Luke - God's Son Seeks and Saves

Son of God becomes Son of Man

Jesus Heals

Jesus Heals

Jesus stays a pandemic in his times. He demonstrates multiple healing acts in multiple ways to people from different walks of life. The crown of it all is His power to heal sin – by offering His life as sin offering for the world – past, present and future.Matt...

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Jesus’ Ministry Launch

Jesus’ Ministry Launch

What is ministry? What is the focal point of Jesus’ ministry? How does that apply to us today? God has called all who believe in Him to minister in different ways. Fulfilling that call using Christ’s role model is finding fulfilment in life.Matt 4:12-25, Lk 4:14-37;...

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The Tempter lures Jesus

The Tempter lures Jesus

What is Satan’s strategy behind temptations? What can be our strategy following Jesus who remained sinless throughout His life? The temptations of Jesus symbolize basic temptations we all face. His response guides us as to how we can face temptation.Matt 4:1-11, Mark...

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John Baptizes Jesus

John Baptizes Jesus

Jesus, by getting baptized, introduces the concept of baptism by the Holy Spirit a seal of our inheritance with God. He brings home the significance of baptism today. What happens when we get baptized by water and the Spirit that seals our salvation?Matt 3:13-17, Mark...

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The Greatest Prophet

The Greatest Prophet

Born miraculously out of godly aged parents, John the Baptist is fully dedicated to his calling. Jesus marks him out as the greatest man that ever lived. Yet barring Christ himself, there would be many greater than him? What is greatness in Christ’s eyes?Objective...

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The King is Born

The King is Born

The most celebrated birthday in the world, Christ’s birth not only changed the calendar but also continues to change lives. Fully God yet fully man, He is nothing less than a miracle who can bring miracles into lives.Matt 1,2. Lk 1-2:38; 3:23-38 I.Objectives II.Gospel...

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Restoration and Rest

Sabbath Love

Sabbath Love

JJesus demonstrates in His unique way that Sabbath is all about love and healing. He shows kindness by continuing to patiently teach the hard hearted Pharisees trying to destroy Him. He shows kindness by healing and bringing new life to an unfortunate man, possibly a...

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Mercy versus Ceremony

Mercy versus Ceremony

Jesus beautifully highlights the importance of applying mercy to the rules, regulations and ceremonies followed. The law was meant to help, not hamper; to reach out in mercy, not merely ceremony.Bible passages: Matt 12:1-8; Mark 2.23-28 Luke 6.1-5 Sabath Attitudes:...

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The First Commission

The First Commission

Jesus empowers His disciples with great spiritual authority and power to reach the lost sheep of Israel. They go out with nothing other than Gods’ power and spirit in them. They go out in faith with no material resources. They depend on God to provide through His...

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New Patches on Old

New Patches on Old

Patching up our old life with new behaviors doesn’t really change us. Our life has to be transformed from within for lasting effect and impact. This can only happen by yielding to the work of the Holy Spirit within our lives.Passage:Matt 9:14-17; Mark 2:18-22; Luke...

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Jesus Calls Matthew

Jesus Calls Matthew

Jesus’ call to Matthew followed by his instant and swift response gives us much to learn on following Jesus. He was ready to leave everything immediately and follow. He seals his choice with a celebration feast to introduce all his friends to Jesus.Matt 9:9-13 ; Mark...

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The Lame Walk

The Lame Walk

He was determined to get through to Jesus even if it meant breaking a roof. Jesus in return makes healing incidental and assures him forgiveness of sins. Jesus proves He is far more than just a prophet or healer. He is the Messiah.Matt 9:1-8, Mark 2:1-12, Luke...

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Restoring the Leper

Restoring the Leper

The golden rule – treat others the way you want to be treated. Summarizing the sermon on the mount – this powerful principle covers much.Matt 8:1-4, Luke 5:12-16; Mark 1:40-45 Introduction The Rules The Leper’s faith SCALES the obstacles Jesus STIRS tradition...

