Easter: The Prodigal

The Prodigal - John Burke, March 23, 2008
Not your typical Easter message… but then Gateway isn’t your typical church. The service revolved around a contemporary, musical version of the Prodigal Son. But in this case it was the Prodigal Daughter and the music was all U2 (and the band and singers were GOOD!)

1. U2 has some pretty high message songs – and we hear a lot of their stuff around Gateway, so start with some U2 reminensing. Do you have a favorite U2 song? Any songs or key lines you want to share? (Or maybe you have one that you’ve thought, “Now what does THAT mean?!) Talk about that for a few minutes. Next, if you were at the service, what there a song you particularly liked or remember? If so, share that too – and talk about what you liked about it. (10 minutes)

2. The message of the Prodigal is about love, and forgiveness, and about getting a “pass” on bad choices: grace. Read the story from Luke 15 (below) and then talk about anything that is surprising in the events. (10 minutes)

3. Can you ever think about a time when you thought you were going to “get it” for something you did and then, instead got some “grace” in some form or another? What did that feel like? Did the “pass” change anything for you… your behavior? your feelings? your relationships? Spend some time sharing about both the events and your response. (10 - 15 minutes)

4. Now, what about the other side of the grace equation: Have you ever been in a position of authority with some who really made a bad choice, but you were able (and chose to) give them a “pass”. How did THAT feel? Did it change anything for you or the other person – or your relationship? Talk about those situations for awhile. (10 - 15 minutes)

5. Close by spending some time seeing whether any of this applies to your relationship with God. Can you identify a time or situation where God showed you grace? If not in any one situation, what about in your general life – have you gotten to come back after walking away from Him? John said the key lesson is the father (and THE Father) RUNS to His sons and daughters. Is that a real experience for you? Let any who would like to share about any general or specific situation where God ran to them with Grace. (10 minutes)

Close with some prayer to thank God for all He did … all that running… to get us back into a relationship with Him. Take a look at the Romans 5 and 8 passages below, and then thank Jesus that He was willing to die while running to us. (5 - 10 minutes)

Bible-verses from the message:

Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach. This made the [religious leaders] complain that he was associating with such sinful people—even eating with them! So Jesus told them this story: “A man had two sons. The younger son told his father, ‘I want my share of your estate now before you die.’ So his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons. A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living. About the time his money ran out, a great famine swept over the land, and he began to starve. He persuaded a local farmer to hire him, and the man sent him into his fields to feed the pigs. The young man became so hungry that even the pods he was feeding the pigs looked good to him. But no one gave him anything. When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.” Luke 15: 1 – 3; 12 – 19

Christ arrives right on time to make this happen. He didn't, and doesn't, wait for us to get ready. He presented himself for this sacrificial death when we were far too weak and rebellious to do anything to get ourselves ready. And even if we hadn't been so weak, we wouldn't have known what to do anyway. We can understand someone dying for a person worth dying for, and we can understand how someone good and noble could inspire us to selfless sacrifice. But God put his love on the line for us by offering his Son in sacrificial death while we were of no use whatever to him. Romans 5: 6 - 8

It stands to reason, doesn't it, that if the alive-and-present God who raised Jesus from the dead moves into your life, he'll do the same thing in you that he did in Jesus, bringing you alive to himself? When God lives and breathes in you (and he does, as surely as he did in Jesus), you are delivered from that dead life. With his Spirit living in you, your body will be as alive as Christ's! Romans 8: 10 – 11

When the son was still a long way off, his father saw him. His heart pounding, he ran out, embraced him, and kissed him. The son started his speech: 'Father, I've sinned against God, I've sinned before you; I don't deserve to be called your son ever again.' "But the father wasn't listening. He was calling to the servants, 'Quick. Bring a clean set of clothes and dress him. Put the family ring on his finger and sandals on his feet…We're going to feast! We're going to have a wonderful time! My son is here—given up for dead and now alive! Given up for lost and now found!' And they began to celebrate. Luke 15: 20 – 24

