God in Sandals: Creativity

Series: God in Sandals - Creativity
by John Burke, June 24, 2007

The big idea of God in Sandals: Creativity-“God is the most Creative Being in the universe, and He created you in his image. Create, for God’s sake!”

God created human beings, not after their own kind, but in the image of God. John pointed out that we are different than other created beings. Each of the 6 billion people living on earth right now has unique characteristics, even unique finger prints. God created us male and female, in the image of the Creator. John noted, “Truly, we have a creative, imaginative ability that can be used for good or evil; that far surpasses the creative, imaginative ability of all other species. Humans have this in-born creative, imaginative gift.”

1. In what ways do you recognize God as Creator? Think back to an experience where you were in awe of God’s creativity. Share with others in the group what that experience meant to you. (10 minutes)
Jesus is both Artist and Engineer. Engineers, or scientist types, like things that follow predictable patterns and rules of behavior—and we can find patterns in the laws of nature God created—but Jesus also has an Artist’s heart. “Artists don’t want to be analyzed or systematized,” noted John. “They want to engage you. A good novelist wants to draw you into the life and experience of the character she created. A painter wants to engage your senses and imagination as you view his art. A songwriter doesn’t just want to convey information, but wants to engage your heart, your whole being caught up in the melody and rhythm and cadence and lyrics images—it’s experiential and relational. That’s what I see revealed in Jesus.”

Jesus taught people to engage their imagination with Spiritual truth. Jesus intentionally provoked both frustration and curiosity in people. He revealed human hardheartedness, and at the same time, encouraged people to seek God with an open-heart. As a Creative, Jesus taught through stories, parables and analogies.

2. What are some examples of Jesus, the ‘Artist?’ If He desires to engage our whole being in seeking God, our hearts and our minds, how do His parables and stories help us to fully seek God? (5 minutes)

3. As you look around your world, recall people whom you believe personify God’s creativity through people. Describe them to your group. (5 minutes)

“Over and over God takes great joy in the work of his hands. He enjoys all he’s created,” John said. “And do you realize that God experiences joy watching you create—you are his Masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus for good works. When you use your God-given creative abilities with the desire to honor God - all you create, all you express, and the way you work and play, can be an act of worship back to God. It gives God joy because you are his ongoing Creation”.

For many of us, creativity can be scary. Jesus came to restore our confidence to create—without fear of peer disapproval. In our broken world, it takes courage to be creative, but can allow the Creator to give us new confidence, curiosity, and courage to develop our creativity.

One thing we see in the scriptures is that God enjoys his creation. God finds joy in Creation. God is an Artist who creates and enjoys the beauty of His work. From the beginning, in Genesis it says God created, stood back and looked and said, “Wow, that’s really good.”

4. Creativity takes courage and develops through encouragement and training. Think about your own creative journey. If you feel your own creativity has been blocked in some way, express how that happened to the group.(5 minutes) In what ways have you been encouraged to express your own creativity? (5 minutes)

5. Why are we drawn closer to God when we exercise our creativity? If you were to view your creativity as an expression of God, rather than of you, how would that stimulate you to become more creative? (5 minutes)

6. Which of the scriptures below connect you to God, as Creator? (10 minutes)

7. Discuss with others in the group what you are taking away from this lesson. In what way do you feel drawn to develop your own creativity? (10 minutes)

8. What will you do this week to stimulate your own creativity? How would you expect your creativity to affect your intimacy with God? (5 minutes)

(This week's Second Helpings was created by Jan Shurtz. THANKS Jan!)

Bible verses from today’s message:

Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
Matthew 6:28-30

The disciples came to him and asked, "Why do you speak to the people in parables?" “This is why I speak to them in parables: ‘Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.’”
Matthew 13:10, 13-15