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Distinguishing Attitudes

The Golden Rule

The Golden Rule

The golden rule – treat others the way you want to be treated. Summarizing the sermon on the mount – this powerful principle covers much.Matt 7:12; Luke 6:31 Introduction With God’s commandments Worldwide harmony As Sermon Summary DiscussionTo understand how the...

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The Key Differentiator

The Key Differentiator

What differentiates true Christians and non-Christians? How can we love our enemies? Where do we err in our classification and perception of “good” and “bad” people? How can we demonstrate Christlike love towards others?Matt 5:43-48,  Luke 6:27-36 Objectives Theme...

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The Extra Mile

The Extra Mile

What is the principle behind “eye for eye”? What does “turning the other cheek really mean”? When someone offends you what are different ways you can retaliate/ What is the smartest way? Why?Bible passages: Matt 5:38-42; Luke 6:29-30 Objectives Theme Verse Kinds of...

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Winning Attitudes – Part 3

Winning Attitudes – Part 3

What is peace? How can we be a peacemaker? How can we be joyful in the midst of persecution? What are the right and wrong reasons for suffering? What perspectives keep us strong and always victorious in difficult times?Ref: Matt 5:9-12, Lk 6:22Overview Key Verses...

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Winning Attitudes – Part 2

Winning Attitudes – Part 2

What is peace? How can we be a peacemaker? How can we be joyful in the midst of persecution? What are the right and wrong reasons for suffering? What perspectives keep us strong and always victorious in difficult times?Matt 5:6-8; Lk 6:21a Objectives Blessed are those...

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Winning Attitudes – Part 1

Winning Attitudes – Part 1

What is true happiness? How can we achieve that? Who is poor in spirit? What form of mourning turns to joy? When can meekness give strength? Achieving soul happiness is the key to living a truly blessed life now and forever.Also known as Beattitudes they are found...

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Spiritual Discernment

True Greatness

True Greatness

Christ gives his testimony of the greatest man born till date – John the Baptist. He confirms that he is Elijah who is to come. He commends him for his powerful advancement of God’s kingdom. He indicates what it takes to attain true greatness. Bible Passages - Matt...

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Signs of the Messiah

Signs of the Messiah

Why does John the Baptist ask Jesus “Are you the Messiah”? Christ systematically highlights unquestionable evidence witnessed by John’s own disciples. He points out to prophecy and reaffirms John’s faith and mission. Bible Passage: Matt 11:1-6, Luke 7.18-23 Background...

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Faith like the Centurian’s

Faith like the Centurian’s

A Roman who respected Jews, his faith was put to the test when his servant lay paralyzed and suffering. Jesus commends him highly and declares that nowhere in Israel did he find such faith. What made his faith stand out?Matt 8:5-13; Luke 7:1-10; John 4:46b-54...

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A Firm Foundation

A Firm Foundation

How can we ride the storms of life? How can we build such a firm foundation that nothing can shake? In uncertain times Jesus is the only certainty.In another graphic summary of his sermon on the mount, Jesus demonstrates to all believers the benefit of applying His...

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True and False Prophets

True and False Prophets

How can we discern and distinguish between true and false prophets? This will help us tackle characteristics of false prophets which can creep into our lives.Matt 7:15-23; Luke 6:43-45; Luke 13:25-30 Discerning “false prophets” Innumerable Indistinguishable externally...

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Do not Judge

Do not Judge

What is the difference between judgement and discernment? If Jesus came to save and not judge, what should our attitude be? In what situations do we need to be discerning. How can we use this to help others?Matt 7:1-6; Mark 4:24-25; Luke 6:37-42 1.Objectives 2.What it...

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The Influential Few

Parable of the Sower

Parable of the Sower

Seeds of God's word are being scattered throughout the world. Few hearts allow them to take root and achieve the productivity and success only a disciple of the Kingdom can achieve.Context Bible Passages: Matthew 13:1-9; 18-23; Mark 4:1-9; 13-23; Luke 8:4-8; 11-15 The...

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The Royal Family

The Royal Family

Jesus beautifully highlights the importance of applying mercy to the rules, regulations and ceremonies followed. The law was meant to help, not hamper; to reach out in mercy, not merely ceremony.Bible Passages: Matthew 12:46-50;Mark 3:31-35; Luke 8:19-21; John 15:14;...

