Lisa Wolf

Q35. (Luke 9:57-62) What do these three analogies tell us about Jesus' requirements for his disciples? Why is Jesus so urgent? What was he seeking to teach would-be disciples about their priorities? The three analogies speak to the need for us to be single-minded and single-purposed. Jesus is urgent because God wants all men to be saved. He needs us to live the good news and thus spread the good news. He wanted His disciples then and now to hold God first in priority. First.

Q34. (Luke 13:23-27) Beyond the message that few will be saved, what is the unique message of the Parable of the Narrow Door? Why must would-be disciples be aggressive in order to enter the Kingdom? What happens if we don't aggressively seek God? Why do you think Jesus told this parable to his disciples? I agree with you, the phrase 'make every effort' to enter the narrow door is a strong one to us as Jesus' followers. I never noticed so strongly those words. Thank you for highlighting them. Jesus said, "Love the Lord your God with your whole Heart, your whole Soul, your whole Mind, and with all your Strength." ( Mark 12:30) To make that happen in my life calls for 100% willingness on my part to learn and live as God plans. 100% of time in His Presence. If we want to know GOD fully, we must listen to this caution Jesus spoke. I believe He spoke this to His disciples because He wanted them to be with Him. He wanted them to choose Him above all else.

Q33. (Matthew 13:22) How do “thorns” prevent the Word of God from maturing in our lives? What is the difference between a genuine “disciple,” follower or learner of Rabbi Jesus, and a person who holds a Christian belief system? What can you do to clear your life of the thorns that prevent Christ's work from maturing in you? "Thorns" are any distraction that turn us away from God for whatever reason. The difference between a genuine "disciple" and a person who merely holds a Christian belief system is a complete difference. There are many philosophies circling the planet currently. Some people ascribe to the Christian belief system especially in that they want to be forgiven of everything but certainly do not want to actually read the Bible, Know God, and live by His plan, instead they want to make up the plan for right and wrong--thinking we all go to Heaven. A true disciple of Jesus spends time with Him, in His Word, and living as Jesus lived. To clear the thorns that prevent Christ's work of maturing me, I can become more disciplined--truly pursuing the study of His Word and asking and listening to find out HOW He wants me to live each day.

Q32. (Matthew 13:20-21) Why, according to the Parable of the Sower, why do some people fall away so quickly? What is their problem? I think your idea that the people do ask for forgiveness of sin--they want to be forgiven, but then do not actually repent - could be it. I am sad that this happens, and yet I see believers walking down paths and into the weeds so identifying one problem is tricky. Perhaps it is all we do not really grasp HOW MIGHTY IS OUR GOD, HOW MUCH HE LOVES US, and HOW INCREDIBLE is the CROSS and RESURRECTION. What power He offers us through His Spirit breathed in us to live as He would have us live. May we all always choose Him.

Q31. (John 10:6-15) Why does a true shepherd “lay down his life for the sheep”? How did Jesus' do this for his disciples? For us? In what way did Jesus intend his disciples to learn that they, too, must be willing to lay down their lives for the sheep? Can you think of any examples where Christ's servants have done this? A true shepherd always has concern of the flock under his care foremost. Jesus gave His life for His disciples and for us--for the world. Through His parables and lived example, Jesus let the disciples know how to lay down their lives. I find the scene after washing the disciples' feet especially poignant, "When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” John 13:12. He goes on to be very explicit in verses 13-17, "“You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." Just this morning I learned of a Ukrainian couple who hid their children from the terrorists. They died in the fighting at their house, but so did 7 terrorists. The uncle found the children many hours later - unharmed. My friend asked for prayer for these precious children. Lord, may they come to know your incredible Love.