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. Then he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light "day" and the darkness "night." And evening passed and morning came, marking the first day. Then God said, “Let there be a space between the waters, to separate the waters of the heavens from the waters of the earth.” And that is what happened. God made this space to separate the waters of the earth from the waters of the heavens. God called the space “sky.” And evening passed and morning came, marking the second day. Then God said, “Let the waters beneath the sky flow together into one place, so dry ground may appear.” And that is what happened. God called the dry ground “land” and the waters “seas.” And God saw that it was good. Then God said, “Let the land sprout with vegetation—every sort of seed-bearing plant, and trees that grow seed-bearing fruit. These seeds will then produce the kinds of plants and trees from which they came.” And that is what happened. The land produced vegetation—all sorts of seed-bearing plants, and trees with seed-bearing fruit. Their seeds produced plants and trees of the same kind. And God saw that it was good. And evening passed and morning came, marking the third day. Then God said, “Let lights appear in the sky to separate the day from the night. Let them mark off the seasons, days, and years. Let these lights in the sky shine down on the earth.” And that is what happened. God made two great lights—the larger one to govern the day, and the smaller one to govern the night. He also made the stars. God set these lights in the sky to light the earth, to govern the day and night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. And evening passed and morning came, marking the fourth day. Then God said, “Let the waters swarm with fish and other life. Let the skies be filled with birds of every kind.” So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that scurries and swarms in the water, and every sort of bird—each producing offspring of the same kind. And God saw that it was good. Then God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply. Let the fish fill the seas, and let the birds multiply on the earth.” And evening passed and morning came, marking the fifth day. Then God said, “Let the earth produce every sort of animal, each producing offspring of the same kind—livestock, small animals that scurry along the ground, and wild animals.” And that is what happened. God made all sorts of wild animals, livestock, and small animals, each able to produce offspring of the same kind. And God saw that it was good. Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.” So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.” Then God said, "Look! I have given you every seed-bearing plant throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food. And I have given every green plant as food for all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, and the small animals that scurry along the ground—everything that has life.”
Genesis 1:1-30

The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard.[a] Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world. Psalm 19:1-4
"Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.”
John 17:24

"And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days. I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth.”
Joel 2:28-30

Related Next-Step Resources:

• The Jesus I Never Knew by Philip Yancy (available at Gateway Bookstore)
• Just Like Jesus by Max Lucado (available at Gateway Bookstore)
• Jesus the One and Only by Beth Moore (available at Gateway Bookstore)
• Experiencing the Heart of Jesus by Max Lucado (available at Gateway Bookstore)
  

Want more... or something different?

Check out more information about Christianity at Knowing God available at Gateway's Way of Christ Next-Steps Website

Prior Sunday message on date (audio available at Gateway's Sunday Message Archive) (the most recent Sunday message is usually available by the following Tuesday at this site)

God in Sandals: Fatherhood

God in Sandals - Fatherhood
by John Burke, June 17, 2007

Today was Father’s Day – and appropriately, “Fatherhood” was John’s theme. Naturally, it’s the right time to say “Congratulations” to the fathers our there, and also to acknowledge how important the role of “Father” is, and how hard it is to be a father in today’s world. Of course, not all of us are (or ever will be) fathers – but we all had an earthly father. We also all have a heavenly Father. Since this is something we all share, this Second Helping will focus on the parallels between our two “Fathers”. (Note, even though you may not have had any personal experience with your biological father, you may have had the “father” role played my one or more others in your life – and if so, make that person/people the focus in these discussions).

As context for this discussion, let’s very briefly review some of John’s points from the message. John noted that God wants to be a “Father” to us in very real ways. He also pointed out that while God is an ideal model of Fatherhood, in our minds we often draw the line in the other direction: our initial understanding of God is based on our own experience with our earthly father. As a result, we can have a hard time seeing aspects of God as Father that we did not see in our own fathers. John noted different ways that God is a Father to us. Our discussion will ask you to look for links or gaps between your father(s) here and God as your father. (For groups, a lot of this discussion will be in pairs, with the general discussion at the end. So if you are in a group, pair off before you start).

1. As John noted, a key father role is Provider. When we think about a father as a “Provider” we tend to think about material needs. What were the critical material needs that your own father provided for you? Was there any necessity that was not provided? What about “extras” – did you get “good” gifts too? Take some time to share with each other about your perceptions of your father as a “Provider”. Now, think about God: What sort of Provider has God been for you? Think for a minute about whether you see any relationship between your view of your father and your view of God as Provider, and share those thoughts. (10 minutes)

2. Another role of a father is to give us a sense of personal value and worth – often by taking an interest is us as individuals, making sacrifices for us, or by reinforcing our importance in their lives. Can you think of a key example of how your father did (or didn’t) give you a sense of value? Share your ideas with your discussion partner. What about God? Clearly God made the ultimate sacrifice for us: He died for us. But, has God shown you your importance in other ways – maybe in the same way or areas as your father here? If you see any parallels – share this with your discussion partner. (10 minutes)