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Labourers are Few

Labourers are Few

It is God who sends out workers into the fields of souls ripe to receive Him. Do our eyes perceive these harvest fields in the world? Are we compelled to reach out to them? Are we willing to pray? Are we willing to go?Matthew 9:35-38; Mark 6:6b; 34; Luke 8:1; 10:2...

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Faith that Heals

Faith that Heals

Visionary faith from people of various walks of life win healing from Jesus. A leader requests, an unclean woman reaches out to touch him, blind men recognize Jesus as Messiah and the demon possessed man requires help from friends.Matt 9:18-34; Matt 20:29-34;  Mark...

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True Deliverance

Keys to the Kingdom

Keys to the Kingdom

Standing by the then known "Gates of Hell" or gates to the underworld, Jesus offers Peter and the disciples, the "Keys to the Kingdom" of Heaven. He promises that the "gates of hell" cannot prevail over it.Introduction – Caesarea Philippi The Messiah The Rock The...

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Unlimited Provision

Unlimited Provision

Jesus had hungry multitudes with Him. He asked Philip to feed them. Philip looked at his physical resources and declined. Jesus did a miracle that He was expecting Philip to do! Bible Passages Matthew 14.13-21; Mark 6.32-44; Luke 9. 10b-17; John 6.1-15; Jesus’s...

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Jesus Delivers

Jesus Delivers

When God appears silent, a miracle may be happening. When storms are raging prepare to witness the power above all storms. The only requirement is to ensure Christ is in the boat with us. He will take us through.Matt 8:28-34; Mark 5:1-20; Luke 8:26-39; Objectives...

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Stillness in Storm

Stillness in Storm

When God appears silent, a miracle may be happening. When storms are raging prepare to witness the power above all storms. The only requirement is to ensure Christ is in the boat with us. He will take us through.Matt 8:23-27, Mark 4:35-41; Luke 8:22-25 Bible passage...

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Tough Decisions

The Greatness of a Child

The Greatness of a Child

As the reality of the Messiah becomes more and more evident to the disciples, their attention turns, not to service but greatness. Jesus then explains what greatness truly means in the Kingdom of Heaven demonstrating the example of a child.Steps to Greatness are:...

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The Coin in the Fish

The Coin in the Fish

When Jesus asks Peter to take the coin out of the fish's mouth, it signifies something huge for the Roman world. It also demonstrates Jesus' respect to the authorities even when He was the highest authority.Historical context What does Jesus do? What do we expect from...

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When Demons Outplay Disciples

When Demons Outplay Disciples

The disciples had been empowered by Jesus and authorised to exercise power over demons. However on one occasion they failed. Introduction Satan’s Pillaging .. Disrupts peace .. Destroys lives .. Renders God’s people powerless Disciples’ Powerlessness .. Failure to...

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A Glimpse of Glory

A Glimpse of Glory

Shortly after Jesus stands at the "gates of hell" and declares the power of His Kingdom over it, he gives Peter, James and John "a glimpse of glory" as Jesus is transfigured and God speaks. The Voice of God This is my Son Whom I love I am well pleased with Him Listen...

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Discipleship

Discipleship

What does it mean to be a disciple of Christ? Who is our greatest enemy? How do we successfully defeat the enemy?The Condition    The Challenge   The Cross   The CrownMatt 16.24-28; Mark 8.34-9.1; Luke 9.23-27; John 12.25 Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to his...

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Death Prediction

Death Prediction

There are at least three incidences reported in the bible of Jesus predicting his death. In reality there may have been more.Clear prediction – Perceiving the victory Hasty retaliation – Accepting God’s will Stern correction – Prioritizing God’s concerns Blind...

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Welcome the Righteous

Welcome the Righteous

Jesus encourages his disciples to work on through adversity. They need to wipe out differences and strive towards a common goal. We need to welcome disciples by accepting, serving and supporting them; A great reward awaits in heaven.Bible Passages: Matt 10:40-42; Mk...

