What did I learn about Jesus? His teaching—even with things like money and marriage—are matters of eternity. Jesus sees the motivation of our hearts (verse 15). What did I learn about disciple-making? Managing God’s resources involves being shrewd and faithful. We don’t appear to have a second chance after this life to decide about Jesus. […]
Can’t we just be selfish?
I remember a conversation with a man some years back. He didn’t understand why our church gave so much money to missions and thought we ought to “take care of our own.” In other words, instead of committing 10% of our income to serving those around the world who have less than we do, we […]
Luke 15
What did I learn about Jesus? Jesus actively seeks the one who is lost. Jesus rejoices over the return of the one who was lost. What did I learn about disciple-making? Jesus assumes it will be natural for me and assumes that I will go and seek those who are lost (verse 4). I can’t […]
Luke 14
What did I learn about Jesus? Jesus does significant ministry around meals. Jesus challenges me to invite the lowly to my table and to take the lowest place. What did I learn about disciple-making? There is a high cost to discipleship—likened to the cost of building or going to war (verses 28-33). Expect to learn/teach […]
Luke 13
What did I learn about Jesus? Sometimes when Jesus heals, it’s really a “setting free” work that He does (verse 12). Jesus answers the concern I hear so often as, “I can’t believe in a God who only lets some people into heaven.” Read verses 23-30. What did I learn about disciple-making? The message to […]
Luke 12
What did I learn about Jesus? Jesus was not afraid of a “hell, fire and brimstone” sermon (verses 1-10). Jesus also addresses our desire for more things and our worry (and they seem to go hand-in-hand—note the “therefore” in verse 22)—powerful messages for today (verses 13-34). What did I learn about disciple-making? Our confidence in […]
Luke 11
What did I learn about Jesus? Jesus taught his disciples the basics of how to pray (verses 2-4). Jesus has harsh words for religious people who do everything on the outside right, morally and to the letter of the law but who don’t do acts of love, particularly “be generous to the poor” (verses 39-54). […]
Luke 10
What did I learn about Jesus? I got an insight into his prayer life in his praise of the Father in verse 21. Jesus spent time in this disciples’ homes, and he knew and loved them well even when he is correcting them (verses 38-42). What did I learn about disciple-making? Many disciple-makers are needed […]
Would you like to save your church some money?
A growing percentage of our Chapel Hill family is choosing to make their contributions electronically. I understand; Cyndi and I do an automatic bank draft from my paycheck to ensure that our tithe is really a “first fruit” gift. In order to accommodate this trend and, frankly, to do so more economically and efficiently, we […]
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Luke 9
What did I learn about Jesus? Peter declares Jesus, “God’s Messiah.” (NIV, verse 20) Jesus knew his work on earth would include his suffering, death and resurrection. (verse 22, 44) What did I learn about disciple-making? Jesus wasn’t afraid to send his disciples out unprepared! (verses 1-6) Jesus knows our work as disciple-makers will include […]