Dialogue with the World: Jesus God's Son?

Series: Dialogue with the World
Is Jesus God's Son? by Ted Beasley May 25, 2008
Note: Because John was very sick this Sunday, this message is a repeat of a message from 2006 in the “Letters from a Skeptic” series. You can think of this topic as a continuation of last week’s message on “Jesus for the World” because the message speaks to why belief in Jesus is credible.

In the message, Ted directs us to the day that Jesus was crucified and to the others who were crucified with him, in particular, the one who changed his mind about who Jesus is. You can read the story snippet below – from Matthew and from Luke… but the essence is that the “robber” went from ridicule to trust. He made a decision to trust Jesus for who He is.

1. Ted talked about the non-Christian historical record that supports the Bible, the credibility of the Biblical story tellers, and the (very low) probability of the prophecies about Jesus being coincidence. Which of these do you think is most credible? Go around the group and talk about a type of evidence that is most convincing for you and explain how it fits into your own beliefs. (10 minutes)

2. Next, think about why we change our minds. First, take a look at your own experience: Think of someone or some situation that you changed your mind about – either from positive to negative or vice versa? What made the difference? Spend some time sharing different people’s stories and try to identify what types of things cause beliefs to change. (10 minutes)

3. Ted said there are decisions that are made “with the head” and decisions that are made “with the heart” . And what we all know is that many important decisions involve both. Think back over the last year: have you had to made any decisions that were somewhat important? (i.e., My most recent one was what kind of stove to buy when mine died: Important to me because it’s a chunk of change and I’ll have to live with it for quite awhile). So, fix a decision in your mind. How did you go about making the decision? Was there a “head” part to your decision? What was one part of your decision process that was mostly “head” related. Now what about the “heart” side? What was one thing in making the decision that talked to your “heart”? As you talk about these things, have someone keep a list of the types of things that appeal to the head and to the heart. (15 - 20 minutes)

4. Next, try to apply all this to a belief in Jesus: Do you or did you have any “issues” with the basics of “Christianity” (i.e., that Jesus was the promised “Christ”, who died in payment for peoples’ rebellion, and that accepting/believing in Him is THE route to have a good relationship with God.) ? If in the past you didn’t believe in the basics of this, but you do now, … think back to any key changes in belief you had: What made you change your mind about that? Do these relate to any of the types of things you discussed in the previous questions? Talk about the things that caused a change of mind and/or heart about Jesus and draw in parallel to the other factors that came up in other questions. Now, what about if you DON’T believe in all the basics of Christianity now: What are the points you have the most questions/issues with? Which are “head” issues and which are “heart issues? Can you identify any things you want to know more about? (Please, everyone remember that Gateway is ALL about being honest about where we are and learning/growing…. And NOT about twisting arms.). If you don’t believe, and have any specific idea about what you’d like to learn more about check out the resources below. Also you can ask others in the group if they can suggest anything directly relevant to your questions to read/hear/watch/study. (15 - 20 minutes)

5. End with some individual time to nail down what you thought about today: Is there some resource or information about Jesus you plan to follow up on? Have you had any changes in head or heart from the message or the discussion? If so, what are they? Or maybe you have decided that you have enough information and you want to decide about Jesus. If so, take time to talk to God, and be sure to tell someone else in the group who can pray with you too. (5 minutes)

Don’t forget that in the coming weeks you’ll have a chance to ask questions about Christianity as well as other religions. If something came up today that you want to know more about – be sure to text it in to:Myquestion@gatewaychurch.com.

Bible verses from the message:
Two robbers were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, "You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!"
In the same way the robbers who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him.
Matt 27:38 – 40, 44

One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!"
But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."
Luke 23: 39 - 43

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.
1 Corinthians 15: 3 – 8

Want to get more/go farther?

• Want to work on the “mind” part of whether the story of Jesus is true? Check out the following readings:
  - The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel
  - Evidence for Christianity by Josh McDowell
  - The Verdict of History by Gary R. Habermas (at Amazon.com)
  - Science Speaks by Peter Stoner (at Amazon.com)
• You can listen to this message - and other ones too at Gateway Messages.
• Get an idea of where you are in your spiritual journey and customize your own next steps at Gateway's Discover, Develop, Deepen website.
• Search for other topics you want to know more about Gateway's online Bookstore. or go to the virtual Bookstore on the second level of the auditorum at Gateway's main campus.

Dialogue with the World: Jesus for the World

Series: Dialogue with the World
Jesus for the World by John Burke, May 18, 2008
Today, we’re beginning a new series on major world religions, and this first message stressed that God has always wanted to have a loving relationship with individuals from every part of the world – and that Jesus is His “Way” to make that happen.

