Lisa Wolf

Q60. (Matthew 13:51-52) What is the “old” that the householder brings out of his treasure box? What is the “new.” In what way must we disciples be “cross-trained” as scribes of the Kingdom? Disciples must be cross-trained because we need to develop our relationship skills with Our Father in so many areas such as, how does God expect us to know and live: mercy? grace? justice? love? patience? gentleness? His Word? and SO MANY other aspects. We walk with the Living God; our relationship with Him is dynamic. He teaches us, so we have old treasures to bring out as well as new ones. Things He taught me long ago that were learned in times of adversity are pearls I can share with others as the Spirit leads me to do that. Nothing is wasted in the Kingdom of God; all is for good and for building up the Body of Christ.

59. (Matthew 5:13-14) Why is a sharp and tasty witness so important? What is a bland witness to Jesus? How do we stay “salty”? Why are people tempted to hide their “light” or witness? What does Jesus say about that? A sharp and tasty witness makes people interested...bland witness turns people away from Jesus. We stay salty by being used each moment--salting each moment while the salt is fresh. We have to have our salt restored and replenished by the Holy Spirit. Hiding our light is never a good plan. Jesus says our town is built on a hill and cannot be hidden. (Matthew 5:14) and reminds us WE are the light of the world. If He entrusted us, we should believe Him.

Q58. (Matthew 9:37-38; John 4:35-38) Where in your region does the harvest seem most ripe, that is, where people are most receptive to the gospel? Do you see yourself mainly as a sower or a reaper? Why is there such a shortage of reapers? Would you be willing to be a reaper, if Jesus helps you? In my life so far I have been a sower and an encourager. I definitely need Jesus' help to become a reaper!!! Thankful that it is God who gives the growth and the Holy Spirit who gives the words...I am willing. As far as a region that seems ripe for harvest, I see people coming to faith at a somewhat-nearby church that straddles many socio-economic areas as well as many multi-cultural areas. In September they did a survey: people from 32 countries and 27 languages. They worship God together and many are coming to faith and being baptized. Many. The church I attend does a strong outreach to college students, so the church has many, many college students in various stages from questions to strong faith. A friend is reaping a huge harvest in a war-torn area of our world. Lord, may many come to believe in You.

Q57. (Matthew 9:36) Why is Jesus' heartbroken over lost sheep? Who are the lost sheep of your community? Of the mission fields that you know about? What is your attitude toward them? Jesus is heartbroken over the lost sheep because He loves them MORE. 2 Peter 3:9 reminds us of His heart toward all people, "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." In my community--many people need Jesus, but several neighbors I know personally - need to know Him. I pray for them and hope for opportunities to talk with them and bless them. In the mission fields I know about, I pray. Friends on the front lines report that people ARE coming to know Jesus. Each one is no longer a lost sheep.

Q56. (Matthew 9:13; Hosea 6:6) What does Jesus mean when he tells his disciples, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice”? What attitude did the Pharisees have towards sinners? What attitude did Jesus have toward sinners? What attitude do you have toward sinners? What is the role of a spiritual doctor? Mercy is a concept foreign to human selfishness and the attitude that 'I always have to be right'. As God revealed His character throughout the Old Testament, He always showed us His Mercy and showed us that He is Just. A sacrifice is something you can do. Mercy cuts deeper into our souls to require a heart that is like His. The Pharisees despised sinners because they were sure they were above them; Jesus came to heal and to save. Standing at the foot of the cross, I know I am a sinner--a forgiven sinner--and I KNOW Christ extends that forgiveness to all. A spiritual doctor has compassion on the hurting and broken. The role is a PRAYING one.

Q55. (Luke 10:30-37) Why does Jesus contrast a Jewish priest and Levite with a hated Samaritan? According to the parable, how do you think Jesus would define “neighbor,” that is, someone we have a responsibility toward? How much does compassion move you to go out of your way and comfort zone to care for those in need? Jesus contrasted a Jewish priest and Levite with a hated Samaritan because the priest and Levite were held in official esteem in Jewish culture of that day. I think Jesus defines neighbor as anyone in need--we have a responsibility toward anyone in need which feels overwhelming unless we realize we are part of the Body of Christ and that He does not call each of us to care for each need in the globe. I appreciate that Jesus chose one single road. The Samaritan was responsible for the need on that road. Where are we walking? Where has God called us to walk? That is our road of need for which we are responsible. Compassion and comfort zone in the same sentence...When God calls me out of my comfort zone, I do my best to listen and obey. I am so grateful for the Holy Spirit who breathes life even to extending compassion outside of our comfort zone. Sometimes extending compassion is inconvenient. That is when we really dig-in and trust God to move in us.

