jmndungu

Q1. (Luke 15:1-10) What do the Parables of the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin teach disciples about God’s heart? In what way do these parables represent a contrast to the murmuring of the Pharisees? How should a disciple implement Jesus’ value of seeking the lost in his or her own community? God is concerned with the sinner becoming a member of his kingdom and He has the sinner's welfare at heart. He is more concerned with the sinner's salvation rather than his current state of sin. The Pharisees are on the other hand so concerned with the sinner state of sin thus self-righteous forgetting it is by God's Grace we are all saved. Actively seek out the ones who are lost without judgement or compromise but remember we have been called to be disciple-makers through our relationships.

Why are we discouraged when facing ? We do not persevere enough to wait and see what God is doing. It indicates that we may not have our faith in God but with our ability .We look at the outside circumstances and logical see we can do nothing .I have found myself in this position rather often where I forget what God has promised . Characteristics of a disciple who retains faith despite insurmountable odds I'm encouraged by And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 NKJV Nothing catches God with surprise .As long as I'm in right standing with God ,He make everything (including insurmountable odds) work for good. Having faith that God can do what men cannot do. But He said, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” Luke 18:27 NKJV Not being weary of doing good And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Galatians 6:9 NKJV Having faith in our God and know what He can do Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits. Daniel 11:32 NKJV

I believe self centered and uncommitted Christians are led by flesh and thus have not fully submitted to God and as such they are led of their own personal self agenda of fame, recognition etc.. As the Bible puts it clearly to carnally minded is death,at the end of time their action brings to death the work of the committed Christians Any form worship, preaching or any activities in our Christian lives that are not Christ centered will surely come down. I feel for us to call overcome this is by living lives that fully surrendered to Christ daily.

Though I pray daily I feel a need to deeper and sincerely seek God through mediation and listening to what He has to say to me. Basically I need to have a mechanism of mediating the Word of God through out the day sometimes I'm choked with the daily cares of this world. I believe the basic pilar for me is unhurried time with the Lord in the morning

The ones who return are the those who had faith in God and took action by obeying His word . Faith without works is dead . They were selfless and saw God bigger vision for Jerusalem For those who did not return they were comfortable in their status quo. They were so full of them selves. Same with us Christians if we are to fully to fellow Christ and do what He has called us to do on this earth it call us to radical sacrificial obedience

Forgiveness and Obedience brings about the fruit and this is what makes us true disciples of Jesus John 8:31

Carnal Christian , who the cares and issues of this world are more important than the heavenly home .The key here is their priorities are misguided. Repentance ,Prayer ,reading and meditating the Word ,quiet times with God and obedience to the Holy Spirit would lead to coming back focus .

This has been very profound to me . I have been found myself using the name of the Lord in Vain sometimes it may be my feelings as I prayer but I remember just last week ,The Lord reminded to be very careful in saying "Thus the Lord says " .It may not be out of disrespect but I need to hear the Lord more clearly in patience before I speak