George L

This is just a short glimpse, a few verses, a couple of minutes in Jesus' entire lifetime. Why was it so important that it was preserved for you and me to read? We need to be sure we are performing as the Holy Spirit wishes. Are we to hear the teaching, or serve the house and care for the gift and the company in prayer for other work for the service. Martha was a spiritual woman. How was she seeking to honor Jesus? She took on the burden of hostess to Jesus party. And the use of her home forcthe meeting. Mary was a spiritual woman. How was she seeking to honor Jesus? Though a sister to the hostess she came to be taught not to assist her sister. Jesus makes clear you must chose one thing only of the many. On thecside is Jesus peacecwould remain on the house for hosting him and his party. Martha already had her coming blessing and was completing her service. But she was evidently not worried only about the dinner. How is Jesus' treatment of Mary astonishing in his culture? He was a Rabi she a woman. Rabi only dpoke to wife or mothervor perhaps sisters in the cultur at yhe time. Why do you think he said the unexpected? We too must make choices in a welter of options. And so must chose the best thing. In what ways do you sometimes find yourself busy, upset, and troubled like Martha? Entagled in cares of the world always works to intrude on God’s space in out life. What patterns and practices could you institute in your daily life that would make you more like Mary? Consistent set aside time for the things of God. Especially Bible reading, prayer, and quiet time alone with God.

If you were to select three themes that this passage discusses, what would they be? Social expectations, rules of lifes role, compassion in the face of your norms. What is the chief theme? Compassion rules in God’s system, How is it possible to be able to correctly recite the greatest commandments in the Bible (10:27-28), and still not have them "installed" in your life? Seperating self and blessing as a recite the rule and exccuse yourself from perform mercifully to an untouchable. Have you ever heard a Christian try to justify a less-than-Christian attitude or action? Yes. Why do we constantly try to justify our actions? We place self feelings above God’s feelings. What motivates justifying ourselves? Intelectual guilt denial. How did the lawyer justify his actions? Claim to performing to a higher legal standard therefore not having to to the actual performance. How do you think the priest and Levite in this story justified their actions? The chose a convenient interpretation of the law and traditions of their classes as more important than the life of the injured. Extra Credit: Jesus wasn't reciting an historical incident; he was creating a hypothetical incident for teaching purposes. Why do you think that the hero of the story was a Samaritan? Emphasis on the unimportance of the class of the injured. He could have been a priest. What was Jesus' point by including the Samaritan? The worst in your opinion can act more pleasingbto God than operating by your interpretation of the law is pleasing.How do you think the lawyer felt about it? If he truly saught knowledge he felt blessed to advance. If he was playing intelectual word games he was openly humilliated. What does the parable of the Good Samaritan illustrate? Compassion counts grately before God. What does it teach us about love? Love is care. About mercy? God prefers mercy rather than judgement. About selfishness? It leaves one in poor standing with God. How are we to emulate the Good Samaritan by "doing likewise"? We should be looking for opportunities to be a blessing. What is God speaking to you from this passage? I am facing this type situation in my prayer life. Especially praying for high level politicians, clergy, and others clearly, openly being unrighteous. “When you see them getting ‘theirs’ don’t laugh lest God turn it to you” is not a license to cheer on their destruction if you don’t laugh, it is a clear warning and infact a demand that you interceed for them and their state. Hard to do at first when you hate those excusing lies, deceit, abortion etc. Until you see they are already condemed unless they turn.

What was it that prompted Jesus to be filled with joy in 10:21? Seeing his 70 return sucessful in walking out instructions. There is a qualitative difference between joy that springs from the Holy Spirit, and normal human joy, as good as that is. Yes How would you describe this difference? Joy of the Holy Spirit is an overwhelming total feeing. It is as though I am immersed in it. Whether tears seeing His compassion or joy at the event it is total. Every partvof me is taken up in it. Why do you think God takes delight in revealing himself to spiritual novices instead of sophisticated scholars? Because we are harvesters of the average, the normal, the downtrodden and burdened. Why do you think God doesn't allow just anyone to know him intimately? Trust is required when being given tools of greatervpower. Why does this kind of knowledge require deliberate revelation by the Spirit? All power is exercised through the Holy Spirit. He only does as God the Father wishes. To be an extension of His ministry you must show ability to do as instructed. What do you think God looks for in a person he chooses to reveal himself to? Faithfulness to love him. Have an open relationship with all of God. Trust at the level you will run to him covered in muck saying ‘Oh Father I have done it again!’ With a breaking heart and tears on your face. Being a mess after failing to do right instead of slinking off. What are we disciples supposed to learn from this passage? There is joy in the Lord when we believers act in trust in his instructions. State what are the main lessons for us? We should be carrying the joy into the world, our burdens released, believing we have power and authority to lift burdens off those oppressed and beaten down

