Lessons for Disciples – True Sight
The interaction of Jesus and Bartimaeus that led to his healing and salvation is the picture of true sight and the model of real discipleship.
Mark 10:46-52
Way to Worship
Scripture tells us a lot about worship, but how do we become true worshipers of God? And why is it so important as Christians to participate in worship?
John 4:19-26
The Meaning Opportunity
Everyone has faith in something, we are all believers in something. This raises questions though. How we think about meaning and purpose drive our behavior and inform our thinking. But we fool ourselves if we put faith in things that aren’t true; and fail to adequately address the doubts we all have whatever we believe.
John 18: 33-38
Jesus Is the Victor
All of creation is under a curse and subject to constant evil which leads to suffering and death. But Jesus has won a monumental victory over Satan, sin, suffering and eternal death, and followers of Christ can live boldly and rejoice in knowing that they have eternal life and freedom from the antagonists of God.
Revelation 20:15-22:7; Genesis 3:1-19
The Pattern of Discipleship
Disciples personally respond to Christ in repentance and faith, obey His command to be baptized, and are vital members of a local church.
Acts 2:36-47
Lessons for Disciples – A King’s Ransom
Jesus the King is the Servant of the Lord Who will lay down His life to ransom His people, taking their sin and punishment on Himself, setting them free from death and restoring them from exile to be the people of God.
Mark 10:45
Lessons for Disciples – A Kingdom of Servants
Disciples must follow Jesus in rejecting the world’s grasping for power, choosing to live as servants, willing to be mistreated and suffer, trusting God the Father to vindicate His followers in His own time.
Mark 10:32-45
Lessons for Disciples – The Kingdom and Wealth
Disciples of Christ must recognize and reject the temptation to trust in riches, look to God alone as their source of identity and salvation, and use their wealth to be a blessing to others.
Mark 10:17-31
Transformed by Trinity
Trinity makes salvation possible and Trinity makes salvation sweet. Only with a God of Trinity can we be freely welcomed in together as brothers and sisters to share the joy of God and cry together, “Abba Father!”
Genesis 1:1-3; John 1:1-3
Lessons for Disciples – Entering The Kingdom
No human can enter the kingdom of God by their own works or efforts but only by the grace and work of God.
Mark 10:17-31
Lessons for Disciples – The Kingdom, Disciples, and the Little Children
Unlike the kingdoms of this world, the Kingdom of God does not give preference to the powerful or wealthy but is open to everyone who will receive it like a little child by recognizing their helplessness and great need that only Jesus can meet.
Mark 10:13-16
The Resurrection Changes Everything!
The physical resurrection of Jesus from the dead changes everything, and His followers gather each week to remember His resurrection and then take the Good News forth to everyone.
John 20:19-29
The Great Reversal
Easter celebrates the Great Reversal, when God overruled the wicked decision of humanity to reject and crucify Jesus, raising Him from the dead so that life has swallowed up death for all who trust in Him.
Acts 2:22-24
Lessons for Disciples – Marriage (Part 3) – Joined Together By God
When a man and a woman take covenant marriage vows God supernaturally joins them together, creating a new union that they must spend the rest of their earthly life nurturing through healthy practices so that their marriage flourishes to the glory of God and their joy.
Mark 10: 5-9
Fight for the Faith
Christians must contend for the faith so that they can hold to what is true, identify what is false, and build up both their own faith and the faith of others.
Jude 3-4; 17-22
Lessons for Disciples – Marriage (Part 2)
Jesus taught that God made humans male or female and that marriage is the lifelong union of one man and one woman. Therefore any alternative ideas of “marriage” or contexts for sexual activity violate God’s design and intent.
Mark 10:1-12
Lessons for Disciples – Marriage (Part 1)
Jesus taught that marriage was given by God at creation to be the lifelong union of one man and one woman, and disciples must look to strengthen marriage, not seek excuses to divorce.
Mark 10:1-12
Lessons for Disciples – The Real Enemy
A disciple is called to live at peace with other believers, focusing on rooting sin out of their own life rather than criticizing their brothers and sisters.
Mark 9:38-50
Lessons for Disciples – The Upside-Down Kingdom
Disciples must understand the upside-down nature of the kingdom of God, for God’s Kingdom is established through the death of the King, and true greatness is found in being the servant of all.
Mark 9:14-29
Fast From, Feast On
Following Jesus’ pattern of fasting and feasting, abstaining from food and activities to feast upon the Presence of God, is key to experiencing a flourishing life.
Matthew 4:1-4; Luke 7:33-34
When Less Is More
True abundance is not found in a life full of distractions but in one that has reduced activities to allow time to listen to Jesus speak.
Luke 10:38-42
Apprenticeship Through Failure
Through their failure to cast out a demon, the disciples learn that ministry and spiritual warfare are not based on technique or their own abilities, but rather by consistently walking close to God through faith and prayer.
Mark 9:14-29
The Ministry of the Messenger
Like Elijah and John the Baptist, we are called to be messengers proclaiming the King is coming, understanding that this often leads to opposition and suffering for the messenger.
Mark 9:9-13
A Glimpse of Glory
The Transfiguration is a revelation showing that the New Covenant has arrived, unveiling Jesus in His full glory so that the disciples can be sustained through the suffering that comes to Jesus and His followers.
Mark 9:1-8
The Gift of Sabbath Rest
Sabbath rest is not a legalistic restriction but rather a gift from God to allow us to be refreshed as we rest from our daily vocations and activities so we can focus on God and His provision for us.
Leviticus 23:1-3