George L

How could the Kingdom be in or in the midst of the Pharisees? (17:20-21) Jesus was the manifested presence of kigndom authority. Luk 11:20 But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you. Jesus was walking out the prophetic proclamations of the Messah’s ministry. So ‘in the midst’ of them their very culture and society. How do we know for certain that the real messiah won't be the subject of messiah-sightings in the next decade or two? (17:22-23) He will be seen by all arriving as with a lightning strikes suddenss. According to 17:24, will Jesus' coming be secret or public? Very open for all to see. Why was it so difficult for the disciples to comprehend that Jesus had to suffer? It was not clear to them that the teacher they knew was also the Lamb of God. The perfect one sacrifice for all. There's been a lot of speculation in our own day about the coming of Christ. Witness the huge mainstream popularity of Tim LeHay's "Left Behind" series. What are the problems this creates for disciples? What are the strengths this offers disciples? It generates supositions of the end which are not exact to God’s actual plan. The opening of the subject of the end of the age to the public creates interest and generates conversations giving opportunity to bring the good news.

What do you think the lepers expected when they called out to Jesus for mercy? (17:13) Food, shelter, clothing, or actual healing? Oriental giving of alms was a standard social practice. Receiving something was expected. The healing, restoring them to social acceptance was beyond any expectation. What is the significance of the lepers showing themselves to the priests? (17:14a) Conforming to the requisite social health clearance in the culture for that time. Allowed to return into society. Why does Luke make the point that the lepers weren't healed until they started to obey Jesus' command? (17:14b) There is a price to pay to receive from God. There must be faith, either their own or as the man lowered on the pallet, those who helped him. There must be more than want. Obedience is a form of worship. Honoring the word. What about the thankful leper's actions showed his thankfulness? (17:15-16) His offer to serve. A simple and for him perhaps the only thing he had to give as a gift of thanks. His time in public, which he may have not had for years. What was Jesus' attitude toward the thankful leper? Toward the other nine lepers? (17:17-18) Here is a hint of a serious biblical truth, we must begin to gain a heart to serve others rather than hording to our self. In the phrase "Your faith has saved you" (17:19b) is Jesus speaking of the leper's physical healing, or his spiritual salvation, or both? Were the nine lepers saved or healed spiritually? Why or why not? Pre reserection salvation was still remote I believe. The healing should take place. Holding onto received godly gifted things requires thanksgiving, and some tangible repentance action, change of way honoring God for his gift to you. Why is it so easy to forget to thank God for his blessings? Terribly often we find our attitude as expectation of collecting on a promise, failing to honoring the cost of the gift received.

In Jesus' parable, should a slave expect his master to prepare dinner for him, or should the slave expect to prepare dinner for his master after doing his other chores? The only expectation a slave has is hope for a meal and a safe bed at the end of his or her day. In the parable, the slave should not expect thanks for fixing the family dinner. Why? Slave is there to perform as requested and expected only. If not so the slave would nolonger be present, housed, or kept. What does this parable say to the Pharisees, who expected God's special favor towards them because of their strict observance of the law? Nothing as they were seriously failing to perform their duties to the less fortunate. They were operating in curse territory. In what ways do we citizens of the twenty-first century take God for granted, expect him to do our bidding, and become petulant when he doesn't grant our wishes? Too many think God is a vending machine responding to a few prayer coins when we desire. Why is "duty" such a bad word in our culture? Rebellion in our hearts. Refusal to take up our duty. The long time military tradition is that the wishes of a superior officer are to be interpreted as an order. If you are a lax and poor performing soldier will the commander risk others lives to rescue you? Are you worth the loss, injury deaths of one or several useful soldiers commited to doing their duty? Our culture seems to expect others to carry our desire for a comfortable life though we refuse to be usefull to society.

Why do you think Jesus warns his disciples so strongly about not being a cause of temptation to others? Causing and/or contributing to anothers sin makes us a part and portion of their failing. Why does Jesus use a millstone to make his point? Emphasis upon the severity of being a cause of failure as opposed to leading along the narrow path of righteousness. Are we not to be spirit lead, saying what Jesus would say and doing what jesus would do? (17:1-2) Who are the "little ones" that Jesus seeks to protect from sin? (17:2b) Jesus picked the ‘nobdy as his diciples, not the learned. Those of low or no account including especially those who would become apostles. Why are we tempted to keep silent in the face of the sins of our Christian brothers and sisters against us? Mostly we will not wait upon the Holy Spirit to guide us what to say and not say. Why do we disrupt God's redemptive process when we fail to rebuke them when they sin against us? I see a take great care point here. My self should be upon the cross each day, anything done to orctoward mecis done to the one who sent me. I must act in an emmisaries role. The point being, we are trying to correct a trait, habit, or sign of a deep problem. Pray for them deeply, forgive the act, minister as guided. Once you have discerned the real issue to be healed within. “Fix this….” Is an impossibility until the proper understanding of the heart damage can be viewed. Then dealt with. We are to befriend. Extra Credit. Why is it important for every Christian to be regular part of a congregation? How else will we have the abrasive encounters which as fine sand paper begin fitting us all into ‘rightly fit in our role in the body’ If churches are filled with such sinners, why bother? As Billy Graham’s wife wrote, “every person sitting in a pew has a battle you know nothing of.” We best not be surface christians as disciples. We best pray until we have been given a key to their heart damage to help heal them. What kind of repentance is necessary for us to forgive our brother or sister? They are free immediately with me, their sin is to the one who sent me. Their sin immediatly starts blocking their prayers. They are in dire straights. We best be exactly lead. What are the things we're looking for in their repentance? Repentance is change direction 180 degrees. It is more fruitvof time, councel and effort than onecorrection.nWhy is it so difficult for us to confess to our brother or sister that we have sinned against them? Ego. What does it mean to forgive a Christian brother or sister who has repented of a sin against you? We are to hold no anemosity toward them. As in act onward as though it never happened. Is it possible to maintain a meaningful relationship with a person who is unwilling to repent of sin? How long is seventy times seven? . Why or why not? Are we always not in the return the wayward sheep work. Is this not the of one hundred that is missing from the fold? Isn't there a danger in forgiving a person who isn't "truly" repentant? Retibution belongs to God alone. How repentant is repentant enough for us? How many times does the soft answer take to thay the hardened sinner. Enough for God? Be kind, and let the glowing coals of truly in love left with them do itsxperfect work. Why does Jesus add the "7 times" and the "7 times 70" part of his teaching? Nevercrun out of patence with the 1 constantly lost or willful sheep. The great cloud of wittnesses is learning from his/her lessons done in love. What is his intent? That our dealing with the problem person not drive away others who need ministry through their maturing time as well. Why do the disciples balk at this by asking for more faith? They have yet to receive the teaching to put self on the cross daily. Theyvhavent had the Acts 2 and Acts 2:31 events in theirvlife. What does Jesus' answer about the mustard seed and the mulberry tree mean? Itvtakes timecto have resilient mature vrowth. What is his point? Give your efforts with them time. It is a small seed you plant, water it it prayer, do not uproot it.

