Part II of:
“…the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence
and the violent take it by force.”
Last week, in looking at the life of John the Baptist, we came to see that Jesus is saying we have to be aggressive, spiritually “violent” or passionate, as the Baptist was, swimming against the cultural stream, and willing to suffer, as he indeed did.
If you just joined us, I encourage you to read the opening of last week’s lesson. Miriam (our own Missy) is such a great example of the kind of passion we need to advance the kingdom. Missy has ministered to kids for the last 35 years in the ghetto of Virginia Beach.
These are some of Missy’s kids who recently came back to visit. Travis (On the left) is one she raised who has turned his back on Jesus. We need to pray for him!
Missy writes: Biscuit is sitting on the couch, second from the left. He came to my house every day and rarely talked. He stole from me. I would beg him to consider the claims of Jesus on his young life but he never made a decision to accept Him. It was a very sad day when Biscuit jumped in front of a bullet directed at his younger brother and was immediately in eternity. A victim of gang warfare between the Bloods and Crips. Many of Missy’s kids have died through gang violence or disease.
Heartache has not stopped Missy from reaching out to these children. We have watched her go through a very challenging adoption, both to get him and to raise him. He is the younger boy in this picture below, brother to her adopted daughter, and it has been an uphill battle. I feel we are called to pray for Missy at the very least, for God has brought her to us.
Missy exemplifies our hard saying. She is aggressively spiritually passionate, driven to be what God has called his disciples to be, a true Micah 6:8 woman. She lives our hard saying out.
Here is the sermon if you have not already purchased it.
https://gospelinlife.com/downloads/the-violent-bear-it-away-6235/
God Hunt Sunday
- How have you seen God in your life this week?
- I believe we’ve been called to pray for Missy. Please do so here.
Monday: Text
Last week we covered the text preceding verse 12, this week we will cover the text that follows it.
3. Read Matthew 11:12-15.
A. What is the hard saying in verse 12?
B. What do you think Jesus means when he says John is the Elijah who was to come?
C. How did John demonstrate the hard saying?
4. Read Matthew 11:16-19
A. What point is Jesus making about the crowds and their desires?
B. What does “wisdom is proved right by her deeds” mean?
Tuesday: Listen to First Half Of Sermon (up to 14:30)
6. What stands out to you from this part of the sermon and why?
7. What happened to John when he got a hold of the news of the Kingdom?
8. Were you radicalized by the Good News?
9. Keller talked about some things this saying does not mean. Explain:
A. Why it doesn’t refer to physical violence against the opposition.
B. Why it doesn’t mean Christian conversion is only necessary for a particular kind of person (like Ted Bundy).
10. True Christians are not passive people — agree or disagree? (Spurgeon said if you don’t have a passion for people to be saved you are not saved. Why?)
Wednesday: Listen Up to 23:12
11. What stood out to you and why?
12. What thoughts do you have on Keller’s comments on the objection that people might say, “I thought you said only God can save you — now it sounds like you have to work hard to get in.”
13. What are the marks of a person of spiritual ferocity?
14. Why is it hard for “busy” people or cynics to get in?
15. Are you willing, as the Baptist is, as Missy is, to take the scorn of other people? To have people see you as arrogant — as a wild man or woman? Why is this important?
Thursday: Listen to the end
16. What stands out to you and why?
17. He quotes Tozer who says “the way you know a real Christian is that the more they know Christ the more they want to know Him.” Is that true of you?
18. How did Jesus exemplify this saying?
Friday: Challenge
Keller often talks about meditating on God’s Word until it sets on fire. He challenged us to pray for two hours. My challenge is to meditate, pray, meditate –for half hour asking him to sense His presence. On the passage we’ve studied or another He leads you too. Then come back and share.
Saturday:
19. What is your take-a-way and why?
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God Hunt Sunday
How have you seen God in your life this week?
I helped with our community VBS this past week and was at the registration table. Seated next to me was a brother to a middle-aged man who is a member of our church but has not been to our church for a while. Although we have reached out to him and his wife many times, they have not come back to church after the pandemic nor attended a church as far as we know. I have kept in touch with the wife, and she always tells me that church is just not their thing right now. That they know we love them.
Over the evening, this brother started a conversation with me when we were just by ourselves. He told me that his brother is in the hospital and is in serious condition. He later divulged that his brother is an alcoholic and has been so for a while! He asked if we could reach out to them.
In the next few days, I learned more about this couple that I have not known before. We are keeping in touch with the wife, and we hope we can visit them as soon as he is well enough to accept visitors. Meanwhile, the wife has asked us to ask the church to pray for them.
I am seeing God at work in this situation, and I am thankful that I was at a place and time where this man was also. I do pray that I will not miss out on opportunities such as this when they come.
I believe we’ve been called to pray for Missy. Please do so here.
Missy, you are just one example of a life fully devoted to Christ, radically doing His will without fanfare but with much passion. I am speculating that you have received more than just criticism from others for your obedience to God.
Father, Missy is your daughter, passionately and radically obeying your calling to a life of sacrifice and generosity to what the world may think absurd, impractical, and crazy. She could have chosen a life of ease, but she did not. She goes against the tide and the times just like Jesus. I pray for her to be fully clothed with the armor of God as she lived out her calling from you. May your word provide daily comfort, strength, and encouragement. May the sound of your whisper (as Elijah had experienced) remind her of your love and provision. Surround her with loving Christian brothers and sisters who will stand with her and help carry her through the tough times.
Oh, how thankful we are for her and her testimony. Comfort her grief over the many losses she has had (Biscuit, the other one who converted to Islam while in prison). I pray for Xoi, Khadji, Travis-that the eyes of their hearts will see you clearly for who you are.
I come humbly to your throne of grace on behalf of my sister, Missy. For in Jesus’ name, I pray these things.
How you have demonstrated “hesed” to this couple — how like you Bing.
You are always reaching out to others, Bing, with your heart of compassion and care. Your example is so sweet to me and I thank you for all the many times you have also reached out to me! Thank you so much for praying for little me!
Oh, Bing! You have such a sweet spirit and tender heart! Praise God that the brother felt comfortable to open his heart to you.
How have you seen God in your life this week? I have a long commute to work everyday and I usually listen to Tim Keller’s podcast. I will often be feeling contemplative, feeling like I’m having a spiritual awakening or insight when something happens (I get cut off or someone slow pulls out in front of me, or the traffic comes to a complete stop, etc.) I instantly get angry, frustrated and anxious that I’m going to be late for work and I’ll blurt out an insult or two. It’s ridiculous how my mood changes in a split second (even in the middle of a prayer!). This week I have been more mindful that whatever the situation is, God has allowed it to be. I immediately repent for my outburst and ask for calmness and patience and He never fails. I’m not saying that the traffic instantly splits and I have an event free drive, but I haven’t been late and all of the emotional turmoil doesn’t change the situation anyway.
This made me smile, Dawn. Good for you!
Dawn, I so love your transparency and glad I’m not the only one who also listens to godly podcasts and simultaneously yells at people on the road! I’m thankful for your example in seeking God to help you in this and I wish to do the same. For one thing, I’m being a bad testimony to my kids in the car and upsetting my own spirit. Thank you for your prayers for me and mine are with you as well.
Lord God our Father in Heaven, we love you and adore you. We Praise your Name for touching Missy’s beautiful and selfless heart to adopt and love so many children into your kingdom. We pray that Biscuit in with you in heaven. What a sacrificial act of taking a bullet in order to protect his younger brother. Oh, so much heartache and loss for Missy, but she is relentlessly in love with you dear Jesus. Please be her husband, her Father, the love of her life who cares more for her than is possible with any human on this earth. I pray that you will hold Missy close to Your heart; I pray that you will give her strength every hour of every day as she raises Xhoi and Klajdi. Help Klajdi to adjust to life in this country. Give Xhoi and Klajdi healthy and wholesome friendships. Give her peace and calm in the midst of the many storms of everyday life. How I pray that others will help and encourage her efforts for your kingdom. Missy is a brave and godly woman, who inspires all who know her. I pray that you will draw Travis back into your flock and give him great love and respect for him Mama Missy. Please touch his heart to desire the great gift that you offer. Please open the hearts in the churches and in the families of Missy’s neighborhood. Bless Missy and her ministry and help her to know how much she is loved by You and by her friends on this blog. We love you Missy! and all of your kids too!! We thank You that You are our Sovereign God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Such a good prayer, dear Patti.
