Monday, June 7, 2010

Acts 11-12

A quick tidbit from David Guzik...Antioch was considered by many the third greatest city in the Empire, behind Rome and Alexandria. The city of Antioch was known for its sophistication and culture, but also for its immorality. In Antioch, they probably first used the term Christians to mock the followers of Jesus. “Antioch was famous for its readiness to jeer and call names; it was known by its witty epigrams.” (Gaebelein) But as the people of Antioch called the followers of Jesus the “Jesus People,” the believers appreciated the title so much that it stuck.

How has the term "Christian" been changed throughout the years?

Is a Christian still viewed in the same light as the early followers of Jesus Christ?

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

John 13:-14

As I read the passages from Tuesday, mostly about Jesus serving his disciples by washing their feet, I thought of a quote I heard some time ago.

"There will always be more people willing to do "great" things for God than there are people willing to do the little things. The race to be a leader is crowded, but the field is wide open for those willing to be servants."

How true this statement is!

What do you think about the servants heart?

Are we not taking into account the servant heart of others when we refuse help from them?

What stood out to you in Tuesday's readings?

Monday, May 24, 2010

John 11-12

Here are a couple thoughts that I had while reading these two chapters last night. Feel free to post comments and discussion topics on what you read...this is meant to be an interactive blog for your comments and to generate discussions!

Jesus knew that Lazarus was sick and that he was going to die. He performed the miracle of bringing Lazarus back from the dead to bring glory to God. Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it."

How often do we look at our circumstances, especially those that are trying, through our own perspective and not through God first?

Jesus wept after seeing the reactions of Mary, Martha and others. It's very interesting to see that Jesus cared so much about those around him that their sadness also caused him sadness. What are your feelings about a God who cares? Do you think Jesus wept because he empathized with their cares or because he was troubled with their unbelief (causing a friend to die and bring him back from the dead so that they would believe)?

Happy reading friends!

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Your Love Never Fails -Chris Quilala / Jesus Culture

John 9-10

An interesting post by Chuck Smith about the question of "...Master, who did this sin, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?".

From Chuck Smith...
So the question, "Who did sin, this man or his parents that he was born blind?" Is this God's judgment upon his parents for some sin they did? It is interesting to me that quite often we have that kind of a thought of a direct retribution from God when calamity comes to us. God is punishing me for something that I have done, or something that I did. And thus, this hardship or this difficulty or this painful experience is coming to me as God's judgment upon me because of some wrongdoing. If that were so, I wouldn't be here tonight. You see, if God brought that kind of a direct cause/effect judgment upon people, then God would have to be fair in His justice system. And thus, every person who did the same kind of a deed would have to receive the same kind of a judgment for it. There is not that cause and effect type of judgment at the present time, there will be and God will be just when He judges. Because it will be completely equal judgment. But right now God is seeking to draw men to Himself. And Jesus said, "I didn't come to condemn the world, but that the world through Me might be saved" (John 3:17).

Link for Chuck Smith commentary.

Somewhat of a Late Start

Ok...so I'm on the reading schedule...the blog is just starting a little bit later. I'm very excited, as I'm sure all of you are, to start this challenge. Could this be one challenge that I actually follow thru on??? Please encourage me as I will encourage you also!