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The Last Journey

Towards the Cross

Towards the Cross

A brief passage, but mentioned in 3 gospels. As Christ’s footsteps turn towards the cross, it marks the end of his almost lifelong tenure in Galilee. We reflect on His amazing life.Introduction Background Flashback The Lamb of God Christ’s Persona Light Grace Truth...

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When profanity surpasses piety

When profanity surpasses piety

There are times that wicked deeds appear better in God’s sight than fake religion and superficial righteousness. Jesus minces no words to condemn the unrepentant Jews stating that the most sinful cities like Tyre, Sidon, Sodom, etc. were less damned than...

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Conditions of Discipleship

Conditions of Discipleship

What does it take to be Christ’s disciple? Nothing less than everything. There were many who want to join but the price is too high. “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose” Jim Elliot.Matt 8:18-22; Luke 9:57-62 Introduction Crowd –...

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Successful Prayers

Successful Prayers

How can our prayers be simple, successful and effective? How to pray? When do prayers not reach God? How can we listen to God and make prayer a two-way process? What were the pointers Jesus gives to be effective in prayer?Passages: Matt 6:5-15, Mark 11:25 Luke 5:16,...

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Vanquishing the Enemy

Eradicating Evil Spirits

Eradicating Evil Spirits

A person without Christ is always a candidate for the entry of evil spirits. However clean or good they may be.Context Understanding the operation of evil spirits The Cleansing process: Letting go Letting God Living with God Matt 12:43-45; Luke 11:24-26 43 “When an...

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Viral Influences

Viral Influences

There are two kinds of influences – positive and negative. Both the power of evil and the power of God have the capacity of multiplying and spreading virally.IntroductionSome Religious Leaders – The evil virusUpcoming Disciples – The ineffective vaccineGrowing...

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Empty Traditions

Empty Traditions

Traditions can be beautiful - carrying sentiments and values down generations. However they can also be completely meaningless and even destructive.Passages: Matt 15:1-20; Mark 7.1-23; Luke 11.37-41; 6.39 Background Jewish and biblical perspective on handwashing in...

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The last sign

The last sign

Jesus demonstrated in several ways to several people that He is indeed the much-awaited Messiah. Yes, most Jews continued to reject Him and ask for more signs. Jesus said He would demonstrate one last sign as a last chance.Bible passage - Matt 12:22-37; Mark 3:20-35;...

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The Unpardonable Sin

The Unpardonable Sin

What is the unpardonable sin? Does it occur at one time or over a period of time? At what point is a person beyond hope of salvation? What can we do to steer clear from the danger zone and be assured of our salvation? Bible passage - Matt 12:22-37; Mark 3:20-35; Luke...

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Wisdom of Children

Wisdom of Children

Christ's disciples have a great deal of wisdom in God's sight. A wisdom very different to that of the world. What are attributes of this wisdom?Passage/s: Matt 11:25-27; 13:16-17; Luke 10:21-24 Context Heart of Faith – believe Eyes of Faith - see Walk of Faith -...

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Fear God Alone

Fear God Alone

Jesus assures that nothing can touch his people without God’s approval. There is nothing to fear when God is allowing a trial on us. He is in control. The only reason to fear is to go against His wishes. When He is with us, every situation is for the best.Bible...

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Sheep among Wolves

Sheep among Wolves

Jesus is sending his people as sheep among ferocious wolves. How can few sheep survive among a pack of wolves? Jesus provides the secret. Their success rides in being shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves.Bible Passages: Matt 10:16-25; Mark 13:9-13; Luke 12:11-12;...

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Final Teachings

Parable of the Leaven

Parable of the Leaven

Leaven is like yeast. It is a noun and a verb - It is and it does. It’s characteristic impacts and acts everything around. The Kingdom of God silently is, and acts.A little for a lot. It is: Smoothly distributed Silently effective Supremely impactful Matthew 13:33 He...