Patti-this is beautiful and so true: “so much heartache and loss for Missy, but she is relentlessly in love with you dear Jesus”
Reminds me of you too.
God made someone so very special when He made you, dear Patti! You speak so little of yourself and always concerned for the needs of others. God has comforted my heart through you many times and I thank you so very much.
I believe we’ve been called to pray for Missy. Please do so here. Dear heavenly Father, Thank you so much for giving Missy a heart for the orphans, fatherless and oppressed people around her. I pray that she will not look toward any of her failures or weakness except to acknowledge that Your power is perfected in our weaknesses and You make beauty from ashes. Help her to remember that any seed that she sows is for Your purpose even if it seems fruitless. It is done in obedience to You and that it is the work of the Holy Spirit that saves, she is only responsible to be obedient. Help her to not grow weary in well doing. Give her peace and strength. In Jesus’ name I ask this.
1. How have you seen God in your life this week?
A very sweet young friend who is the mother of 4 boys under the age of 11 who helped me weed a garden at my house. We are trying to prepare for our sons vow renewal and have many family members coming into town. She encouraged me with the work (I am NOT a gardener) and continues to support me through the process. Thank You Jesus for my friendships.
2. I believe we’ve been called to pray for Missy. Please do so here.
Oh Lord, Thank You for Missy! What a blessing she is to so many people. Guide her Lord, to know how to handle the many trials she takes on with undeserving souls. She is truly living out what You want us all to do. She represents You well. Please continue to bless her Lord. Allow her “kids” to know You. In Your Holy Name I pray, Amen.
I’m not surprised you have good friends — she sounds like a sweetheart.
I’m so glad you had this sweet friend to help you at this stressful time, Laura. I pray also goes well with the vow renewal of your son and his wife. God bless you for love for Him and for others.
I wanted to share my prayer for Missy. When I thought about her, Psalm 91 came to mind, so I have used it as my prayer for her:
Missy dwells in the shelter of the Most High and abides in the shadow of the Almighty. She says to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
He will deliver her from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover her with His pinions, and under His wings she will find refuge;
His faithfulness is a shield and buckler. Missy will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday. A thousand may fall at her side, ten thousand at her right hand, but it will not come near her. She will only look with her eyes and see the recompense of the wicked. Because she has made the Lord her dwelling place—the Most High, who is her refuge no evil shall be allowed to befall her, no plague come near her tent.
For He will command His angels concerning Missy, to guard her in all her ways. On their hands they will bear her up, lest she strike her foot against a stone. She will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent will trample underfoot.
“Because she holds fast to me in love, I will deliver her; I will protect her, because she knows my name. When she calls to me, I will answer her; I will be with her in trouble; I will rescue her and honor her. With long life I will satisfy her and show her my salvation.”
How very precious this psalm prayer is to me, dear Lizzie. I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to write all these words which are so poignant and full of meaning for me. I shall re-read them often! I’d love to hear more of how Phillip is doing these days? Does he continue with the infusions? How is he doing overall? I remember he seemed to be a cheerful fellow. I hope you have a good week.
Lizzy, How I love this prayer for precious Missy. Such a great Psalm and so meaningful in so many way! I pray with you for Missy.
How very thankful I am for all of you precious ladies in this group. I’m humbled, embarrassed, grateful, and so blessed all at the same time! I hope we can spotlight other ladies another time as I know you all have stories to tell. Thank you for taking an interest in mine, and most of all for your sweet heartfelt prayers which lift my spirit toward Jesus. I encountered God today in church in a special way. It’s so hard getting the kids up on Sunday mornings and we were running so late that I thought about turning around and going back home once we finally made it. When we walked in they were singing, “Oh, how He loves us, oh!” And I immediately thought of how I first learned that song in this very Bible study group! We are studying Proverbs at church now and this week it was about how God gave us emotions, but we are not to be ruled by them. It is easy, but foolish, to be formed or shaped by our emotions. He talked about the example of Richard Nixon who resigned in disgrace from the presidency. At one point, Nixon started beating the floor with his fists with Henry Kissinger in the room. He beat the floor in anger and started talking about how his Quaker family was mistreated in his childhood. He had allowed that bitterness from childhood to cloud all of his perceptions and he developed a paranoia that everybody was against him. I want to look more into this account but it spoke volumes to my heart. I have some very hard past trauma that I’ve allowed to become a source of chronic bitterness to my spirit. I never saw before how it is clouding my vision now and shaping my current thinking and world. God deliver me as only He can do as I cannot deliver myself no matter how many times I’ve tried to forgive and forget. I thought of how I tried to work so hard for Jesus and saw so little fruit. Travis lives with me in my home under my provision for over 20 years. He was my one big beautiful fruit. Everybody adored Travis. He was so godly helping me with Jr. Church for years and talking with me concerning the deep things of Christ. He helped me with the adoptions and fixed things around the house. What joy he brought to my heart. But 6 months ago, all that joy faded into tears and despair as Travis suddenly took up a profligate lifestyle. He now seems to embrace another Gospel even, showing anger toward me which he never did before and questioning what God’s Word really means. He repeatedly tells me it is my opinion but I remind him that my opinion counts for nothing. It is God’s Word. My heart has been broken into smithereens and I feel all my efforts with these kids were in vain. And it also takes away my courage to continue on with the hard work of parenting two more traumatized kids if this is how it will turn out. We ended the good sermon today with the song, “It’s Your breath in our lungs, so we pour out our praise to You only!” And then we got to the triumphant part I love where one day these bones will sing, “Great are You, Lord!” And I thought, that one day, my broken bones and heart will actually sing in His presence and all will be right and perfect and holy and lovely, and all the pain will be forgotten in the joy of my Lord! And the tears coursed down my cheeks as my little boy looked at me. Lord, renew my spirit and heart and restore unto me the joy of Your salvation. Take away all my bitterness and all that does not please You. All is well that ends well. And it will end well. Thank you, sweet Lord, for the truth in Your Word which sets our hearts free. And thank you for my sweet sisters in Dee Brestin’s Bible Study Blog. May we all be drawn closer and closer to rest our weary hearts on your bosom and be at peace.
Dear Miriam,
My heart is broken for you. I learned about a new book out called Fractured Faith. I’m hoping to read it soon. Though I am not in a place where I feel I have lost my faith, I understand what you’re saying about feeling like your work has been in vain and your courage being taken away. I think John the Baptist must have been feeling much the same when he was imprisoned and asked if Jesus really was the one. Our faith walk can be at times, so, so heartbreaking. In the past months I have been tempted to despair. At times it’s been the testimony and encouragement from this blog and others closer to me who have been the encouragement that have gotten me through. Sounds like the Lord is providing in that way through your church and here. Praying for you. ~Chris
Thank you, Chris. I have also felt deeply encouraged often by this group over the years, and thank God for everyone here. Thank you also for the book suggestion.
Wow Missy.. I’m so glad you are transparent for it helped me to not feel so alone in having a child who was once active, helping at church, in Awana’s etc. telling me the same things yours told you once he turned. I too felt a grief I’ve never felt before and I let God know that I was disappointed that I thought His Word never came back void for my son has it hidden in his heart. Lord Jesus, please please take satan’s hold on Missy’s boy and my boy’s hearts and melt their hearts for you. Encourage Missy today Lord and thank you thank you that she decided to go to church instead of turning around. It’s so encouraging that you spoke to her through song to encourage her heart of your presence and your love.
Thank you, Rebekah. It always is encouraging to hear of someone else going through a similar pain so that we don’t feel alone. And especially to hear and see how God met that person even in the midst of their pain. Praying for your son, too. His Word cannot return void. I don’t know all that entails or means, but by faith I rest in the faithfulness of God to keep His promise.
So interesting about Nixon. We all have pain to overcome and yes, learn from! You are beautiful, Missy.
Precious Lord, as I read Missy’s God Hunt this morning I see the deep ache in her heart. Her honesty before you and before us. I praise you that we can take hold of the truth of your faithfulness to us in all things at all times even when it feels so hopeless and like things are completely broken.
Thank you that we can trust you because of Who you are. I ask that Missy will continue to sense your presence in clear ways. And Lord we all know it really happens most significantly in our brokenness and when we are desperate for you. Let us be like Hannah who was desperate for You. And oh God how powerfully you answered her. And Sovereign Lord we ask you to to answer our prayers for Missy in strong and significant ways as you did for Hannah.