Jesus has been teaching about money in chapter 16. What has been the essence of his teaching up to this point in the chapter? There is responsibility to use money properly. What word brush strokes tell us that the rich man was rich? Fared sumptuously every day. Which tell us of Lazarus' poverty? Lying at his gate full of sores and And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table In this parable, why was the rich man punished? Failure to consider a need even as close as his doorway well within even a casual interest and ability on his part. What does the Old Testament teach about helping the poor that the rich man was responsible for knowing and obeying? (See Exodus 22:25-27; Exodus 23:11; Leviticus 19:9-10; Leviticus 23:22; Leviticus 25:25-28; Leviticus 25:35-37; Leviticus 25:39-43; Deut. 14:28-29; Deut. 15:2-14; Deut. 24:12-21; Deut. 26:12-13; Neh. 8:10; Psalm 37:21; Psalm 37:26; Psalm 41:1-3; Psalm 112:4-5; Psalm 112:9; Proverbs 28:27; Proverbs 29:7; Proverbs 31:9; Proverbs 31:20; Isaiah 1:17; Isaiah 16:3-4; Isaiah 58:7; Isaiah 58:10; Ezekiel 18:1-32; Daniel 4:27; Zech. 7:10) There us no time we should not be considerate and provide for some provision obtainable with dignity. Leaving gleaning in the fields at harvest registers with me. Is Jesus teaching justification by works in this parable? If not, what IS he teaching? No, he is requiring consideration for others situation. For us who are saved, are we praying for those still lost? Are we seeking to actually help, or salve our conscious ? Why do some people have struggles being around poor people? We are in fear of the unknown. What are the difficulties we face in giving to the poor? Few of us are willing to consult the holy spirit for what God wants us to do. And wait for an answer! Then the enemy starts playing the guilt card. What ministries and agencies in your community could you give to that directly aid the poor? We are involved with Truckers for the Homeless, a local feeding and a national emergency drop bag effort. My interaction with area homeless has made it clear that the nearst actual shelters with more than a ‘call us during business hours’ or occasional scheduled food give away which are not designed for actual homeless. For shelter it is two hours either East or West to find shelter, bed, meals, and christian help and counsel, work and training for one on the street. I have put many miles under my wheels late at night helping them to those ministries.

Extra Credit: How did John the Baptist's message (3:3, 16) differ from the prophets who came before him? Baptism, washed clean rather than offering scarifice. Just what is the "good news of the Kingdom of God"? Put in your own words what this good news is. Essentially that the sacrifice once for all is completed. You must accept it for your self. Why do you think Jesus was accused of doing away with the Law? Did he? Because he returned the teaching to the original Mosaic law not the convoluted legalism of religion as had become their custom. No, He removed the excuses of their perversion of God’s intent. Is it possible to hold a high view of the sanctity of marriage at the same time as we love as Christian brothers and sisters those who have been divorced and remarried? 1Co 7:27 Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife. 1Co 7:28 But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you.… If you have not sought, but divorce has come upon you Jesus says ‘if a virgin marry’ indicating clean as a virgin in His eyes. Why do we need to "force" our way into the Kingdom of God? Why should it be so difficult? Shouldn't salvation be easy? No. The narrow gate has been opened and we have access. But/and.. to place self on our cross daily and walk through life as Jesus did, guided by God’s spirit, ‘I only do what I see my father doing. I only say what I hear my father say….’ Getting rid of our fleshly ‘me’ and giving full Acts 4:31 relationship with the indwelling Holy Spirit is very unpleasant for self, to walk with Jesus Love and kingdom work… Truly we must force ourselves into letting go of many things dear to our self to have the more accurate ‘come follow me’. How can we both press fervently towards perfection and at the same time have peace and contentment in Christ? Aren't these mutually exclusive? We become more content as see begin to bear spiritual fruit occur in our ‘wake’ as we pass through our days with the holy spirit as our director.