Q30. (John 10:1-5) Why is knowing the Shepherd's voice and obeying it so very important for disciples? What happens when we act independently of the Shepherd? What causes sheep to stray? I too have witnessed the orderliness of sheep in the hills of Romania--the sheep dog was AMAZING!!! It reminds me that our God is a God of order! It is so important to hear our Savior's Voice. He leads us on the path to the fullest life! We want to walk with Him eternally!!! Unfortunately all the things you mentioned distract us from our Saviors Voice and cause us to stray: society, expectations, selfishness, whatever we are doing or even notice at the moment. I love what Nyonka16 posted under What causes sheep to stray. May we ALWAYS keep our open, church welcoming, and a loving family!!!!!

Q29. (Luke 5:36-39) What did Jesus intend his disciples to learn from the Parables of the Unshrunk Cloth and the Wineskins? Why are we tempted to say, “The old wine is better?” How might our church traditions limit the Holy Spirit's work in our day? How do these parables illustrate the need for newly planted churches? Jesus used the Parables of the Unshrunk Cloth and the Wineskins to teach His disciples about the nature of change. He pointed out that the new is always necessary as we seek to share the Kingdom and produce new wine in people. Eventually that new wine mellows, but initially a new wineskin is required. People who seek after the mellow wine in church traditions, miss the daily NEW work of the Holy Spirit. If there is to be new wine, a new wineskin is required...which is the same in our churches. May we always notice the new and creative ways God draws people to Himself.

Q28. (Luke 13:18-21) What lesson did Jesus intend his disciples to learn from the Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Yeast or Leaven? Why might the disciples be discouraged by the “size” of the Kingdom? Why are we sometimes discouraged in Christian work? Why are patience and faith so important for disciples? Jesus intended his disciples--all of us!!--to learn the lesson of small things. Our God is SO GREAT that nothing is too small for His notice. Nothing. We get discouraged when we forget that the seeds we sow when we do not see anything are truly growing anyway. 1 Corinthians 3:7 reminds us, " So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow." The passage goes on to say that we are co-workers with God. If we are co-workers, then we have to do our job and leave the rest to the Holy Spirit. Discouragement happens;patience and faith are critical as we join with God in His Work which is completed in His time.

Q27. (Luke 11:17-22) In the Parable of the Binding of the Strong Man, who is the strong man? Who is the stronger warrior? How does this explain Jesus' power to cast out demons? How does it explain Jesus' power to set you free? To set your friends free? I really liked your discussion of the parable. I agree Jesus is the strongest man!!! He is ALMIGHTY GOD! I agree that is not preached often nowadays. In fact, I cannot remember a sermon on God's Mighty Power. And yet Jesus says, "All power and authority in Heaven and on earth has been given to Me." Matthew 28:18 That is a lot of power! Since Jesus is Almighty, since Jesus has ALL Power, He alone can cast out demons and set all of us FREE. If the Son sets you free, you will be free INDEED." John 8:36

Q26. (Matthew 26:26-29; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26) How do the bread and wine remind us of Jesus' sacrifice for our sins? In what way, when we partake of the Lord's Supper, do we “proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26)? Bread and wine remind us of Jesus' sacrifice for our sins because these are the items He used to speak that lesson to His disciples at the Last Supper. He used those real items and His followers did not forget and recorded the Last Supper so that all followers of Jesus would know about it also. In Luke 22:17-19, Jesus used the elements of bread and wine to foretell and explain His death to His closest friends. He commanded, "Do this in remembrance of Me." He wanted us to always remember: HIS body was broken in our place; HIS blood was poured out for our forgiveness. By using such common items, He gave us a strong way to remember what He has done for us. In holding up the cup, Jesus told His disciples that He would not drink from the cup until it found fulfillment in the Kingdom of God. When we participate in the Lord's Supper we are active in His death, resurrection, and return.

Q25. (Luke 18:24-25) Why do you think people try to distort Jesus’ Saying of the Camel and the Needle from a parable of impossibility? Why is salvation impossible to humans? People want to be in charge of their destiny. Rebellion against God began in Genesis. It's difficult for humans to think that they can do absolutely nothing to earn salvation; it seems far too simple. Since every aspect of salvation was completed by Jesus through his death and resurrection, our job is to accept that free gift. Humility is not a common human characteristic which makes it difficult for some people to understand the futility and impossibility of providing their own salvation.