(10:17) If the demons were subject to the Seventy's command in Jesus' name, should they be subject to our command today? Yes. Why or why not? Because we are in Christ. What did the Seventy have that we don't? Nothing, in fact we should have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. What do we have that the Seventy didn't?Act 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. (10:18) Why did the disciples' report of their power of demons prompt Jesus to recall the Fall of Satan from Heaven?Verification that satan was cast into the earth and God’scpower far exceeds the enemy’s. (10:19a) What does the "authority to trample on snakes and scorpions" entail? Dealing with evil powers so that people are set free of/from them. What does it lack? We are granted execution of God’s plan and purpose in any situation. His judgement, not ever our own. (10:19b) What does Jesus' declaration, "Nothing shall by any means hurt you," include? I believe we are spiritual beings with eternal life and assigned to heaven as our destination when we leave natural life. If we should be executed for our belief we win, go to heaven, the perpetrator faces their future while we begin to enjoy eternity. What does it mean here? We gave up our life to live for Jesus, there is no loss to us. Is it to be interpreted physically or spiritually, literally or figuratively? I believe it is literally true. What use is a heaven which is only a figure of speech. (10:20) Why should we rejoice that our names are written in heaven? Our end is assured. What does that mean? To me it means that by walking the ‘follow me’ and doing Jesus work in his will, not works for our own glory, we will arrive at judgement, the seven seals book is open, and what we have walked in for the Lord matches the me plan that God knew and knited me to do before formed. We performed our duty in the devine plan. Jesus will know us because we match that which was written into the book by God the Father before He sealed it. We will hear ‘well done’ not ‘I do not recognize you’. Why are we often tempted to rejoice over much lesser things? I love rejoicing over any supernatural action of God on behalf of the living down here. It is giving thanks. I have difficulty rejoicing in other things.

Why are the disciples sent to both the receptive and the unreceptive? To locate the ready fruit along the vine. Why are they to say to each, "The kingdom of God is near you"? It is an assurance to those who receive the word and a true warning to the rest as to whom they are rejecting a precious gift sent to them. Is it possible for disciples to be agents of salvation and healing, without at the same time being possible agents of judgment? Yes. We are but messengers. Ambassadors making clear the availability of the kingdom at hand. In no culture is rejecting a gift not an offence. Rejecting Gods word is truly rebellion on their part. They bring the judgement upon them selves just as the saved brought the gift of salvation upon themselves. Are people already under God's judgment, or only become so if they reject Jesus' message? All are under judgement for all have sinned and fallen short. Saved is rescued from the deserved fate of the world. Why is it so terrifying and sobering to think that someone might reject Jesus because of the inconsistencies they see in our lives? If we have read and understood Danial and Revelation or listened to sound preaching then we can see the cloud of destruction hovering over them. Will our inconsistencies give them an excuse on the Day of Judgment? No as all the wonders of the firmament declare the righteous glory of God leaving no one any excuse. What is Jesus' chief message: judgment or salvation? Judgement comes, please hear the call from the lifeboats crew, we are here to save you from your fate. What qualities do you think Jesus should look for in his "Press Secretary" or spokesperson? I am being driven to understand it took 40 years to prepare Moses in humility to serve as spokesman for God to Pharoah. Humility is not an offensive approach. It opens conversation, it does not demand anything. It does not seek its own. It offers too not taking anything from. I saw to day we have deverence backwards so struggle. I recall Lester Sumrall only saying “Come Out!” And the person set completely free. Why.. because he delivered freedom to the captive. Setting free to the prisoner. We are not to take someones belief from them. We are to offer them the good news of the kingdom of God is a better option for them. We are to deliver to, not take from.