1. As John pointed out, “the world is coming to Austin”. Isn’t it so? Do a quick test: If you are not from the U.S., what is your original nationality? If you ARE from the U.S., of the people you know personally here in Austin, what counties are they from? Also consider how Austin has gone to the world: Tell about any countries you’ve lived in beside the U.S.. (My bet is that there is going to be a pretty good sized list... it's a small world!) (10 minutes)

2. John talked about some of the similarities in moral beliefs that exist across the world (he even listed some from C.S. Lewis’s book The Abolution of Man). Think about this idea for a minute (and try not to peek at the list below). Can you identify a rule of life that you think might be a more or less a “universal” – one that most cultures/people believe? Go around the group and see what kinds of “standards” you can identify. (Note: don’t worry if you don’t agree with each one identified… the idea is to see what “rules” a shared to some degree across nations.) (10 - 15 minutes)

3. Now that you have your list of a somewhat common “laws”, ask John’s question: How are we doing? Since these ideas/value are accepted an many places, do we see them lived out? How about in your own life: Do you consistently follow the ones you believe in? (Don’t worry if the answer is “no”… I’m pretty sure you’re not alone). So, why is that? Why do we so often fail in following these universal moral laws? Talk about this for a few minutes. (10 minutes)

4. Accord to Christian belief (and many other religions too), God is “Holy”… completely pure, righteous, and loving, and by definition He can’t mingle with those who are not. But as His dealings with people through time make clear, He wants to have a relationship with each of us. So, He set up some ways to bridge the gap – what theologians call “covenants”. As John told us, the covenant with Abraham was based on his faith, and was unconditional, while the one with Moses was conditional, and was based on people following God’s “law”. Take some time to try to get a hold on this idea of a “covenant relationship”, either conditional or unconditional. What other relationships can you identify that are like a “covenant” in some way? What makes them like a covenent? Are they conditional or unconditional? Are there any outward “signs” of the relationship? Read the bible verses below to get more insight in to the concept, and then take some time to draw as many parallels as you can with these concepts “covenant”… This can be a hard one for many of us to get our head around. (10 - 15 minutes)

5. In Luke 22: 20 (see below) Jesus called His blood the source of God's “new covenant”. Think about what you know about Jesus and what you understand about covenent relationships. In what ways did Jesus create a covenant “bridge” to God? What is the nature of the convenant? What are signs of it? How does it effect one's life? (5 - 10 minutes)

6. At the end of the services this week, we had baptisms … the major symbol/ceremony of a new covenant relationship with God. Have you been baptized? Take some time for those who would like to, to describe their own baptism… especially if it just happened this week! (10 minutes)

As you close, take a minute to talk to God about your relationship with Him. Have you entered a convenant? If so, what does it mean for your life? If not, do you want to? Why or why not? What should be your next step in the relationship? (3 - 5 minutes)

If you have questions about this idea of covenant – and Jesus as the covenant bridge to God, or questions about Hinduism, Buddhism, Judism, or Islam… now is your chance: There will be a dialog with people from other beliefs and with John over the next three weeks. You can text your questions to Myquestion@gateway.com.

Bible verses from the message:

The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and…all the families on earth will be blessed through you…. Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness…I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant …to be your God and the God of your descendants. Genesis 12:1-3; 15:6, 18; 17:7

Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests. Exodus 19:5-6

Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach…No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it. See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. For I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the LORD your God will bless you. Deut 30:11, 14-16

Even when Gentiles, who do not have God's written law, instinctively follow what the law says, they show that in their hearts they know right from wrong. They demonstrate that God's law is written within them. Romans 2:14-15

Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it to the people. They responded, "We will do everything the LORD has said; we will obey." Moses then took the blood, sprinkled it on the people and said, "This is the blood of the covenant that the LORD has made with you in accordance with all these words." Exodus 24:7-8

“I, the Lord, have called you to demonstrate my righteousness. I will take you by the hand and guard you, and I will give you to my people, Israel, as a symbol of my covenant with them. And you will be a light to guide the nations. You will open the eyes of the blind. You will free the captives….When the LORD returns to [Jerusalem]…all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God…Just as there were many who were appalled at him--his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form marred beyond human likeness--so will he sprinkle many nations. Isaiah 42:6-7, 52:8-15

Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey…your king will bring peace to the nations. His realm will stretch from sea to sea and from the Euphrates River to the ends of the earth. Because of the covenant I made with you, sealed with blood. Zechariah 9:9-11

“The time is coming," declares the LORD, "when I will make a new covenant...because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them," declares the LORD… “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” Jeremiah 31:31-34

This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. Luke 22:20

For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead. You were dead because of your sins…Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross. So don’t let anyone condemn you…. Colossians 2:12-16

1. Don’t do harm to another human by what you do or say (the Golden Rule)
2. Honor your father and mother
3. Be kind toward brothers and sisters, children, and the elderly
4. Do not have sex with another’s spouse
5. Be honest in all your dealings (don’t steal)
6. Do not lie
7. Care for those weaker or less fortunate
8. Dying to self is the path to life
--adapted from C.S. Lewis, The Abolition of Man

Want to get more/go farther?

