejection behind and moving on, as dirt is a metaphor for being unclean.
What did the Twelve do?
Luke 9:7 - 9
7 Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was going on. And he was perplexed because some were saying that John had been raised from the dead, 8 others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that one of the prophets of long ago had come back to life. 9 But Herod said, “I beheaded John. Who, then, is this I hear such things about?” And he tried to see him.
Who heard about all that was going on?
Why was he perplexed?
What did Herod say?
What did he do?
Why do you think Herod wanted to see Jesus?
Luke 9:10 - 11
10 When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus what they had done. Then he took them with him and they withdrew by themselves to a town called Bethsaida, 11 but the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing.
When the apostles returned what did they do?
What did Jesus do with them?
BACKGROUND
Bethsaida was the home of Peter, Andrew and Philip. It was loaded on the north eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee near where the Jordan River enters the sea. It was in a desolate area. Bethsaida was the scene of several miracles.
Matthew 11:21 - 22
21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.
What did the crowds learn and do?
What did Jesus respond?
Again we see the combining of teaching about the Kingdom of God and healing.
Luke 9:12 - 17
12 Late in the afternoon the Twelve came to him and said, “Send the crowd away so they can go to the surrounding villages and countryside and find food and lodging, because we are in a remote place here.”
13 He replied, “You give them something to eat.”
They answered, “We have only five loaves of bread and two fish—unless we go and buy food for all this crowd.” 14 (About five thousand men were there.)
But he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” 15 The disciples did so, and everyone sat down. 16 Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them. Then he gave them to the disciples to distribute to the people. 17 They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.
What happened late in the afternoon?
What did the Twelve want Jesus to do?
How does Jesus respond?
What is their answer to Jesus?
How many men were there?
What did Jesus tell His disciples to do?
What did the disciples do?
I find it interesting, Jesus has been talking to the Twelve (the apostles). Now He says to the disciples, who are also with Him, “Go out among the crowd and divide them into groups of 50.” If the men had families with them, there would have been more than 5,000 people.
What did Jesus do with the five loaves and the two fish?
Who distributed the food?
How much food did the people get?
Who picked up the leftovers?
How much was left over?
What does this passage teach us about how God works?
What does it teach us about faith?
Luke 9:18 - 20
18 Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say I am?”
19 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, that one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life.”
20 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
Peter answered, “God’s Messiah.”
What was Jesus and His disciples doing in private?
What did Jesus ask His disciples?
What was their answer?
What did Jesus ask them?
What did Peter say?
BACKGROUND
MESSIAH: Greek translation of mashiach is Christos which is where the title “Jesus Christ” comes from.
For the Jews, the Messiah was a future human king specifically a descendant of King David who would be sent by God. He would gather the Jewish people together, restore the nation of Israel, and bring universal peace. I don’t think Peter understood yet that Jesus was a totally different kind of Messiah than Peter thought He was.
Luke 9:21 - 27
21 Jesus strictly warned them not to tell this to anyone. 22 And he said, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.”
23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. 25 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? 26 Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.
27 “Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God.”
What did Jesus strictly warn them not to do?
What does Jesus tell them will happen to the Son of Man?
In verse 23, Jesus changes His focus from what the Son of Man will suffer to what it means to be His disciple. If you want to be Jesus’ disciple, what must you do?
If you choose to be Jesus’ disciple, how do you save your life?
What do you think Jesus is talking about in verse 25?
What will happen to those who are ashamed of Jesus and His words?
BACKGROUND
Bible Scholars have various opinions on the meaning of verse 27. The most reasonable one says that Jesus came to our world to institute a new kingdom, one that was built upon His life, death and resurrection. This became a reality in Acts 2, when the church was established. There were some with Him in Luke 9:27 that would live to see all of this happen.
Sweet Sisters, being a disciple of Jesus requires commitment to following Jesus and His teaching. Jesus will not accept Sunday only disciples. He wants disciples who are willing to follow Him day in and day out, regardless of what circumstances life brings their way. He will not accept anything else.
TRUST GOD
OBEY GOD
WAIT ON GOD
DEBBIE
Posted on June 8, 2026
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Luke 8:1 - 3
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: 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.