My understanding of being called sheep and care for sheep began with Mr Kellers book. Flag A shepherd looks at the Good Shepherd and His sheep by Keller, W. Phillip (Weldon Phillip), 1920-2001

Why does Jesus pair up the disciples as he sends them out? (10:1) safety and combined complimentary gifting. What application does this have today? One discerning one preaching or doing the hands on praying seems optimal for out of church environments. What are the strategic purposes behind Jesus' decision to send out the Seventy? The wording strongly suggests gonprepare the ground. Go pray for the area and its people. What is he trying to accomplish? Hands on experience in their coming ministries. In what sense is the harvest plentiful in Jesus' day? (10:2a) Is the harvest plentiful in your area of the world? I was raised in the cherryland of Wisconsin. Without the migrant workforce the cherry’s were far beyond our capacitynto harvest. How do you determine that? In the world there are 1.36 billion Chinese and 1.4 billion Indian peoples. Africa is the dize of all the restbof the continents combined. Our work is before us. We need harvesers. Why are the workers few? (10:2b) It is hard dirty work. Intensly delicate to minister to the true needs which are key to setting captives free. What kinds of things have kept you in the past from being active in the harvest? Entangled in Master level Track and Field officiating. Teaching survey instrument measurements for long throws and horizontal jumps. Holy spirit asked if I would be more satisfied doing more championship meets running the measurement crew or working for him. I retired from teack and field and am selling my equipment off. Why is God the main recruiter? The spirit of god is busy working on hearts. What is our instruction when we need more workers? (10:2c) Pray the Lord of the harvest send workers into the field. What kind of "wages" does God offer harvesters today for their labor? (10:7) that their needs be met.

What does it mean to live your life as a sojourner? Expect no permanent home base. Why is a sojourner mentality required for disciples? (9:58) We are like my Navy career. Your skills may be needed most somewhere else. Why is Jesus so hard on the man who needed to bury his father before following? (9:59-60) In those days that meant when the father died he as the eldest son would have to divide the property and belongings. His family duties exceeded his devotion to Christ. What's wrong with the man wanting to say good-bye to his family first? (9:61) The time of Jesus walking the earth, the time of christ on earth was ending. If he did not pick up on the urgency of the time he would be dead weight once he tried to catch up. Like missing ships movement. You are either on board when your ship sails or you litterally miss the boat. What characteristic is absolutely essential for plowmen? Keep looking forward to complete the row. Your prayer is preparing the ground for sweeping great harvest What trait is absolutely necessary for disciples? (9:62) Once committed to the service be faithful to the covenent relationship of your service Is Jesus speaking in hyperbole (using exaggerated speech and examples) here? It may be hyperbole but more trulynperhapse ecacting truth of apostolic ministry. If so, what is the value of hyperbole for a teacher? Attention getting imortance alert to the hearing to hear listener and student. If Jesus is using hyperbole, does that mean we don't have to take his words seriously? That is true hyperbole. There is no word of Christ, the living word of God that is unimportant.

Q60. (Matthew 13:51-52) What is the "old" that the householder brings out of his treasure box? The essential monumental events in the history of God and his covenent relationship with mankind. What is the "new." The covenent of the end of the age to bring in all to the kingdom of God. In what way must we disciples be "cross-trained" as scribes of the Kingdom? We need to know the very nature of the root and the stem of our vine. What nourishes it and what harms it. Then we must be skilled at bringing forth fresh new fruit.

Q59. (Matthew 5:13-14) Why is a sharp and tasty witness so important? We are fishers of men. Present the bait. Like sales there will be a yes or a no but then is always next. What is a bland witness to Jesus? Lifeless How do we stay "salty"? Salt makes the bland and unpalatable tasty. Why are people tempted to hide their "light" or witness? Fear of being rejected. They fail to appreciate planting seed and seed grows in seasons with proper conditions. We generally have nompatience and do not continue to guard our words, praise God for his working, and thank him that his word does not return to him void. What does Jesus say about that? I would fear even with a poor gift failing to use it or to misuse it will end with ‘depart from me.. I never knew you’. He knows what he created us to be. So we should work to become.

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? The cities and metropolitan areas. The greater the troubles the more troubled the poeple. I find people in service jobs a tremendous field. Do you see yourself mainly as a sower or a reaper? Neither, I see the fields arexwhite acorophetic furure and the huge need for mentors to grow the newly saved a serious shortcoming we must rebuild along with the evangelist anointing. Why is there such a shortage of reapers? The church has become self satisfied. I have “my salvation” and stopped working. Would you be willing to be a reaper, if Jesus helps you? I expect to be on the front lines doing on the job training.