Q23. (John 3:3-8) In what way is becoming a believer in Jesus similar to a second birth? What aspects of physical birth are analogous to spiritual birth that Jesus seeks to clarify with this analogy? What about wind's characteristics are we to attribute to the Spirit? Becoming a Believer in Jesus changes everything. Repent means turn in the complete opposite direction and that is what happens. We begin anew in a spiritual realm; the rules there are different from the cultural rules of the world. Thus, we start over just as a baby begins with a blank slate and must learn everything. Actual physical birth aspects that Jesus clarifies is that He is not speaking about physical birth at all, but instead a spiritual birth. Jesus refers to the elusive quality of the wind. We can hear it, we can see what it does, but we cannot actually see wind. The Spirit is unseen but working.

Q18. (Matthew 20:1-16) What does the Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard teach us about God's generosity? About grace? What in our heart rises up to demand recognition and fairness when we feel we are overlooked and taken for granted? How much of this is a godly sense of fairness and how much is pride? I struggled with this parable for a long while in my walk with Jesus. "That's not fair!!!" I cried to God, but He--in His patience--gently taught me about His generosity. My 88-year-old father accepted Jesus in His last week of life. OH, HOW I REJOICE that the 'pay' is the same for those who entered the vineyard at the end of the day. Thank you, Lord! And Amen to my Brother, Haar, "Thank You Lord Jesus, thank You Lord God Almighty for your Extravagant/ Outrageous Grace for me and mankind."

Q17. (Matthew 13:47-50) What is similar about the Parable of the Weeds and the Parable of the Net? What belief are these two parables meant to counter? How does a belief in the ultimate triumph of righteousness encourage Christians? Several commonalities exist between the Parable of the Weeds and the Parable of the Net: Both were spoken to common laborers; both had a good and a bad -- the weeds were sown by an enemy, but growing together, while the good and bad fish swam together. Both parables speak of judgment and a sorting where the bad is thrown out and in the case of the weeds, burned. The ultimate triumph of righteousness encourages Christians in that we know God sees both the good and the bad and only the good will remain. HOPE for us.

Q16. (Matthew 25:31-46) What are the “sheep” complimented for? What are the “goats” condemned for? Is this salvation by works? If no, why not? How does Jesus identify himself with “the least of these my brothers”? Why did Jesus tell this parable to his disciples? What do modern-day disciples need to learn from it? How should this parable motivate missions to aid immigrants, the poor, and the homeless? The sheep are complimented for serving Jesus and the goats for not serving Jesus--Jesus identified Himself with ALL needy people. This is not salvation by works because neither group was doing anything to become saved, rather the sheep were complimented for serving. Jesus spoke this parable to his disciples and to us to make us aware that He so identified with each least person. Knowing our Lord sees and intends to meet the needs of these least--through us--, we should be incredibly motivated to missions for ALL.

Q15. (Luke 16:19-31). What was the Rich Man's sin that landed him in hell? Since it isn't stated explicitly, what must it be? In hell, what is the Rich Man's attitude towards Lazarus? What is the main point of the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus? What are you and your church doing to aid the very poor in your area? In the world? Any sin could have been the Rich Man's sin...any. We can assume it was being so entrenched in his riches that he did not give any concern to those in need. In hell, the Rich Man's attitude toward Lazarus changes as he sees that Lazarus is in bliss. The main point of the parable is to focus our minds and hearts on the eternal. I am involved in giving to children in our country and in 3rd world countries, and support of missionaries who in turn minister to the destitute. Our church has several community based organizations that it supports locally; we join in giving to them. Can I do more? yes.

