Ahhh summer!
Where I live, on the cool thumb of the mitten of Wisconsin, we wait for her all year long, grumbling when it is still snowing in early May. But finally she makes her entrance, and like a breath-taking woman late for a date, all is forgiven. This is my world right now:
And when Forget-Me-Nots blanket the earth, I always think of this verse from Hosea 2:13:
“She went after her lovers, but me she forgot,” declares the Lord.
We are not going to forget Him this summer, but help one another stay connected to Him. We need one another for that! I am more than a little excited to do this with YOU, for you are wonderful wise women I’ve come to love and who teach me so much. We’re going to do a series with the help of sermons from Tim Keller on:
They are either hard to understand or hard to swallow. Sometimes both.
Keller compares these hard sayings to hard candy. The way to enjoy hard candy is to savor it slowly, letting it melt in your mouth.
If you hurry and bite down, you just might have to go to the dentist.
So let’s take our time this summer. The passages are very short, but packed, so must be pondered, and yes, savored to get the wonder.
Some sermons will be free, some will cost 2.50, but I promise you, they will be so worth it. If you miss a week traveling, don’t worry. Each week stands alone.
If you are new, welcome! Getting started is easy. Just click here for directions:
https://deebrestin.com/getting-started/
Our hard saying this week is “I came to set the earth on fire.”
Keller says there is nothing gentle about this text. You’ll feel like you’ve gotten on a horse galloping away. I want to warn you these are hard sayings, and some of it will go over your head, but hold on during this ride, for even if you get just half of it, you will be so blessed.
Photo by Sergiu Valenas of Romania
God Hunt Sunday:
We’ve developed a habit I love here of sharing a way you “spied” God in the last week. It might be an answer to prayer, a passage becoming radioactive, unusual timing or circumstances, or what Brennan Manning called experiencing “the riseness of Christ.”
1.How did you experience God this last week?
Monday: “I Came To Set The Earth on Fire”
Read the hard saying in context in Luke 12:49-53. Ponder.
2. Take your best guess at what Jesus means when He says: “I came to set the world on fire.”
Because these are “hard sayings,” I suggest you take notes while listening instead of multi-tasking. You can listen all at once, and you may find that easier, for it is a little hard to find your place. Still, I’ll be going through the sermon more slowly over the days and will suggest stopping places. So you can either take it in bites or refer back to your notes for your answers.
Today, I’d like you to listen to about 15 minutes — to when Keller is done with Point 1, which has to do with Jesus’ teaching being “self-centered” and therefore divisive. For example, many do not like it that Jesus claims to be the only way to God, and that divides them from true believers who know He is the only way.
Here is the link: https://podcast.gospelinlife.com/e/i-came-to-set-the-earth-on-fire/
3. After listening:
A. How was the teaching of Jesus different from other teachers?
B. What might a date with Jesus be like? Why?
C. He said there are teachers who made claims like Jesus, but what happened to them?
4. What was your favorite or most impactful part? Why?
Tuesday: Why It Matters
Prepare your heart with this.
Of the story that’s been told us
Of the power that will hold us
Of the beauty, of the beauty
Why it matters
Why our thinking and creating
Why our efforts of narrating
About the beauty, of the beauty
And why it matters
Of this war torn town
And it’s protest of the darkness
And the chaos all around
With its beauty, how it matters
How it matters
The compassion and attention
Midst confusion and dissention
Like small ramparts for the soul
How it matters
How it matters
Many want to make Jesus such a good teacher or a prophet. But He came to set the earth on fire. You can ignore a good teacher or a prophet, but it is so important that you know who Jesus is and let His wisdom and His power rule your heart and every moment of your life.
5. Read Matthew 7:21-23 and explain why what you think of Jesus matters.
6. Consider:
A. What has Jesus done for you that makes your life free, meaningful, or hopeful?
B. How will you live today because of who Jesus is to you?
Wednesday: I have a baptism to endure.
7. What does Jesus say in Luke 12:50? What do you think He is talking about? Why is He in agony about it?
8. Read Matthew 3:7-12 and explain, from the text, why the “fire” of Jesus most likely has to do with judgment.
Listen to the 2nd point, beginning around minute 15 to 37.
9. After listening:
A. How does Luke 12:49-50 shatter the idea that Jesus was just a great teacher?
B. What did you learn about the agony of Jesus?
C. Why did Alex Huxley want the universe to be without meaning?
D. When James and John asked for high positions in heaven, what did Jesus tell them?
10. What else stood out to you and why?
Thursday: Why It Matters
Sovereign Grace has new lyrics for Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus. Here are two of the verses to prepare your heart. I hope you know the tune so you can sing them:
VERSE 2
Turn your eyes to the hillside
Where justice and mercy embraced
There the Son of God gave His life for us
And our measureless debt was erased
VERSE 3
Turn your eyes to the morning
And see Christ the Lion awake
What a glorious dawn, fear of death is gone
For we carry His life in our veins
11. Read Revelation 6:9-11
A. What do the martyred souls under the altar ask of Jesus?
B. What does He tell them?
12. When you think of what is happening in our world right now, who do you think particularly longs for justice? Do you?
13. Why was Jesus the only One who could satisfy the requirements of justice and bring us mercy?
Friday: Application
14. Listen to the end of the sermon (about the last six minutes)
A. Fire will swirl around you in this life, like it swirled around Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego — but He will be with you in the furnace. How has that been true for you?
B. What else stood out to you and why?.
15. Read Matthew 10:34-39.
A. In what ways has loving Jesus divided you from some you love?
B. How God given you wisdom on the best way to live with this? If so, explain what you should do and what you shouldn’t do.
Saturday:
16. What is your take-a-way and why?
181 comments
1.How did you experience God this last week?
I had a few sweet God’s love sightings. 1) A phone call from our son, who we have not talked with for a long time. 2) A caring doctor, who I have never met, sent me to get x-rays and a blood panel, in order to figure out a recurring problem I have had with cellulitis. He sent me thoughtful notes, explaining the test results, within hours of having the tests. He was thoughtful, logical and gave me excellent advice. 3) We were invited to a lovely piano recital, by a former students. The recital was for 15 of his students. This is a young man, on fire for the Lord, who at the age of 26 is a youth pastor, amazing musician, piano teacher, composer, and zumba teacher…and he is super humble and kind! It was pure joy! So evident that he loved his students and they love him! 4) Last, but not least!!: My hand and body are totally healed from the wicked infection. Thank you, Lord!
Praising God!
So much good news, Patti — prayers being answered!!!
Thank you all for your prayers! So grateful for answered prayers!!
oh Patti–SO thankful to hear of this healing in your wrist! Praise! Also the sweet blessings he gave you this week. I am always humbled by how you always SEE Him around you, no matter what you are going through.
What blessings, dear Patti! I can just imagine the smile on your heart and face. I’m so thankful your infection is gone and God used a kind and caring doctor to help you!
Love your God-sightings, Patti! I am so thankful along with you for your intelligent and caring doctor, and that the cellulitis is healed!
Oh may what an overload of blessings this past week. Thank you Jesus
Patti, praising God for your healing…love all your God hunts!
Patti, count your blessings, name them one by one!
1.How did you experience God this last week?
I had a situation in my life where two people I love were “at each other’s throats,” yelling and arguing to the point of ridiculousness. I prayed for the situation and then opened up my Bible study homework. We are studying the book of Daniel, Beth Moore, and wouldn’t you know that the lesson was about people “devouring” and “eating each other up.” She told a story of a woman in a similar situation as I, and how this woman handled it. It gave me an idea of how I could handle it too. Thank You Jesus!
Wonderful! Wonder how you handled it?
Laura–you are so faithful–and He brings such evident blessing because of it. Love how He met you through your study.
It was a mess. I avoided the two; I prayed. It was hard.
Thank you, Jesus!
Laura, so hard when loved ones are in conflict…I trust you were able to help.
Not yet, but I’m in the process.
Sunday
I have felt so helpless this week with all that’s going on in our country, a dear friend facing cancer, my sons mother-in-law developing pneumonia after a major surgery and other disappointments.
I have not felt hopeless though, because I know who holds the future and I cling to Proverbs 18:10,“The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.”
Amen — that’s what and whom we cling to, indeed.
Love this reminder Sharon–“the godly run to him and are safe”
I’m sorry you’ve had such stressors lately, Sharon, but also thankful that you have run to that strong fortress and refuge we have in the Name of Christ!
I love your words~ you felt helpless, but not hopeless. Seeing your faith always strengthens others, Sharon. Amen to this verse.
So reassuring to know that we can run and cry out to the One that can hold us tight and make us feel safe.