Q57. (Matthew 9:36) Why is Jesus' heartbroken over lost sheep? hell and the lake of fire is so terrible and intended for Lucifer and his angel's only. Who are the lost sheep of your community? Everyone not serving the Lord. Of the mission fields that you know about? The same, may they be muslim extremists or the Poor and broken in shattered nations. What is your attitude toward them? Jesus paid the price for all. He proved their worth to himself. He is my Lord

Q56. (Matthew 9:13; Hosea 6:6) What does Jesus mean when he tells his disciples, "I desire mercy, not sacrifice"? We are to be merciful and seek mercy reather than judgement for the lost. What attitude did the Pharisees have towards sinners? They expected them to clean themselves and also to profit from their purchase of sacrificial offerings. What attitude did Jesus have toward sinners? Jesus calls no one sinner, He calls all of them lost. And he cares for them as lost sheep. What attitude do you have toward sinners? They are my masters lost sheep, Lost, stollen, stray, decieved, enslaved. They are all the Lords and I an under sheherd entrusted with caring for them and recovering them. What is the role of a spiritual doctor? Undoing the damage done to souls by words and actions in the world.

Q54. (Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 19:12-27) Why did Jesus give his disciples the Parables of the Talents and Minas? Apostles are the repairing, strengthening, correcting gift package to the church. They will encounter a divers set of issues through their careers. In each they are to seek to salvage, encourage, and empower the madters gifts in those people to enhance the kingdom of God. How are you using the "talents" Jesus has given you? I have been sent to a church staged for growth and expanding outreach. I am assigned to pray for the pastorate gifting as Aaron held up the arms of Moses. I discern, fix the wall, and pray support. What causes people to "bury" the talents they once used for the Lord? They deny the value of the gifting God gave them. Not gootbto treat the master as unknowing of your purpose. If it is not salvation itself, what is the reward for faithfulness? 21 years of navy and 25 years as a navy civilian. Technician, repair electronice, work in a lab environment. The reward is seeing the high level function restored to the system. You know your part is as critical as the pilots. Why does God expect more of greatly gifted people? Your purpose for him is greater in criticality. Some people search for the edge of can do. A few of them decide that how long can I run on the edge is theirs. Even fewer are the test pilots that find how to recover from missing the edge of the edge. God needs all to run at their best for the kingdom.

Q54. (Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 19:12-27) Why did Jesus give his disciples the Parables of the Talents and Minas? Apostles are the repairing, strengthening, correcting gift package to the church. They will encounter a divers set of issues through their careers. In each they are to seek to salvage, encourage, and empower the madters gifts in those people to enhance the kingdom of God. How are you using the "talents" Jesus has given you? I have been sent to a church staged for growth and expanding outreach. I am assigned to pray for the pastorate gifting as Aaron held up the arms of Moses. I discern, fix the wall, and pray support. What causes people to "bury" the talents they once used for the Lord? They deny the value of the gifting God gave them. Not good to treat the master as unknowing of your purpose. If it is not salvation itself, what is the reward for faithfulness? 21 years of active navy and 25 years as a navy civilian. Technician, repair electronics, work in a lab environment. The reward is seeing the high level function restored to the system. You know your part is as critical as the pilots. Why does God expect more of greatly gifted people? Your purpose for him is greater in criticality. Some people search for the edge of can do. A few of them decide that how long can I run on the edge is theirs. Even fewer are the test pilots that find how to recover from missing the edge of the edge. God needs all to run at their best for the kingdom.

Q53. (John 13:4-17) In what way is Jesus washing the disciples' feet a parable? He by his action demonstrated thecposition of the apostles in the ministry ahead. They would be lifting the lost, stollen, stray, willfull, obstinant sheep backminto fellowship with God. Fixing their walk. Why did this act of washing their feet feel so shocking to the disciples? The greatness of the disparity between the savior and the lost was driven home. In what sense is this a parable of cleansing? It reset their attitude toward their function and the purpose of the apostles office. In what way is it a rebuke of pride and competition? It clearly showed humility is never inappropriate. In what way is it a parable of humble service? There is no more humbling service than serving the banquet table of God’s feast before a rejecting public. In what areas of your life do you need to implement its teaching? Beginning the work of plowing the fallow fields in sacrificial prayer and fasting for the coming harvest. The lost cannot save themselves. There is a spiritual battle in place for their souls. Repair the breaches of the kingdom. Finish the work it is the ending of the age.