What did Jesus do soon after this?
Where did He go?
By this time in Jesus ministry He is not welcomed in the synagogues. He will teach outside in the open air. Who is with Him?
What does this passage tell us about each of these women?
BACKGROUND
This passage gives us a lot of interesting information about the role women played in Jesus’ ministry.
Rabbis did not allow women to be their students. Women were not permitted to study the scriptures. Jesus not only allowed women to become His disciples, but encouraged it.
Women did not usually travel alone, but these women left their homes to follow Jesus. Some of them would follow Him to the cross and to the tomb.
Even though these women could not publicly support Jesus by preaching and teaching, they supported His ministry in a financial way. It appears that at least the four mentioned were wealthy women. They and the other women who traveled with Jesus made it their responsibility to provide for the needs of Jesus and His disciples.
There are many passages in the Gospels where Jesus is verbally attacked by men for His message. There is not one incident of Jesus being verbally attacked by a woman.
What does this passage teach us about how Jesus saw the role of women in His ministry?
What does this passage teach us about what role we can play in Jesus ministry?
How did these women benefit from responding to Jesus’ ministry the way they did?
Luke 8:4 - 8
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. 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.”
What happens in verse 4?
What did the sower do?
What happened to the seed that fell on the path?
What happened to the seed that fell on the rock?
Why?
What happened to the seed that fell among the thorns?
What happened to the seed that fell into good soil?
Does the sower seem concerned with where the seed he throws lands?
What do you think was the sower’s main concern?
What does Jesus call out when He finishes this parable?
What do you think Jesus means by this?
Luke 8:9 - 15
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.’
11 “This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. 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. 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. 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. 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.
What did Jesus’ disciples ask Him?
What was given to the disciples?
What was the purpose of the parables given to others?
BACKGROUND
Jesus is describing a spiritual division. Those with open, seeking hearts (the disciples) receive the “mysteries of the Kingdom”. Those who hardened or have apathetic hearts hear the stories but fail to grasp the deeper meaning.
Luke 8:10 (NLT)
He replied, “You are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of God. But I use parables to teach the others so that the Scriptures might be fulfilled:
‘When they look, they won’t really see.
When they hear, they won’t understand.’
What does the seed represent?
Who are the ones along the path?
What does the devil do?
How does the devil do this?
Who are the ones who fall on the rock?
What happens to them?
Why?
Who are those who fall among the thorns?
What are they choked by?
How do those who fall on the good soil react to the word?
PATIENCE can also be translated:
Perseverance, endurance, resolve
Luke 8:16 - 18 (NIV)
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. 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.”
What does someone do with a lamp they have lit?
Why do they do this?
Luke 8:17 (NLT)
For all that is secret will eventually be brought into the open, and everything that is concealed will be brought to light and made known to all.
What is Jesus teaching us about things done in secret or things concealed?
What are we to take care about?
What will be given to the one who has?
What will happen to the one who has not?
Jesus is urging active, receptive listening rather tha just hearing words. If you ignore, neglect or fail to apply the truth you have been given, that knowledge will fade. You can not stand still in your faith. You are either moving forward or backward.
Luke 8:19 - 21 (NIV)
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.”
Who came to Jesus?
Why could they not reach him?
What did people come and tell Jesus?
What is Jesus’ response?
What does this passage teach us about who Jesus considers family?
In last week’s lesson, we talked about how faith must be accompanied by action. In today’s lesson, Jesus talks about not just hearing what He is teaching, but applying it as well. I am reminded of James 1:22 - 25 (NIV):
22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.
What happens when you merely listen to the word?
What are we to do instead?
Who does James compare someone to who listens but does not do what he hears?
How are we to look into the perfect law?
What are we to do?
What are we not to forget?
What will happen if we do it?
When we look to Jesus as our teacher and become a disciple or follower of His, we commit to a life of action. A life of participation. A life of intentionality. What do you think that kind of life looks like?
Does it mean being constantly “busy” doing the “Lord’s work” 24/7 to the point of being totally exhausted physically and emotionally?
