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;...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Be True to Yourself
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...
Fulfilling the Law
Is the old testament relevant today? What new dimensions of the law did Jesus fulfil and highlight? What is grace? How do we truly appropriate it in our lives? What changes in our lives when we live under grace as opposed to living under the law?Matt 5:17-20; Luke...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
Fasting
When and why should we fast? What changes when we fast? How are fasting and prayer related? Biblically fasting represents true sorrow for sin. Without that it is not a fast. Fasting is affliction of the soul in true repentanceMatt 6:16-18 Objectives Bible Passages...
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,...
True Righteousness
How can we discern between true and fake righteousness? In ourselves and others? What motivates fake righteousness? True Righteousness? How can we examine our hearts before God to be righteous in God’s sight?Matt 6:1-4 Objectives Position Intention Renumeration False...
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...
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...
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)...
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...
Receiving God’s Bounty
Is God a magic genie granting all your wishes? Ask and we will receive – that’s a big promise. What are the conditions associated? Deeper understanding shows us how we can actually develop the right attitudes and spirit to receive God’s bounty.Bible Passages: Matt...
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...
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...
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...
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 –...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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;...
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...
Soul Rest
Simple yet profound. What are the steps to achieve true rest for the soul? This is the real reason Jesus came – to help us seek and attain soul rest. Many want it, but are we prepared to do what it takes to achieve it?Passage/s: Matthew 11:28-30 Context, Introduction...
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 -...
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...
Children of Wisdom
Jesus categorizes people into two categories "children of wisdom" and "children of folly". How do we see the play between the two? Matt 11:16-19; Luke 7:29-35 Children of this generation: Calls the shots Changes their minds frequently Curb God’s people Children of...
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...
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...
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...
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;...
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;...
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...
The Servant King
Jesus introduced to us a taste of what His New Kingdom was to be like. The world was awaiting a Messiah - a King who would save everyone. Jesus came in the most unexpected manner - demonstrating what His new Kingdom would be like.Bible passages: Matt 12.15-21; Isa...
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...
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:...
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...
The visionaries
There are some who see without perceiving, hear without listening, have a heart that does not receive and understand the truth. Jesus highlights who are those visionaries who can truly perceive and build the Kingdom of God.Bible Passages: Matthew 12:46-50;Mark...
Good and evil co-exist
Why do the wicked prosper? Christ explains that this is a balancing principle in life for the time being. God is at work and His work is prospering too in ways we may not see. Jesus assures that both good and evil will co-exist till one day evil is removed...
Growth of God’s Kingdom
The Kingdom of God is right here right now. It is an enigma, few can understand. Silently, powerfully growing. In this passage Jesus tells us about the growth of God's Kingdom.Bible passages: Matt 13.31-32; Mark 4.30-32; Luke13.18-19; Growth of God’s kingdom: Steered...
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...
Eternal Food
Jesus always wants what's highest and best for us. The crowds were thronging Jesus to meet their immediate needs. He tries to give them a long term perspective. Bible passages: Matt 14.34-36; Mark 6.53-56; John 6.22-29 Background Do we try to shape God? Physical food...
Walking on Water
Jesus had demonstrated his power over the sea earlier. Yet his disciples hearts were still hard and faith small. Jesus not only demonstrates another miracle, he shows us that faith can do miracles in our lives as well.Matt 14.22-33; Mark 6.45-52; John 6.16-21; Jesus...
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...
Facing the Messiah
While even His family did not recognize Him in the early stages, we know some brothers and mother did come to His saving knowledge later in life after Christ’s resurrection. We hope others from His hometown followed suit.He grew up with them They were in denial He...
The Treasure House
Jesus beautifully brings together the old (the old testament law followed by Jews) and the new (the faith of Christians) with this illustration.A teacher of the Word: Needs to become a kingdom disciple Needs to understand Is like an owner (of a house of treasure) Who...
Good Fish, Bad Fish
Jesus talks of a day when the "good fish" will be separated from the "bad fish" or, the sheep from the goats. What are the characteristics of the righteous in God's sight?To be righteous, we must: Believe Be born again Bear fruit Mathew 13:47 “Once again, the kingdom...
Unmatched value
Talk of “all eggs in one basket”. This is one egg in one basket. The man sold all for this one thing.It has the following effects: Brings out the Extraordinary in the ordinary Separates the invaluable among the valuable Makes everything worth nothing Mathew 13:44 “The...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Compelled by Compassion
In the last phase of Christ’s ministry, we see increasing Jewish opposition and increasing Gentile acceptance. God’s work never stops – it moves on and on and spreads wider and wider.Since we have already discussed a similar miracle – feeding of the 5000, we’ll look...
Persistant Faith
Jesus has moved to a primarily Gentile region. While His words appear harsh, He is teaching the disciples and communicating His main purpose to minister to the Jews. He is also testing the lady. Her faith shines through.Jesus: Travelled a long way Had a Long term...
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...
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...
Restoration from sin in the church
Dealing with sin in others is always sensitive, particularly as we are all sinners. However, Jesus provides a winning formula to do it in a manner which is effective and focussed on saving the person under consideration. Steps to restoration are: 1.Talk to the person...
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...
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...
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:...
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...
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...
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...
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...
The Last Shall be First
Towards the end of Christ's ministry on earth, Jesus is highlighting the theme "the last shall be first" a few times to ingrain the disciples of a key Kingdom principle.Introduction The last shall be first Who are the last? The ABCD of Kingdom Values: A - Allegiance...
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...
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...
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...