Q54. (Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 19:12-27) Why did Jesus give his disciples the Parables of the Talents and Minas? How are you using the “talents” Jesus has given you? What causes people to “bury” the talents they once used for the Lord? If it is not salvation itself, what is the reward for faithfulness? Why does God expect more of greatly gifted people? Jesus gave the disciples the teaching of Talents and Minas to let them know that each person is of value in His Kingdom. Each of us is a combination of gifts and talents that are unique to each individual. Each of us has gifts to advance His Kingdom and as we walk with Him we become more confident in using those gifts. The reward for faithfulness, SALVATION in Jesus certainly, and hearing Him say, "Well done," (Matthew 25:21) God expects more of greatly gifted people because they have more to give. Are we ALL Greatly Gifted??? and it is just our culture or context that does not value that gift? Something to think about.

Q53. (John 13:4-17) In what way is Jesus washing the disciples’ feet a parable? Why did this act of washing their feet feel so shocking to the disciples? In what sense is this a parable of cleansing? In what way is it a rebuke of pride and competition? In what way is it a parable of humble service? In what areas of your life do you need to implement its teaching? A Parable, a story, a teaching easy to remember because of the action associated with it. Jesus wanted His disciples to know and remember this teaching. Washing the disciples feet was so shocking to them because the culture of the day had so many 'rules' associated with it. It is a parable of cleansing in that Jesus taught us that if we have bathed (been baptized for the forgiveness of all of our sins) we only need to wash feet (confess our daily sins); the Bible teaches us not to cherish sin, not to carry sin, and that all sin has been nailed to the cross. It is a parable of humble service in that Jesus, the Master, performs this demeaning service for all in the room. Next, He tells the disciples to DO THIS TOO. All of them, all of us NEED to offer humble service. I need to implement this parable in all areas of my life. I need to ask God when He wants me to do this and then obey Him.

Q52. (Luke 11:5-10; 18:1-8) What is the similarity between Jesus' Parables of the Friend at Midnight and the Unjust Judge? What does this persistence look like in your life? What will persistence in prayer do to develop you as a disciple? The similarity between the two parables is Persistence. In my own life I am reminded to keep praying!!! and not give up. I immediately thought of my dear friends in another country fighting for their lives and freedom. I want them to never give up praying for God's intervention, and I do not want to stop praying with them either. We have a very wayward son. I never want to stop praying for him as well. May he choose Jesus above all in his life. Persistent prayer develops me as a disciple because Jesus told these parables to SHOW US that we should pray and never give up. This is His teaching; I will obey.

Q51. (Matthew 7:9-11; Luke 11:11-13) Why did Jesus give his disciples the Parable of Asking a Father for Bread? What misconception was he seeking to correct? Jesus gave the parable of Asking for Bread to show the goodness of His Father. He wanted the disciples to know that God is a good father. We can ask, and He does not give us evil things, He gives us good things. We can TRUST our Father! He wanted to clear up the misconception that God was a giant shoe waiting to smash us and bring us harm. Instead, God gives the Holy Spirit--HIS HOLY SPIRIT--to us when we ask. What a gift!

Q50. (Matthew 6:25-34) How does the Parable of the Birds and the Lilies teach us not to worry? What does Jesus teach about worrying about the future? Rather than worrying, what does Jesus instruct his disciples to do? What does obeying verse 33 look like in your life? Verse 33, But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Obeying that - so important for those who walk with Jesus. Putting God first in everything continues as I walk with Him. I triumph in one area, then we work on another. Seeking first His Kingdom means asking God to show me needs with His eyes. When He asks me to give, He provides a hundred-fold. I cannot even begin to recount the amazing ways He has provided for me through my life. I cannot begin to recount the multitude of stories our brothers and sisters in other countries have told me of His miraculous provision. TRUST. HE WILL FULFILL THIS PROMISE.

Q49. (Luke 16:13) What are the very subtle ways that we can begin to serve Money rather than God? How can we detect these temptations in our hearts? Why did Jesus tell his disciples the Parable of the Two Masters? I think Jesus told the Parable of the Two Masters to the disciples because love of Money and the World is a basic world view that we as disciples of Jesus need to overcome with Him. What we see with our eyes certainly tempts us, and if the love of money is allowed to grow in our character it becomes an idol that takes the place of God in our lives. I love this quote from you, "The question a disciple must ask is: God, how would you have us (me) spend our (my) money?" Truly EVERY gift we have - even money - is from Him and is His anyway, let's ask! Any time we want to spend without asking that question is a warning sign that temptations are coming and we are beginning to serve Money rather than God.