I love Proverbs 18:10. Here is a song based on it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYrcrP1ysjw
Love that song Bing, thanks. Haven’t heard that in a long time!
!. How did you experience God this week. This week I received a new baseball cap I ordered, I wish I could upload a picture of it. On the front it reads, “God>”. I love the reminder that God is greater than anything, absolutely anything that follows. He’s greater than fear, anxiety, depression or any of the giants I face.
Welcome, Penny! So glad you are here.
Penny–welcome! I love this “God is greater than anything, absolutely anything that follows. He’s greater than fear, anxiety, depression or any of the giants I face.” Amen!
Good reminder, Penny! Glad to have you here!
Welcome, Penny! I love this and I need it so right now! God is greater than anything, absolutely anything that follows. He’s greater than fear, anxiety, depression or any of the giants I face.
Welcome to the group Penny!
Good to have you Penny…would love to see the hat!!
Amen! True words, God is Greater!
Welcome to the group!
Welcome, Penny!
1. How did you experience God this last week?
We have finally fully moved into our new home, after 16 months of building. This move was a response to a specific “nudge” my husband felt from the Lord for our family. We feel overwhelmed by His generous gift, His peace.
I will also share from this morning. My husband and I have taught Sunday school (at our various churches) since the first year we were married, 28 years ago. Currently, we are teaching 5-year-olds and this morning’s lesson was on Jesus calming the storm. We had the kids draw pictures of something that makes them afraid. We had volcanoes, robots, “nightmares”….and then I told them something, Someone, was missing from their picture…Jesus. He has power over every “storm” we face and is with us in the midst. It was life-giving to me to see these children’s eyes light up as they added Jesus to their picture. It was such a great reminder for me, He is always present, and to our darkest hour, He brings hope.
Such a good lesson for the kids and all of us! So sweet to hear that you and your husband teach Sunday School together.
I want you teaching my grandchildren, Lizzy and “husband.”
Oh, Lizzy! I am so happy that you are in your new home and feel His gift and peace. You are such an amazing couple. These children are blessed to have you both.
Lizzy, it is so awesome that your and your husband teach together, my husband and I do Children’s Church once in awhile at our church…kids are such sponges!!
Praise God you are settled in your new home. That is so wonderful to minister to precious little hearts and minds. Sounds like He is speaking through you.
Love your story Lizzy!
Love this special time with your husband and your class. Jesus brings hope by His presence, even in our darkest hours.
My God moment:
I teach part time at a small Christian School. We are on the hunt for a new HeadMaster, which has been very hard for me as I loved our previous headmaster and feel like this replacement will have huge shoes to fill. I am on the search committee, and we have interviewed 6 candidates so far…and one thing I have noticed is that though they are strangers, and though they are all vying for the same job…..they have a graciousness that only comes from Christ. We are all working toward the same goal….to find God ´s person for this job. I love that there is unity in the body of Christ when our eyes are on Him. I love that though our world is divisive in so many ways, I can see the beauty of unity in complete strangers bonded together in Christ. This has reminded me of Godś goodness.
Thank you Mrs. Brestin for being faithful to lead this study. I am so blessed by it and appreciate it. I don´t comment often but hope to do so a bit more this summer.
How beautiful to see the body of Christ dwelling in unity! Hope to hear more from you, Michelle!
Oh, Michelle — what a lovely beginning. I will pray for God’s perfect choice of a headmaster. Change is always challenging but grows us too. So glad to have you here.
Welcome, Michelle!It is hard to select a headmaster. What a blessing that the applicants have the graciousness of Christ.
Welcome Michelle, praying that you have wisdom in finding a new headmaster.
What a busy and tired season. This week I realized that I keep saying/feeling this. I have gotten tired, weary, worn out. Pouring into so many lives and longing to be poured into. Feeling so many demands and seeing so much neediness…forgetting that God provides, I’m not in this alone, He will feed me. Drifting in my personal time with Him means I’m not letting Him use me, I’m serving weariness not God. He gently reminded me to worship Him through song this weekend and blessed me with a new study starting with Dee. 💛 Looking forward to resting in His riches, hard or not.
Audra — so glad you are here, coming to the One who promises rest.
Thank you Audra. That is exactly what I needed this morning. ……. “serving weariness not God” …. Having words so helps me in my longings to change directions from wallowing to celebrating each moment — and “resting in His riches.”
Thank you Dee for your presence here….. and for bringing us Tim Keller’s words!
Thank you Audra for these words of encouragement…love the butterfly🦋
Audra I am glad you found us! You will be blessed 😉.
Audra, welcome to the blog! I have been there- “What a busy and tired season. I’m serving weariness, not God.” Yes, rest in Him.
My God-sighting occurred late last evening as I laid my weary body down into my bed late. My thoughts were quite disturbed regarding my previously “golden” adult son who seemed to have such a heart for God. He is now walking far from God and living in open sin. I never thought I would ever see this day and my heart is so very broken. It has also caused a big break in fellowship with me also as he has pulled away. As I lay in my bed quite restless and sad, the precious words of Psalm 43:5-6 came suddenly and interrupted my troubled thoughts: “why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance and my God.” It was as if God Himself came into my dark and sad bedroom, took my face in His hands, and spoke directly to my heart. So much I learned from Him as I meditated on each word of those verses. Though all seems dark and hopeless, I shall YET praise Him! He asked me to place my whole Hope in HIM and not in my efforts to bring my son back to Jesus. ‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, just to take Him at His Word. Just to rest upon His promise….” Who wouldn’t have a joyful countenance who has such a God!
Oh Miriam — I am sorry to hear this. But yes, Psalm 42 so our lifeline. I pray “deep will call to deep,” or as Spurgeon says, the deep voice of God into the depths of your storm-tossed soul.
Miriam, I listened to a podcast this weekend, in which the guest was speaking about the discouragement he often hears from those who have kids who no longer go to church or are not receptive to spiritual things. He said, “You can be Christ for them; if you’re a practicing Christian, then you are the Body of Christ, and as long as they’re relating to you, they’re relating to the Body of Christ. Our God isn’t just in heaven; our God is here. His Body is your body; His mouth is your mouth.” I will pray for your son to be wanting to spend time with you, to talk with you. You may not be able to talk about God with him right now, or spiritual things, but just by being present to him, he will be encountering the Lord.
God’s faithfulness is overwhelming sometimes. I too was encouraged by Psalm 43:5 because of your post, thank you.
Missy! Don’t give up hope! Yes! He is always near, walking through the fire with you. You have laid the foundation for your son. My Sarah has gone to church 3 times in the past month! I never though I would see the day. You know, if you were here all those years ago….the pain was unbearable. I understand how you feel. I am here to give you fleshly hope. Love you sweet sister ♥️.
Oh, dear sweet Missy. How my heart aches for you. What a gift of scripture our Father brought to you. Thank you for this verse. I was thrilled to get a call from my son last week, only to get another yesterday that was that he no longer wants to have contact with us. I will pray for you and your son dear sister in Christ.
Miriam–I am so sorry. Praying for you both now.
Miriam, I will be praying for your son as I do for my own, that there we be someone placed in his life that will lead him back to the cross.
Missy, my heart just breaks for what you’re going through…praying for you son’s eyes to be opened and may you you rest upon His promises!
Missy, prayers for you and for your son. Hold fast to the Lord and when you can’t, He will hold you fast. Here is that song that has ministered to me in the past by the Getty’s. He will hold me fast.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=936BapRFHaQ
When I fear my faith will fail, Christ will hold me fast
When the tempter would prevail He will hold me fast
He will hold me fast For the Savior loves me so, He will hold me fast.
Raised with Him to endless lifeHe will hold me fastTill our faith is turned to sightWhen he comes at last.
Another Sunday with Sarah in church! This time she brought Michael (her husband). God continues to bless.
Laura, What a gift to come onto the blog and hear how God has been faithful to you through those tough times in the past. How beautiful He’s making you. Your life encourages me reminding me that He is so intimately involved in the details of our life and oh how He is blessing you so!!! Especially this one!
Praise Him! Laura, this is so exciting!
Wonderful news, Laura
Thank you Jesus! You are in control!
Over the moon about this, Laura!!
👏👏👏…Praise God!!
Oooh…Laura! What a sweet kiss from the King!
1.How did you experience God this last week?
We moved to Missouri last week and I’m only 10 minutes away from mom so I get to take care of her now! God has so blessed me here for it’s quiet and I have an amazing, quiet back yard with tons of tall trees where I can meet Him in the mornings. He has blessed me with His presence in so many ways.
So happy for you, Rebecca. So wonderful to be near your mom and to feel God’s presence.