God please bless Dee for leading us in this time of study and consideration of Missy’s story and her very personal needs. And bless each woman on this blog who’s heart like mine has been touched with this very special story and the needs of Missy and her children.
Because you are God. Our God. Our great Provider and Savior. Mighty in power and compassionate to us, your children, we trust we will see you do great things.
We humbly ask it all in Jesus’s name,
Amen
Thank you so much, Bev, for your great encouragement, and especially how you extol our great Lord!
Oh Missy! Our new, awful world has put these ideas in our loved ones minds. The ugliness is taking hold and those who are not strong in faith wither. It’s the whole “earth in your face” business that I have spoken of before. It’s easier to give into this world and forget the eternal one. It’s up to us, the strong in faith to counter the evil one’s ideas to those who falter. It is up to them to remember. It reminds me of the “doubting” Thomas sermon a few weeks back. Thomas was a believer. He loved Jesus. They must come to Him for Him, no other reason. I will pray.
Oh, Laura, you are so right! And that is exactly what my son needs -a personal encounter with God for Himself. I fear he tried too much to please me, and he was so successful at that. But he just please God and know His saving faith and power for himself. Thank you for reminding me of this.
Oh, Missy! your heart for your adopted children is beyond words for me to express. The freedom by which you exemplified a proper lament to God in your comments above was startling. I remember when we were studying laments here and how we make a turn after our expressions of our complaints to God. Your prayer is a testament to that turn. Ultimately, we have nowhere to turn but to God.
Our Sunday School class yesterday talked about Elijah. How he felt so alone in his “ministry”. But God drew near to him in a whisper and a reminder of His plans. May God hear your/our prayers and indeed, things will end well when we are in Christ.
Elijah’s story so resonates with me. He seemed to do such great things for God and then retreated in fear and depression. A wildly swinging pendulum. I so want to have a steady and confident trust in my dear faithful Lord. Thank you for reminding me of Elijah.
Missy, may I share this with us again? The God Who Sees song by Nicole Mullen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sz81dIfwf4Y
I so love that song, Bing! I listened to it again recently, and will do so again! I love to think of poor Hagar. Such an unloved girl. And yet, God saw her and provided for her! How beautiful of God to preserve her story forever to teach us of His love and care.
Oh, Missy! I read this yesterday and thought about you and prayed for you throughout the day. I woke last night with you on my heart. I so relate to how you are feeling. Do not lost heart dear Missy! All you do for your beautiful children, you are doing for the Lord. You have planted good seeds of the love of Jesus, you have cared for your children well and taught them God’s Word. Nothing you do for the Lord is in vain. I am feeling this same disappointment with my son right now, yet I know he is God’s child, not mine. I am his earthy mother, but the Father in heaven is His true Father and the Lord of his life~ how I pray that he chooses to love the Father. I am praying for you daily to not lose courage. I, too, thank God for you and the sisters on Dee’s study Blog. I love this: Thank you, sweet Lord, for the truth in Your Word which sets our hearts free.
I know you have many heavy burdens in your own heart, dear Patti, yet you always tend to the needs of others before your own. We truly have a sweet fellowship in praying for the wayward children of our dear sisters here. God grant you the desire of your heart and bring your son to His Father. I also often think of how I will likely be off the scene in the next 20 years or so or sooner, and how important it is for our children to have a personal faith in God that will stand the test of time and the fires that will surely try their faith.
1. How have you seen God in your life this week? This is quite shallow compared to Missy! I love how she truly is an example of what God deeply desires for all of us to partake in in some way.
I’ve seen God in huge ways and sensed His presence! My son’s graduation gathering was Saturday and an hour before i started as I was hurrying to get some things I forgot, I received a call from my husband that he was in a bad car wreck. His car is totaled. About five minutes later my brother called stating my mom had fallen and broken her hip. (she was taking a shower so she could come to Jacob’s graduation party). She was alone in the bathroom for over an hour. Needless to say, God was all over this! He wanted me to help my mom and my husband and not be at the grad party. In the past I would’ve been so overly conflicted. So I took my husband to the ER and my mom arrived at the same hospital about ten minutes later. My husband was okay, but mom was having other issues along with her hip. Christ is my peace. I was calm and knew that God wanted me to forgo the grad party to be there for my husband and mom. My mom surely needed me and still does.
2. I believe we’ve been called to pray for Missy. Please do so here.
Lord Jesus, I’m so thrilled that you’ve brought Missy to us to show us what you are passionate about and who you are passionate about. To show us those you want to be yours and what it looks like to truly be a Micah 6:8 woman. To live this hard saying. You’ve been so faithful to Missy, Lord, help her to continue trusting you and help her son who’s turned away from you to come back to you for we know this is your desire. Please woo him to yourself and help him to be sensitive to you. Help him see that you are way better than anything tantalizing this life offers. Help him to remember you in Missy, her kindness, her passion, her love. In your precious name, amen
Oh my, Rebecca. Amazing you kept calm! May the Lord bring healing to your sweet little mom!
Oh Rebecca! Crazy to have so much happening all at once. Traumatic things but for you to know that His was with you in the middle of it all is strong testimony of your walk with Him. Praying for your mom and her particular needs during this trying time for her personally.
Wow Rebecca! As they say, you can’t make this stuff (life) up! You definitely made the right choice. I’m sorry about your husband and mom. I will pray for your family.
Oh, dear Rebecca! The Lord was certainly with you! He gave you complete peace, in the midst of complete chaos. So thankful for our Lord, who has is all in His hand. So thankful that your husband and mom were in the same hospital, and ten minutes apart ~ that in itself is a miracle. Praise God for keeping you all in His care. I hope your son understood and had a great party.
Oh, wow, Rebecca! What a day for you. I would probably be the same if I were in your situation-overly conflicted. I was blessed to know that you experienced Christ’s peace in the midst of it all.
Oh my goodness! This is so not shallow, Rebekah!!! I would be so very traumatized if all that happened to me at once! I saw your graduation preparations you posted and all looked so beautiful and nice. Who could’ve imagined the big change in plans that would take place shortly! Our best laid plans…..!! I’m glad your husband and mom are ok and it surely will be a graduation to remember!
God Hunt Sunday
How have you seen God in your life this week?
I was able to have some time with my oldest daughter and felt we had a good interaction for the most part. She was pretty open with me about our grandson who moved home kind of suddenly last March in the middle of his junior year of college. It was helpful to get an clearer update on him and know better what to pray for. He would basically say he had no friends and was depressed. He now blames his mom and dad for his choosing to attend the school of mines and says he felt pressured to go there by them. We know that isn’t actually true on their part.
He is a high performing student and left with a very high grade point and he has indicated the desire to go to college some where else now and seems to be pursuing some options. But it means nothing without God in his life. He chose to walk away from church when he graduated from high school and hasn’t sought God’s will or direction for his life. The hardest part is the sense we have that he is in a dark place and are concerned with his choices by having set God aside in his life. My mind regarding him has wanted to wander down ugly paths of fear for him. But my heart turns to God in prayer for him asking God to rescue him and bring him back to Himself. I wonder at the teaching these 2 weeks of taking the kingdom of God by “violence” passion for the lost.
So I think of Missy in her life of seeking to rescue and parent children from the streets so to speak. Lost children without hope and direction for their lives. Like my grandson even though he is from a privileged kind of life comparatively to her kids they all need Jesus. There is only one answer for their lives. Whether it’s Travis or our Ryan who have turned away from God’s plan and direction for their lives we know sin will wreck their lives and we so want them brought back to the only place of joy, peace and fulfillment to be found in this life. We hunt for God in these situations and choose to believe he will move and work again in their lives.
I believe we’ve been called to pray for Missy. Please do so here.
Father, I count it a privilege to pray for Missy. And as I consider these prayers, powerful requests, that have been brought to you in her behalf I agree heartily with each one. Prayers for her safety, her strength, her encouragement and for your strong presence along side her for the work and ministry she has among the disenfranchised of this world. Claiming many of them for your kingdom. Oh God we plead with you to bring great fruit from her works done in your name for your glory.
So true about the kids Bev. The only true happiness is with Him. All my kids have walked away. Sarah (our hardest) has begun to be open and I have even heard her tell the kids, “Jesus wouldn’t want that” to something they were doing.