Why was the steward in Jesus' parable (16:1-8) being fired? Improper or carelessness in handling his masters accounts. What in the passage displays his character? “Accused of mishandling his masters possession's.” In what way did the steward use money to secure his future? He made sure major debtors to his master had reason to befriend him once fired. What about the steward's actions does the master commend? Wisdom in gaining worldly welcome. What is the point that Jesus draws from this parable? Worldly people are wiser at using their worldly means to secure friendship than godly people are at doing deeds which gain favor in the world with God’s kingdom goodness. Extra Credit: In what ways should we use money to secure our eternal future? (16:9) (This is a difficult verse for most of us. Study the exposition for clues to the answer.) We should pay attention to opportunities to bless the needy. God watches who we care for, especially it is those who have no ability to return such favour. In what kinds of experiences does Jesus test and seek to mould our trustworthiness with money? Our judgement in our distribution in three areas. Tithing, giving to work of the church as outreach. And giving to less fortunate as opportunity apears. Is it possible for a money-obsessed person to become a committed disciple of Jesus? Not if money is what is on the alter of their life. If not, how might this occur? The holy spirit needs to break the stoney heart and or remove the fear of poverty or lack driving the obsession over money from/of the world system. Why are giving alms and tithing (or sacrificial, generous giving to God's work) so difficult for money-obsessed people? Fear that they must provide for themselves, which is relationship failure to God. (Let's not debate tithing, but look to the heart issues instead that are the focus of Jesus' teaching here.) In what ways are we not property "owners" but property "stewards" of what God owns? If we grasp His nature to touch those with needs our eyes are open to His desire for us moment to moment in ministering to the troubled. What are the implications of this for our lives? We need to place selfish desires on our daily cross, and be guided through our day by him. Why is it so difficult to try to serve both God and Money? Worldly and Spiritual values are at enmity with each other, Extra Credit: Jesus states that high human values tend to be the things most detestable to God. How can we know that we have really conformed our lives to God's values rather than just kidding ourselves? By the effect our actions have on our soul rather than our mind.

Who do the younger brother, father, and older brother represent in this parable? Younger son, the lost; The Father, God; the older brother, believers. What was the attitude of the scribes and Pharisees towards the kind of people who were being converted? (15:1-2) Disreguard at the minimum, open distain or worse if they appear with any requirement upon the religeous ones. What is at the root of the elder brother's anger towards his father? He has no understanding of his place in the family after the division of the inheritance. As first born he would have received a double portion and the younger a third of all. At division essentially theFather intebpnded to retire to an emeritous oosition. The elder never understood that. He has failed to move into his place of responsibility. Have you ever experienced that kind of anger toward God? O, fail to understand position, yes. More bewilderment at a new level. How do you get rid of that kind of nasty hidden anger? Repent. The parable ends with the father urging the elder son to come into the celebration. As you read the characters, how do you think the story turned out? I believe this contains the greatest rebuke in the scriptures for believers, “Son, don’t you know that everything I have is yours!” We the already saved best understand we are expected to be about saving the lost, stollen, stray. Not just caretakers of the comfortably religious. Did the elder son soften and come inside, or did he stiffen and remain outside? The rebuke opened his eyes to his failure to step up to his new place as manager of all that was available to him and it’s proper use. How does your own compassion level match your Heavenly Father's compassion towards the lost? More and more as I more clearly see the lost marching toward a terrible end designed for rebellious Lucifer and his angels not mankind. What can you do to conform your heart to His? Gain more effective use of the everything God makes available to seek and rescue the lost. How should we celebrate the repentance of sinners in ways that we are not already doing? By devoting mentoring time with them, individual attention in their growth in grace and mercy, righteousness, and care of and for souls. They need guidance and reenforcement as they mature as a welcoming of a new family’s support around them.

What does this story tell us about the father's character? The father had faith that his son would come to his senses and turn from being ‘dead’ seperated from the family. About the younger son's character? He did not understand his position, nor the value of his ability to contribute to the family welfare. He was self centered not family centered. Why do you think that the younger son asked for his share of the father's estate ahead of time? Ignorance of youth. ‘I want mine now’. Why do you think the father granted his request? Best to seperate the discention from the family. How can the father be so patient? He believes the covenant of Abraham was applicable to himself. He would have his own children in safety. Why doesn't he run after the son and try to convince him to return? Separation from God’s plan throughout history has brought redemption after repentance(change of mind). It was placing the son himself under a curse that would change the him, much better than words spoken to closed ears. Why does the father restore the son so quickly to full sonship? The return was sign of a changed attitude. What do we learn about God in this parable? God has faith those lost from Him will come to their senses and return to him. What difference should this knowledge make in our life and ministry? We had best join in God’s redemption of the lost, stollen, and stray. We must have His faith and go fishing, believing. Jesus, the word, they are God’s sheep and lost. Not ”sinners” Jesus never called anyone sinner. He did tell that troubles came from sin. Do not repeat them. What is the point of this parable in its context with the Parables of the Lost Sheep (15:3-7) and the Lost Coin (15:8-10)? The lost are God’s property even when lost. We had best care as much for those among the lost as the Father does. We do not want to face judgement day to find out how little we cared about God’s prime purpose for our life.

What do "large crowds" (14:25) have to do with Jesus' teaching in this passage? We have tremendous followers of Christian religion but few committed to putting self desire on the tree daily and following Jesus leading. How can we rightfully honor our father and our mother, and at the same time not water down Jesus' command to hate them? (14:26) Our parents brought us into the world to honor their name, reputation, and values. To be a faithful disciple of Jesus is the highest compliment to their parenting. They may not think so at the first. What does "carrying your cross" having to do with "hating your own life"? (14:26b-27) Are we lead by our desires or by Christ's. Which do we chose to put aside. What is the point of the Parable of Building the Tower? (14:28-30) You can not finish what you do not have sufficient foundation, materials or funding. With the Lord he promises the supply for his work, not for our whims. What is the point of the Parable of Assessing Military Strength? (14:31-32) In worldly things take great care in evaluating the strength opposing you. Best to come to agreement than be destroyed. Even an adversary values a sound support of one keeping their word. What do Jesus words about "giving up everything he has" (14:33) have to do with owning a house and car? With purchasing a refrigerator? With seeking an academic degree? For me it has and is clearing out the huge collection of hobby and technical things that are either trophies or toys. For imagined future pleasurable projects. I was asked did I own them or did they own me? They are being disposed of. What you actually need to care for family, have needed safe transportation is no issue. I have a ministry friend who felt a certain large double cab pick up was what be needed for his high mile annual ministry work. Might look excessive. In know a top level corporate quality improvement engineer for that automaker. The vehcle is designed for 200,000 mile trouble free service. Quality is the Lords business, fancy looking not so. God put on his heart what would serve him well. It is over 200,000 miles now in its second year and no issues. What does saltiness represent in 14:34? Our ability to preserve society. Have good effect. Should people be able to tell that you are a Christian? Yes. How? Our inner light should shine. How can we walk the fine line between being a witness and coming across "holier than thou"? Say and do only what the Holy Spirit guides. He will give us the words to speak. And guide us when we have done enough. Some break fallow ground, some plow, some plant seed, some water, some harvest. We need to do our particular tasking with each individual as needed to God’s result, in God’s timing, not for our self image.