• You can listen to this message - and other ones too at Gateway Messages.
• Get an idea of where you are in your spiritual journey and customize your own next steps at Gateway's Discover, Develop, Deepen website.
• Want support in some specific area of your life? There are different ways to get help at Gateway's Support and Recovery ministries. Check it out.
• Read more about what C.S. Lewis says about Moral Laws in the Abolution of Man and learn about one scientist's road to belief in The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief, by Francis S. Collins.
• Search these and other topics at Gateway's online 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

Series: Famous Last Words
About Love by John Burke, February 24, 2008

Famous last words… this will be interesting: What were the main ideas that Jesus wanted his disciples to learn before He left? In this message, John explores one of those: What is love. That’s sure something worth learning.

1. In last week’s Second Helpings you started by thinking of a song that had fired you up to change the world. Let’s try that idea again… but his time it will be even easier… a song about love… after all, there must be a million of them. Think of a song about love that was important to you or you really liked for whatever reason. Spend some time talking about “Your Song” (… guess I’ve told you mine), and whatever you’d like to share about why you liked it: i.e., who it makes you think of, when you first heard it, when it was popular, the words, the tune… whatever. (10 minutes)

2. John focused on how Jesus’ teachings on love were completely different from most of the “love” messages we get in our world. As John told us, much of what we learn about love in this world is is based on the idea of attraction because of what someone or something can do for us in some way (the Greek word is Eros.) No surprise, this is NOT the kind of love Jesus focused on. He wanted to talk about the type of love that is about giving not getting… even self-sacrificing when called for. The Greek word for this kind of love is Agape). While Agape-love is not what we hear so much about, most of us have known, or at least have met, someone who shows that kind of love – at least sometimes. Can you think of someone who you know who seems to operate with that sort of love? Think about that person for a minute and then go around the group, say who the person is, and then describe them with other words that “fit” that person (i.e., caring). Keep a list going of the words that describe people who show Agape-type love. (10 minutes)

3. Next, look at the other kind of love. Don’t name names… but think of someone who seems to search for Eros-type love – attraction based on what another does for them. What sort of words describe that individual. Share these word descriptions, keeping a list of those as well. (10 minutes)

4. Now, compare your lists: My bet is that the Agape list looks a LOT more desirable. It’s the paradox John talked about (and Jesus did too): The real blessings come when we give. Have you ever experienced that? If there is sometime when you loved someone with mostly Agape-type love. What did that feel like? Spend some time for those who would like to share any experiences… and particularly what THEY gained from the giving. (10 – 15 minutes)

5. Obviously, if we want all those good qualities and “blessings” all we have to do is show Agape, self-sacrificing love all the time. Uh-oh… one problem: That is HARD. Want to see how hard? Look at the Bible verse below from I Corinthians 13 (4 – 6).

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

Do you know anyone besides Jesus… even your “Agape-person” who is like that all the time? So what’s up? Does Jesus REALLY expect us to be like that? In the message, John talked about how it is the Holy Sprit who gives us the ability to love like that. Does anyone have any experience of having God prompt them to show love in a situation where they would not have otherwise. How did that work? Take a few minutes to share about that. (And note the “Next Steps” below for more on John’s messages on how to stay connected to the Holy Spirit and be better able to tap into His Agape-love). (10 minutes)

6. Maybe this message on love has prompted you to think of someone God wants you to show His love to. If so, write down that person’s name and close by asking God to show you how to love more like Him in specific ways. If there is something you need do this week, write that down too. (2 minutes)

Bible verses from the message:
After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them. John 13:12-17

Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he it come from God and was returning to God; so.... John 13:3

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. John 15:9-13

God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

Get more (love)... go further:

• To learn more about how to love better and more by staying connected to God, check out the "Holy Who?" messages from last November 11, 18, and 25. You can download or listen at Gateway's Sunday Message Archive. You can WATCH this past Sunday's message at that site too.
• Gateway's Way of Christ on-line resource pages have several ideas for how to grow more in Loving People: Books, videos, and other ideas to build relationships.

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)
  

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