Get more background and information:

• This service is not available due to copyright limits on the musical presentation
• You can download or listen most messages at Gateway's Sunday Message Archive (and other messages too)
• For more information about Jesus and who He claimed to be you can read
  
• The Case for Christ by Lee Stroebels
• Letters from a Skeptic by Gregory A. Boyd
• Evidence for Christianity by Josh McDowell

Search for topics you want to know more about at the Gateway Bookstore

Famous Last Words: Hate

Series: Famous Last Words

Hate by John Burke - March 16, 2008
John opened with a challenge, “Does faith require courage?” And, he told us about Ruby Bridges, the courageous little girl in the 60’s who went to school in New Orleans when the city began to open its doors to African American children. Every day she passed crowds of people shaking their fists at her, yelling at her, and threatening her family. But Ruby smiled at them, and courageously entered the school. Later a psychiatrist from Harvard sought to understand her courage, and after interviewing her family, concluded, “I think it’s Jesus.”

1. Let’s start with our own memories of courage. When have you had to take a stand and face a wrong, perhaps confront a friend, or confront an ethical or moral issue? How did you feel, and how did others respond? (10 minutes)

2. John paraphrased Jesus’ teaching, “If you are going to follow God – if you're going to stand up for what's right – if you're going to fight against the evils and injustices that hurt and destroy people – if you’re going to follow the path of honesty, integrity, moral purity – it’s going to take Courageous Faith because you will find opposition and even persecution. Don’t be surprised. It’s the way of the world.” What about the surprise factor. When have you been surprised at another’s reaction when you confronted a wrong? If the “ways of the world” flow counter to God and His ways, even hatred for God’s ways, what realistic response can we expect from the world? What circumstances might require your Courageous Faith in today’s world? (10 minutes)
3. To stand strong, it takes faith. John asked, “Do you know where to get courage?” Consider the last thing Jesus told the disciples before praying for them and entering the Garden of Gethsemane, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16.33. How do Jesus’ words encourage you to stand strong in your faith? (10 minutes)

4. Some of us, John said, live to please ourselves. The problem is we end up getting swept up in all kinds of self-centered, blind behavior that we can rationalize and justify, but it destroys those we love, our relationship with God, and even ourselves in time. Why, then, is it so important to settle the question, “Whose will am I living for?” (10 minutes)

5. Where is your need for Courageous Faith right now? Maybe you need Courageous Faith at work. Or, maybe you are in a dating relationship, and you need courage to fully follow God. Discuss the scriptures below. How do these scriptures strengthen your faith and give you the courage to stand firm? (10 minutes)

Bible verses from the message:
As the Father has loved me, so have I love you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. John 15:9 - 10

If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: 'Servants are not greater than their master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me. John 15:18 - 20

Yet, I want your will, not mine. Matthew 26:39

And how do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose or forfeit your own soul in the process? If a person is ashamed of me and my message, I, the Son of Man, will be ashamed of that person when I return in my glory and in the glory of the Father and the holy angels. Luke 9:25 - 26

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of God. Revelations 2:7

Get more background and information:

• You can download or listen to Rick's message about Jesus' Last Words at Gateway's Sunday Message Archive (and other messages too)
• For more information about Jesus and who He claimed to be you can read
  
• The Case for Christ by Lee Stroebels
• Letters from a Skeptic by Gregory A. Boyd
• Evidence for Christianity by Josh McDowell

Search for topics you want to know more about at the Gateway Bookstore

Thanks to Jan Shurtz for writing this week's Second Helpings Questions!

Famous Last Words: Obedience

Series: Famous Last Words
Obedience by Rick Shurtz - March 9, 2008

In this message, Rick focused on Jesus’ directions to his disciples (and us) to stay connected to Him.

