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So many things it seems: God care about the lost, God forgives , God cares about the one. God doesn’t force us to do anything but celebrates and welcomes us home in our broken and repentant attitude. He celebrates forgiveness and reconciliation. God’s grace is always enough.

First of all the king felt compassion for the slave.Then he forgives him of the debt. He doesn’t have any compassion for his debtors situation and begins to choke him, demanding payment on the smaller debt. Then he has him thrown into prison until he can pay it back. If we withhold grace to those around us we are behaving contrary to the teachings of Christ as well as His very nature. As these scriptures teach, Christ‘s disciplines needed to be taught more than once about forgiveness and grace. These are lessons and attributes that don’t necessarily come natural to us. Jesus teaches it to His disciples (us) and models it perfectly so we can learn to walk in it and share His grace and forgiveness. It is an ongoing challenge as we all strive to be more Christ like and to honor God.

Because Jews and Samaritan were sworn enemies with centuries of feuding between them. Of the three who passed by the Samaritan was least likely to offer to help to the injured man. By stopping to help the man, dressing his wounds and taking him to an Inn where he could rest and recover. Paying for it all and telling the innkeeper that he will cover additional costs when he returns. The Samaritan’s reaction to seeing the injured man was “compassion.” Possibly those that are poor and needy. Those that for many reasons don’t have the financial means to make ends meet from month to month. To reach out to them with food banks, clothing stores, medical service as well as Soup kitchens. To do all we that can to share our time, talent and treasures with those that are in need. To share God’s love with them, with compassion and grace.

God gave the world His only Son as a sacrifice for their sins. If grace is “God’s unmerited favor,” then it has to be a gift. Love! It is the motivation behind God’s gift/God’s grace. “For God so loved the world that He gave…”

The attitudes that forget or don’t take into consideration that God gave up His Son’s life for our sins, both past and present. The price sin’s forgiveness has never been cheap. We cheapen it when we sin anyway knowing the cost. No, I don’t think of costly grace is based on our works. It is costly to us because we have to constantly and very consciously deny our self/flesh of the things that it wants: sin. To one who knows the right thing to do and I does not do it, to him it’s a sin. James 4:17

According to scripture there doesn’t seem to be any good in man. That we are basically bad. Not some good or some bad, just all bad. We are a product of the fall, born with a sin nature and even things we do that seem good have underlying selfish motives. We are friends of the world and enemies of God. Without Christ we were without hope and helpless to change who we are: slaves to sin and unrighteousness.

That humankind’s fallen nature is a certainty for everyone, even Paul. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. It is inescapable. We are born into sin and a world system dominated and controlled by Satan. Our motivations before we come to know Christ are the world, the flesh, and the devil. Specifically in verse 3, it mentions indulging the desires of the flesh and mind. It also mentions in verse 2, the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience, the devil. I would think that the conscious motivation would come from flesh and the mind. Conscious because we will do wrong things (sin) even though we know it’s wrong. The desire for something outweighs the possible penalty or our “conscience” telling us not to do it. The unconscious motivations would be this world we live in and the influences that it exerts on us combined with the powers of the prince of the air.

That we were still helpless sinners, unable in our own strength and wisdom to do anything that would change our situation. Powerless! In the eyes of the world, not God, we were not worth saving, definitely not worth dying for. But God, in love and mercy, at just the right time sent His son Jesus to die for us. God’s perfect Love.

I think it means that a person has been saved. Received salvation! Has put his faith, hope and trust in Jesus Christ. Has crossed over from darkness into God’s marvelous light! We are justified (made right with, have peace) with God through our faith in Jesus Christ. Our faith in Christ = introduction to grace. James 4:4 Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world is an enemy of God. One who hasn’t put his faith in Jesus Christ.

He wanted to teach Hosea, Gomer, the nation of Israel and now the world a very important lesson. Illustrated is a way that could be understood by all. That God’s love is unchanging, it never falls and is not based upon how we receive it. God’s is love. God loves and pursues Israel like a man would pursue the woman of his dreams. God’s covenant with Israel, like the marriage covenant is meant to be unbroken and eternal. Both relationships are fueled by unchanging, steadfast love that pursues and doesn’t give up. God’s grace, just like His love never run out and isn’t based upon how or if it’s received.

Grace is not earned or worked for. It is not a wage or payment for services rendered. It is a gift from God that given out at His discretion. I always liked this brief definition of Grace: “God’s unmerited favor.” So we don’t receive grace because we are good, but we receive it because God wants to give it to us. “God’s unmerited favor.” God’s grace is always sufficient and it never runs out!