Q14. (Matthew 7:3-5) What is humorous about the Parable of the Speck and the Beam? How can we get to a place where we can see with clear spiritual eyes? Why does Paul insist that “spiritual” members correct sinning Christians with gentleness? What does judgmentalism have to do with hypocrisy? The contrast Jesus used with Speck and Beam is certainly humorous because of the extreme exaggeration. Dealing with our own sin--God is so patient with us concerning this, but it is necessary to eliminate sin, so that our prayers will not be hindered, and the Holy Spirit can move in us. Time in the Word of God and letting that Word saturate our minds and transform our thinking enables our spiritual eyes begin to see as God sees. Paul insists on gentleness in correcting another's sin, because WE ALL SIN. To be judgemental where sin is concerned is hypocrisy because WE ARE ALL SINNERS.

Q13. (Matthew 21:28-31) Which son represents the tax collectors and prostitutes? Why do you think so? Why is it harder to actually obey, rather than just mouth the words? How is the lesson of this parable similar to the lesson of the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders? (Matthew 7:24-27) Why is actual obedience essential to true discipleship? The disobedient son who then obeys the Father = the tax collectors and prostitutes. God's love and relationship was always there for them, but they were rebellious and refused to obey; later, they came to repent and follow. Mouthing words is almost effortless, putting our feet to action is another thing altogether--we live what we believe. Similar to the Wise and Foolish Builders, both parables emphasize (while neither proclaim outright) the lack of foundation. We need to be FOUNDED on the rock of Jesus in order to have the Holy Spirit in us helping us to obey. To truly be a disciple, we need to live as Jesus lived. "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." John 2:3-6

Q12. (Matthew 7:13-14) Why is "seeking" necessary to “find” the narrow gate? Why do you think Jesus concludes this brief parable with the phrase, “and only a few find it”? How is this parable designed to strengthen disciples to be willing to go against the flow, to be different from others in the culture? God promises that we will find Him if we seek Him with all our heart. (Jeremiah 29:13) The gate is the same. We have to surrender our will to follow Jesus' commands--if He wants us to pursue the narrow gate, we have to let go of our selfishness and trust that the narrow gate is best. I think he concludes with "and only a few find it," because it is challenging. The majority-think culture is pervasive. 'Forewarned is fore-armed' - I believe this is the gift Jesus gave His disciples in cautioning us against traveling through a wide gate. In John 10 Jesus says, "Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep." If HE is the gate...the narrow gate, may we pursue Him.

Q11. (Matthew 7:24-27; Luke 6:47-49) Why does Jesus focus the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders on “putting into practice” rather than in “believing”? How can you help young Christians move from believing to true discipleship? Putting into practice. Wow. Discipleship requires walking in new life. Our faith, our beliefs fuel our actions. Whatever is important to us, we do. Unfortunately, the outward appearance can be deceiving, so Jesus talks a lot about the 'foundation' in that parable. To help young Christians move from belief to true discipleship, I help younger Christians interact with the Word of God, applying it to daily living and praying it with them, as well as praying for them.

Q10. (Matthew 5:23-26) Why did Jesus tell the Parable of the Guilty Defendant? How do people we have wronged and to whom we have not kept our promises get in the way of us worshipping God properly? In what ways is it hypocritical not to address these matters to the best of our ability? Jesus told this parable to keep his disciples free from the thought that it might be ok to live in sin after initial repentance, perhaps accepting Jesus as Savior but not accepting Jesus as Lord. He also taught us to pray, "Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us."(Matt. 6:12) If we are responsible for the sin, we need to repent and live for Him in all areas. We cannot give the devil even a toe-hold in our lives. The Word of God is clear: "God is light and in Him is no darkness at all."(1John 1:5) Therefore, IF we permit darkness of any sort into our lives our prayers are hindered and we cannot truly be in His Presence.