Bev, so true as we pray for our children. I ache for my daughter, who is choosing to live (as I perceive it) independent of God. There is no joy apart from Him. So we pray to our God who hears our prayers and that He will bring our adult children and grandchildren to be brought ” back to the only place of joy, peace, and fulfillment”, who is Christ.
It must have meant a lot to your daughter to have you empathize with her concerning her son’s blaming them. It’s so easy to do that.
Bev, Thank you for this post. I will pray for Ryan too. Our world has become such a toxic place. I know so many kids who have had similar experiences to Ryan, when they go off to college. How I pray for all of us to know how to communicate God’s love to our children and grandchildren.
So hard, Bev, to watch what is happening with your grandson. I know how discouraging it is when our prayers seem to hit the iron ceiling and bounce right back to us. I heard Nancy Demoss speaking in Habakkuk tonight and I’ve enjoyed her series. She was speaking tonight of how God does hear our prayers and will answer in His time. By faith we believe He hears and inclines His ear unto our cry.
Sunday
Read through all the beautiful prayers for our sweet Missy and I say Amen! Adding to those prayers from Colossians and Ephesians…May God give Missy complete knowledge of His will, spiritual wisdom and understanding so the way she lives will always honor and please the Lord, and that she will continually produce every kind of good fruit and as she grows she will learn to know God better and better. Lord, strengthen Missy with all Your glorious power (the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him in the place of honor at the right hand of God in the heavenly realms.) so she will have all the endurance and patience she needs. May she be filled with joy, always thanking the Father who has enabled her to share in the inheritance that belongs to His people who live in the light. Give her understanding of how wide, how high, and how deep Your love is for her. I am thankful for all the precious lives she has touched for You because of her love for You, without shame, concern of what the world may think and perseverance. Thank you Lord for being there through times of discouragement, lifting her up from the miry clay…may she continually feel your presence and know that You will never leave or forsake her. Amen
Amen to your prayer for Missy too — always powerful to combine scripture and prayer.
Amen to your prayer for Missy, dear Sharon.
How I love this powerful prayer, Sharon! I am becoming so mindful of His working in my heart to rid me of so much of the ugly dross which clouds His beautiful image in me. There is so much more work to be done, but I do believe He is changing me. Thank you so much for the encouragement! I am so happy about the new calling you and your husband have to the marginalized! What a needy ministry and so lacking in most churches. I can’t wait until the day when I can do more ministry to single moms who are so marginalized in the church. I never knew until I became one. I would like to hear more about how God leads you in this new ministry.
Read Matthew 11:12-15.
A. What is the hard saying in verse 12?
It is saying that from the time John the Baptist preached, the kingdom of heaven is moving forward and with it comes persecution.
B. What do you think Jesus means when he says John is the Elijah who was to come?
He was the messenger who was foretold of by Elijah.
C. How did John demonstrate the hard saying?
He told what he knew and ended up being imprisoned and then executed.
4. Read Matthew 11:16-19
A. What point is Jesus making about the crowds and their desires?
I guess that no one is pleased? They only want what they want not what is put in front of them?
B. What does “wisdom is proved right by her deeds” mean?
I think it means that the righteous are proven right when the things done turn out to be correct. Even though what we see going on looks to be crazy, in the end it is true and right.
Monday: Text
Last week we covered the text preceding verse 12, this week we will cover the text that follows it.
3. Read Matthew 11:12-15.
A. What is the hard saying in verse 12?
From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it.
B. What do you think Jesus means when he says John is the Elijah who was to come?
Elijah was a prophet during the reign of King Ahab and Jezebel and he was marked for death after the showdown at Mount Carmel with the prophets of Baal. Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal to show them and the people of Israel that there is only one God.
The Baptist has done the same thing. He is calling out the Pharisees and the religious to turn their eyes from their gods of pride, self-sufficiency, and indulgences. The Baptist was persecuted for his prophecies and later was beheaded.
C. How did John demonstrate the hard saying?
He was subjected to violence, imprisonment, and later beheaded by order of Herod. Herod and his wife, Herodias, were violent people. They may not have lowered the ax but it was by their consent that John died.
4. Read Matthew 11:16-19
A. What point is Jesus making about the crowds and their desires?
Jesus was telling the crowds that their expectations are completely opposite of what He wanted them to do. Their concept of right standing with God is based on the world’s standards and the law.
B. What does “wisdom is proved right by her deeds” mean?
Walking the talk? A person is proven wise when their words match their actions.
Monday
3. Read Matthew 11:12-15.
A. What is the hard saying in verse 12?
“And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.”
B. What do you think Jesus means when he says John is the Elijah who was to come?
Their ministries were very similar, both went against the flow of their day, making sure truth was proclaimed and they both experienced discouragement.
C. How did John demonstrate the hard saying?
By being on fire in spreading the message, proclaiming that the Kingdom of Heaven is here and to repent. He suffered by calling out Herod’s sin and telling him to repent.
4. Read Matthew 11:16-19
A. What point is Jesus making about the crowds and their desires?
They weren’t going to happy with John the Baptist or Jesus…no pleasing them.
B. What does “wisdom is proved right by her deeds” mean?
Those that chose the message of John the Baptist and Jesus will prove to be wise in their obedience to the message.
Monday: Text
Last week we covered the text preceding verse 12, this week we will cover the text that follows it.
3. Read Matthew 11:12-15.
A. What is the hard saying in verse 12?
“From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force.”
B. What do you think Jesus means when he says John is the Elijah who was to come?
—John is like Elijah (of the same type) who came with a strong message of repentance telling his hearers to turn from their sin and indifference to God and wrong worship practices to the true and living God. Both were prophets sent by God to the Jewish people.
As Elijah confronted King Ahab with his ungodly life choices so John confronted Herod with his.
C. How did John demonstrate the hard saying?
—He spoke out loudly and clearly preaching to the people and announcing the coming Messiah.
He taught a message of repentance from sin to find salvation and baptizing people which went against the establishment way of works trying to achieve enough goodness in themselves to get God’s approval.
John was a man of strong convictions.
4. Read Matthew 11:16-19
A. What point is Jesus making about the crowds and their desires?
—He was saying they were being like children in their responses to John and to himself. Acting childish according to their whims.
I like Wiersbe’s take on this.
“D. The rebuke (vv. 16-19).
Christ rebuked the people of that generation for their childishness. Nothing pleased them! John and Jesus were opposites in their lives and ministries, yet neither one could satisfy the childish crowd.
There is a difference between being childish and childlike. In vv. 25-26, Jesus says that only the childlike can understand His Word. The world today is like spoiled children who demand entertainment and something new all the time. They refuse to be serious about life or death.”
B. What does “wisdom is proved right by her deeds” mean?
—The things that John and Jesus said and did would basically in time be proven true.
I so agree about the spoiled children of today who demand entertainment rather than truth. Even in church, it is 2/3 music by the musicians on stage and only 1/3 preaching of the Word.
Tuesday
6. What stands out to you from this part of the sermon and why?
This verse uses the word “violence” a hard word for me, but Keller says “Jesus is using it to get our attention. By His grace He wants it (the word violence) to stimulate us with whom it burns low.” What does “violence” mean, “when we get a hold of the Kingdom of Heaven, like John the Baptist, it will radicalize us, and cause us to be spiritually aggressive…” Wow! This really got my attention as I know within my life, “it burns low.”
7. What happened to John when he got a hold of the news of the Kingdom?
It radicalized him, meant everything to him and dominated his life!
8. Were you radicalized by the Good News?
I know there are times I was, but it seems to come and go. I’m not sure what that means?
9. Keller talked about some things this saying does not mean. Explain:
A. Why it doesn’t refer to physical violence against the opposition.
Because the Bible is against physical violence. God highly values human life and nothing should be done to destroy it. God takes it personally when those who are created in His image are insulted and treated violently.
B. Why it doesn’t mean Christian conversion is only necessary for a particular kind of person (like Ted Bundy).
Because we can’t say that the Kingdom of God is only for those who used to be violent and have come to the Lord. All kinds of people, good or bad can come into the Kingdom of God.
10. True Christians are not passive people — agree or disagree? (Spurgeon said if you don’t have a passion for people to be saved you are not saved. Why?)
Very true! Christianity can’t be received passively and therefore it can’t be extended passively…if it means everything to us as it did John the Baptist shouldn’t we want everyone else to have it too?