I’m so glad, Rebecca. Will you go to Sherwood? Greet Rachel for me!
Praise the Lord! Moving is such an ordeal! I moved from California to West Virginia last year, what a blessing my new home is! So happy for you!
Rebecca, your backyard sounds like a wonderful place for a quiet time…enjoy!
Rebecca, blessings to you and your family in your new home with its quiet, peaceful backyard!
Rebecca, You are now my fellow Missourian! Gald to hear you are closer to your mom now and have a quiet backyard to meet God in the mornings!
1. How did you experience God this last week?
Our son was married May 28th in Texas, so we spent a few days there. We stayed in an Airbnb with my in-laws, my husband’s aunt, our daughter, and our son from NC and two mutual friends of both of our sons. It was a beautiful wedding, and I was so happy to get to meet and talk with many of our son’s friends who I’d never met but heard so much about, and our daughter-in-law’s family. I also enjoyed a lot of spiritual conversation with my husband’s aunt, Sister Jane, who is a Benedictine nun. She’s a very intelligent, well-grounded and interesting woman who holds a doctorate in psychology and still has a few clients (she’s 76) and she’s also a spiritual director. She’s just also a lot of fun!
Read the hard saying in context in Luke 12:49-53. Ponder.
2. Take your best guess at what Jesus means when He says: “I have come to set the world on fire.”
I began by reading all of Luke 12, and then our passage in The New Living and The Message translations. A lot of images went through my mind. In the NLT, verse 49 reads, “I have come to bring fire to the earth, and I wish that my task were already complete.” Verse 50 goes on to say, “There is a terrible baptism ahead of me, and I am under a heavy burden until it is accomplished.”
At first reading, I wondered if Jesus was talking about the time when He would come again to bring judgment. However, when I read verse 50, I wondered just what his “terrible baptism” was? I also thought about how when you start a fire, you need some kindling. I am wondering if the terrible baptism that lay ahead for Jesus was His suffering and death on the Cross, and then I thought about a metaphor of His own body being the kindling to start the fire. So I’m thinking that Jesus set the world on fire through His death and resurrection. I got a picture in my mind of a colossal-sized wooden cross being thrust into dry earth and making the ground split in two; even on the day He was crucified, the crowd was divided into those who mocked and disbelieved, and those who faithfully watched Him die, believing.
In The Message, verse 51 says, “Do you think I came to smooth things over and make everything nice? Not so. I’ve come to disrupt and confront!” While the Cross and His sacrifice reconcile us to God and make peace between us and God, it also stands as an affront to many people. While many people are on fire for the Lord, many people are on fire with hatred, violence, and resistance to God.
The Cross was not “easy”, it was not smoothing things over and “making nice”, it was not let’s all try to just get along. Though Jesus certainly talked about the love of God and the peace of God that could be ours, He still lit a fire. Perhaps also, the age-old spiritual battle that had raged between God and Satan, the battles in the spiritual realms that Paul wrote about in his letters, is also hinted at in this starting a fire, as Jesus came to turn everything upside down, and when He came to save His people, the opposition of the enemy must have intensified.
So happy for your news, Susan. And what a picture of Jesus being the kindling to set the earth on fire!
I experienced God last week while studying Acts 4. So often I pray that God will handle all of the problems that weigh me down in the world. I’ll ask that He step in and change hearts. All of that is fine, but Peter, in verse 29, asks to speak out in boldness as well. Wow! Somehow I had missed that. We pray but also expect to be empowered to speak out.
So good, Claudia! And welcome to this study!
God Hunt Sunday:
We’ve developed a habit I love here of sharing a way you “spied” God in the last week. It might be an answer to prayer, a passage becoming radioactive, unusual timing or circumstances, or what Brennan Manning called experiencing “the riseness of Christ.”
1. How did you experience God this last week? – Dee the pictures you post from your home throughout the year are so amazing. I can see the beauty in all of them, but this one above of the forget me nots just seems so peaceful. What a beautiful creation God has painted.
My God hunt this week is with my oldest son Kyle. Just a quick background he served in the Army right out of high school for 4 years, went to Afghanistan and fought there for a year and a month before he was due to come home was injured when an IED blew up under is seat while he was on patrol. We thank God every day that he is alive, but he is in pain constantly as it messed up his back. This happened when he was 20 and he is now 32. He has been so unhappy, since he has been home. His marriage fell apart because of his anger, which thankfully he has come a long way, but this last week, my heart was happy. He has a new job in Cleveland, though it has taken him farther from his young son, he is so excited of where he will be living. It sounded so good to hear in his voice the excitement of where his new apartment is going to be. I know this is the constant prayers of many for him to find the peace he is looking for. I continue to pray that God puts someone in his life that will bring him back to the cross and feel the arms of Jesus around him.
Oh, Julie. What a lot Kyle has been through. So grateful for this new start for him. Lord, bring a good friend for Kyle, who will draw him back to you.
Julie, great news about your son Kyle!
Julie, so happy that you heard joy from Kyle. He sure has been through it. I will pray for him.
Julie, so good to hear this encouraging news about Kyle! I am only about an hour away from Cleveland! I am glad that he feels excitement about his new job and apartment. It sounds like Kyle has been through a lot, with his being injured in Afghanistan and having to live with chronic pain.
Monday June 6
“I Came To Set The Earth on Fire” Luke 12:49-53
2) My best guess at what this means- The Earth is not going to be forever, do not store your treasurers here.
3) After listening:
A. How were the teachings of Jesus different from other teachers- Jesus is very clear that what He teaches is about Himself
-what you think of Me matters
-look to Me, I am the Truth
-who do you say I am
B. What might a date with Jesus be like- I thing there would be no aniexty, no nervousness, no pretending to be someone you aren’t. I think Jesus would make it so you felt honest with yourself, the good and the bad. I think there would be a second date:)
C. He said there are teachers who made claims like Jesus, but what happened to them- they were laughed at
4) What is your favorite or most impactful part- I know Jesus loves us, He loves us so much that we can’t even understand all that love. However, He is also to be obeyed. I think having the fear of the Lord is good for me. I know mostly what is right and wrong, but without the “fear” I will choose wrong. My worldly flesh likes what it likes and without Jesus’s love and His teachings of who He says He is and what He says to do- is I could easily choose worldly, but I wouldn’t have the peace and happiness only Jesus can provide.
He isn’t safe, but He is good!
Good thoughts on the value of fear, Kathy. In time perfect love will cast out our fear, but for now, it helps us.
Just going to touch base quickly this morning. My son started a 2 month sabbatical from his preaching and pastoral responsibilities this past week. Our gracious church board saw the value of giving him a break and a rest after almost 9 years in a growing church and it’s many needs. So this week he and his wife are spending 6 days on a private retreat in the mountains. My husband and I have their 5 children ages 6 to 16 staying with us. Since my household is pretty busy this week I’ll listen to Keller’s sermon and weigh in as I can. I did take a little time this morning to read the comments so far. Some wonderful happenings and some hard things but we continue to see the faithfulness of God in all things.
Wow — that’s a lot of kids to care for! Prayers for you!
Read the hard saying in context in Luke 12:49-53. Ponder.
2. Take your best guess at what Jesus means when He says: “I came to set the world on fire.”
I originally thought it meant Jesus was coming to “shake things up” in the spiritual world. The notes in my Bible say that it represents judgment falls on the wicked, who are separated from the righteous. And, division of family and friends who are and are not believers.
2. Take your best guess at what Jesus means when He says: “I came to set the world on fire.” My thoughts turn to refinement. What makes it through the fire is gold, pure, and lasting. This may mean our own hearts. This may mean the people of the world (where only hearts with Christ will make it through the flame intact). This may mean intense hardship to reveal in us and those around us the truth of our deepest beliefs. There is a song called “World on Fire” (a secular song by Sarah McLachlan). It says, “The world’s on fire and its more than I can handle…” That keeps going through my head as I have images of all being burned up and wondering what will be left behind.
This is such a beautiful way to see this verse, Jill! Love the idea of refining us like pure gold!! Thank you!! Interesting song too!
Give us a link to the song if possible, Jill!
3. After listening:
A. How was the teaching of Jesus different from other teachers?
Jesus teaching was “self centered”. He said: “Look at Me, I AM the Truth.” Whoever believes in my will not be condemned and will not perish.” “You need to love Me more than anything in the world.” “What you think of Me, determines your destiny.”