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Gate to Life

Gate to Life

How can we make the best short-term choices that lead us to our eternal destination? The gate is narrow that leads to life.Matt 7:13-14; Luke 13:23-24 Objectives Meaning Broad Gate Narrow Gate The Choice DiscussionTo: Guide us to make choices (short and long term)...

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Averting Anxiety

Averting Anxiety

Why do we worry? What are matters we worry about? How do we overcome anxiety? What are positive worries we can have? How can we switch from negative to positive anxieties? What assurances does Jesus give when we are anxious?Matt 6:25-34; Luke 12:22-32 Introduction...

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Permanent Wealth

Permanent Wealth

Compare and contrast Kingdom wealth with earthly wealth. How do perspectives change our choices and guide our path? How do we get an enlightened perspective? How do we strike the right balance between wealth in this world and the next?Matt 6:19-24; Luke 12:33-34,...

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Anger and Hurt

Anger and Hurt

What are the consequences of anger and hurt to ourselves? To others? Why is anger compared with murder? How can we avoid these feelings and overcome them? How do we replacing anger and hurt with love and compassion like Christ did?Matt 5:21-26, Matt 18:15-17, Luke...

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The Price of Seeking

Restoring the Lost

Restoring the Lost

Jesus highlights the value of every single soul to Him and encourages us to hold the same value for every soul.Recognize their value Rescue them Reinstate them to safety Retain them in the foldMatt 18.10-14; Luke 15.1-7; Matthew 18:10 “See that you do not despise one...

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Lose Life to Find it

Lose Life to Find it

Before Peace there is a Sword; Before Unity there is Division; Before the Crown there is the Cross; Before Life there is death. Are we ready to lay down our lives for Him just as He laid down His life for us? When we are, there’s no turning back.Bible Passages: Matt...

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Salt and Light

Salt and Light

What are the inherent properties of salt and light that Christians need to demonstrate? What did salt and light mean in Christ’s days? What do we learn? How do we achieve inherent characteristics that have the power and influence salt and light have?Ref: Matt 5: 13-16...

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Winners and Losers

True Forgiveness

True Forgiveness

What is the limit of forgiveness?Jesus indicates that there is no limit to forgiveness. He then tells them a story The debt The redeemer The redemption The debtor True Forgiveness: Is eternally grateful to the Redeemer Initiates reconciliation Loves Forgets Believes...

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Dealing with Obstacles

Dealing with Obstacles

A statement like “if your hand causes you to sin cut it off” causes on to sit up. Does Jesus really mean it? On deeper reflection, we need to ask ourselves what is causing us to sin and what should we cut off.The Stumbling Blocks Our Greatest Enemy The Punishment The...

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Faith, like a Mustard Seed

Faith, like a Mustard Seed

Mustard seeds have certain distinguishing qualities that separate them from the rest. It is these qualities that Jesus highlights, which are required in our faith and life. Introduction Satan’s Pillaging .. Disrupts peace .. Destroys lives .. Renders God’s people...

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Lust and Immorality

Lust and Immorality

What is the danger of making promises to people or God? How do we unknowingly at times, deceive others and let others deceive us? How do we shield ourselves from deception? How do we discern deception in us and others?Matt 5:21-26, Matt 18:15-17, Luke 12:57-59, John...

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Spiritual Wealth

The Rich and the Righteous

The Rich and the Righteous

How do we attain eternal life? Times have changed but perceptions haven’t changed much.Four key questions are posed in this passage. The answers to which determine our destiny. What good thing can I do to inherit eternal life? What do I still lack? Who then can be...

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Jesus Blesses Children

Jesus Blesses Children

In the midst of the crowds, healing, teaching, a beautiful thing was happening. People were bringing children to Jesus. Disciple’s Perception Jesus’ Admission Child’s Position Bible Passages: Matt 19.13-15; Mark 10.13-16; Luke 18.15-17 Matthew 19:13 Then people...

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Suffering and Glory

Lead, to Serve

Lead, to Serve

As Jesus gains popularity, his disciples and relatives have dreams of positions in His future kingdom. Jesus patiently explains that great leaders in His kingdom are those who serve the best.Who is the greatest? The disciple’s response Christ’s response Christ’s cup...

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