Dee,
Thank you for weaving Missy’s story in to this study.
Missy,
Thank you for telling it, living it. Deeply moved as I read the blog here in the middle of the night.
I have not been interacting here very much, though i continue to follow and read the blog. My days as a grandmother of ten have changed over the past two years. The mama of two of our grandchildren abandoned our son two summers ago. He and the children (ages 2 and 4) live with us.
Lord,
Thank you for Missy and how she carries your heart and for how her vulnerability is so beautiful. Thank you for how you bring beauty out of the very brokenness of our lives.
How we need your mercy.
Oh Nila — what a change in your life.
Father, how I pray for Nila, her son, and these children. Make a way, Lord. Strengthen them in You.
Prayers for you, dear Nila, as you love and care for your son and your grandchildren. May God uphold you all and keep you under His wing. We all need Psalm 91 this week!
I have been missing you on the blog, Nila, but certainly understand your great busyness! It certainly must not be easy. Thank you for your personal encouragement to me this week.
Nila, I feel your pain. I know what your are enduring. Rest in His love. I am praying for your family. 🙏🙏🙏♥️♥️♥️
3. Read Matthew 11:12-15.
A. What is the hard saying in verse 12? From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence and violent people have been raiding it. It’s so easy to think of violence as bad but in this context it’s the kind of passion God wants us to have about Christ and advancing the kingdom!
B. What do you think Jesus means when he says John is the Elijah who was to come? I’m not sure but I think it has to do with passion and passion for Christ is willing to walk into the fire and endure anything for God while attracting those around to Christ. There is no middle ground for believers.
C. How did John demonstrate the hard saying? John was the most passionate ever! He remained passionate to advance the kingdom while in prison and God was loved way more than even his own life and when that’s the case, that is right where Jesus wants us. The beautiful thing is when God is our passion rather than ourselves or the things of this world, it definitely shows up in our life passions such as with Missy.
4. Read Matthew 11:16-19
A. What point is Jesus making about the crowds and their desires? The crowds passions were for their own gods.
B. What does “wisdom is proved right by her deeds” mean? If we are truly Christians. If we truly belong to Christ our lives will burst with fruit bearing passion, enthusiasm, and burning desire not just in words, not just in public, but in private and public with our deeds. Our desire to advance the kingdom and attracting others to Jesus via our lives in Christ will be evident as first in our lives.
Tuesday: Listen to First Half Of Sermon (up to 14:30)
6. What stands out to you from this part of the sermon and why?
—This statement “ If you are truly dealing with the truth. If you are truly listening to the message like John the Baptist you become a wild man!”
To me that means I become part of it. It will have dominance in my life.
Why? Because of the challenge in question number 8.
7. What happened to John when he got a hold of the news of the Kingdom?
—Keller said it radicalized John the Baptist. It meant everything to him and it dominated his life. It was a spiritual force and made him spiritually intense.
8. Were you radicalized by the Good News?
—Hmmm? I have to consider the challenge by Keller in asking is the status quo in my life being challenged. Does life for me go on as business as usual? Do I need to be stirred up and revived with a proper passion for the Gospel? How am I living it out?
It is easy to point to actions first as evidence in being radicalized and think that there needs to be a flurry of activity. Doing stuff. In measuring my passion I initially want to start listing the “things” I do for God but the works in and of themselves are not what matter.
As I think back and remember the teaching by Paige Brown “It’s the Heart Stupid!” that comes into play. My passion (violence) has to begin in my heart and be voiced in my prayers. And then lived out.
I think I’m rambling a bit here but now that I think about this in answer to the original question yes I have been radicalized by Jesus. I am different because of Him. And I desire that where I need a greater spiritual ferocity God’s Spirit will supply it in my life.
9. Keller talked about some things this saying does not mean. Explain:
A. Why it doesn’t refer to physical violence against the opposition.
—Keller said The Bible is against all violence. Human life is sacred. Any assault on a human being is an assault on God. Don’t even resent anyone. Every one is in the image of God. God takes it personal when you assault anyone.
B. Why it doesn’t mean Christian conversion is only necessary for a particular kind of person (like Ted Bundy).
—I’ve ever heard this kind of reasoning before that formerly violent people need a violent kind of conversion. It seems like foolish reasoning to me. Keller make the clear and obvious point all kinds of people believe in and accept Christ to enter the Kingdom. People from every age, status in life, and personality types.
10. True Christians are not passive people — agree or disagree?
—I would agree that they are not passive in any kind of indifferent way about the gospel. Even people who are quiet by nature if they truly know Jesus it comes out in their lives by how they live. Their hearts betray them (in a good way) by declaring their love for Him. I’ve seen and heard it from some very sweet passive personalities. And they live it out in the way they treat people. They marry justice with kindness in how they live. That has shown up in my thinking and observations of others quite a bit since we studied that truth.
(Spurgeon said if you don’t have a passion for people to be saved you are not saved. Why?)
—That is because the Gospel is the very heart of God who does not wish any to perish but to repent and come to Him. So anyone who has the Spirit of God in them reflects the heart and passion of God’s Spirit in their own spirit. It becomes natural to want others to come into the kingdom as well.
“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”
2 Peter 3:9 ESV
Such food for thought for me, Bev. I am more keenly aware than ever how serving Jesus is not working yourself to the bone for Him, but the glad surrender of the heart to BE first of all, and then to DO His bidding. I especially like your reference to people who marry justice with kindness and feel myself very lacking in this area.
Bev — I don’t think I’ll ever forget “It’s the heart, Stupid!”
6. What stands out to you from this part of the sermon and why?
I loved the part of Keller’s sermon when he explains that Christians are proactive toward the universe. They don’t just “float through life looking for their own enjoyment.” (my paraphrase. Christians are characterized by a Holy (violence) Intensity; by a Sweet, Humble , Spiritual ferocity ~ and sincerity. The world belives that only people that can be spiritually ferocious are arrogant people.
7. What happened to John when he got a hold of the news of the Kingdom?
It radicalized John the Baptist. It was his passion. Once he realized the Kingdom of heaven was real, not fiction, the message dominated his life.
8. Were you radicalized by the Good News?
Yes, it changed my life totally. But, in a quiet decisive way. In depending on Christ and growing in Christ. Once He changes you, you cannot go back ~ if your heart is truly changed. (You may slip, as Mary Magdalene in the Chosen) but your heart is changed and your conscience is awakened.
9. Keller talked about some things this saying does not mean. Explain:
Spiritual violence is not: Physical violence. Human life is sacred and anything that could lead to the abuse, weakening or destruction of human life, is not permitted. Even resentment is not permitted.
A. Why it doesn’t refer to physical violence against the opposition.
Every human being is build in the image of God. God sees an assault on another human being as an assault on Himself.
B. Why it doesn’t mean Christian conversion is only necessary for a particular kind of person (like Ted Bundy).
We ALL need Jesus; every kind of person; you must desire Him in your heart! You must desire to and make an effort to know Him better. The more you know Him, the more you want to know Him more! I so see that in all of the ladies on Dee’s study Blog!
10. True Christians are not passive people — agree or disagree? (Spurgeon said if you don’t have a passion for people to be saved you are not saved. Why?)
I agree. I am being redundant, but the more you know Jesus, the more you desire to know Him on a deeper and more intense level. Your passion increases and you live Jesus.
Patti, I really like your answer to #8…I struggled with it as I don’t always feel I’m a radical Christian!
Patti , Like Sharon you answer to #8 stood out to me as well. “Once He changes you, you cannot go back ~ if your heart is truly changed.”
The more you know Him, the more you want to know Him! So true!
I like your paraphrase, Patti:
They don’t just “float through life looking for their own enjoyment.”
Wednesday: Listen Up to 23:12
11. What stood out to you and why?
—Keller said “Jesus says there is a certain kind of relentlessness, a certain kind of heart pursuit, a kind of striving, a spiritual intensity that must characterize anyone who will lay hold of the kingdom of Heaven.”
I feel that is true in anyone I know who shows spiritual depth of heart and mind. They are not passive about their faith. They just can’t be.
My good friend whose son recently “married” his partner has said they are living their sin out loud. It made me question do I live my faith out loud? Keller made another point that if you are truly listening to the truth you become part of it. In other words You can’t become a Christian and not have it come out in how you live your life.