What real human need did the disciples distort when they vied for who would be the greatest? We need to know where/how we are to fit into Gods plan and our position in ministry and of support of ministery. Why does a legitimate need get distorted? The enemy wants pride to rule, I am bove you. Where God needs even the stall cleaner to do their job in godlyloving attitude to reach others. How should this need be met? We need to spend our time in prayer with the holy spirit that he show us, convict us, teach us. Why did Jesus ask a little child to stand beside him on this occasion? Comparison of the last shall be first in stature as well as timing. Strictly from these verses in Luke and nowhere else in the Bible, how does receiving a child in Jesus' name require humility? A child is of great potential in the future of the kingdom. Understanding they are precious in God’s sight as we are is seriously important to their development. How does this sort of humility relate to the disciples' sin? It is as declaring the child to have no kingdom worth to the child. What, do you think, was the disciples' real motive in stopping the exorcist? They thought they had an exclusive new dispensation. Like those who believe the christian church is not grafted in rather than replacing the hebrew covenant people of his promise. Why did Jesus rebuke them? Humility comes by pride being beaten out of us in God’s armory. I once asked for the sword of the Lord and the front of the battle. “You fool!” Was the response. Then the lesson that the sword gets the fire and the hammering to put it into shape. It takes a beating in battle, and again to the armory for the fire and forging hammer blows getting it straightened out again. I then asked for a bulldozer ministry, I’ll go clean out the ditches Lord… Jesus' rejection by a Samaritan village is only recounted by Luke. What were Jesus' disciples to learn when Jesus rebuked their plan to call down fire upon the village? God rathers we call for mercy not judgement. Judgement is always His. What are we disciples today to learn from it? Psalm 35:13-14, cry for those in error. Seek God on their behalf. What group or groups of people do you have the most trouble loving? Lying politicians and those practicing abominations. How can the Lord help you love them? The Lord explicitly said I paid the price for all. That none should perish. Once that settles in and we understand the lamb if God willingly, knowing all mankind’s future abominations paid that price that they too be saved. And we understand that hell is so terrible that only Lucifer and his 1/3 of the angels shiuld end their. I am able to cry for them. Seek God’s mercy for them. Pray they be saved from that horrible fate.

How many rebukes of the disciples can you find in 9:37-56? List them. The apostles were corrected four times We can't be other-worldly and still be able to communicate to our generation. How can we be "with" them but not "of" them? While we are among them in presence we do not hold their value system. How can we both identify with our generation and still live differently? We were part of our lost of our generation prior to our salvation. Compassion for their terrible destination is a good start of prayes and suplications for their salvation. Up to this point in your life, how have you usually responded when you have been rebuked by parents, teachers, employers, spouses, spiritual leaders, etc.? It depends on their intent. If it is for my benifit or the goal of the organization I appreciate it. If it is serving os selfish motives I do not take it well. What has been healthy about your response? I am a process person. I love optimizing a process to produce better quality results. What has been unhealthy? I do not do myself well in relationships when openly rejecting their correction. What is the necessary preparation for a Christian leader to be able to rebuke those in his or her charge appropriately? A prayer life that brings understanding in the Spirit of how to lead them into change to the better way of dealing with their issue. How is it possible to overdo rebuking as a leadership style? Rebuke is to correct, not smash or destroy. How is it possible to be too light on rebuking? We need achieve a correction in values and bring understanding of the poor results vs best results if their error limiting their progress. There is no acceptable falling short of a persons proper fitting into the family of God. As Rebuke is the strongest corrective level we would seemingly dealing with a rebellious spirit at that level. Gaining attention of the seriousness is required.