B. What might a date with Jesus be like? Why?
It would be like a date with Aslan. He is not Safe, but He is good. He wants me to love Him more than anything else in this life. He would kindly turn me from any sin I am doing or thinking; He would lovingly tell me that I am His. He would walk with me and explain that storms may come in my life, but He will shelter and protect me from harm. He will guard my soul, as I continue to follow Him always. He will pick me up when I trip, fall and fail. He would tell me to forgive always. He will build a hedge of protection on the road where I walk. He will nourish my soul and my mind to desire the things that He desires for me to do in order to draw others to Him. He is my destiny. He is all that I need. This is the best date ever!!
C. He said there are teachers who made claims like Jesus, but what happened to them?
They had great claims without a great life.
4. What was your favorite or most impactful part? Why?
He creates a firestorm in the conscience of anyone who met Him. You realize He is Your God! (unless you are a fool and think He is a liar) There is no in between. That He is The Son Of God is Everything!
I see perfect love casting out fear in you, Patti. You say best date ever. I don’t know how many would feel that secure in His love, but you do.
I see Jesus loving each of us this way. I pray that He is my center daily. It is when I stray from keeping Him at the center, that I fall and fail. The enemy constantly knocks at our door. That is fear. Jesus redeems and loves. That is the shelter I want to be in.
Read the hard saying in context in Luke 12:49-53. Ponder.
2. Take your best guess at what Jesus means when He says: “I came to set the world on fire.” He came to separate the wheat from the chaff, to draw a very clear line in the sand, either you are on Christ’s side or not, there is no middle ground.
Because these are “hard sayings,” I suggest you take notes while listening instead of multi-tasking. You can listen all at once, and you may find that easier, for it is a little hard to find your place. Still, I’ll be going through the sermon more slowly over the days and will suggest stopping places. So you can either take it in bites or refer back to your notes for your answers.
Today, I’d like you to listen to about 15 minutes — to when Keller is done with Point 1, which has to do with Jesus’ teaching being “self-centered” and therefore divisive. For example, many do not like it that Jesus claims to be the only way to God, and that divides them from true believers who know He is the only way.
Here is the link: https://podcast.gospelinlife.com/e/i-came-to-set-the-earth-on-fire/
3. After listening:
A. How was the teaching of Jesus different from other teachers? He talked about himself. Others say don’t look at me, I’m unimportant, but Jesus say look at me, I’m the one.
B. What might a date with Jesus be like? He would say “Enough about you, let’s talk about me and why I am so important.”
Why? Because the gospel and salvation are all about him, nothing else in the world matters more.
C. He said there are teachers who made claims like Jesus, but what happened to them? They have fallen into obscurity, no one even knows their name.
4. What was your favorite or most impactful part? Why? That Jesus did not come to bring peace to the world, but to tear it apart. He came to separate his followers from those who follow the world and its ruler.
You certainly caught the main point!
Love this, Dawn: That Jesus did not come to bring peace to the world, but to tear it apart. He came to separate his followers from those who follow the world and its ruler.
Monday
2. Take your best guess at what Jesus means when He says: “I came to set the world on fire.”
I did a word study on “fire” (pyr) and I really liked what the Thayers Greek Lexicon said…”Since fire disorganizes and sunders things joined together and compact, it is used to symbolize dissension. Vines said, “Human hostility both to Jews and to Christ’s followers.” To me this is a hard saying because we can’t always expect to have warm fuzzy feelings with those who are hostile to God and that may be someone in our own family…this breaks my heart. This is how I summarized what this means, Jesus came to bring divine truth which will cause hostility between believers and unbelievers. The Gospel will cause division, conflicts, disagreements and strife…it turns the world up-side down and sets it on fire.
This is true from Sharon:
For me this is a hard saying because we can’t always expect to have warm fuzzy feelings with those who are hostile to God and that may be someone in our own family…this breaks my heart.
Yet I also believe our love from the Lord for them is unquenchable — there just is a lot of hurt and sadness.
“To me this is a hard saying because we can’t always expect to have warm fuzzy feelings with those who are hostile to God and that may be someone in our own family…this breaks my heart.” You are so right, Sharon, as it is very hard and heart-breaking, and there is a feeling often of loneliness because you can’t connect with that person in a spiritual way.
Monday: “I Came To Set The Earth on Fire”
Read the hard saying in context in Luke 12:49-53. Ponder.
2. Take your best guess at what Jesus means when He says: “I came to set the world on fire.” – His intent is not to break people apart but it’s true reality that the whole family will not always accept the Words of Christ and His Gospel. Some will accept him as their Savior and Lord and others from that same family will walk away from him.
3. After listening:
A. How was the teaching of Jesus different from other teachers? – His teachings were decisive because they were self-centered in nature, because he was so different from all the other teachers out there. What we think of Jesus matters because in our lives everything depends on how we see Jesus. Jesus needs to be more important in our lives than anything else. Jesus is a unique character and the other teachers had great lives without great claim or great claim without great lives so you could admire or laugh at them. But Jesus combined the two and created a fire storm to anyone who met him. The writes of the Bible are his worshippers and not just his admirers. They saw in him a difference in his explanations on who he was and what his purpose was on earth. He brought a sword to divide.
B. What might a date with Jesus be like? Why? – Oh wow a date with Jesus, hmm…I’m not sure I would be able to speak, I would probably just stare at him with awe and amazement from his glory shining. I think I would be overwhelmed but filled with joy that he chose me to be one of his heirs. I think he would be kind and loving. Understanding to my reactions since he probably gets that star struck glaze a lot. I would ask him questions and have him pray for me to understand. WOW to have Jesus pray for me and over me would be so great.
C. He said there are teachers who made claims like Jesus, but what happened to them? – The other teachers had great lives without great claims or great claims without great lives so you would either admire or laugh at them.
4. What was your favorite or most impactful part? Why? – Jesus knew exactly what would happen when he came to earth. He knew that families would be divided and yet he continued on with his purpose. He couldn’t hold back because of the outcome, he had to fulfill what he was meant to do. To know that some will hate you and turn away from you and still be able to teach His message that were not popular to some. Kind of like the scripture of finding that one lost lamb, that’s what he was doning with his teachings. He was weeding out those who would not believe to get to us that would.
1.How did you experience God this last week? I witnessed a restorative act at church. I have been praying for a person I overheard gossiping about a dear saint and friend of mine a few months ago. This person recently began to build up the subject of her gossip instead of tearing them down. Praise the Lord!
Monday: “I Came To Set The Earth on Fire”
Read the hard saying in context in Luke 12:49-53. Ponder.
2. Take your best guess at what Jesus means when He says: “I came to set the world on fire.”
The first thing that comes to mind is what Jesus did to the Jewish religion that He was raised in…He really flipped that “kingdom” on it’s head. He was not for the status quo, He came to transform our minds,restore our hearts and reconcile us to Him.
3. After listening: A. How was the teaching of Jesus different from other teachers? His teaching is very self centered, yet He was the perfect counselor. Other teachers seem very self effacing, giving praise to others and diminishing their status.
B. What might a date with Jesus be like? Why?
He had a specific message of redemption to bring in a short time, so He talked about Himself and why He was here. So He would be the perfect date for an introvert!
C. He said there are teachers who made claims like Jesus, but what happened to them? They disappeared from the pages of history.
4. What was your favorite or most impactful part? Why? Seeing the funny, human side of “what would a date with Jesus be like”? I never pictured Him this way, or the fact that his message was very self-centered.
Dee, here is the link to the song and the lyrics. It is old -2003. I do not know if Sarah McLachlan is a Christian (her lyrics certainly reflect an inner struggle) but I resonate with her response to a world of suffering. Perhaps the world really IS already on fire? Another visual is the forrest fires we endure here in Montana and yet after all the blaze decimates the bulk there is life that springs new, beautiful green amongst the ashes.
Simple video with lyrics: https://youtu.be/VH53vOshJkQ
or the official video (tear jerker but shows a bit more of her heart behind the lyrics): https://youtu.be/FDmPcSWE0WU
Lyrics:
Hearts are worn in these dark ages
You’re not alone in this story’s pages
The light has fallen amongst the living and the dying
And I’ll try to hold it in, yeah I’ll try to hold it in
The world is on fire, it’s more than I can handle
I’ll tap into the water, try to bring my share
I’ll try to bring more, more than I can handle
Bring it to the table, bring what I am able
I watch the heavens but I find no calling
Something I can do to change what’s comin’
Stay close to me while the sky is falling
I don’t wanna be left alone, don’t wanna be alone
Hearts break, hearts mend, love still hurts
Visions clash, planes crash, still there’s talk of
Saving souls, still the cold is closing in on us
We part the veil on our killer sun
Stray from the straight line on this short run
The more we take, the less we become
The fortune of one man means less for some
Sounds like she might be searching!
Monday
3. After listening:
A. How was the teaching of Jesus different from other teachers?
His teaching was self-advancing, it came from a self-centered nature, it was all about Him.