1. What do you think the man with dropsy is doing at this dinner? He may have been very important. He was essentiallybeith Jesus the main guest at the table. What was the Pharisees' attitude about the man? Ambivalint. They perhaps brought him as a test of healing on the sabath. Many Pharasees were believers but afraid to letit be known. In that case theyvput their friend in front of Jesus in hope he would heal him, then acted their public expectation. About healing the man on the Sabbath? (14:1-2) Jesus placed many people squarely onto the serious meat of the belief system. Avoiding milk subjects. It was the huge burden of the traditions that God opposed. It denied the perfection of Moses recorded law given by God. 2. Why did Jesus ask the Pharisees their opinion first? (14:3) There are three levels of commitment to a belief. What do the experts say, what do you say, and put your money where your mouth is. Jesuscut to the chase. Essentially let us address the real issue here. There is one such seriously deathly ill before me. Do you believe the tradition outweighs his need on the sabath? Their fear was made clear to them. 3. Why did the guests at this dinner party try to get to the best seats before the others? Self gratification in the pecking order of the town and their ‘rise’. What does that reveal about them? (14:7-11) They were more interested in place in society than service to thectown and others. 4. In what ways do we try to garner public approval by our actions? I have always been more interested in solving technical problems, I have been very uncaring about social niceties. Once explained to the boss about anassignment that itvwas like sending a bull to a china shop to fix a problem. If they wanted me to leave I would cause even more problems coming back out. He said “You are empowered.” I fixed the problems, they weren’t happy. I went on to the next problem. How does verse 11 apply to our lives and actions? I am a strange duck. I see all that go on. I even try to avoid the banquets. The inly way they got me to my senior prom was to make me chairman of the prom committee. I had to go. 5. What was the host's probable motive for inviting Jesus to dinner? Socially need to be seen with the bew sensation. What dinner invitation strategy does Jesus recommend? Pick the lower seat. Why? Avoid being publicly humiliated. Which to them was their public value. Amazing that he told them how to best accomplish the status gamecin safety for their position. (14:12-14) 6. What does Jesus' invitation recommendation have to do with the evangelistic and social strategies of our local congregations? Weare promised that the poor will always be with us. Not so the rich. He who is forgiven much will love more. Also a sign the poor are a better choice for your flock. How should it affect our strategies? The worst off, most aflicted, are most in need of God’s blessings and will be most grateful. More service minded to give what they received freely away to others. The wellnoff tend to think they arecgetting a reward for being so wonderful, not a good position to be in. 7List in one column the character flaws you see exhibited in 14:1-14; in a second column list the virtues that Jesus wants to flourish in their place. Selfish Giving, Vain Humble, Critical. Useful, Fault Finding Corrective teaching.

Does Jesus really answer the question in verse 23, "Are only a few people going to be saved?" If so, what is his answer? Essentially far less than he paid the price for. He took stripes sufficient for the very worst of us. He is that serious about saving as many sheep as possible. Why does the "narrowness" of the door have to do with the point Jesus is communicating in this parable? The story of the small gate in Jerusalem has been twisted. The facts are a small gate doorway was available at the very end of the day for men to enter. It required a man to bend over and step down to come through. A defenseless posture. It was guarded by the watchmen. The joke is that a camel could never fit. And the pressure on a merchant trader was to never get to the city late in the day. As to save his goods he would have to unload his camel, carry everything through, and leave the camel outside. A never done thing. Possibly impossible to do. Jesus emphasis is absolutely never be late. Also you can not get through that gate with more than yourself. It is a man gate. There is no time for great baggage at the end of the day when that small man door was the last access. How does the host getting up and closing the door communicate Jesus' message through this parable? What does that mean? When the man gate, the small narrow gate closed there was no more access to the city that day until morning. Extra Credit. Jesus' command to struggle to enter the narrow door is a very strong one -- agōnizomai, "strive, struggle, fight." How do you justify this kind of command with the Bible doctrine of predestination and election? God saw to our gifting and abilities when he knew us before we were knit in our mothers womb. That is our predestination Why each of us has things we can to wonderfully well with little thinking or excessive effort. I believe that is a designed fit into God’s plan and schedule for our arrival on earth. .. Our best possible performing believing capability. Our obedience to shed the worldly values, ‘self’, and become the best of his design elects us. Is it man's effort or God's that is required? We must elect to place our self on the tree, and take on the spiritual design God placed within us. I believe our effort to shed self for His design is the requirement to be recignized and not hear ‘I never knew you’. He knew the true us when he designed us. It is that serious. Without his us, we will be poor performers in the battle for souls. (Note: Please be kind to one another as you discuss this. You may disagree on some points and maybe never understand completely. Be loving.) This passage is very clear that the opportunity for salvation is time-limited. When will it be too late for an individual? When you have rejected the holy spirits calling you enough times your are so hard hearted the spirit nolonger tries to reach you. For mankind? Only God knows the day and the hour. The end is promised, the timing is God’s choice. Sofom and Gomorah ran out of time. So to the rest of the planet will have an end. He will not always strive with man. (Let's resist the temptation to lay out and argue for a detailed end-times chronology here. Thank you.) What do you look forward to about this Eschatological Banquet in the Kingdom of God? I would always rather serve than be served. I find such banquest fetting me uncomfortable. What do you think it will be like? No thoughts or imaginations of it. Extra credit: Is the banquet an actual chronological event or a figure of something else? If so, what? It is the promised marriage feast with the lamb. I truly love my wife, who is my very best friend. I should very well become delighted in joining with a joyous Jesus. An ‘our dinner’. In verse 30, who are the "last" who become first, and who are the "first" who become last? It has been in my heart since early in my salvation that at the very end of the time the narrow door is open there will be a few disciples, apostles, harvesters at work struggling to get the very last few saved that can be reached. Those may have a special place, those last to come in.