12. What thoughts do you have on Keller’s comments on the objection that people might say, “I thought you said only God can save you — now it sounds like you have to work hard to get in.”
—I would iterate that it is not works and doing something to gain the kingdom of Heaven but it is a heart issue. Where your heart is shows where your passion is. Whatever has your heart is where your passion and activity become focused. When you really “get it” that only God can save you and offers you that salvation freely it demands a response. It provokes activity from a desire to know Him better.
13. What are the marks of a person of spiritual ferocity?
—They become proactive in seeking Truth. And they are willing to buck the flow. Willing to take the scorn of other people and be seen as a wild man in a hair shirt.
Keller’s comment: “In some places Christians are just snubbed and in other places Christians are shot. But the principle is the same.”
What powerful truth.
14. Why is it hard for “busy” people or cynics to get in?
— The busy are passive or indifferent about spiritual truth and the cynics become hostile to spiritual truth.
15. Are you willing, as the Baptist is, as Missy is, to take the scorn of other people? To have people see you as arrogant — as a wild man or woman? Why is this important?
—Yes because to deny Him now just isn’t an option. I believe the stories and my hope is in Him. I find answers for my heart and soul in seeking Him and his Word and his ways. Even when it gets tough there is the feeling of where else can I go. He is the One who has the words of life.
I have been accused of being arrogant and I had to examine myself as to whether there was any truth to that accusation. As I considered it I felt it was an accusation from Satan not the person who said it because the enemy would try to intimidate me to be more quiet about my faith and my love for Jesus and his Word.
I think it is important for every believer to have their faith in Jesus solidly settled in their heart and mind and be able to voice it.
I’ve often had that same sentiment, “where else can I go? You have the words of eternal life and all else pales in comparison.”
Wednesday
Wednesday: Listen Up to 23:12
11. What stood out to you and why?
I understand that trying to figure out what this saying means is hard, in other words what is the meaning of violence…holy violence, but putting it into action is really the hard part. Keller says, “No matter how brilliant, lovely, passionate and winsome you are they will always be rooting for you to stub your toe.” That isn’t how I want people to react to me. I want to be accepted, liked, and admired, but the sad (maybe not so sad, depending how you look at it) truth is, that’s not reality if I’m living out a holy violence!
12. What thoughts do you have on Keller’s comments on the objection that people might say, “I thought you said only God can save you — now it sounds like you have to work hard to get in.”
I laughed when he said, “is this the same church I’ve always been going to, you’ve always said that you can’t make yourself a Christian, that’s an eternal gift.” He goes on to say, “of course, only the Spirit of God can come and open your heart.” He quotes Charles Spurgeon, “The way you know the Spirit of God is striving with you, is that you’re striving too.” We have to strive with it, be obedient, “be a wild man and don’t try to get from underneath it.” I’ve always like this quote from Keller, “The world: I obey therefore I am accepted. Gospel: I’m accepted therefore I obey.”
13. What are the marks of a person of spiritual ferocity?
Someone who is a proactive seeker after the truth.
Someone who is willing to buck the flow.
Someone with a spiritual and aggressive humility.
14. Why is it hard for “busy” people or cynics to get in?
Busy people are more concerned about their careers, getting ahead and what they want out of life. Passive and indifferent to spiritual things.
Cynics are usually former busy people, been disappointed and have just gotten to the point of feeling life is just too hard, then you die. They’re hostile to the idea of spiritual truth…there are no answers.
15. Are you willing, as the Baptist is, as Missy is, to take the scorn of other people?
Yes, I really am. I know it won’t be easy but isn’t that they way it’s supposed to be? God never promised us a “rose garden.” I think the hardest part of the scorn that Missy has experienced has come from the church and I have to look within myself and make sure I’m not squelching anyone who is displaying a holy violence, but rather come along side them.
To have people see you as arrogant — as a wild man or woman? Why is this important?
It’s proof that I’m displaying a holy violence in my life. I’m sold out for my Lord and there are no other options!
I laughed about that same thing.
Tuesday: Listen to First Half Of Sermon (up to 14:30)
6. What stands out to you from this part of the sermon and why?
This verse is not about the kingdom of God for the physically violent nor the ones who are formally violent like Ted Bundy, but for all.
7. What happened to John when he got a hold of the news of the Kingdom?
He became radicalized.
8. Were you radicalized by the Good News?
My heart was radicalized for sure.
9. Keller talked about some things this saying does not mean. Explain:
A. Why it doesn’t refer to physical violence against the opposition.
It contradicts Jesus’ call for us to be humble and to be peacemakers. Every human being is made in the image of God.
B. Why it doesn’t mean Christian conversion is only necessary for a particular kind of person (like Ted Bundy).
It is not just for those who are formally violent, those who have committed heinous crimes, the dregs of society but for all – every type of personality, race, social class, etc.
10. True Christians are not passive people — agree or disagree? (Spurgeon said if you don’t have a passion for people to be saved you are not saved. Why?)
I agree. Jesus can come anytime soon! As lovers of Him and of his eternal kingdom that is to come, we should feel the urgency of the times and share the gospel with others. Being saved means we have seen and tasted the goodness of the Lord and our passion for sharing this with others substantiates our own salvation. Wouldn’t I want to share this good news?
11. What stood out to you and why?
People who came to hear Jesus, made a big effort to do so. People who want to know Jesus make an effort to know Him better. And the Spurgeon quote: “The way you know the Spirit of God is with you, is you are striving too.” You change. You grow. You have Passion.
12. What thoughts do you have on Keller’s comments on the objection that people might say, “I thought you said only God can save you — now it sounds like you have to work hard to get in.”
Salvation is a gift offered by God, but we have to be willing to receive it. Receiving the gift of Salvation carries responsibility. You are now a representative of Jesus. You desire to learn more and more about Jesus. You strive to be more and more like Jesus. You must stand your ground as a believer, yet you must do it in Humility. It always goes back to the Heart. Your words and behavior reveal the state of your heart.
” The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of the evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks” Luke 6:45“
13. What are the marks of a person of spiritual ferocity?
A.) A person who receives the Kingdom of God is marked by a proactive seeking of the TRUTH. You become a SEEKER.
B.) A Christian always has HOPE. A Christian looks for the BEST. Scours and read and studies for Truth. You must be willing to buck the flow and take the scorn of others.
C.) You must have SPIRITUAL HUMILITY and REPENT. You must be HUMBLE of Heart or your message becomes meaningless.
14. Why is it hard for “busy” people or cynics to get in?
The busy person is self seeking~ what can God do to further my career? make me happy? The cynic is hostile to spiritual truth~ kills the joyous hope of the human spirit. Negative.
15. Are you willing, as the Baptist is, as Missy is, to take the scorn of other people? To have people see you as arrogant — as a wild man or woman? Why is this important?
There are many that will scorn me, as a Christian. I see so many on fb posts scorn Christians (many are people I know well). Scorn does not bother me, but I need to remember it is how I respond to scorn that is important. I want to be confident in my walk with Jesus and I want to represent Him well. I don’t want to be arrogant, in that I diminish another person, though I don’t agree with a comment or attitude. (Jesus will handle them) I long to be more like Jesus and that is a full time job! I am always inspired when I see our own Missy as being so humble, so real and yet so strong in her love of Jesus and her amazing walk with Him! He holds her hand! She accepts scorn without anger and she continues on her path following Jesus and leaving the scorners to scorn. Missy is living out her faith in a beautiful way…..and I know that is not easy…every day is a ton of work.
I am not always humble and do hold bitterness too often. I’m praying for God to deliver me from these things.
So good, Patti:
Scorn does not bother me, but I need to remember it is how I respond to scorn that is important.
But I admit scorn, esp personal to me, does both me. Somewhere, maybe the sermon, Keller said not to be concerned about our own reputation but only that of Christ. I’ve a long way to go. Pray for me!
6. What stands out to you from this part of the sermon and why? My first thoughts were about why he chose the version of the bible for the scripture reading when the word violence wasn’t even used.
7. What happened to John when he got a hold of the news of the Kingdom? It burned inside him so fiercely that he couldn’t help but speak passionately and radically about it.
8. Were you radicalized by the Good News? Yes
9. Keller talked about some things this saying does not mean. Explain:
A. Why it doesn’t refer to physical violence against the opposition. Because God does not want violence against any of His creation as a means to further His kingdom.