Q48. (Luke 12:16-21) Is being wealthy a sin for a Christian? What was the rich man's actual sin or sinful attitude? How do you sometimes see greed in the people in your neighborhood or social circle? Christians aren't immune. In what ways might greed influence a Christian's behaviors and values? I love Proverbs 30:8&9--what a concept: our daily bread. Jesus imparted wisdom when He taught us to pray that! (Matthew 6) I see greed in my own life with my full closet and full pantry while I know others in the world are in need. While I cannot provide for all of the poor in the world, I need to be sure I am giving to God what He asks of me. He has blessed me with daily bread. He has blessed me with abundance. When we begin to think we 'deserve' extra wealth we fall into a perilous pit of greed. Yes, I see scrambling for gain everywhere in my neighborhood and social circle. I see even Christians living in this manner. I need to pray for myself and for them--more.

Q47. (Luke 16:1-13) In what way is the dishonest steward supposed to be a positive example to disciples? How does one “lay up treasures in heaven”? Why is the quality of our work of very small things so important to God? What is he waiting to see in us? What happens to people in the church who are promoted beyond their spiritual growth? The dishonest steward is a positive example to disciples in his shrewdness in understanding the people of the world. Laying up treasures in heaven involves walking with God, being obedient to Him, and letting the Holy Spirit work His character in us in the area of giving--giving time, money, and talent as He directs. The quality of our work in even small things is so important to God because it reveals are true character; He's looking to see if we follow Him when no one is watching! (And He is SO MUCH in the details!!! Look at the intricacy of our world!!! Things are even smaller than we can see!!! His plan and order are amazing!!! He KNOWS details!!) If someone in the church is promoted beyond their spiritual growth--in any area--sin will happen.

Q46. (Matthew 7:15-20; Luke 6:43-45) From Jesus' images of wolves in sheep's clothing, good and bad fruit, and the treasure chest of the heart, how does he teach us to discern false leaders? Why is this so important in our churches? Why must we distinguish flawed Christian leaders from dangerous false prophets? Jesus teaches us to watch Christian Leaders. We should stay alert and be certain that the teaching we receive from them and the life they live tell the story of who they really are. It is so important in our churches because false teaching ravages the congregation as a wolf ravages a flock of sheep. Many fall away. Christian leaders with flaws are human; they are humble, willing to repent, and work hard to lead a God honoring life that lines up with God's Word. Christian leaders who are dangerous false prophets are self-righteous and join with the serpent in Genesis: 'Did God really say...'

Q45. (John 6:53-58) What does the metaphor of “eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood,” mean in practical terms? To extend the same metaphor, what do you think might be the difference between nibbling the Bread of Life rather than actually making a meal of it? How does “eating his flesh” relate to abiding in Jesus? Why do you think Jesus uses this offensive analogy that resulted in many disciples leaving him? Eating Jesus' flesh and drinking His blood means living so closely in Him that we share in His sufferings and His resurrection and should not be surprised by anything that He calls us to do. 'Making a meal of Him' so to speak, is abiding with Him so closely that He permeates our spirit, soul, mind, body, and we truly belong to Him. I think Jesus used an offensive analogy because He wanted His followers to stay close and be willing to draw deeply into His Life. It reminds me of 1Peter 2: 6-8, "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame. Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone, and, A stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.”

Q44. (John 15:4-5) What does it mean “to abide”? What does abiding have to do with “mutual indwelling”? With a “personal relationship”? What does Jesus mean when he says, “Apart from me you can do nothing”? What is the value of things done without Christ? What is the final end of things done without Christ? Abide means stay with. The description of 'abide' that Christ gives us in John 15 is certainly “mutual indwelling”; we can tell this especially when He says, “Apart from me you can do nothing”. Jesus told us He only did what the Father told Him to do, and we should follow that example. John 14:28, "so that the world may learn that I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me." Thus, abiding in terms of a personal relationship means staying together, walking together, working together. Things done without Christ have no value and will be burned in the end. Only eternal work lasts.

Q43. (John 15:1-3) How does skillful pruning increase the fruitfulness of a grapevine? How are we pruned or cleansed by exposure and obedience to Jesus' words? According to John 8:31-32, how does obeying Jesus' teaching bring cleansing and freedom from sin? Skillful pruning enables the grapevine to put energy into new growth. Jesus' words prune us and cleanse us as we follow them and develop new habits to walk in. In John 8:31-32, Jesus tells us that if we hold to His teaching we are His disciples, THEN we will know the TRUTH and the TRUTH will set us free. Jesus is the TRUTH and the Holy Spirit works life in us.