What about God's kingdom is impossible to comprehend without understanding these parables? That the small seemingly imperfect words we plant as seeds are beginnings of great things when given their growing process time and God’s blessing. Why did the disciples in particular need to understand these parables? They were to plant the very first seeds in many places. How has God expanded your vision of his Kingdom? God truly wants all to come to repentance and be saved. Not in theory only but in our expectation of a finished work to come. We should intend to take part in the doing of it. In what areas do you need an expanded vision? I need to gain hold of taking back the spiritual territory above and in our area of responsibility. For this time I need to take hold of and in prayer for my church pastors and their work as Father Nash and rother Clary did for Charles Finney. In what area are you discouraged? (Be honest now....) I am very down over our lack of success on so many healing types, especially cancer, and such as MS, MD, ALS. Birth defects like missing portions of brain development. How can you apply this parable to your discouragement? The Holy Spirit told me the solution was “you need more Jesus”. Acts 4:31 after Peter and John had their go around with the council. The infilling of the Holy Spirit came to deliver the boldness. Not only an anointing like before. An indwelling of. Every time I respond by eliminating another thing in my ‘self life’ so the spirit has more room in me. More space within me. I gain ground, on my needed maturity as trust with more Jesus grade power to do difficult things comes with doing accurately God’s situational desire. Discouragement departs when I stop looking inward at myself and read the promises to me. Read them enough and you know you believe them.

Describe the woman Jesus sees in the synagogue, using the text as well as your imagination. What did she look like? Bent over with her head perhaps tilted to the side and held up enough for a bit of forward vision. How old do you think she was? She is not specified as old or young. I would say mid thirties to mid fourties. How do you think she felt? Body, pain and muscle fatigue, back and neck painful from the exertion required. If she exceeded her ‘binding limit’ then a sudden whence of pain. How did people in her community feel about her? All who cared and knew of the prophecies of what the kingdom of God coming would do would be wishing “oh kingdom please come for this one so bound”. Ohers would fear such could come upon them. Some would avoid here in their helplessness to do anything for her. What effect did Jesus' proclamation in verse 12 have on the woman's healing? It was a proclamation of what was to be was done (assured) already and it was to manifest. Why do you think Jesus laid his hands upon her? Impartation of the powerful anointing he carried. A foretaste of you shall lay hands upon the sick and they shall recover assignment for our walk. What was the synagogue president's position? From confusion from what was said and bewilderment at what took place before his eyes, he became indignant that such a thing took place in ‘His’ synagog by an outsider. How could he be so utterly blind to what was really going on? He seemed to have holiness (a worldly form) but not true fellowship with his ‘Hashem’ The Name of God Almighty they would not say for it was too holy for man to say…. Is his blindness credible, or is he just a foil in the storytelling? Unfortunately, in our days I have heard pastors nearly in tears over why some believe signs must follow, Just the word should be enough. Jesus told Thomas, ‘Go ahead put your hand into my wounds if you need to”. Our God is into simple straight forward question that grow our faith and trust in Him. Signs following are faith and belief aids to the great cloud of witnesses. Trace the logic of Jesus' justification of healing this woman on the Sabbath. Why did he use untying a donkey as his illustration? Will we even believe that loosing her from her infirmity was that simple and uncomplicated? How tempted I am that it should have had more ‘show’. Yet the Lord treated casting out a devil as just the touch of the finger of God. How very wonderful…. Simple direct application of God’s love. Extra Credit. Does Satan have any "rights" to afflict us with disease? There are diseases, abuse of our body results, and there are spiritual afflictions. The curse causless shall not come. Spirits of infirmity and others. Generational curses. I truly believe satan has full reign in all the world area we don't reclaim from him. Are there any just grounds for this? James 3 speaking blessing and cursing. Receiving prayer and then saying you do not have it. The receiving what you say. Our words are the seeds we sow. Or is he a complete usurper? He will take anything that can be taken from us by deception, trickery, lies and theft. The thief in the night digging through the wall for one example. How is it significant that Jesus calls the lady "a daughter of Abraham"? Wow! As the covenent with Abraham was father of nations. And that Sarah would bear. Is this suddenly telling woman she too will bring forth children which has been impossible? Have you ever had God speak words of assurance to your heart? Yes, that I am in the right place. Who I am assigned to pray for. That all the prophecies to me unfulfilled are still yes and coming If I remain obedient and serve Him as I should.

Why does the Gospel of Peace often bring divisions in our families? Every one accepts their need for salvation at differnt times and for different driving reasons. Departing from worldly tradition of the family. What can we do about that? Serious intercessory prayer for them quickens the pace. Understanding God’s principle that he desires that the whole house be saved is an operative conditional promise. Why does Jesus even mention it? It is truly to be so. (12:49-53) What are the "signs" in our own day that point to the soon coming of the Son of Man and judgment? (12:54-56) The great numbers of nearly empty or closed churches is a start. The lack of professional performance and integrity in nearly every service or publicly funded entity. The sliding standards of education. What lessons does the Parable of the Guilty Defendant teach us disciples? (12:57-59) It is the truth to all. Even the best serving christian best be on their face repenting in tears forcour corporate failurecto hold the nations and the peoples for Christ. How long have we failed to pray for them? Especially the worst of them. What lessons does Jesus' commentary on tragic deaths teach us disciples? Bad things happen and you never are in contol of that time for ones self. What are we supposed to get out of this? (13:1-5) always be ready to meet your maker. Be serving him in deed not with lip service. Be a doer of the word you receive not a hearer only. What lessons does the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree teach us disciples? That this must be an ignorant land owner recently inheriting the place. Fig trees do not give good edible fruit until the fourth year. What does this parable mean to you personally? (13:6-8) The disciples being primarily country folk knew that. To those who know of fig trees the worker preserved the future of the tree and its bounty by gaining the tree the needed fourth year. Are we willing to step into Abrahams shoes and plead with God to give us more time for our Sodom’s? Are our wicked towns not full of those who meet the “that not any be lost” Jesus paid the price for?