B. Why it doesn’t mean Christian conversion is only necessary for a particular kind of person (like Ted Bundy). We are ALL sinful beyond what we are aware of and if you think that you are “not that bad” then you are in danger of not being saved at all.
10. True Christians are not passive people — agree or disagree? (Spurgeon said if you don’t have a passion for people to be saved you are not saved. Why?) I agree, but I think that passion has a different look for each person. That is why we shouldn’t judge one another.
Good point on 10 Dawn.
Is anyone else struggling to buy the sermon? I’m having such troubles with the gospel in life site. First, for some reason I was unable to even login on my phone. I tried to change my password but it would not work. I contacted them and was able to get on from my computer. But, now there is no where to put my credit card number in the “purchase” screen. So weird because I have bought things before AND done it with my phone to boot! I contacted them again and am waiting to hear what they say. I was not able to find the sermon on the internet either. I guess I will rely on everyone else’s answers for this week.
Laura, I’m sorry you’re having problems getting the sermon 😏. The only thing I can tell you, is when I sign in to the Gospel Coalition site (on my phone) I click on the 3 lines next to “cart” and go to “account” and it takes me to my purchases, when I click on the one I want, I chose “view” and it goes to the sermon. I’m sure you probably know all this, so hopefully you can get the problem resolved.
Thanks Sharon. I finally think I have worked it out in a weird way!
Indeed, Laura, it isn’t the easiest website!
Thursday
16. What stands out to you and why?
There is so much that stood out to me but what really stood out was what the world thinks of the spiritually intense…they’re arrogant. Why do they think this? Because as Keller says, “They assume that salvation is a prize to be won rather than received.” They think we’re arrogant because we assume we’ve won the prize. Just like a player on a Super Bowl team arrogantly says before the game is even played , I know we’re going to win and that’s because it’s a prize to be won. Salvation is a gift and there’s no prize to be won. It’s really about humility. Keller goes on to say, “Those who have received the Kingdom of Heaven are those who have abolished the idea that they are capable of winning the prize. When you see how deeply you have to repent, the problem with the universe is me, that I deserve to be cut off. Saying that may seem like a death but it’s a death that goes into a resurrection.”
17. He quotes Tozer who says “the way you know a real Christian is that the more they know Christ the more they want to know Him.” Is that true of you?
Yes, and I continually pray that He gives me a hunger to know Him more.
18. How did Jesus exemplify this saying?
He was proactive in seeking truth and making that truth known, He bucked the crowds, He had great humility and prayer was a priority.
I love this too, Sharon! I think this was my take away quote from the whole sermon! Thank you for posting!
“Those who have received the Kingdom of Heaven are those who have abolished the idea that they are capable of winning the prize. When you see how deeply you have to repent, the problem with the universe is me, that I deserve to be cut off. Saying that may seem like a death but it’s a death that goes into a resurrection.”
And this about Jesus:
He was proactive in seeking truth and making that truth known, He bucked the crowds, He had great humility and prayer was a priority.
Missy, I already knew some of your story, from what you’ve shared with us here as you’ve been with us. Yours is a hard, but beautiful, story. Much darkness, for sure, as with the death of Biscuit, yet also corners of light. When I look at your pictures with you and all of your precious kids, I don’t see African American, or black and white, or children from another country. I just see people brought together and held together by love. I see a family. You are a very special person, Missy, with an incredibly hard mission given to you by God. I see great hope too – even for your son who has, for now, seemingly turned his back on the Lord. All the years with you and being loved by God through you is imprinted in his very soul.
Father God, it was you who gave Missy such an incredible heart of love to love those kids who grew up in such hard circumstances; kids who likely were marginalized in our society, unseen and unloved. You loved them and continue to love them through Missy. May You richly bless Missy and provide for her in every way and continue to pursue her children with your relentless love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Thank you so much, Susan! I’ve been missing you lately on here!
Amen to your words, Susan. And I join you in your prayer for precious Missy.
Wednesday: Listen Up to 23:12
11. What stood out to you and why?
True seekers of truth know that there is a way into heaven and they are always scouring for the truth.
12. What thoughts do you have on Keller’s comments on the objection that people might say, “I thought you said only God can save you — now it sounds like you have to work hard to get in.”
Salvation is a gift that you must receive and not work for. Works are evidence that one is saved. It is the outflow from a heart of gratitude for the gift of salvation received.
13. What are the marks of a person of spiritual ferocity?
a. You become a proactive seeker of the truth.
b. You buck the flow
c. you have spiritual and aggressive humility
.d Your prayer life is characterized by holy violence.
14. Why is it hard for “busy” people or cynics to get in?
Busy people are too busy to ask the BIG questions that really matter. They are indifferent to the truth if things like career, appearance, and relationship are going okay for them. Cynics are hostile to the truth. To them life is hard, then you die.
15. Are you willing, as the Baptist is, as Missy is, to take the scorn of other people? To have people see you as arrogant — as a wild man or woman? Why is this important?
I am willing to be made willing to have that spiritual ferocity especially to not be fearful to buck the crowd.
Thursday: Listen to the end
16. What stands out to you and why?
“Break up the roof. Climb the tree.” For me this means, pursuing Jesus with fervency and sharing the good news with others.
17. He quotes Tozer who says, “the way you know a real Christian is that the more they know Christ the more they want to know Him.” Is that true of you?
I feel God working in my heart to make Him front and center. And to desire to know Him more and more. I am seeing Him more and more at work in my life.
18. How did Jesus exemplify this saying?
He spent hours in prayer with the Father. He prayed for his disciples and for us as well as his enemies. He cried over Jerusalem and its lostness.
6. What stands out to you from this part of the sermon and why?
I liked when he said that John the Baptist wanted people to know that the Messiah coming was NOT fiction. It was real and they needed to listen. The kingdom of heaven was coming and all wrongs would be made right. I guess sometimes I wonder if my loved ones are really with Jesus. I don’t doubt, but I think what if there really isn’t anything after I die. I don’t dwell on it, and I’m ashamed that I even think it. I usually push the thought aside quickly. I know the Holy Spirit is with me. I don’t doubt that at all. I just wonder about passing on from this life to the next.
7. What happened to John when he got a hold of the news of the Kingdom?
He became violent about his spirituality.
8. Were you radicalized by the Good News?
I don’t know if I would call it being radicalized. I was very young and I know I was happy that I accepted Jesus. I think now I am the most “radical” that I have even been. Today, I told a man I don’t even know that because I am Christian and believe in God I can’t possibly believe in the gender stuff being discussed for school age kids (k-12). We were discussing education over the last few years. Yesterday I was talking to his wife (whom I know better) and ended up in a disagreement with her. She believes that kids that are 3 years old can decide they want to be a boy or a girl! Instead of explaining why I don’t believe that can be, I ended up arguing with her. I was sad that I had an opportunity to “witness” to her and missed it. I asked God to forgive me later. I wanted to go back to her and explain, but decided not to. Her husband and I ended up on the beach today and so I explained it to him, hoping they have the conversation 😉.
9. Keller talked about some things this saying does not mean. Explain:
A. Why it doesn’t refer to physical violence against the opposition.
The Bible does not encourage physical violence, it even discourages “soft” violence, like resentment or hatred, which lead to physical violence.
B. Why it doesn’t mean Christian conversion is only necessary for a particular kind of person (like Ted Bundy).
Because there have been many different types of people who actually born again.
10. True Christians are not passive people — agree or disagree? (Spurgeon said if you don’t have a passion for people to be saved you are not saved. Why?)
Probably agree. But, there have been many evangelical pastors who seem crazy about Christianity who end up in some scandal of sorts. I’m thinking Jim Bakker. Then I have some friends who are quite radical about their faith, but don’t tend to be boisterous about it. They are kind, giving and tempered people. I guess if you don’t have a passion for salvation then you probably don’t believe it. I think in my case, I am shy about pressing people about their faith. I don’t believe I know enough to defend it. The best I can do is tell them how I have encountered the Holy Spirit in my life. It happens all the time! It’s more difficult to ask “do you know Jesus?” I have encouraged some people to watch The Chosen though. And, I haven’t even asked if they were Christian or not. I haven’t really thought much about why I have encouraged others to Christ. I guess this is opening my eyes. Here’s a song I have been singing for some reason (?) that has to do with this topic.
https://youtu.be/APATH3ea-D0
Right — we sure don’t want passion without truth! Good you persisted in getting the sermon, Laura!