Q9. (Mark 7:14-23; Matthew 15:10-11, 15-20) What does Jesus teach about the heart of man? What does Jeremiah 17:9 tell us about the heart of man? Why do we try to look good on the outside, but resist letting Jesus change us on the inside? Why is repentance necessary for an outwardly “moral” person in order to be saved? Jesus taught that the heart of man was corrupt as Jeremiah 17:9 tells us. I think we try to look good on the outside and resist letting Jesus change us because we are actually deceived by our corrupt hearts--we believe lies. The inward heart corruption makes repentance necessary no matter how the outside looks.

Q9. (Mark 7:14-23; Matthew 15:10-11, 15-20) What does Jesus teach about the heart of man? What does Jeremiah 17:9 tell us about the heart of man? Why do we try to look good on the outside, but resist letting Jesus change us on the inside? Why is repentance necessary for an outwardly “moral” person in order to be saved? Jesus teaches that the heart of man can be corrupt. Jeremiah 17:9 says, The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? “I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.” What I like about these verses is that the text goes on to say, "I the Lord search the heart and..." God is actively involved with our heart--nothing is secret from the Lord. If we merely look good on the outside but do not allow Jesus to change us, we are no different. Repentance is necessary for all, that all might be saved through Him. Without making a complete 'about-face', a marching regimen and OUR SELF can move grow and change.

Q8. (Matthew 21:33-46) Who do the servants sent to collect the landowner’s share of the crop represent? What happened to Israel who rejected God’s servants and Son who were sent to them? This is a parable about resisting those whom God sends to us to help us. Have you ever seen a church reject a pastor or leader that God sends to help them? Why is supporting our pastors and leaders important to God’s plan for the church? (Hebrews 13:7, 17). In the Beatitudes, how does Jesus encourage those who are rejected and persecuted? (Matthew 5:10-12)? The servants the landowner sends to collect his share of the crop represent the prophets God sent to His People. When Israel rejected the prophets and God they would be captured, enslaved, exiled...Psalm 107 describes many such difficulties as the Israelites rebelled, rejected, then remembered to cry out to God who saved them. I have noticed difficulties between church pastors and congregations; I have never considered it the way you describe here. The only time I was involved in a church split, we discovered later that the pastor causing division was addicted to **** which shed light on the reason for his continual secretive, covering up, rejecting members on his part. For example, he wanted any musician that walked through the church doors to be on the worship team. He did not care whether the worship team was believers or not. I appreciate supporting pastors who pray for me and encourage my growth. Recently our pastoral team asked how they could pray for my husband and I; I told them and thanked them. Then I asked how they wanted us to pray for them. Last week in the bulletin, they told of a pastors' meeting and listed two prayer requests for the pastoral team. YAY!!! It is important to support one another as we fellowship because we know 1 Peter 5:8, "... the enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." And those persecuted and rejected because of righteousness, Jesus says, "theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven."

Q7. (Matthew 22:1-10; Luke 14:15-24) In Jesus' Parables of the Wedding Banquet (Matthew) and the Great Banquet (Luke), who are the people represented by those recruited from the streets and lanes of the city? From the highways and hedges? Who do the servant-recruiters represent? How diligent are you and your church in recruiting those who are of a lower class than others in your congregation? What keeps you from this Kingdom task? How might your church fulfill it? In the Wedding Banquet and Great Banquet Parables, the recruited people represent all who respond to the message of the Gospel, while the servant-recruiters represent all who share the Gospel message. I am not as diligent as I need to be recruiting anyone and everyone. While I pray for my neighbors, I need to have outreach events with our neighbors. Our church needs outreach events. I admire our son's church. From the pulpit he has challenged everyone to fill out a card with the name of the one person they intend to share the Gospel with; he collected those cards, and the staff prays through the names. He also gave all an invitation card to give to that person with an invite to an "Every Nation Congregation" potluck in the church yard in two weeks. From an all white, one-language, congregation 5 years ago when he arrived, the church has grown in numbers and now has people speaking 40 languages and includes a congregation of homeless attenders to CEO's.