What's wrong with the man wanting to say good-bye to his family first? (9:61) Every time I have read this verse it makes me think of 1 Kings 19:19-21. Its a beautiful passage in which Elisha is called into service as Elijah's apprentice while he is actually plowing a field. Elijah throws his mantle over Elisha's shoulder, thus calling him to service and Elisha says, "Please let me kiss my Father and Mother, then I will follow you." Elijah says, "Go back again, for what have I done to you." Elisha' then sacrificed a pair of oxen using the the plow broken up (wood) to cook the sacrifice. Gave it to the people and they ate. He then arose and began to follow Elijah. A few things really stand out in this passage as I think of Luke 9:61-62. First being that Elijah chose Elisha, calling him to service. Not like in Luke 9:61, where a man wants to follow Jesus, but the man hasn't yet considered the price of being a disciple of Christ. The second being that as Elisha is sacrificing the oxen to God, he uses the broken up plow to cook the sacrifice. I believe that this is symbolic to him saying, my life on the farm with my family is over and I will never return to it. I am through plowing. I am all in with Elijah as his disciple, knowing that later on he maybe be called to take his place as a Prophet of Israel. Elijah calls Elisha and gives him an opportunity to say goodbye to his family, knowing his character and devotion to God. That he is God's man for the job. This man in Luke 9:61 liked the idea of following Jesus, but hadn't considered the cost of discipleship: Luke 14:25-33 An interesting side note is, that Elisha performed more recorded miracles than anyone other then Jesus Christ.

Why do you think John the Baptist had doubts about who Jesus was? I think that John had begun to realize that he was going to die Herod's prison. And his belief of who Jesus (the Messiah) was, happens to be similar to that of the Jewish nation of Israel. That He would be a conquering King and would set things right with the Romans and this non-Jew Herod on the throne, as king of the Jews. The King should be in the line of David. Jesus gave John's disciples His mission statement, along with its results and dismissed them. He went on to praise John to His disciples, like no other. John was the greatest man ever born by a woman. But he was still a man with all our fears, faults and doubts. He must have both exalted God in the news his disciples brought back and despaired in it also. For he now knew the Jesus is the foretold Messiah but saving him from Herod's prison is probably not part of the plan.

Is temptation only merely inevitable, or is it necessary to our growth as disciples? Both, because we can be tempted by what the world, the flesh and the devil offers and how we handle these temptations can grow us and mature us in our walk with Jesus. We can not avoid temptation, nor it's fruition, sin. So both can strengthen us a we live out our lives as Christ followers. Of course temptation can take us in the opposite direction also, if we succumb to temptations and fall into a pattern of sin. Hopefully we would hope in, rely upon and cling to Christ and the truths of the Bible. As we are tempted, we would lean into God and His word to see us through these temptations we all face. As well as learning from our past sins.

Did Jesus become the Messiah at this point? Or become divine? Or how do you understand this decisive event? As John baptizes Jesus, God introduces and affirms Jesus audibly to the world in front of countless witnesses. Father, Son and Holy Spirit all present in perfect unity of purpose. Was He always Messiah or Devine before this time, I think so. But God brings all things to light in His perfect timing. This was the God ordained first step, setting the stage for Jesus to begin His ministry as Messiah

Day 19 Meditation (Revelation 21:9-10). Why do you think the New Jerusalem is compared to a Bride adorned for her wedding. What is the significance of the Bride descending down to earth? What might be God’s plan for this New Earth that has been cleansed by fire and recreated? Could it be that as Jerusalem has been restored, (resurrected) much as God's children were whose names were in the Lamb's book of life. It is now God's Holy city is all its glory and splendor. A perfect capital of God's new earth. A perfect home for the redeemed of Christ to share with Him as He rules there forever. Both God's redeemed and His holy city resurrected in holiness and splendor as His bride. Not sure of the significance of this marvelous spectical. But it reminds me Jesus descending from Heaven to meet us in the sky. It will be a sight so otherworldly and magnificent that all we will be able to do is stare in awe at the power and majesty of God. We will live with God and be His people.All things have been restored and made right. "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him" 1 Corinthians 2:9

18 Meditation (Revelation 20:12). What do the records contain that are opened before the throne of God on Judgment Day? How do they differ from the Lamb’s Book of Life? How is it “fair” that we escape judgment by having our names written there, even though we have committed many sins? Who paid the price to make it “fair” and just? A record of what we did with the gifts God gave us (our time, talent and treasure), to make Christ known. To give a cup of cold water to someone in need in the name of Jesus. How we loved those that God put in our lives. We are at this judgement because we have salvation in Christ. This determines what we did with our salvation in Christ. I don't really know if fair is the right word to describe it. So much of life seems unfair. But those who trusted in, relied upon, and clung to Jesus Christ for salvation will be saved. And God is the perfect judge so if He deems it to be right then you know that it is. Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe. Sin has left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow. Thank you Lord Jesus!

I think that Satan and his followers needed to be put in their place. They are not welcome to the wedding and wedding feast and celebration of the Lamb. Could it be holiness? When we lived on earth we were justified by faith as we accepted the free gift of salvation (God's grace), but we were always in the process of sanctification. We sinned less but weren't sinless. Now in our resurected state, is the sanctification process complete and we sin no more? Worthy to be the bride of Christ?