Q42. (Luke 12:1; Matthew 16:11-12) Why is hypocrisy easy to detect in others, but difficult to detect in ourselves? Why is hypocrisy so deadly to spiritual growth? To witness? To obedience? To being a disciple? What is the antidote for hypocrisy? Hypocrisy is easy to see in others but difficult to detect in ourselves because we have justified our behavior to ourselves and not let Christ shine His light into that area of our life. Hypocrisy is so deadly to spiritual growth because the hypocrite becomes entrenched in the cement of the continued sin. It is so frustrating to witness because some people then use the hypocrisy of Christians as an excuse for not coming to Christ. Hypocrisy is not obedience. 1 John 2: 3-6 says, "We know that we have come to know Him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, “I know Him,” but does not do what He commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys His word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in Him: Whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did." And we know Jesus is the opposite of hypocrisy; He is always TRUTH. "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14)

Q41. (Luke 14:7-11) Why do people push themselves forward? According to verse 11, what will happen to them? Why is humility so important a lesson for Jesus' disciples? What is the danger to us, if we don't learn and internalize this lesson? Why do people push themselves forward?? Such a good question--selfishness perhaps, or our feeble attempt at giving our own selves worth??? Verse 11 reminds us that anyone exalting them-self will be humbled. Humility is such an important lesson for Jesus' disciples because the opposite puts us in direct rebellion to our Almighty God and Creator which puts us in danger of falling badly. Humble is exactly who Jesus is (Matthew 11:28-30, Philippians 2:5-11). We are his disciples when we live as He lives. 1 John 2:6 says, "Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did."

Q40. (Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-17). According to Mark 10:13-16, what characteristic of children is necessary for salvation? What characteristic were the disciples showing in rebuking the parents? When arguing about who was greatest? Why is humility essential to repentance? To learning? To obedience? Why did Jesus give his disciples the saying of becoming like little children? Children just CAME to Jesus in Mark 10--so coming to Him with nothing to give or offer, just coming to Him is one characteristic necessary for salvation and another is receiving. A child receives whatever is offered; we need to come to Jesus for salvation and again daily with our hands open to receive the daily bread of His Love and Presence. The disciples were probably reflecting their culture in keeping the children away. Children are noisy, unpredictable, messy, and not perceived as having as much value as an adult, therefore the disciples thought they were doing the right thing. In arguing about who was greatest, the disciples showed the characteristic of not understanding what Jesus intended them to learn: humility. Humility is essential to repentance, obedience, and learning because we have to admit we cannot reach salvation on our own. Without being willing to let God have full reign in our lives, He cannot accomplish His plan for our full potential in us. Jesus is an incredible teacher! He uses what is at hand to offer a teachable moment that is even more memorable because this lesson can be recalled EVERY time His disciples SEE a child.

Q39. (Luke 18:9-14) Why do you think the Pharisee is so convinced of his righteousness? What do you think are his actual sins? What is so remarkable about the tax collector's prayer? Why is it easier to promote ourselves in front of others rather than humble ourselves? Why did Jesus tell this parable for his disciples? I suspect the Pharisee thought himself so important because he was living as other Pharisees--raised in that tradition and not knowing The One who is Eternal and Almighty but going through the motions of serving Him. The Pharisee's actual sin: not coming to God for salvation. The tax collector's prayer is remarkable in that it was purely heart-felt; he wanted forgiveness. I think that in our culture we have a public face on our persona and we do not always let our true hearts be evident. Jesus told this parable to us to remind us that WE ARE ALL SINNERS. WE ALL FALL SHORT OF GOD'S GLORY. Not one of us is any better than any other no matter what we do.

Q38. (Matthew 13:44-46). If you were to objectively assess your life, career, family, values, and possessions, is there anything more important, anything of greater value to you than your relationship with Jesus? How would you objectively prove to a friend that Jesus is first in your life? Jesus is first in my life. While I say that...do I LIVE that? He continues to gently scrape away the layers of my life that are not proving Him FIRST. I would ask someone to walk with me, get to know me, watch my life so they would know that Jesus is first.

Q37. (Luke 9:23-24, etc.) What does it mean to take up your cross daily? What does this have to do with “losing your life for me.” What are the consequences in one's Christian walk if a disciple wants to take this step of commitment? How does this contrast with trying to save one's life? Truly, when we are all-in for Christ, we have no fear of death because our life is hidden with Christ in God. (Colossians 3:3) Whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Taking up our cross is following Jesus completely. All of our selfishness needs to be crucified. All of it. Consequences for living this commitment, well sometimes He calls us to pour out our life for another--our time, our worldly goods; our comfort --our life is not our own--we were bought at a price. This living is definitely a contrast to trying to save one's life!

Q36. (Luke 14:25-32) Are Jesus' demands of his disciples too uncompromising? Are we too compromising with the world's demands? What do you need to completely surrender so Jesus has all of you? Jesus demands 100%. ALL of ourselves. ALL of me. He is WORTHY of 100%. Am I too compromising? Good question. Certainly sometimes. What do I need to completely surrender? Another good question. I gave Him my life and Lordship of my life a long time ago. He continues to reveal what I have not surrendered; I trust Him to complete that. I trust Philippians 1:6, "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."