3. As John pointed out, fathers are also Protectors, and their protection can come in direct ways, but also in preparing us to protect and take care of ourselves. Was there a way that you can identify that your father gave you protection in either of these ways? Do you see any relationship between this protection and any way that God has protected you – maybe from yourself and your own choices… or maybe making you prepared for something that was coming up in your life? Share any observations/experiences you have on this. (10 minutes)

4. As John said – as we mature, our fathers will often become a friend to us. Take a minute to think of what your good friends are like. Write down or mentally list some things that describe a “friend”. Now, can you identify a way your father has been like a friend to you? Share this with your discussion partner. Now, take a look at your relationship with God. Are there any ways that God is like a friend to you? Discuss this with your partner. (10 minutes)

5. Now that you’ve had a chance to think about and discuss the similarities and differences in our different “Fathers”, it’s time for some group discussion. But before you do: think about your observations and discussions so far: Do you see any patterns? For example, does your relationship with God seem to have the same features as your relationship with your father here on earth? Do you see the same gaps or the same strengths? If so, note these – or any other observations. Now, in the group, discuss your thoughts about these relationships. Also discuss any other personal insights or questions that arise about God’s role as Father. (15 minutes)

6. Since a father-child relationship is so personal, it is likely that there are some deep issues that come out of a discussion like this. Take some time at the end to think and pray individually about the discussion overall, and your own insights. Have you heard God talking to you about anything you need to do – perhaps as a father yourself, or perhaps to talk to your own father about? Do you have any insights you don’t want to lose? Some wounds that seem fresh that you should talk about with someone? Some characteristics of a Father relationship with God that you have never experienced and want to know more. Write down what you are thinking or hearing from God and note any steps you need to take. Also write down a time in the next week when you will review or begin the next steps. (5 minutes)


Bible verses from today’s message:

And do not call anyone on earth 'father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven.
Matthew 23:9

Father to the fatherless, defender of widows—this is God.
Psalm 68:5

How gladly would I treat you like children and give you a desirable land…I thought you would call me 'Father' and not turn away from following me.
Jeremiah 3:19

Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
Matthew 6:8

If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
Matthew 7:11

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
Matthew 6:26

Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?
Matthew 26:53

I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one.
John 10:28-30

When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me.
John 15:26

I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.
John 15:1-2

Anyone who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them…Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them…I no longer call you servants, because servants do not know their master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you.
John 14:21-23, 15:15-16

Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.
Luke 12:32

This, then, is how you should pray: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name…"
Matthew 6:9

Related Next-Step Resources:

• The Jesus I Never Knew by Philip Yancy (available at Gateway Bookstore)
• Just Like Jesus by Max Lucado (available at Gateway Bookstore)
• Jesus the One and Only by Beth Moore (available at Gateway Bookstore)
• Experiencing the Heart of Jesus by Max Lucado (available at Gateway Bookstore)
  

Want more... or something different?

Check out more information about Christianity at Knowing God available at Gateway's Way of Christ Next-Steps Website

Prior Sunday message on date (audio available at Gateway's Sunday Message Archive) (the most recent Sunday message is usually available by the following Tuesday at this site)

God in Sandals: Forgiveness

Series: God in Sandals
"Forgiveness" by John Burke, June 10, 2007

Today John talked about how we deal with the wrongs we do in life and our need for God’s forgiveness when we are in the wrong. Since the focus is on our mistakes, any discussion can be very personal – and possibly uncomfortable. So, before going further I think it is important to recognize that everyone of us have done wrong things. We know that… so acknowledging a specific is just getting more detailed about the reality of our lives… and it certainly does not make us any “worse” than anyone else. It’s also a good idea to confirm our choice to only reveal what we feel we want to talk about and to commit to each other to protect anything shared. Also, please be careful not to talk specifically about someone else unless there is no chance of any privacy/respect risk.

1. Much of the focus today was on the woman at the well who was going to be stoned to death for adultery (see scripture below for details). That’s a pretty harsh punishment, but it was what the Law of Moses required. So let’s start with punishment:
- In general, what do you think is the “correct” way to deal with someone doing something wrong?
- What about when the wrong was toward you?
- What about when YOU do the wrong?