Are you aggressive like the Conquering Lamb, or do you shy away from conflict with the enemy? I am looking at Ephesians 6:12; For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the full armor of God , so that you will be able to resist in the evil day and having done everything to stand firm. I believe that the Lord is calling us to be prepared; to be in God's word, to be in prayer, confessing our sins. 1 Peter 3:15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence. To stand firm in the Lord and to be ready to speak the truth in love. Love God, love your neighbor.

Q4. (2 Corinthians 1:8-9; Ephesians 6:18-20) What portion of Paul's "overwhelming pressure" was due to spiritual warfare, do you think? How much can be attributed to the "normal" struggles of life? Why is intercessory prayer for leaders and for one another so important? a. That's hard to say; Paul, in the past related his sufferings in detail. But here it almost seems like a spiritual attack; despair (depression) that felt like a death sentence. b. Paul's struggles in life were way more than anything that I could relate to, but this affliction in Asia that sapped their strength and caused despair to the point of death was, I believe, a spiritual attack. They were at the end of themselves and God was their only hope, as God is our only hope.("we could not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead") c. God calls us to pray continually and to intercede for those in need. We need to pray God's protection from spiritual attack for our leaders and fellow believers alike. As Paul said, "For boldness in his Preaching." It's all about God, so we need to invite Him into every area of our life, the lives of fellow believers, our leaders as well as our world that is in such need to hear the gospel.

Q2. (Acts 19:9-10) How did "all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia" hear God's word from one apostle, who taught daily in Ephesus and didn't travel around. What do you think was going on that caused this kind of expansion? Why is it vital to evangelize in our great cities? a. Paul withdrew from the synagogue in Ephesus and new believers followed him. He began to reason the gospel of Jesus Christ in the school of Tyrannus. He remained there teaching for two years. The gospel spread from there throughout Asia as believers traveling through other areas shared the gospel they had heard with others they encountered in their travels. It was an act of the Holy Spirit. b. It was an act of the Holy Spirit. c. Because they are composed of large numbers of people groups. They are also the centers of business and commerce; as well they attract people from many different countries. People hear the gospel and spread the "good news" around the world.

Q1. (1 Corinthians 1:11-12; 2:1; 3:3-6) What seems to be the primary difference between Paul's ministry approach and that of Apollos? Why does this create competing allegiances at Corinth? How does Paul address the issue? Can you think of any divisions over style within the Christian community in your region? What should you do as a result of those divisions? a. Their manner of speaking and delivery. Apollos was a speaker in the tradition of Greek rhetorical oration, eloquent and polished. Paul lacked the style and polish that appealed to the Corinthians. b. Some became followers of Paul. Some became followers of Apollos. c. Paul basically tells the believers not to follow him or Apollos, but to follow Christ and Him alone. d. I have seen it in churches where people will prefer one Pastor over another because of the differences in their preaching styles. Sometimes this can cause a problem within that church. e. Do as Paul did and encourage all to follow Christ and not one man over the other. We are all one in Christ.

Q4. (1 Corinthians 15; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17) How important was belief in a bodily resurrection to the gospel that Paul taught? Why is Christ's resurrection foundational to our faith? What will happen when we die? When Christ comes? a. It is of utmost importance! If Christ wasn't resurrected, then there isn't any gospel. As Paul said, "my preaching is in vain and worthless". b. Jesus said in: John 14:2-3 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. Adam's sin brought death into the world but Jesus triumphed over death in His resurrection and brought eternal life to all who trust, rely upon and cling to Him for their salvation. c. 2 Corinthians 5:8 Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. d. 1 Corinthians 15:52 It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed.

Q3. (Acts 18:7) How important are the economics of house-churches and bi-vocational ministry in the rapid spread of the first century church? What are the advantages of a house-church model? What are the weaknesses? a. Very important. No cost! No need for a church building and its expense and the time involved in building or in renting one before you were able to worship there. b. No cost and the startup is immediate. It is safer from persecution, being an unmarked home over a known church site. Intimate fellowship and setting for believers to worship. c. Size, not able to accommodate many people. Word of mouth attendance, non-invited people wouldn't know where to go. (off the street) Possibly accountability issues unless there were Elders to assist the Pastor in doctrine and the running of the church. (one man running and deciding everything.)

Q2. (Acts 18:3; 20:34-35; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-10; 1 Corinthians 4:12) Why does Paul earn his living by skilled labor rather than through offerings from the church? Why do you think Christians believe that "full-time Christian ministry" is better than bi-vocational ministry? What lessons did Paul teach the believers by his example of working for his living? a. Because he is able to and it sets a good example for the people he was preaching and ministering to. He wanted to be a blessing and not a burden. People were encouraged to work if they were able or not to eat or be fed. (2 Thessalonians 3:10) Also, as they worked they were blessing their brothers and sisters in the Lord. (Acts 20:35) b. I think that we tend to believe that the time demands on 21st century Pastors makes it to difficult for him to hold down a full time job, as well as pastor a church. Although there are many Pastors that do work and also lead churches. c. If you are able, "work." It blesses the body of Christ and it also honors God by being obedient to His will. It blesses the worker.