Other teachers are self-effacing, what you think of me doesn’t matter.
B. What might a date with Jesus be like? Why?
Instead of wanting to know about me, He would want me to know all about Him. Our life depends on what we know about Jesus. He should be more important to us than anything else, our reason for getting up in the morning.
C. He said there are teachers who made claims like Jesus, but what happened to them?
They had great claims without a good life, they were laughed at.
4. What was your favorite or most impactful part? Why?
We have to decide that Jesus is who He says He is or we have to fear and hate Him. He’s not safe! He can’t just be someone I admire but rather I am to worship Him, make Him first place,
3. After listening:
A. How was the teaching of Jesus different from other teachers?
Jesus said to run to Him. He is the way and the truth. Others said to run to find the truth (x) somewhere else. He said what you think of me matters. The others say what you think of me doesn’t matter. He gave an example of George Whitfield. He said let the name of Whitfield die as long as you give yourself to the Savior. Jesus said your entire life depends on me.
Let me say that this part was not really convincing to me. I have heard Keller speak to this point before and was more convinced. He has said (in another sermon) that I have a great leaders all said you had to do for the leader versus Jesus doing for the followers. Or something like that.
B. What might a date with Jesus be like? Why?
All about Him! Not sure I really understood the point of this part. Keller said it was ridiculous and we would have been laughed at and mocked. He was not laughed at. People wanted to be with Him. Especially the poor, the diseased, and the cast outs. The rich and educated wanted nothing to do with Him. Look at the legacy; we are still here studying who He was and is.
C. He said there are teachers who made claims like Jesus, but what happened to them?
Others have faded away. They had either great claims or great lives. Jesus had both. He was a perfect counselor. He created a firestorm in anyone who met Him. You either loved Him or you hated Him.
4. What was your favorite or most impactful part? Why?
I guess the part about “who do you think I am?” It was funny. Love Keller!
I agree. Loved that part, Laura.
Read the hard saying in context in Luke 12:49-53. Ponder.
2. Take your best guess at what Jesus means when He says: “I came to set the world on fire.” The fleshly default is that everyone wants to be her-his own master and yet without consequence and so it’s easy to make God fit who they think He should be but Jesus came and turned that around completely.
Today, I’d like you to listen to about 15 minutes — to when Keller is done with Point 1, which has to do with Jesus’ teaching being “self-centered” and therefore divisive. For example, many do not like it that Jesus claims to be the only way to God, and that divides them from true believers who know He is the only way.
Here is the link: https://podcast.gospelinlife.com/e/i-came-to-set-the-earth-on-fire/
3. After listening:
A. How was the teaching of Jesus different from other teachers?
The divisiveness of Jesus caused by his self centered teaching and the agony of Jesus caused by his self centered love. What polarizes and divides is the self centered nature of his teaching. His teaching is self centered, not Jesus. Because He was different than other teachers. Other great teachers are self -effacing, Jesus is self advancing. They say, don’t look to me I’m not the truth. That is, follow that. Jesus is saying He is the truth, follow me.
B. What might a date with Jesus be like? Why?
Every time you sit down for coffee, after 5 minutes he says, enough talk about you, let’s talk about me. If you don’t love me more than anyone or anything else in the world, your life will be a hill of beans. Whatever keeps you from me, cut it out. I should be your meat and drink, what makes you get up in the morning.
C. He said there are teachers who made claims like Jesus, but what happened to them?
All but a few people laughed at them and you never hear about them again. Great lies without great claims you can admire them, great claims without a great life you could laugh at him.
4. What was your favorite or most impactful part? Why?
That the poor, the prostitute, the broken, those with aids flocked to Jesus. Jesus combined great claims with a great life and the two created a firestorm in the conscience of whoever met Him.
So good from Rebecca:
That the poor, the prostitute, the broken, those with aids flocked to Jesus. Jesus combined great claims with a great life and the two created a firestorm in the conscience of whoever met Him.
Rebecca, Amen to Dee. And I love that other great teachers are self-effacing and Jesus is self advancing.
5. Read Matthew 7:21-23 and explain why what you think of Jesus matters.
You can know Jesus and go through the motions of a Christian, but do you really want to do the will of the Lord? It’s hard “work,” pleasing the One who gave His life for us.
6. Consider:
A. What has Jesus done for you that makes your life free, meaningful, or hopeful?
He takes all my burdens from my shoulders. I do not have to worry or be anxious about anything. He is with me in the moment and if I stay focused on Him the rest falls into place. He makes a way for it to all work. Think Joshua and Jericho….
B. How will you live today because of who Jesus is to you?
My week is spinning out of control. I have overbooked myself and I am at my breaking point. I burst into tears (for no reason) yesterday. I am pushing into Him and not focusing on the mounding work I have. If I explained it all your heads would spin. I can’t even think of it all. I have learned to live “in the moment” because of Him. Relishing each second as if it were so important. Thank You Jesus.
Laura, I’m so sorry you are under so much stress and pressure! I think tears are understandable (hug). Living in the moment because of Him is a good thing to do and to focus on.
Thanks Susan, for the encouraging words. It’s the last 2 weeks of school and it gets this way. I tell myself to “breathe deeply and stretch!” It’s a practice I have in my classes too. BUT, knowing He is with me is the best.
3. After listening:
A. How was the teaching of Jesus different from other teachers?
Most other teachers of world religions will teach that they don’t matter; their teaching is self-effacing. In fact, Christian pastors and teachers should do this. We should be suspicious of a Christian teacher who constantly points to themselves. George Whitfield said, as Keller quoted, “May the name of Whitfield perish.” The only thing that matters is that they point to someone other than themselves as they are not the savior.
Jesus’ teaching was self-centered. Keller stressed that he was not saying that Jesus was self-centered. While other teachers would say, don’t look to me, Jesus would say, I am the way, the truth. What a person thinks about Jesus is very important, more important than anything else.
B. What might a date with Jesus be like? Why?
In Keller’s illustration of a “bad date”, your date would say something like enough talk about you; let’s talk about me! If you will love me more than anything else in your life, all your problems will be solved! We wouldn’t likely want another date with such a person. But Jesus, though He listened carefully to people He encountered, shifted their focus onto Himself. He would want to share with us who He is, want us to get our focus on Him as the most important thing in our lives.
C. He said there are teachers who made claims like Jesus, but what happened to them?
Nobody talks about them or even remembers them. They are often laughed at.
4. What was your favorite or most impactful part? Why?
I liked when Keller said that Jesus creates a firestorm in the conscience of anyone who met Him. Because you come to realize that He is really God, or you reject Him as a liar. There’s no middle ground. I wonder though, if those who reject Him somehow “put out the fire”, or dampen it, with their disbelief. Kind of like a cool rejection or dismissal of Him. Last night, my daughter and I were sitting with my husband talking. We had a couple over for dinner last weekend that we’ve known for over 20 years, and the husband, Tom, has terminal stage 4 lung cancer, and was told he has about three months to live. Right now, he still feels relatively well and can do most of the things he enjoys. My husband was expressing admiration for Tom, saying he sure is “taking it like a man”, and handling his impending death better than he would. He said how Tom told him he has about 90 days left. I started to say that may be true, but it really is in God’s hands, and my husband stopped me and said, “Don’t play the God card.” My husband was saying how it’s so incredulous that one minute, you can be awake and conscious, and the next minute, you’re not; you’re gone. But God or eternity doesn’t seem to be in the equation of his thinking.
If anyone reads this and thinks of it, please say a prayer for Tom, and for his wife, Judy. I know it looks very bleak, but I am still praying that maybe God will do a miracle and heal Tom; I know I can still ask for that, though God may not answer my prayer for healing in that way.
I will pray for Tom and Judy. May they both feel the presence of Jesus during this walk. Praying that God will heal Tom, if it is in His will.We know God does miracles. We know that each day we have is in His hands, as you said, Susan.
I will pray for Tom and Judy. It almost sounds like he is in denial? Are they believers?
Laura, I know Judy is a believer. Tom had a hard childhood, and I believe that one of his parents was Jewish. Anyway, he does attend church with Judy. I don’t think he’s in denial though; he had tonsilar cancer three years ago and went through chemo. He was told then that the cancer can “travel”. So this is the second time he’s faced cancer, although this time, by the time he was diagnosed, it was already Stage 4. There is no cure, and he understands that.
Father, I do lift up Tom and ask that You will draw him to yourself and that if it is Your will, you will heal him on earth. I also pray for Susan’s husband, that you would soften his heart.
Susan–praying for Tom and Judy now, also for your husband and God’s working in his heart. So like you to minister to them and have them in your home.