Think about the three questions above and then discuss any the answers. Do you notice any difference in standards across the three questions? (If you have time and interest, you can also discuss whether you think God has any difference in standards). (10 minutes)

2. John talked about common responses to our own wrongs: Think back for a minute to something you did wrong (ideally in the last week, but you can also pick something else – maybe something you did as a child). Pair off and discuss the event with a partner and be sure to specifically note how you dealt with your wrong. Also discuss whether this is a common type of response for you. (10 minutes). Then in the whole group, identify as many different responses to personal wrong-doing that you can. Then discuss how well each one “works” in terms of mental/emotional well-being. (10 minutes)

3. In the message, John focused on three responses: to compare ourselves with others, to deny our wrong-doing, and to confess and ask for forgiveness, and repent. Let’s look at the first: comparing our wrongs to others. If you are a “comparer”, who do you compare yourself to? How would any of us do when we compare ourselves to Jesus (the best standard)? (Of course…we all fall short here). Discuss any thoughts on this. (5 minutes)

4. Let’s look at forgiveness – and again, discuss this in pairs: think of something you did – big or small that really hurt someone else. Were you forgiven - by yourself or the other person? How did it feel to be forgiven or how did it feel to NOT be forgiven? Discuss that event and your feelings with your partner. (Again – please be careful of other people’s privacy.)

Now – what about the other side of the coin: Have you ever had someone else hurt you? Were you able to forgive them? Either way, how does it feel now? Discuss this with your partner.

Now, in the whole group, spend a few minutes sharing about both sides of forgiveness? How does it work compared with the other responses you discussed before in Question 2? (15 minutes)

5. Let’s close by looking at forgiveness from a different angle: Have you ever thought that your wrongs against others, or their wrongs against you, were first wrongs against God? How can that perspective change our responses to wrong? Discuss this for a few minutes in the group, and then take some time for personal reflection. During these discussions today, has God nudged you about any wrong that is “unfinished business” for you? Maybe you are still holding a stone to throw at someone else that He wants you to drop – or maybe there is something you need to take to Him to confess and get His forgiveness and freedom? If so, pray about this individually this right now – or if it requires more thought or action, write down a time this week when you will pray about it with God, take action, and/or get other advice if you feel you need that. (10 minutes)

Bible verses from the message:

Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.
John 8:1-6

But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground....
… At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there.
John 8:6-9

"Where are they? Has no one condemned you?" "No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."
John 8:10-11

“Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else. For I don’t cheat, I don’t sin, and I don’t commit adultery. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Luke 18:9-14

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us. My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
1 John 1:9 – 2:2

Related Next-Step Resources:

• The Jesus I Never Knew by Philip Yancy (available at Gateway Bookstore)
• Just Like Jesus by Max Lucado (available at Gateway Bookstore)
• Jesus the One and Only by Beth Moore (available at Gateway Bookstore)
• Experiencing the Heart of Jesus by Max Lucado (available at Gateway Bookstore)
  

Want more... or something different?

Check out more information about Christianity at Knowing God available at Gateway's Way of Christ Next-Steps Website

Prior Sunday message on date (audio available at Gateway's Sunday Message Archive) (the most recent Sunday message is usually available by the following Tuesday at this site)

God in Sandals: Wisdom

Series: God in Sandals
Wisdom by John Burke - June 3, 2007

1. In this series, we’ll learn more about true wisdom and it’s source. And for contrast, today, John talked about some of the unwise things he did when he was a teen-ager… but of course, doing less-than-brilliant things are not limited to the young. What about you… care to share one of the most “unwise” things you’ve ever done? (10 minutes)

2. Ok – we’ve all had some “duh” moments. But, putting that aside, let’s go 180 and focus on wisdom. As John noted, there is a LOT of supposed “wisdom” out there – and we’ve all gotten both good and bad advice along the way. For now, let’s think about the good – and from a perspective of having enough time pass to see the true wisdom of the advise. Think back about some advice you were given in the past that you now think was really wise (whether you took the advice or not). What about that advice makes you think it was wise? Did you think so at the time? Write down some thoughts and then share in your group. As a group, try to come up with a list of what good advice looks like. (10 minutes)

3. Now, let’s think about people who are wise. Think of someone you know, or know of, who you think of as genuinely “wise” (it might or might not be the person who gave you the advice above). What is that person like? Write down some words that describe that person – and then in the group, make a list of characteristics that seem to define a wise person. (10 minutes)