Extra Credit. What is the answer to Peter's question in 12:41? All who are ‘Chosen’ and know Jesus has given them a giftvfar beyond any others. Did Jesus intend these parables for the Twelve or for all his disciples? All because disciples are those chosen to be sent and have accepted at the first at least. Head servants must be both faithful and wise "managers" (12:42-43). How do we learn to be faithful? Repeated lessons and testing as the Holy Spirit guides us through the experiences that turn something we read and believe intelectually as possible. And change that to a sound knowing trust in God on that subject and action set. What is the process by which we can be restored in faithfulness's if we have neglected it? Repent, turn about, begin again the pathway of hear, practice, be tested. Repeat if not accurate, or move on to next lesson. How do we learn prudence and wisdom? By our failures and his gentle correction. We must do more than think about. We must act on received word. In the parable, the master rewards his head servant with responsibility over all his possessions (12:44). Faithful in little, much more is given. What is the spiritual analogy of this part of the parable? We have the doors to heavens abundance, the company of the holy spirit, and Jesus making intercession for us. How dare we not be about our assigned tasks. Which of Jesus' promises for the future does it refer to? While we with both greek and roman philosophy our culture think in future and past. Hebrew has no such construct. It is all either now or unknown. As life of a shepherd in a valley, what you have and what you can see, all else is unknown. Not in consideration. All is now to God. Why are church leaders tempted to become petty masters rather than servants to their fellow servants? The chief of all liars the devil who is busy trying to deceive. What is the sad analogy to this parable's beating, and luxury, and drunkenness. (Rule: In your answer, no denomination bashing. Don't look at others' failings. [Churches that abuse the congergation for the personal gain if the few leaders.] Look at the potential that exists in you and in your own congregation. There's plenty of blame to go around. [Psalm 35:13-14 apply. We best be on our face crying for God by His spirit to return such ones to the path of righeousness.[) Do you believe God has entrusted you with "little" or "much"? Much. What can you be doing to maximize your potential as a productive servant in God's household? Buckling down to my current assignment to pray for the gifts of god assigned me in a time of change. Church of 50 call it family type, getting ready to explode as more and more saved come in. More lost are saved. Expecting 150=300 next. Change is always troubling. God wants the prayer cover upon the pastorate. “Blow gently on the silver while removing the lead from the crucible”. Because you have been given much, what "more" do you think God is now asking of you? Finish this task, Finney had Nash and Clary. If I continue the war in the spirit relm to hold up God’s anointed above me, then I will have the vision I have been given to walk it out with prayer warriors to break ground for me.

Describe the ideal servants waiting up for their master. What qualities is this wealthy slave-owner looking for in his servants (12:35-36)? Obedient service of readiness for his expected welcoming service. Many long watch hours through navy nights. Doing the boring, repetative while ready for thecemergency. Being ready for the ‘right now’ is the true service. What kind of energy and investment does it require of the servants to be ready during the nighttime hours? One must be ready, not already fatigued. You must learn how to be vigilent. Examining the whole scope of what is to be watched over and out for. Not concentrating on onecp boring unchanging feature. The master in Jesus' parable is pretty strange (12:37). When he arrives home and is pleased with his servants, he fixes them dinner! What is the point of this part of the parable? Jesus once again choses demonstation that the have the most should serve those he has trained at times. It speaks to me that we should expect randomly to come upon sudden needs which are opportunities for deliverence, healing, providing food, counsel, salvation good news to the lost, stoled and stray of God’s flock. A second mini-parable involves a thief and a homeowner (12:39-40). What is the point of this parable? Attacks do not come openly at the strong point of our defence. They are quiet, stealthy unless far stronger than the defenses. Let's get personal. What helps you keep your spiritual edge? I see the terrible furure ahead of the lost. I know that Christ paid the price for all. It is a terrible insult to Jesus to consider the lost unimportant our time and effort. What kinds of things cause you to lose your spiritual alertness? Distractions of worldly things that are technical. Mind pleasing puzzles to me. Don't speak hypothetically, but personally.

Extra Credit. God's care over sparrows is mentioned in 12:6-8. Ravens are mentioned in 12:24. What is similar about these statements? God takes care of them. How does the raven differ from the sparrow, from a Jewish viewpoint? The raven is an unclean bird What is the significance to you that the Father has given you the Kingdom (12:32-32). We have access notvonly to ur God but access to what we have need of as well as whatcis needed for others. How does it make you feel? Blesses and often overjoyed. What does it consist of? Acess, supply as needed and supplybin abundance. Healing, deliverence, carinf supplies. How is it effective in this life? Delivering God supplies intompeoples lives is demonstration that the kingdom has come near them. And that God is backingbup his words ofbptomiss eith action How is it effective in the life to come? If we eill but opearate in the skills and giftings God has given us to havest the fields for lost souls we will be able to rejoice with many in heaven. Why should you sell possessions and give to the poor (12:32). What sense does that make? I am walking out the correction of such an error. The word cam “Do you own that stuff or does it own you”, the the third verse of old rugged cross, my trophy’s I lay down… they are bring eold and the proceedes put into the kingdom. Where is your treasure? In heaven Where is your heart? (12:34) I try best to keep my heart coupled with God’s heart. How can you know? Like any familiar relationship there is a temperature to the well being of it. Warm or cold. You are maintaining and enhancing. Or you are or have been uncaring of the other.