1. But before we get there… let’s start where Rick started: a dilemma. Rick’s was whether to visit the Texas capital with his daughter or work more on the topic this week. Have you had any dilemmas this week – or further back - where you had to choose between different things you wanted or needed to do? Spend a few minutes talking about that. (10 minutes)

2. One of the points that Rick made is how the word obedience can often stir up less than pleasant impressions. Maybe so… then maybe not for everyone. What about you? What sort of cord does the idea of “obedience” strike with you? Take 5 -10 minutes to talk about different meanings for people in the group.

3. Several of the points that Rick made about obedience were based on his own experiences with water skiing. He talked about how going out in the boat alone in the early morning gave him a since of complete freedom. Think back about your own experiences with freedom. Can you think of a time when you felt especially “free”. What was that like? (10 minutes)

4. So often, the idea of obedience and the idea of freedom just don’t seem to be related. But Rick talked about how Jesus wanted His followers to see things differently…. how following His path with His power could be completely freeing. If this is true, why do we so often see the words obedience and freedom at odds with each other? (10 minutes)

5. Now, talk about the paradox in both those words. Have you ever done something that felt like you were being “free” that ended up feeling like you were trapped? (for example, for me it would be smoking). Talk about that for a few minutes, and then talk about obedience in the same way. Have you ever been obedient to some sort of plan or program that ended up freeing you do things you can could not have done before (i.e., a diet)? (15 – 20 minutes)

6. Close by taking a look at the difference in our typical view toward obedience and freedom and why Jesus said that following Him would make you free? What keeps us from taking Him at His word? Discuss this and then close with some personal time for everyone to consider: Is way that God is wanting to give you more freedom? If so, write down some thoughts and commit to a time when you can spend some time talking to God about what he would like you to do. It might help to reflect on the questions Rick asked at the end of his message. (10 minutes)

• Am I in the boat deciding if I’m going to get in and get wet?


• Am I behind the boat attempting to yank myself up and out of the water in my own strength?


• Am I am I up and out of the water and simply needing to stay focused?


• Have I taken a dive, and am I waiting while the boat circles back?

Position yourself and then do the courageous. Talk to God about, and take a next step.

Bible verses from the message:

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. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. John 15:1-4

“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32

“We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be free?” John 8:33

I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. John 8:34

No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. John 15:4

Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by human effort? Galatians 3:3

“The work of God is this: to trust in the one he has sent.” John 6:29

…neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:27

Get more background and information:

• You can download or listen to Rick's message about Jesus' Last Words at Gateway's Sunday Message Archive (and other messages too)
• For more information about Jesus and who He claimed to be you can read
  
• The Case for Christ by Lee Stroebels
• Letters from a Skeptic by Gregory A. Boyd
• Evidence for Christianity by Josh McDowell

Search for topics you want to know more about at the Gateway Bookstore

Famous Last Words: About God

Series: Famous Last Words
About God by John Burke, March 2, 2008

In this message, John talked about what might be the most important “Last Words” ever spoken: “ Who do you say I am?” This message is about Jesus’ claim that He and God are One. Is it true? In this discussion you’ll have a chance to explore this question more. Some of these questions are “out there”, but give them a try.

1. Before Jesus asked “Who do you say I am?”, He asked the disciples “Who do people say I am?” (If you have a Bible handy, you can read about that in Mark 8:27-29). That’s a good questions to start with. Who DO people say Jesus is? Spend a few minutes talking about different ideas about Jesus’ identity. Try to consider both the direct descriptions, as well as what might be “between the lines” in the way people talk about Jesus. (10 minutes)

2. John referred to the Jain parable of the blind men touching an elephant and then describing what it was (a hose, a wall, a tree, a snake). Because they were blind, they couldn’t see the whole picture. Let’s try a similar exercise. There is probably a chair somewhere close at hand. If you can, pick one that has different characteristics (metal, wood, cloth, etc), then have different people touch one part of the chair and describe what they feel (you can even try it with eyes closed if you want). (10 minutes)