Why did Jesus show special attention to Peter, James, and John? Surely each received special attention. However making clear the revelation of the messiahs rejection and that this was He is necessary for us. That the continuety of the prophecies and their fulfillment remained true. God does nothing without telling his prophets. Why do church members sometimes misunderstand when their pastor enjoys a special relationship with a few in the congregation? So many of us do not realize we are the only one that is exactly us. God did not knit us to be a copy. We get our training and lessons from walking through the believers walk. And it shall differ from others in many ways. Why did the disciples need to see Jesus transfigured before them? I am not sure of the spiritual manifestation about me when I pray. Yet often when the tears are flowing and the heart pounding I know I am in contact with God’s heart. The window into the spiritual meeting was open to them. It was as necessary for them, a blessed assurance, anchoring for their role in what was to come throughout their particular ministries. Do you think Jesus needed the transfiguration himself? I believe his prayer life always included ‘I only do what I see my father doing’ and ‘I only say what I hear my father saying’.. that said this was a open window for the three apostles and a normal in the Lords prayer life for him. What is the place of eyewitness experience of God's glory alongside of the Word of God in our lives and witness as Christians? My 3 visions of the angels of Jude 6 when life support and 60 liters of oxygen a minute was not sustaining my life is always with me. I know that ‘Hey God you know me.’ Does not ind a person to the covenent of Christ’s salvation. Which is more important to us? Knowing how truly lost are the uncommited emowers my driving force in prayer for the all Jesus paid for. To others? The force to others is only the power of an eye wittness testemony. What is the balance? Both have their place. God choses what we see. His choices are perfect for His purpose. How have your own spiritual experiences influenced your Christian life for good or ill? They set me on the path to grow and become rightly fit for His purpose. To serve in whatever roll he presents me with.

Why was it so hard for the disciples to understand that the Messiah must be rejected and killed and rise the third day? They did not understand Psalm 22 was a prophesy of what they were walking through. That Jesus was the Lamb of God. What does it mean to take up your cross daily? If it doesn't mean bearing your own life's burdens (and I don't think it means that), then what DOES it mean? It means to die daily to the desires you have abd how you would proceed. Then proceed to walk through your day as the Holy Spirt guides you to walk as Jesus would walk it person. What kinds of attempts at "saving our lives" are actually self-destructive? Chosing what our mind wants vs what the holy scriptures say. Doing what we want not what God wants done is destructive to God’s devine plan. Why is this such a paradox? We have great trouble realizing in our meekness and deciding we are mere messengers delivering words that we are to be delivering true words from The God’s heart to those in a dying world. If someone told you they thought they had lost themselves or lost their soul, how would you counsel them without giving them false assurance? I either believe God is in the restoration business and that Jesus died as sacrifice and redemption for all. Or I am unworthy of serving Him who went to the cross for me. He saved me from my death bed while I was unsaved. He plays no favorites. “God provided a way for you” is truth. If they do not receive it it was not false, the truth was stollen from them or they did not hear to hear and understand. How can we be unashamed of Jesus without it being difficult for non-Christians to want to be around us? Be ye seperate from nonbelievers.. Did unbelievers want to be around Jesus? Wanting to see to understand and hear to understand were a limited portion of those who came to see the happening they were hearing about. What is the balance? We are to be fishers of men. Hungry fish will follow odor to the bait. Well fed fish ignore your bait. There is no reason to push beyond lack of interest. That is offensive as is the offensive pushy sales person not listening to you say you do not want what they are selling.

Why do you think Jesus waited to ask these questions until he could be alone with his disciples? To isolate the apostles from the public and the power of the crowd listening. Why do you think he was spending time in prayer before asking these questions? My belief is the Lord always prayed daily and especially at points of change in his ministry. Why did Jesus ask about what others believed before he asked his disciples what they believed? It set the background range of belief the apostles percieved. Why is it difficult to be able to express simply and clearly what we believe? There are great differences in our levels of belief. Casual thoughts down to bedrock foundational beliefs which we live by without thinking. They are not only thought but foundation blocks of our being and actions. What are the obstacles you face in expressing this? Our concern for the spread of our statement. The trust we hold in our company of hearers. If you have never whyopenly stated your faith in Jesus Christ, please do so today, and let others know that this is a new statement for you. If you have stated your belief in Jesus prior to this, please share with others the circumstances of when you made a declaration of your own faith in Jesus. While recovering from a motorcycle accident I spend many days watching LeSea ministies channel on the hospital tv. Often was an advertisement for a church I felt I should attend when discharged. I received a miraculous healing of my hip on my second visit. I went forward for salvation the next service.