Count the number of times you find the personal pronouns "I," "me," "my" in verses 13-21. Eleven. What is the significance of this? The persons primary concern is self. How would you define greed? Overpowering desire to hoard things to one self. What other areas of life besides material wealth can greed affect? Ones position in organizations, meetings, etc. The best guest seat comes back to mind. Does concern for justice in financial matters always involve greed? (12:13) If there is concern on anyones part the greed is expected within the frame of the transactions ahead. How can you tell if it does or not? The attitude of the speaker and or their words used about others. Is it more likely for a poor man or a rich man to be greedy? Rich. Why did you choose the answer you did? While all greed may be driven by fear of not having ‘enough’. I take greed to be present when the gaining is into posession of one with no true need. Call it hording to self, unwillingness to countenance anothers ligitimate desire for the thing. The rich man seems like a wise agribusinessman. Where does Jesus fault him? In retaining beyond his present need. What was the man's error? Hoarding beyond a reasonable back stock for normal cycles of farm prosperity. How does one become rich towards God? (12:21) Giving into the needs God sees from our have. The world may not be carefull with what it choses to call charitable. God is pleased when we listen to the Holy Spirit’s still small voice on what, where, and when.

Jesus gives four arguments for remaining faithful to him in times of persecution in 12:4-12. What are these four arguments?You may be killed and no more can they do. Have more respect for the threat there is one that can kill you and then send you to hell. Disowning Jesus before men and blasphemy against the Holy Spirit both guarantee hell is assured for you. In the light of speaking and thinking positively, how should we evaluate Jesus' use of fear to motivate his disciples? How should this influence our own motivational methods? Saved and committed it is no threat to me. It is the main driver for my prayers for the lost. God wants them saved and failing to address that is rejection of the Holy Spirit. Failure to serk the lost is a serious breach of our covenant How do you know that it is God, rather than Satan, spoken of in 12:5-6, who can both kill men and throw them into hell? Mat 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. How do thoughts of sparrows and hair counts assure Jesus' disciples? (12:6-7) our value as humans made in God’s likeness is of far greater importance to God’s eternal purpose than sparrows purpose. It is not too difficult when a person is called before a persecutor or court of law to determine if that person has acknowledged or denied Christ. How much, if any, does Jesus' teaching apply to how we identify, or fail to identify ourselves as Christians, to those who come to know us? Fully. To whom are we obligated to identify our faith as Christians? Everyone, if our eyes shine with the anointing of our walk with Jesus our Lord about his work, and filled with the Holy Spirit ‘our eyes will be good’. Through our clear eyes will shine the light of God in our lives. We are truly different and farther from our original self every day. As we walk after our Lord. Extra Credit: Christians in countries under Muslim and Hindu and Communist law have sometimes been executed for their faith. Is there a time to be a "secret" Christian, and what are the "rules" in those situations? I beleived the Holy Spirit guides to avoid intentional offence but ensures the gospel is spread. ‘The signs following’ our walk through those lands makes being secret impossible. After all by whom do they heal the sick and cast out devils?, We Westerners don't have to face this first hand, so we'll try not to speculate. Rather, in our e-mail discussion groups, let us hear from Christians who live in areas of active persecution. Please tell us what you have learned. We need your wisdom. Do you have an example to share of how the Holy Spirit has given you the words to say in situations of persecution? Ot as yet, but opportunity to work with those supporting those in dangerous land ministries. If God will forgive those who deny Christ, isn't it ultimately safer for believers to deny Christ now and then repent later?I wonder: if forgiveness might be as a parent forgives as you do a serious error as you counsel the wayward child and you remain family: that does not absolve the child of criminal grade acts. Forgiven yet sorrow in the Lords eyes who loves you, but your life walk does not align with the gifting, skills, abilities God had knit into our being while in the womb. Might that bring the judgement dat words of Revelation, “Depart from me I never knew you.”

The scribes and Pharisees were caught in a rigid system of legalism to justify themselves before God. In what ways do our Christian religious cultures foster the same kind of self-justification and hypocrisy? There is great attraction to follow the appearance of righteousness of those who have been in the church longer than we. As we feed upon the principles found in the bible, understand God prefers mercy above judgement. Then we begin to coming to tears over our failures and far more prayerful for all those living in condemnation and lesser errors. What kinds of hypocrisy have you personally had to struggle with the most? I was long in failure pray first. Watchman when misunderstood can become watchdog and subject to talking with/to people instead of with God. What is necessary for a Christian to do to escape the inaccurate "public" image of himself that he may have so carefully constructed for others (and perhaps himself) to see and believe? An Acts 4:31 relationship with the Holy Spirit. We must listen, learn and grow in meekness and humility. It is not what I want but what Christ wants done His way through me and by me. What is the antidote to hypocrisy? Hearing the Holy Spirit correct us and taking it to heart and into self correction. How can we both live humbly in our churches and still foster high standards of behavior for ourselves and one another? Once we realize that Moses and so many before use were meek, humble, and correctable. Then we recognize we were saved not for our have accomplished but our potential if we will accept God’s guidance and correction. We must be open about being the green alligators, long necked geese, and chimpanzees of Gods kingdom. Not the stars, not the greatest, not the highest. Just the helping hands at the bottom of the stack, learning our way. The ones we meet are welcome to come along on our voyage.