Praying for Tom and Judy, and your husband as well.
Tuesday June 7
Why it Matters
5)Matthew 7:21-23
Explain why what you think of Jesus matters- The only thing that matters is Jesus, who Jesus is, what Jesus teaches us, only then does anything else make sense.
A. What has Jesus done for you that makes life free, meaningful or hopeful- He does great things everyday. Things I don’t even know yet, but will learn as time goes on. I may not like or understand some of these things, but rest assured I know He does them for His good and then my goood.
B. How will you live today because of who Jesus is to you- First I go to scripture. It fills me with hope, meaning and a quiet heart. Everyday the struggle is there, but Jesus gives me peace and assurance that He will lead me to His ways. To help me live a life that Christ wants me to live. It’s best to take it one day at a time and let Jesus lead the way.
So true about one day at a time, Kathy.
God Hunt Sunday:
We’ve developed a habit I love here of sharing a way you “spied” God in the last week. It might be an answer to prayer, a passage becoming radioactive, unusual timing or circumstances, or what Brennan Manning called experiencing “the riseness of Christ.”
1. How did you experience God this last week?
I have been gone from home since Thursday of last week and did not have much wi-fi connectivity. So I am just catching up today! So good to see new ones join us as well as see the “regulars”. I have started doing Ann Voskamp’s “A Thousand Gifts” again. For June 4, her prompt was “3 gifts found in Christ”. Oh, what a sweet blessing it was to count more than three blessings found in Christ. I did write these three: my salvation, hope for the future, power over sin, and for the dailies of life.
Read the hard saying in context in Luke 12:49-53. Ponder.
2. Take your best guess at what Jesus means when He says: “I came to set the world on fire.”
When something is set on fire, the devastation can happen quickly. People will not have time to consider what is going on. I can imagine the confusion, feelings of hopelessness, and an urgency to save self like no other. I thought of the pandemic and its results-its tentacles reaching the ends of the earth. Nobody was left untouched even if it were just to “smell” the smoldering after effects. All had choices to make and only a focus on Jesus gave me an eternal perspective of what unfolded before my eyes.
Just as Jesus came to earth to herald an upside-down kingdom with His birth, death, and resurrection, He also required of those who would follow Him to be ready for His conditions.
“If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me. Matthew 16:24
“If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:26
5. Read Matthew 7:21-23 and explain why what you think of Jesus matters.
What we think of Jesus matters, because He needs to be the center of my being, my thoughts, my life and my behavior. I need to know and acknowledge that He is my Lord; that I love Him above all else in this life. Only Jesus sees our heart and our motives. Our talk does not mean anything, if we do not live (and treat people), the way Jesus calls us to live.
6. Consider:
A. What has Jesus done for you that makes your life free, meaningful, or hopeful?
He came to earth to redeem my (our) souls(s). He is the He was crucified on the Cross. He was raised from the dead. He is the Lord God Almighty. He is the Lord of my life; I love Him more than anything. the only One who has the power to forgive my sins. I am His and I pray to spend eternity in His presence.
B. How will you live today because of who Jesus is to you?
I desire to live a life with a heart for Jesus, because He is the Lord of my life. I want to do all I do with a heart that reflects Him. I pray that when I fail, He will refine me and forgive me.
From Patti:
Our talk does not mean anything, if we do not live (and treat people), the way Jesus calls us to live.
3. After listening:
A. How was the teaching of Jesus different from other teachers?
Jesus’ teaching was self-centered. It matters what you think of Him.
B. What might a date with Jesus be like? Why?
I think it will be a time of reckoning. Jesus will not mince words. He would want me to respond to His claims as God the Son and as my Savior.
C. He said there are teachers who made claims like Jesus, but what happened to them?
They did not have great lives. Only Jesus made great claims and lived a great life.
4. What was your favorite or most impactful part? Why?
a. People with great lives but without great claims are admired. People with great claims but without great lives are laughed at. Only Jesus made great claims and lived a great life.
b. Nobody can be neutral or casual with Jesus. You either hate Him or would give your life to Him completely.
c. Jesus creates a firestorm in the conscience of those who meet Him.
Only Jesus has done a revolution in my heart and life. What I used to be, I am no longer. He has and continues to change me from the inside out.
5. Read Matthew 7:21-23 and explain why what you think of Jesus matters.
If I believe that Jesus is who He says He is, whatever He says in the Word matters. We can only enter the kingdom of God if we do the will of the Father. We have to be known by Jesus for Him to acknowledge us to the Father.
One has a choice: either Jesus is a liar or if His words are true, I can completely give myself to Him.
My life is in you, Lord, my hope is in you, Lord, my strength is in you, Lord. In you, it’s in you. (as a short song goes)
6. Consider:
A. What has Jesus done for you that makes your life free, meaningful, or hopeful?
His death has freed me from the penalty and power of sin.
Because of the promise of His second coming and of peace and of righteousness, I have hope and my life has meaning. Every day of my life has a purpose. Every pain is woven into a beautiful tapestry, and every joy is an opportunity to give thanks.
B. How will you live today because of who Jesus is to you?
This is my prayer for my life:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwNTHThR-Fw Don Moen I Offer My Life
Lord, I offer my life to YouEverything I’ve been throughUse it for Your gloryLord I offer my days to YouLifting my praise to YouAs a pleasing sacrificeLord, I offer You my life
Things in the pastThings yet unseenWishes and dreams that are yet to come trueAll of my hopesAnd all of my plansMy heart and my hands are lifted to You
Every pain is woven into a beautiful tapestry, and every joy is an opportunity to give thanks.
Tuesday: Why It Matters
5. Read Matthew 7:21-23 and explain why what you think of Jesus matters. – We can’t be phony believers Jesus will see right through us. We need to know exactly what he will provide to us and what he expects us to do and how we are to live to truly be one of His Own. When we only know someone by looking at their outer shell, we can be so off on how they really are as a person. I’ve known people that are tough on the outside but have a heart of gold and would be there for you in any way needed. That’s how I see it is with Jesus too. If we don’t know his true character, we will either laugh him and not take him seriously or live a life that is not pleasing to him and not find the true peace only He can provide.
6. Consider:
A. What has Jesus done for you that makes your life free, meaningful, or hopeful? – He has provided for me when I was at the end of my resources. It was only him that came through for me when I thought there was nothing more to come. He makes me have peace in situations that normally I would not have had before. I can see things in a simpler way and not put so much ‘extra stuff’ into a situation that doesn’t need to be there. I can cry out to him, or even just complain to him and then my mind and heart become free and I find myself with peace where there was stress.
B. How will you live today because of who Jesus is to you? – I will try to live my life today in a loving and kind manner. To be accepting and forgiving, to see others as he sees me, flawed and imperfect but yet loved.
5. Read Matthew 7:21-23 and explain why what you think of Jesus matters. According to this scripture passage, many will claim to know Jesus, but He will say to them “depart from me, you evil doers.” Considering this, it is of utmost, eternal importance not just what I think of Jesus, but how I live for Him. He knows the motives of our hearts.
6. Consider:
A. What has Jesus done for you that makes your life free, meaningful, or hopeful? He brought me from death to life, when I surrendered my will to His Will at age 27. He took my heart of stone and gave me a heart of flesh, He healed all of my brokenness and removed a deep root of bitterness. My mind was renewed and I could truly see, hear and know Him!
B. How will you live today because of who Jesus is to you? I will live to bring Him honor, love Him with all of my heart, mind and soul and love my neighbor as myself.
5. Read Matthew 7:21-23 and explain why what you think of Jesus matters. Because he is either Lord of your life or just a companion who helps you out.
6. Consider:
A. What has Jesus done for you that makes your life free, meaningful, or hopeful? He called me. He forgave all of my sin (past, present, future) and paid the debt for it so I no longer owe it. He died in my place. His grace covers all of my sin so I can be free from condemnation.
B. How will you live today because of who Jesus is to you? Because of who he is and what he has done, I will see every one that I encounter as unique, special, and loved by God.
Tuesday
5. Read Matthew 7:21-23 and explain why what you think of Jesus matters.
It matters because that’s what makes my salvation genuine. It’s not enough to have a verbal confession or works but I must know Him and be known by Him and that comes by grace through the gift of faith.
6. Consider:
A. What has Jesus done for you that makes your life free, meaningful, or hopeful?
Even before the world was created He loved me and chose me to be holy and without fault in His eyes. My freedom was purchased with His blood and He forgave my sin. I have an inheritance that He promised to me and He has given me the Holy Spirit to guide, comfort and convict me.
B. How will you live today because of who Jesus is to you?
I hope to live a life that glorifies Him, brings Him honor by being in His will…praising Him.