Sweet Sisters, is it a life focused on “listening” and then acting on what we “hear”?
How do we achieve this kind of lifestyle?
TRUST GOD
OBEY GOD
WAIT ON GOD
DEBBIE
Posted on December 3, 2023
Masters of the Storm
In times of need we may call out to God asking ‘to be taken out of the storm’. We may later reconsider and ask God to ‘calm the storm’, or we may request that He be with us 'in the storm’. Storms are inevitable! Jesus told His disciples that they would receive many blessings ‘with persecutions’ (storms). Paul understood what He meant and said that through trials and temptations that ‘we persevere’. James, the brother of Jesus, said we should ‘count it all joy’ in our trials, and Peter added that we should embrace our suffering in the name of Jesus Christ.
God knows what is needed before people ask, and that He responds when asked. God wants what is best for all people. While Jesus was in the midst of His own storm; facing crucifixion, He relied on God and prayed ‘not My will but Thine’. Parents know that children need godly discipline—Jesus subjected Himself to His parents. Some may not appreciate discipline and may only recognize it’s value later in life—God disciplines those He loves.
God gave Adam and Eve ‘Paradise’; free of storms—they were unappreciative. Today, it is a common practice to ask God for blessings and to live ‘storm free’. Few ask to be challenged or disciplined. All people are given the choice to choose the wide road or the narrow road, the hard road or the easy road. God, our Heavenly Father, places storms in our lives to strengthen us, not to defeat us! As Christians, we delight in our struggles for ‘the joy set before us’. Overcoming a difficult task is exhilarating! Instead of asking God to remove unwanted obstacles let’s ask for the strength to endure and become ‘masters of the storm’. Peter
Peter's Message
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Posted on November 5, 2023
Jesus is called ‘The Lamb of God’. He is also known as Light, Love, Lord, and Lion (of Judah). Creation is a reflection of Jesus; the Creator, made with precision and with purpose. Nothing created is without value or significance.
Jesus is also known as ‘The Good Shepherd.’ He is the shepherd of His sheep and the perfect sacrifice for them. Shepherds are held in high esteem; willing to defend their flock against all predators and willing to stay awake and on guard through the night. Shepherds care for the entire flock, risking their lives for the 99 and one that is lost. Sheep have a special place in the hearts of shepherds who often care for them as their children. Shepherds know how to protect their flock with their lives.
People have taken lambs into their hearts as some do domestic pets. To require of a shepherd that a first born lamb, in full health, be used as a sacrifice is to demand the very best. It is a sacrifice for the shepherd and lamb! Jesus willingly became a sacrifice and went to His death with ‘joy set before Him’, as did God, the Father, make a sacrifice for His ‘love of the world’. He gave His only begotten Son. Mary, Jesus earthy mother, was with Him at His death, suffering silently. Both God the Father and Son purposed to save mankind at the right time and manner—they willingly gave the very best of themselves and heaven. Peter
Peter's Message
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Posted on October 1, 2023
Moses, a servant of God, was chosen by God to deliver His law in what is known as the Ten Commandments, and to set them as God’s standard for His people, Israel. There are two sections: respect for God and respect for fellow man. Many more commands given through Moses have formed the basis of Jewish religious law through the centuries.
Jesus, the Son of God, was chosen by God to speak His words for all people; all nations of the world. Jesus, the Word of God, stated, ‘My words will judge you in the last day’. Jesus has many attributes and is known by several well known titles: He is Christ the Messiah, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, High Priest and Advocate, Great Shepherd and Prince of Peace.
Jesus’ word is God’s Christian standard. On earth, all nations have requirements for all citizens that are accepted as legal and right. By what standard-of-law, then, does God require for entrance into heaven? The Greatest Command Jesus spoke is to love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:28-30).
Jesus showed His love for all people by His willingness to forgive sin. Forgiveness is His gift and response to repentance. Jesus is our righteous judge and advocate, and we will appear before His judgment-seat (II Corinthians 5:10, I John 2:1). By His words, eternal life is given to all who hear and believe—these do not come into judgment (John 5:24). Peter