What was the Sign of Jonah to Jesus' generation? The reserection. Why was it even more convincing than healing the sick? (11:29-30) It was something never before done and that had been prophisied. What does the lamp in 11:33 represent? The light of God, Jesus word active in our life. Why is the lamp not hid but put on a stand? So it is seen and lights outwardly to be most useful. In what way does our spiritual enlightenment depend upon the health of our spiritual eyes? We must see accurately. With understanding and to understand. What sharpens our spiritual discernment? Seeing the full scene in context with thecword. What dulls it? Failure to fully examine what is before us. How do we recover our spiritual discernment from years spent in sin or a cult or a rigid, legalistic church? Repent and seek God. Read the word, listen to the holy spirit our teacher ang guide. Extra credit. What is the relationship between our repentance from sin and God's grace? Grace was not free, our price was paid. Or salvation came by anothers actions, not our own. Our repentence is acknowlegement of our true state. Why don't all repent and respond to his grace? Jesus calls no one sinner, he calls them lost. We are to be about shining the light of Gods love upon the lost, stray, stolen that they turn to God, accept his grace and mercy. Become ‘sanctified’ walking in righteousness as saints, and serve the most high God and work for fulfillment of his plan. Let's stay away from doctrinal answers we may have learned, and seek the answer to this question in Luke's Gospel.

When Jesus is accused of being empowered by Beelzebub, the prince of demons, what are the three points of his answer? Put these points in your own words. a. (11:17-18a) How can something that opposes itself stand? b. (11:18b-20) If I cast out devils by the prince of devils, by whom do you cast them out? c. (11:21-22) when a stronger comes upon the armed man defending his home, he is overcome and his valuables taken. What in Scripture indicates that the spiritual warfare against Satan and his demons is not an even match? Jesus saying “When I cast out” and “when a stronger man come”. What verse in this passage indicates this? Luke 11:21-22. (Extra credit) In Luke 9:49-50 Jesus says "Whoever is not against you is for you." But in 11:23 he says "He who is not with me is against me." Are these statements in conflict? No. What are we to learn from each? Many things are going on about us that do not concern our assigned mission for God. If there is opposition to our being about God’s business and our assigned task, they are in opposition really rebellion to Christ. What are the dangers of seeing Christianity mainly in terms of family pride and responsibility, like the woman in the crowd? (11:27-28) Pride would allow one to take personal offense at opposition. When opposition is actually to Christ and the Father, not ourself who is only the messenger assigned to deliver the message. We should remain calm and unoffended. As Jesus withstood the great contadiction of sinners against himself. He continued his work to completion.

Where is the humor in Jesus' Parable of the Friend at Midnight? (11:5-8) It is of the I can’t believe he is doing that, I would hate to do that, how would I feel if that were me or done to me experience. There is no part we do not live in our own mind. Does the parable teach that God won't help us unless we insist? Not so much as continue asking for what you have not seen yet. What's the essential lesson of this parable? Keep on in faith in the goodness of God through the circumstances. There are three promises in 11:9-10 that are really one promise. What is this promise? I hear the neighbor being asked coming to realize, “He really believes I will get up and give him the bread… Oh No! He isn’t going to stop! I see God smiling, knowing He has discovered another one that will keep on asking not giving up in prayer. How can fear of God's response keep us from praying boldly and persistently? Failure to understand Fathers and the holy spirits nature. That if we are out of line they will surely let us know. How does Jesus answer this concern? (11:11-13) How will a father treat a son in this situation. He will give, he will teach, he will counsel, but he will surely give what is best. Why can the Holy Spirit be considered the Father's best gift? He dwells in us as we give him space. Teaches us as we listen to his wise cousel. Teaches us the deep things, as from the deep wells of living waters. According to the Scripture, does the Father only give the Holy Spirit to certain Christians? No, to all who ask.

What concepts about a father are we to attribute to God? Not only is he God, Hashem, it is he that has made us, knew us before we were knit in the mothers womb. He brought us to be. Which ones don't fit him very well? He is nothing that he does not enumerate in the bible text. What is so astounding about the fact that Jesus tells us to pray to God as Father? Nothing. The bible is a technical manual and this and other things are a direct ‘how to’ of a process. What about our lives and words "hallows" the name of our Father? We enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise. Recognition and joy in our relationship, and His covenant between us. What desecrates and besmirches it? Our rejection of Him. How should we "hallow" the Father when we begin to pray? I begin recalling to him his great works. Thanking him for rescuing me from my death bed on life support and losing ground. I care about God’s heart and what hurts Him. Because he cares for mankind. In what sense are we asking that the Father's kingdom should come? I believe it is a proclimation of God’s purpose for earth. How should this prayer affect our living? We should be about God’s business, Jesus said put self on the tree daily and come follow me. If we walk as the holy spirit guides and counsels we will honor God’s purpose for each of us each day. Why do we seek to be independent of asking anyone for help? It is foolishness and pride. Why do we seek to be independent of God? Foolishness rebellion and pride. Why should we ask God to "give" us daily bread so long as we can earn a living for ourselves? We need to allow Him to take part in our lives. With Him we operate in the super natural, delivering ‘the the kingdom of god has come near you’ without we are delivering self. Why should we continually ask forgiveness? We always have room for growth, and fail to walk in perfection, make errors, omit things. Does the Father really forgive the sins we've asked forgiveness for? They are in the sea of forgetfullness to be remembered no more. Must the same sins be forgiven again later? Over and over and over again. As Paul said, the things I do not want to be doing I find I am doing…. How can unforgiveness on our part block God's blessing? We receive what we sow. How can unforgiveness block God's forgiveness? We can not receive what we refuse to give. Doesn't the fact that our forgiveness requires our forgiving others really a subtle form of "works righteousness"? No, it is a job qualification. You can not walk the walk of Christian in unforgiveness. Christ the Lamb paid for all. Failing to operate in that reality is denial of Christ. Why should we bring God into the fact of our tempting circumstances? Satan is ever tempting and testing, distracting, imparing our progress as he can. God allows our testing to enhance our maturing. Every small victory builds our trust (faith) in God. Can't we expect God to deliver us from sins automatically? No, forbear for a time until we become aware, yes. Erase without repentance. I find no scripture supporting that.