Laura, thanks for sharing the song by CAIN. It is powerful!
Good song Laura, Thanks for sharing. 😊
Amen to this great song, Laura. Powerful message and love that they incorporated scenes from The Chosen.
Friday: Challenge
Keller often talks about meditating on God’s Word until it sets on fire. He challenged us to pray for two hours. My challenge is to meditate, pray, meditate –for half hour asking him to sense His presence. On the passage we’ve studied or another He leads you too. Then come back and share.
Dee, your challenge was very timely as yesterday we heard from our daughter, Ruth about her biopsy results. She has a mass in her upper arm that they are looking more into. The diagnosis right now is favorable in terms of possible treatment. She is scheduled to see a specialist.
There were several verses that came to mind upon hearing from her. Philippians 4:6-8; Isaiah 26:3 and Psalm 112:7. It was with a thankful heart that the latter was one of the chapters that were suggested for today’s psalm reading from Donald Whitney’s “Praying the Bible”. So, I spent an hour meditating this morning on Psalm 122. I listened to a few praise music and was blessed especially by Matt Maher’s “Lord, I need you” Psalm 63 and a version of “The steadfast love of the Lord” Lamentations 3:23-24. It was a blessed time in the Word (proactively seeking the word of truth from Tim Keller). O, that this would be a common thread in my life! This challenge is a “prized” God Hunt for me!
Beautiful Bing! Thanks for sharing. you inspire me to get my time alone and do Friday’s challenge.
Will pray for Ruth!
You are an inspiration, Bing.
I love the idea of listening to Praise music to calm the mind. I, like Bev, often struggle to clear my mind from distractions when I am meditating and praying. It is sometimes hard to get my heart and mind to just rest in Him.
I am praying for Ruth, for your time together with her. Praying that the Specialist will be encouraging to both of you. Praying for Ruth to draw close to Jesus and trust in Him.
Thursday: Listen to the end
16. What stands out to you and why?
The challenge at the end of the sermon to pray. To realize again that prayer is hard work. Even as someone who is convinced that the power of prayer is real and very important to the Christian life my times of intense prayer are sporadic and short next to the challenge of praying for two hours.
For me personally it takes powers of concentration that in no way come naturally or easy. My mind is easily distracted. I don’t think I am at all unusual in that problem but I am not satisfied to settle for that. My greatest struggle is to quiet my mind and hear. To listen and really listen for the voice of God. I hear from him in reading the Word, in preaching, in music and occasionally he impresses something on my heart but I feel like I do way too much asking. Part of that comes from the great and many needs around me but even in times of asking I have never thought of my prayer life as demonstrating “holy violence”!
I desire to practice more of just being in his presence and experiencing the quiet understanding that comes from it.
17. He quotes Tozer who says “the way you know a real Christian is that the more they know Christ the more they want to know Him.” Is that true of you?
Yes. Again maybe because of my age I have seen in others and experienced in myself that nothing satisfies the longings of any heart but Jesus. Nothing. Anything else is temporal at best.
18. How did Jesus exemplify this saying?
I would say in his prayer life.
He had a passion for getting alone and praying so He could communicate clearly with his Father and experience his presence and know his will. But he also exemplified prayer even in his active ministry when he would stop and address God his Father and call upon him for himself and for others he was touching.
Bing — Liked your thought that you know you are no unusual in struggling with prayer but you will not be satisfied to settle for that.
“I desire to practice more of just being in his presence and experiencing the quiet understanding that comes from it.” So much my desire too. I also spend way too much time breathlessly asking for things instead of quietly sitting in His presence in the awe of who He is.
Friday: ChallengeKeller often talks about meditating on God’s Word until it sets on fire. He challenged us to pray for two hours. My challenge is to meditate, pray, meditate –for half hour asking him to sense His presence. On the passage we’ve studied or another He leads you too. Then come back and share.
As I had some time this afternoon to consider and mediate on scripture and pray this verse from Isaiah came to mind.
“This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength,……..
Isaiah 30:15 NIV
Spending time considering some areas of repentance needed in my life and the desire I have and my need to be quiet before the Lord He encouraged me in how I can make some changes to my quiet times. I lack in my discipline and structure is more needful for me to draw from his Word and “hear from him. I’m still a work in progress but the promises from his Word are many in regards to the sanctifying work Jesus brings to my life. I was definitely refreshed by my time with Him which ended up being over an hour.
Great testimony!
11. What stood out to you and why?
Spiritual ferocity. When I think of ferocity, I’m usually talking about a bear or some wild creature! I don’t believe many people are ferocious about much of anything! Using this word was eye opening. Could I get to be that way? I know people would think I’m nuts.
12. What thoughts do you have on Keller’s comments on the objection that people might say, “I thought you said only God can save you — now it sounds like you have to work hard to get in.”
God’s spirit must come into you, you don’t win the kingdom of God. But, if you are truly listening to the message, you become a wild man; a proactive seeker of the truth. I don’t consider studying the Bible “hard work.” I consider it necessary to really know what I need to know to understand my commitment. Plus, it’s kind of addictive, reading the Bible and trying to understand. I learn something diffeeent every time I open it, even if it’s a passage I have read before! It’s an amazing book. I started my journey with the idea that I don’t have a long to to know what I need to know about God to be received in heaven. I have since fallen in love with Jesus ♥️.
13. What are the marks of a person of spiritual ferocity?
Someone who bucks the crowd. They are on a mission. They have a certain kind of relentlessness.
14. Why is it hard for “busy” people or cynics to get in?
There is an aggressive about their careers, making money, success, etc. they are too busy to ask the big questions. “Why am I doing this?” “Is there glory?” “Is there a God?” No proactive seeking.
The cynic knows they are not going to find the “great something” Usually they are former busy people. They are wiser, but are hostile to the truth. They have killed the human part of there life that wants this. They think life is hard and then you die. Funny, I used to say that when I was young! The Christian has not killed the hope. There really is a beauty who came to earth to change me, the beast. The stories are true! There is a Savior. They are scouring everything for the truth. They are the ones closer to heaven.
15. Are you willing, as the Baptist is, as Missy is, to take the scorn of other people? To have people see you as arrogant — as a wild man or woman? Why is this important?
Yes. I have few friends and I believe it is most likely somewhat because of my Christianity. I suspect they believe I am “too much.” It’s important because I am all in for Him. I won’t deny that it hurts though. And, I wish I could be less abrasive too. It is important because our purpose is to tell the world about Him. Our focus is on Him, not ourselves.
Love this Laura: The stories are true! There is a Savior. They are scouring everything for the truth. They are the ones closer to heaven.
16. What stands out to you and why?
You must be humble of heart. The only people that receive the Kingdom of heaven know:
It is a gift from God; you are not capable of winning the prize; the more you realize what a gift it is, the more humble you are; you know you don’t deserve it and that causes you to repent. Be spiritually humble. The word violence has so many negative implications ~ I like the thought of Spiritual Thirst ~ extreme hunger and thirst to know Jesus. Loved: The more you experience God’s love, the more desperately thirsty you are to know Him more and experience His love; the more you desire to confess your sin and the need of His love.
Yet, Keller points out you need to Argue with yourself, talk out the Word of God, you don’t get peace passively, you need to talk to your heart and listen. Take hold of the Truth until it burns you, melts you, cuts you, heals you.
17. He quotes Tozer who says “the way you know a real Christian is that the more they know Christ the more they want to know Him.” Is that true of you?
I think that the older I get, the more precious is my time in the Word of God. It is the early morning quiet time that I value so much. Even when I wake at night and cannot sleep, I value that time to pray and meditate. I so relate to one of Bev’s posts about how easy it is to be distracted.
18. How did Jesus exemplify this saying?
Jesus needed time alone with His Father. He needed this prayer time with His Father to re-energize Himself for the crowds of followers, as well as the mockers. He was never offended. He was treated poorly, yet He continued to love so deeply. His communication with His Father was the living water that He shared so freely with all who desired it.
Saturday:
19. What is your take-a-way and why?
I want to be a proactive seeker of truth. To keep at it while I am alive. It is amazing that when God’s will becomes mine, things come naturally in my inner man. It is only through grace, that the hesitancy, the resistance to God’s promptings is melted away. His peace, indeed, passes all understanding.
Love this, Bing!