Today’s story teaches us that No One is Beyond Reach. In this case, we are speaking about the love of God and his forgiveness.
I often have friends that would say if they were to enter a church they would be sent away, or told to leave. As if they have done something so wrong or terrible that it is somehow beyond God’s forgiveness. That isn’t true.
God sent Jesus, His only son, to die for the sins of everyone; which includes every single person – past, present and future! This is remarkable. Today we are going to see God reach someone who would have been considered evil and wicked… even by today’s standards,
No One is Beyond Reach. Today we learned about Saul, God’s forgiveness of Saul’s sins and God’s willingness to make Saul new through the Holy Spirit. We learned that no matter how hurt or broken or sinful we may feel, we are never out of the reach of God’s love!
No One is Beyond Reach. Today we learned about Saul, God’s forgiveness of Saul’s sins and God’s willingness to make Saul new through the Holy Spirit. We learned that no matter how hurt or broken or sinful we may feel, we are never out of the reach of God’s love!
It is time to discuss the story “We are Sent Together.” In today’s story, we learn about Jesus sending his disciples out two by two. He only let them take the sandals and clothes they were wearing and a walking stick. Jesus sent them out in pairs to preach and heal, which is precisely what they did. They had only God and other people to rely on, which is pretty incredible.
It is time to discuss the story “We are Sent Together.” In today’s story, we learn about Jesus sending his disciples out two by two. He only let them take the sandals and clothes they were wearing and a walking stick. Jesus sent them out in pairs to preach and heal, which is precisely what they did. They had only God and other people to rely on, which is pretty incredible.
If you don’t understand, trust God anyway. The Bible is overwhelming at times! But don’t let that discourage you from reading more or continuing to learn from it. Remember, you do not have to figure it all out! God often reveals things over time, which leads me to the lesson of the week. We do not have to understand God to trust God.
Even if you or I don’t understand God’s instructions, we all should trust God anyway because he is good and faithful to us.
Abraham has been given a promise from God to be the father of a great nation. His son Isaac has been born to him and his wife, Sarah. He is told by God to sacrifice Isaac to God. This instruction from God is crazy, and they don’t really talk about, but then Abraham leads Isaac to the top of a mountain where they build an altar. He then ties Isaac to the Alter, and with his knife in his hand, he is ready to sacrifice his son Isaac, but God shouts, “Abraham, Abraham Stop.”
Abraham listens and is probably panicked and sweating and overwhelmed with emotion! God stops, and what we see that it is more about Abraham’s willingness to obey and trust God in this crazy colossal ask from God!
Rememer You Don’t have to Understand God’s instructions, to trust God.
Even if you or I don’t understand God’s instructions, we all should trust God anyway because he is good and faithful to us.
Abraham has been given a promise from God to be the father of a great nation. His son Isaac has been born to him and his wife, Sarah. He is told by God to sacrifice Isaac to God. This instruction from God is crazy, and they don’t really talk about, but then Abraham leads Isaac to the top of a mountain where they build an altar. He then ties Isaac to the Alter, and with his knife in his hand, he is ready to sacrifice his son Isaac, but God shouts, “Abraham, Abraham Stop.”
Abraham listens and is probably panicked and sweating and overwhelmed with emotion! God stops, and what we see that it is more about Abraham’s willingness to obey and trust God in this crazy colossal ask from God!
Rememer You Don’t have to Understand God’s instructions, to trust God.
Today’s story teaches us blessing comes with obedience. God gives us all instructions; most we can find scripture. When we follow God’s instructions, good things come to our lives as a result. That does not mean the absence of challenging and difficult situations. But a general flow of life is when we are obedient to God blessings follow.
Discussion Episode | Blessing Comes with Obedience
Today’s lesson was blessing comes with obedience. In this story, Abram’s dad passes away, and then Abram is instructed to go to the Land that God will show him. There God will make a great nation out of him. So Abram follows and takes everyone in his household and his nephew Lot, and they make there a way to Canaan. One night or maybe during the day. God shows up in person and affirms what he said to Abram. Abram then responds in worship.
Today’s lesson was blessing comes with obedience. In this story, Abram’s dad passes away, and then Abram is instructed to go to the Land that God will show him. There God will make a great nation out of him. So Abram follows and takes everyone in his household and his nephew Lot, and they make there a way to Canaan. One night or maybe during the day. God shows up in person and affirms what he said to Abram. Abram then responds in worship.
We need to let Jesus become greater, and we need to become less! This desire goes against our natural instinct. He must become greater
About the Story
We are continuing through the book of John. Today we read John 3: 22 – 36. This passage is interesting because it takes place near Jesus, and we learn something significant through a man called – John the Baptist.
John the Baptist, he would have been known for baptizing people in the name of the Lord and would have been considered a prophet, meaning he held people to a high point of morality or was outspoken in his beliefs. So much so he probably annoyed a few people!
I don’t love it when people point out the things I am doing wrong! Anyway, we see individuals in this story notice that Jesus, a man who had been spoken about by John himself – is across the river, also baptizing people. The individuals talking to John recognize that many people, perhaps most of them, are going to Jesus, Rather than John.
The people seem to be complaining or pointing this out to John as if he didn’t know. Or they wanted him to get angry and frustrated. As if they were two store owners competing for “sales” and happened to be right across the street from each other!
That seems like it would have been a little awkward. Like competing to baptize people?? A little strange, no?
It isn’t exactly like that and here is where we get the lesson from today; which is, He Must Become Greater.
We need to let Jesus become greater, and we need to become less! This desire goes against our natural instinct. He must become greater.
John’s Desire to see Jesus become greater is amazing. John is super humble and gracious. It’s inspiring. Not only does he speak about that specific moment in time about becoming less to not overshadow or compete with Jesus’ ministry, but it speaks to us today. We can become less!
We get to apply that same thought today. So when you and I become too self-focused, we need to make ourselves less, think of ourselves less, acknowledge what we have done less and continue pointing to God and what he has done!
We all can do this. Unfortunately, we, as people, are selfish and sinful. But we get to recognize that and share that with God and continue to ask God to help us glorify Him! In the end, it’s just not about us.
Yet somehow that feels more exciting than it does sad. I am fine with it not being about me because God is WAAAY greater. So to say it one more time – our lesson for today is He must become Greater!
He Must Become Greater. Today we learned about John the baptist and his response to Jesus baptizing people near him and Jesus gathering a larger crowd. John Spoke very clearly about Jesus becoming greater and John, which applies to us today!
What is something you have not been giving God glory for?
What is one specific area in your life where you have been avoiding inviting God into? Maybe hiding from him?
What is something that God has blessed with you that you are really proud of? Remember God created you, and sharing those talents and skills can often give us the opportunity to glorify Him!
Growth Tip
My growth tip for today is See God in His Creation. I remember a friend of mine saying that fall was his favorite time of year because when he would be coming home on the bus, through all of the golden leaves. As they would be flowing in the wind and shining with the sun. He said it felt like God was waving and cheering him on. Like the clapping of a crowd, were the leaves of the trees! I have loved that thought after all these years. And to this day I am reminded of that when driving or walking through the trees this time of year. That’s awesome! God is cheering us on! So again, God made it, He created this beautiful world and time of year! So enjoy God cheering you on! He is with You!
Prayer Requests
At the end of your discussion, go around the group and ask for prayer requests.