What was Jesus' motivation for teaching and healing on this day, even though he and his disciples were tired? How can we find a balance of attitude and ministry? When do we stop when the needs continue? Jesus once again majored in compasion for the peoples need of understanding of the kingdoms good news. Why did Jesus decide to feed the people rather than dismiss them earlier? Tp,provide a hands on experience of God providing abundantly after a request in compasion for a need. Why didn't he create bread and fish from nothing? Why did he ask the disciples to find what they could? What is the significance of the command, "You give them something to eat"? I believe slightly differntly than the narayion in the lesson. My reading suggests that Jesus broke the loaves and fish, handin a piece to each apostle. And as they began to feed in obedience the bread and fish continued to expand in their hands. A true hands on experience for their future faith needs in trusting in doing as the word tells us to do. What struggles have you had in surrendering yourself to be part of this ministry process of assessing the need, bringing your resources to Jesus, placing them in his hands, and receiving back the power to meet needs beyond yourself? The compassion tompray for sick and inferm or other needs when no great heart responce occurs is difficult. When compassion is flowing and your in tears it is much easier to believe you are centered in His will. Pray for the need because you don’t ‘feel it’ should never stop us, yet it tempts us to not obey.

If we take this account seriously, what does it seem to teach us about demons? (Realize that our view of demons may be more influenced by sermons we have heard or movies we have seen than by the text of Scripture. Let's stick to the text here in Luke 8.)They obey those with spiritual power over them. Why do we feel we need to apologize helping just one person like Jesus did on this occasion? We know in our mind Jesus paid the price for all, and that he desires that all be saved. When guided by the Holy Spirit the Lord sets the limits and we follow though we would want to do more or differently. What do we learn from the account about the pigs that we wouldn't have known if they hadn't been mentioned?That condition of going to the abbys is terrifying even to demons. Why did the healed man want to go with Jesus? Why didn't Jesus let him? To serve the one who cared for his condition. To provide a testemony in that area that couldn’t be denyed. Where did they find clothes to clothe the healed man, do you think? Why does the story mention the man's nakedness? It seems to be the part of the mystery of miracles. That God provides where there seems to be no natural wat God still has a way that is beyond our reason and understanding. Supernatural. How does Jesus react to the rejection of the townspeople of the Garasenes? He departs, as he did at his home town. Where there is no respect or faith in the gift, move on.

Q55. (Luke 10:30-37) Why does Jesus contrast a Jewish priest and Levite with a hated Samaritan? He is teaching the lawyer the true meaning of the law. The more important or overriding principle of Gods commandments of do and do not as you encounter real life. This contrasts religous cleanliness rules and cultural anemosities against the rule for mercy and compassion. According to the parable, how do you think Jesus would define "neighbor," that is, someone we have a responsibility toward? The Lords guidance to me has always been a neighbor is anyone you find yourself next to. Not a selection of who you want next to you. How much does compassion move you to go out of your way and comfort zone to care for those in need? I find compassion within my ability to help for something I see far more compelling than to join in ‘give some money so our group can do good’. I care far more for what need I observe and what God prompts me to do than what others see.

Q54. (Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 19:12-27) Why did Jesus give his disciples the Parables of the Talents and Minas? Because they are chosing to walk into ‘to whom much is given’ in talents, gifts, and anointing. They will be responsible to the Lord himself for their use thereof. How are you using the "talents" Jesus has given you? I am at an advancement point. My some is becoming much and my responsibility for proper use a betrothed covenent relationship. I must learn to use what is being given me that is His for His purpose. What causes people to "bury" the talents they once used for the Lord? Become decieved that they have done enough. Selfish, I have and will live just fine on my blessings. If it is not salvation itself, what is the reward for faithfulness? Oh the great wash of the Holy Spirit over you as you walk away from ministering God’s love to someone and ‘get it right’. Just being obedient to the still small voice. And suddenly know heaven is rejoicing at that obedient act, word, prayer and the fruit it will bring to the kingdom. Oh to bring Joy to the Lord. That alone is more than enough. It is a delight to have the privilege to serve the Lord God. Why does God expect more of greatly gifted people? You are given a greater toolset for the Lords work. Wheather it is a more powerful bulldozer or finer surgical instrument you are expected to become a mature (kjv perfected) practitioner for the Kingdom of Heaven upon the earth. Bringing greater reward to the Lord for the price He paid.