3. In the exercise above, no one had the whole picture of the chair by just touching one part, but unlike the blind men and the elephant, we can see the way all the parts fit together to create something bigger. Now, suppose for a minute that you could talk to the person who designed and built the chair. What more could you learn? Take some time to suggest different types of information you might get from someone with “inside information”. Based on that discussion, would there be any of the new pieces of information you might not understand or be able to relate to? (i.e., I sure would not understand how the metal was fabricated!) If you were not there when the chair was made, how would you know what you were told about it was true? (20 minutes)

4. As John said in the message, Jesus claimed to have “inside information” about God… in fact Jesus said He and God were the same person. Did He really say that? And if he did, was he lying or deluded? John addressed those questions in the message, and this is not the right format to repeat what John said (For that information you can listen to John’s message and/or check out some books… see below for links). But, try speculating about the following: What tests could someone use to decide whether Jesus DID claim to be God and whether it was true or not? Discuss any “tests” that might be relevant to deciding whether Jesus really IS God. (10 minutes)

5. So, what about Jesus? Did you ever have any impression of him that changed as you got more information? Who DID you say He is - and in what ways is that different now? Why? Discuss any “changed” impressions about Jesus that people in the group have had. (10 minutes)

6. Close by taking some time for some individual thought about your personal response to the question “Who do you say I am?” If you believe Jesus is God, think about why (According to Peter, we are to be “always ready to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason for the hope that is in you – 1 Peter 3:15). If you don’t entirely believe the idea that Jesus is God and His claim His is the way have a relationship with God, reflect on why not? Do you have a test? If so, try to grasp what it is. (If your faith has recently passed the test – be sure to share that with others in the group. (5 minutes)

Bible verses, and other quotes from the message:

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. My Father's house has plenty of room; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going." Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" John 14:1-5

"You are looking for a way to kill me, because you have no room for my word. I am telling you what I have seen in the Father's presence." John 8:37-38

Philip said, "Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us." Jesus answered: "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. John 14:8-11

Which of you can truthfully accuse me of sin? And since I am telling you the truth, why don’t you believe me? Anyone who belongs to God listens gladly to the words of God. But you don’t listen because you don’t belong to God.” John 8:46-47

Prophesies about Jesus:
His Birth: “O Bethlehem, you are but a small Judean village, yet you will be the birthplace of my King who is alive from everlasting ages past.” Micah 5:2, 700 B.C.
Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod….” Matthew 2:1
(Non-Biblical history confirms this: Justin Martyr was debating a Skeptical opponent in Jerusalem in 130 A.D. and says: “Now there is a village in the land of the Jews, thirty-five stadia from Jerusalem, in which Jesus Christ was born, as you can ascertain also from the registers of the taxing made under Cyrenius, your first procurator in Judaea." First Apology, 34, 130 A.D.)

The time of His coming: “Now listen! It will be seven ‘sevens’ [49 years] plus sixty-two ‘sevens’ [434 years] from the time the command is given to rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One comes…after this period [of 483 years], the Anointed One will be killed, his kingdom still unrealized…and a king will arise whose armies will destroy [Jerusalem] and the Temple.” Daniel 9:25-26, 535 B.C.
“Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey…. Zechariah 9:9, 480 B.C.
(From Sanhedrin records 43a: “On the eve of Passover Yeshu was hanged. For forty days before the execution took place, a herald went forth and cried, ‘He is going forth to be stoned because he has practiced sorcery and enticed Israel to apostasy.’”)

His death and resurrection: “He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way… After he has suffered, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many.” Isaiah 53:5-6, 11 680 B.C.

Get more background and information:

• You can download or listen to John's message about Jesus' Last Words at Gateway's Sunday Message Archive (and other messages too)
• For more information about Jesus and who He claimed to be you can read
  
• The Case for Christ by Lee Stroebels
• Letters from a Skeptic by Gregory A. Boyd
• Evidence for Christianity by Josh McDowell

Search for topics you want to know more about at the Gateway Bookstore