Clear and beautiful theology:
Even before the world was created He loved me and chose me to be holy and without fault in His eyes. My freedom was purchased with His blood and He forgave my sin. I have an inheritance that He promised to me and He has given me the Holy Spirit to guide, comfort and convict me.
Amen!
7. What does Jesus say in Luke 12:50? What do you think He is talking about? Why is He in agony about it?
His beating and crucifixion. It is a scary thing to know what will occur in advance.
8. Read Matthew 3:7-12 and explain, from the text, why the “fire” of Jesus most likely has to do with judgment.
Because of these lines:
“Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones.”
Matthew 3:8-9 NLT
The religious leaders looked good c on the outside, but were not refined on the inside. They thought they were able to enter heaven by knowing the law (s) and Abraham.
With the pressure of school ending, you are still here faithfully, Laura.
I know I can’t make it without Him.
Wednesday: I have a baptism to endure.
7. What does Jesus say in Luke 12:50? What do you think He is talking about? Why is He in agony about it? – I think that this is his comment to knowing that this is the first step in the direction of his purpose on earth, that will lead to his death for the sins of the world.
8. Read Matthew 3:7-12 and explain, from the text, why the “fire” of Jesus most likely has to do with judgment. – It mentions that he will clear his threshing floor, gathering the wheat and burning up the chaff. He will sift through the people who say they are believers and find those who truly have given their hearts to him and those who only say it with their mouth and reject those who just say it and not live it out.
Listen to the 2nd point, beginning around minute 15 to 37. – The agony, he is talking about his inner life. He was talking about an instance of his life on the horizon. Jesus knows what it is like to live with stress. Fire can mean he is here to judge the earth. Fire can refer to the Holy Spirit. In Luke 12.50 he is not referring to the Holy Spirit. In the Old Testament, fire refers to the judgement day. Many think that baptizing with the Holy Spirit AND fire means the Holy Spirit is fire too but it means judgement in this context. The chaff will fall through the fork and end up being burned. We need to search ourselves before judgement day to know where we stand. Fire does two things, 1. Cleanses lasting things, gold, steel, this is the ultimate solvent. Fire divides what is valuable and what is not. Once the fire rids the earth of all evil, only precious things/people will be left. It is severe and wonderful at the same time. Jesus was tender hearted and sensitive, any one who is thoughtful yearns for judgement. Kevin Costner said “all human beings have a primal need for judgement” he meant that you can’t face life if you don’t believe someday that evil and justice will be rectified. Rev 6 innocent blood has been shed. Unless there is a standard an eternal standard that we are judged, who will know what is wrong or right. We can believe in judgement and crushed under guilt or not believe and live as we want but live in despair. If there is no judgement day what hope is there for the world, but if there is what hope is there for us, who have failed. 3rd way if Jesus didn’t bring the message that’s the alternative we would have had. The baptism Jesus received no one could make it through it. He says that he will come and before he can the fire has to fall in to his heart. He sweats blood because of what he knew was coming. He was scared to have to go through so he begged his Father to stop it. Jesus had to take this for us or we would perish. He accepted the baptism for us. What we learn is that we need to run to him but not out of fear. His love shows from this fire of God but that fire could not burn up his love for us. His love will never fail us. Outside things will not give us the love we are looking for, only Jesus can provide it. We need to run to him in amazement. We would never be able to stand up before the baptism Jesus took for us. The fire will swirl around us on judgement day because Jesus took our fire upon himself out of love for us. How would we be if we really believed this? Jesus deserves to be the judge because he was judged. So because of this we don’t need to be the judge, we can give it to Him. The judgement day will come, we are not qualified to be the judge. We have problems because we think we are the one to judge others and not truly believe Jesus is the judge and will give justice where justice is due. A Christian knows that all will be set right with Jesus and justice will be restored. Doing right doesn’t cost anything in the light of eternity. Do we truly know that Jesus is our savior?
9. After listening:
A. How does Luke 12:49-50 shatter the idea that Jesus was just a great teacher? – Jesus knew that he had to swift through all who proclaimed to be believers and find those who were only speaking and not acting as they should. He came to be the judge and ruler over all who were following him.
B. What did you learn about the agony of Jesus? – He knew why he had come to earth, but he truly was stressed to have to take on this baptism for us. He cried out to the Father to take it from him. Knowing that he was being put in our place and that included those who did not believe in him and were sinners, made it that much harder to die for us.
C. Why did Alex Huxley want the universe to be without meaning? – He wanted to be able to live his life as he wanted and to have the control over his decision and not have to worry about his choices.
D. When James and John asked for high positions in heaven, what did Jesus tell them? – He told them that they would not be able to stand up to the baptism he was about to take on.
10. What else stood out to you and why? – Just how agonizing this event was to Jesus. The stress that he was under was so much more than any of us will probably ever face. He was being put in the place of the whole world. Oh my!
From Julie: We need to run to Him in amazement.
Wednesday
7. What does Jesus say in Luke 12:50? What do you think He is talking about? Why is He in agony about it?
He has a baptism to be baptized with, that He’s distressed till it’s accomplished.
He has an affliction that He’s going to be immersed in, which is His death on the cross. I think He’s in agony because it hasn’t been accomplished yet. He knows what is to come after He endures the cross.
8. Read Matthew 3:7-12 and explain, from the text, why the “fire” of Jesus most likely has to do with judgment.
Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit (Whom He promised long ago to give) and with fire (judgement). He will separate the wheat from the chaff, those that belong to Him (who have the Holy Spirit), the wheat, will be gathered into the barn and those that don’t are burned with never ending fire/judgement.
7. What does Jesus say in Luke 12:50?“But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is accomplished!” What do you think He is talking about? His death on the cross and His bearing the punishment of all of our sins. Why is He in agony about it? Because it is more than just a time of physical suffering, He is about to endure the punishment for every sin that has been or will be committed.
8. Read Matthew 3:7-12 and explain, from the text, why the “fire” of Jesus most likely has to do with judgment. Because the winnowing fork is to separate the wheat (good fruit) from the chaff (works righteousness). The Pharisees and Sadducees saw this baptism as just another ritual that they needed to perform to show their righteousness.
5. Read Matthew 7:21-23 and explain why you think Jesus matters.
This has always been a frightening passage to me. Jesus describes people who called Him Lord, and who were doing things like prophesying, casting out demons, and even performing miracles in His name. Yet on judgment day, Jesus looks at them and says, “I don’t know you. The things you did were unauthorized.” These people seemed religious, or spiritual. But Jesus says that the determining factor is whether or not they were obeying His Father. That’s such a tall order – to always obey; I know I fail at perfect obedience every day. I can also see how this passage would lead some to believe in a kind of works-righteousness. Our relationship with Jesus matters, because it is only through Him that we can receive forgiveness for when we do not do the Father’s will and when we sin.
6. Consider:
A. What has Jesus done for you that makes your life free, meaningful, or hopeful?
Jesus has set me free from all condemnation and from having to carry around the guilt of my past and present sins. I lose this freedom when I listen to the voice of the enemy, who tells me that I can’t be forgiven for whatever I’ve done, or that I’m a terrible person. Jesus should be the reason I get out of bed in the morning; He gives my life meaning simply because I am His Beloved. I can lose hope for a while, and He will let me have my pity party for a time, but I always turn back to Him because I know He gives real, lasting hope for the future, and even in the present.
B. How will you live today, because of who Jesus is to you?
Well, it’s because of who Jesus is to me that I’m even on my computer right now, on our blog! If He didn’t matter to me, I wouldn’t want to do Bible study or read other books and spend my time learning about Him and just spending time with Him. I will spend some time in prayer with Him today. I just read something about the difference between meditation and contemplation; meditation is meditating on a passage of Scripture and talking to God about it; contemplation is just sitting with God in His presence. I can’t make any grand promises to Him that I will not sin in any way today, but I can believe that He sees my humanity and my weaknesses and loves me anyway, and from that, I can try to walk in His ways today.
Susan — do you know Andrew Peterson’s song Remember Me? I love it because the lyrics show the tall order of Scripture but then the grace. I think it would bless you.