4. Next – go through the list above and think about Jesus. To what degree is HE a good match for the characteristics of a wise person that you’ve listed? Discuss Jesus in the context of each characteristic . See if you can think of some episode/incident in Jesus’ life where He demonstrated each of the different characteristics of wisdom you’ve noted. I f there are any words that are NOT a good match with who the Bible tells us Jesus is/was/did, then talk about why you think the match is not there. (10 – 15 minutes)

5. As we go through this series on wisdom, we’ll no doubt be learning more about Jesus and Scripture as a source of wisdom, but for now, let’s do a check on what we really think about going to God and the Bible for “advice” about how to live our lives: Is looking to Jesus or the Bible for wisdom a regular part of your life? Write down some thoughts about why or why not. Then spend some time in the group talking about why people DON’T look to God as a source of wisdom for their lives. (10 minutes)

6. Let’s end by seeing whether God has any advice for us on getting advice from Him. John challenged those who do not know much about Jesus’ life to check out His wisdom by reading either the gospel of Matthew or of John. Was John talking to you? If so, write down your commitment to yourself to take the challenge and start with the first chapter from one of those “books” of the Bible tomorrow. Or if you already know about Jesus’ life and think He IS a wise man – are your seeking to get His wisdom in your life now? If not, is this a good time for you to take the challenge too? Finally, if this is not a challenge for you, see whether you can identify some specific area or decision in your life where you’d like God’s wisdom, and commit to seeking His advice this week, through reading the Bible and/or through prayer. Whichever place was right for you, right now, write down an appointment with God to seek His wisdom in the coming week. (5 minutes).

Bible verses from the message:

Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. "Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?" they asked. "Isn't this the carpenter's son? Isn't his mother's name Mary, and aren't his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? Aren't all his sisters with us?”
Matthew 13:54-

“Be encouraged, my child! Your sins are forgiven.” But some of the teachers of religious law said to themselves, “That’s blasphemy! Does he think he’s God?” Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you have such evil thoughts in your hearts? Is it easier to say ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up and walk’? So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!” And the man jumped up and went home! Fear swept through the crowd as they saw this happen.
Matthew 9:2-8

“Many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them…so he began teaching them many things.
Mark 6:33-34

“I have no demon in me. For I honor my Father—and you dishonor me…I tell you the truth, anyone who obeys my teaching will never die!” ….(The religious leaders asked) Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?” Jesus replied…“My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me. Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and obey his word. Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad." "You are not yet fifty years old," they said to him, "and you have seen Abraham!" "Very truly I tell you," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!" At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself.”
John 8:49-59

"I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven..”
Matthew 5:17-19

“Jesus told them, ‘My message is not my own; it comes from God who sent me. Anyone who wants to do the will of God will know whether my teaching is from God or is merely my own.’”
John 7:16-17

(One day as Jesus was teaching….) “A woman in the crowd called out, ‘Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you.’ He replied, ‘Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.’
Luke 11:27-29

"God's kingdom is like a treasure hidden in a field for years and then accidentally found by a trespasser. The finder is ecstatic—what a find!—and proceeds to sell everything he owns to raise money and buy that field.”
Matthew 13:44


“You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: 'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.'"
Matthew 15:7-9

Other quotes from John’s message:

“Now there arose about this time a source of further trouble in one Jesus, a wise man who performed surprising works, a teacher of men who gladly welcome strange things. He led away many Jews, and many Gentiles. He was the so-called Messiah. Pilate…condemned him to the cross.” Josephus, Antiquities 18 (A.D. 93)

Africanus, “Thallus, in the third book of his histories, explains away this darkness as an eclipse of the sun—unreasonably, it seems to me…it was at the season of the Paschal full moon that Christ died.” – Thallus, quoted in Africanus Africanus

“[Phlegon] records that in the time of Tiberius Caesar at full moon, there was a full eclipse of the sun from the sixth hour to the ninth.” – Phlegon, quoted in Africanus

Related Next-Step Resources:

• The Jesus I Never Knew by Philip Yancy (available at Gateway Bookstore)
• Just Like Jesus by Max Lucado (available at Gateway Bookstore)
• Jesus the One and Only by Beth Moore (available at Gateway Bookstore)
• Experiencing the Heart of Jesus by Max Lucado (available at Gateway Bookstore)
  

Want more... or something different?

Check out more information about Christianity at Knowing God available at Gateway's Way of Christ Next-Steps Website

Prior Sunday message on date (audio available at Gateway's Sunday Message Archive) (the most recent Sunday message is usually available by the following Tuesday at this site)