5. Read Matthew 7:21-23 and explain why what you think of Jesus matters.
If someone says, “Lord Lord, accept me because of all the things I’ve done for you”, they don’t know Him, (just action) but those who say, “Lord Lord, thank you for what you’ve done for me for it is by your blood that I am fully accepted and it’s by your resurrection and your gift of His Spirit inside me that I can live a great life to attract others to you.” It’s not anything I’ve done for you, but what you’ve done for me.” Jesus didn’t come to just heal, cast out demons, and prophesy about what is to come though He did. He wasn’t a great prophet or teacher, He is SO much more. His life wasn’t only about what He could do, but also about Who He is and why He’s here. Great claims with a great life! If I think of Him as merely a great prophet or teacher, then my life will reflect it when I’m deeply shaken. I’ll never truly repent and turn and trust. Also, being His changes everything-it turned my life upside down so that when I’m selfish, or chasing an idol, I’m convicted to turn and if I’m stubborn at first eventually, I’ll turn. It’s not merely about what we do in His name but about who we are because of what He’s done for us, and because of His Spirit in us. Those who don’t truly know Jesus will justify their sin and never come around to repentance and faith.
6. Consider:
A. What has Jesus done for you that makes your life free, meaningful, or hopeful? Because Jesus died and rose again, I’m not entrapped or in prison by this world, or my sin. I’m free! Jesus has freed me from my idols destroying me forever, and what’s amazing and brings me to my knees is He’s given me a helper to help and strengthen me to turn. Jesus is my hope. The world has no power over me, death has no power over me, but Jesus is in me and the one who loves me to the moon and back is powerful over me, and He goes in front of me, beside me and before me. Jesus is my life and my identity. Man fails us, but Jesus never will. My fortress and my stronghold.
B. How will you live today because of who Jesus is to you? I’ll talk with Him more often throughout the day today, and be alert if He wants me to speak or remain silent, and ask Him to help me consider others more important than myself today for I want to make great claims and also live a great life so that others will know it’s Him in me, not me.
I tried to edit #6, but my laptop is freezing. Anyway, I want to add that what makes my life meaningful is that I’m one with God so while everything matters, it also doesn’t matter. For he drew me and I yielded to Him in 1988, He made me His and from then on I’m living eternally with God. One with Him! I’m growing more so that whenever something bad happens to me here on earth it isn’t as mountainous compared to Him for He is waay bigger than anything on this Earth or any human, and yet He’s and I are intimate and are one, and it’s by His blood, not mine. My Holy Creator and Creator of the universe died so I could be His!! Blows me away. He is not safe but good!
Yes!
All beautiful, Rebecca!
So good Rebecca. You helped me see the ones He doesn’t know are the ones who are trusting in their works!
7. What did Jesus say in Luke 12:50?
Jesus said that there was a terrible baptism lying ahead for Him, and that He was under a heavy burden until it was accomplished. I believe He was referring to His impending arrest, suffering, death, and resurrection. His “baptism”, like our baptisms picture, would be His going under the waves for us, literally drowning, so that we wouldn’t be drowned (Keller described it something like this in one of his sermons, I remember). In our baptisms, we are dunked under the water, symbolizing our death, but then we come back up, symbolizing being raised to life.
8. Read Matthew 3:7-12 and explain from the text, why the “fire” of Jesus most likely has to do with judgment.
This passage is about John the Baptist and his encounter with many of the religious leaders who were coming to him to be baptized. It seems that John saw right through them, as he called them out for their hypocrisy. They weren’t seemingly coming in true repentance and a desire to change their lives. He warns them not to falsely believe that they are safe. He says that even now, the axe of God’s judgment is poised, and that every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit will be chopped down and burned. John then says that “someone” is coming after him, who will baptize not with water, but with the Holy Spirit and with fire. This “someone” will separate the chaff from the grain, storing the grain but burning up the chaff. Could this “fire” also be similar to that passage in which Paul talks about all of the dross being burned away at the judgment, or all of works that were done with the wrong motives?
Years ago, I remember having a conversation with a woman who was Catholic, who said that she believed that purgatory was the day we faced Jesus and the intense pain and “heat” we would experience when all of our sin was laid bare before Him as we stood there, in light of His perfection, like it will be a painful experience that will literally hurt.
9. After listening:
A. How does Luke 12:49-50 shatter the idea that Jesus was just a great teacher?
I don’t really know, even after listening 2 times! I guess His baptism of fire? That He would go through the pain first before we have to?
B. What did you learn about the agony of Jesus?
He was scared. He begged to not let it happen. He was very human. Thank You Jesus.
C. Why did Alex Huxley want the universe to be without meaning?
Because it meant he would either have to comply or change his evil ways.
D. When James and John asked for high positions in heaven, what did Jesus tell them?
He asked them if they were ready to go through the fire as He was about to. If there was no judgement then what hope is there for the world? If there is judgement then what hope is there for you and me? The third Way….Jesus!
10. What else stood out to you and why?
The bit about the cleansing of the world and John the Baptist was good. We are the precious, valuable to Him. That’s me!
In Revelation the martyred souls are longing for judgment of the wicked on the earth. I think of the unborn babies that are aborted everyday are souls that long for judgment.
😔
Wednesday: I have a baptism to endure.
7. What does Jesus say in Luke 12:50? What do you think He is talking about? Why is He in agony about it?
Baptism to death? He is in agony about it because He knew what His death would entail.
8. Read Matthew 3:7-12 and explain, from the text, why the “fire” of Jesus most likely has to do with judgment.
John the Baptist talked about Jesus bringing the Holy Spirit and fire with the latter likened to a winnowing fork in his hand and separating the wheat and the chaff. The wheat goes to the barn and the chaff to burn with unquenchable fire. The wheat refers to those who believed in Him and the chaff refers to those who do not. There will be a judgment day.
Listen to the 2nd point, beginning around minute 15 to 37.
9. After listening:
A. How does Luke 12:49-50 shatter the idea that Jesus was just a great teacher?
He is the Only One who claimed who He is-judge over the whole earth.
B. What did you learn about the agony of Jesus?
The agony of Jesus was the judgment that will come on Him as He takes on the judgment that was due us.
C. Why did Alex Huxley want the universe to be without meaning?
Then he can just live however he wants to as there will be no reckoning. That he can feel liberated sexually and politically.
D. When James and John asked for high positions in heaven, what did Jesus tell them?
He asked them if they will be able to drink the cup that He would be drinking or be baptized with fire.
10. What else stood out to you and why?
The questions are: If there is no judgment day, what hope is there for the world? If there is judgment, what hope is there for you and me? We can vacillate between the two. But there is a third way. Judgment (fire, the cup, the wrath of God) has fallen on Jesus. God the Father presented the cup to the Son and said, if you take this, you will be utterly destroyed; if you don’t they will perish.
I thought of what Paige Benton Brown said when we did our study on Romans 8. That we all stand condemned before God but when our names were presented before Jesus, He agreed to take the Father’s wrath in our place. Oh, how He loves you and me!
Paige quotes are in my heart too!
Thursday: Why It Matters
11. Read Revelation 6:9-11
A. What do the martyred souls under the altar ask of Jesus? – They ask how much longer it will be before he judges those on earth and avenge their blood.
B. What does He tell them? – He told them to rest a little longer before the number is completed of their fellow servants and their brothers and sisters that were going to be killed just as they were.
12. When you think of what is happening in our world right now, who do you think particularly longs for justice? Do you? – I know God could make it all go away but I think those who long for justice the most are those that have had something done to them or someone they love. They are waiting for judgement to be given to those who have sinned. I would have to say I do long for justice at times. I ask God a lot why. Why is this happening, but I think part of the issue is not just those that are doing wrong, but to those of us, including me sadly, that sit by and watch. I think I’m a bit overwhelmed to even know where to start to fix a problem so I’m just as much at fault for the injustice to others who are innocently affected.
13. Why was Jesus the only One who could satisfy the requirements of justice and bring us mercy? – Jesus had to take this for us or we would perish. He accepted the baptism for us. His love shows from this fire of God but that fire could not burn up his love for us. His love will never fail us. We need to run to him in amazement. We would never be able to stand up before the baptism Jesus took for us. The fire will swirl around us on judgement day because Jesus took our fire upon himself out of love for us.
11. Read Revelation 6:9-11
A. What do the martyred souls under the altar ask of Jesus?
They ask how long until justice will be given.
B. What does He tell them?
To wait until their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ join them.
12. When you think of what is happening in our world right now, who do you think particularly longs for justice? Do you?
The persecuted long for justice. Those who are innocent and are killed. I think of the children who are gunned down on the streets of Chicago each weekend. I think of the people who were severely beaten and in some cases killed in the violent riots in Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington. No one came to their defense. The people who are trying to change the history of our country and disrespecting our fore-fathers by tearing down statues; acting as if you can just erase history. The aborted babies. I long for justice for them.
13. Why was Jesus the only One who could satisfy the requirements of justice and bring us mercy?
Jesus took the cup for us. He opened heaven for us to be with God. Thank You Jesus.
“And they sang a new song with these words: “You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it. For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.”
Revelation 5:9 NLT