Sabbath School Discussion Guide - 25 Nov 2023

 God's Mission, My Mission

Mission to the Needy

Opening Question:

We’ve all experienced physical healing. Cuts. Breaks. Colds. COVID. 

Which personal time of healing in your life stands out? Why?

Q. Before reading the passage below, ask 2 people to summarize the passage afterwards. 

Passage: Mark 1:21-2:12

Read the entire Passage out loud. 

Q. Ask for the summaries before any discussion.

Q. What did the summaries focus on? Why?

Q. What new or surprising thought came to mind while reading this passage?

    Me: Peter’s favourite healing story - Mark 1:31

Q. What questions does this passage bring up for you?

Q. Which part of this passage brought up strong feelings for you? 

    Why do you think it had this impact on you?

    Me: Mark 1:32 - Imagine everyone going home after the healings at ‘church’. “We’ve gotta take Mama to Jesus.” “We’ve gotta take little Josiah to Jesus!” Then, they waited. All afternoon. Begging the sun to go down faster. As they watched the sun finally set, they emerged from their houses - dozens of them with sick family members. Quickly, they gathered at the door of Peter’s house. And Jesus healed them, one by one. Even though it was dark, the rest of the town came to watch! Here’s the sad part: The Sabbath had become a stumbling block in the lives of the Jewish people. The “teachers of the Law” had turned the Sabbath, which was meant to be God’s day of healing and re-creation, into a wedge between God and humanity - one that kept people from bringing their sick to Jesus. No wonder Jesus did so much healing on the Sabbath! He was resetting the purpose of the Sabbath! 

Q. In this passage, in what different ways does Jesus help the needy?

Q. Review Mark 1:33, Mark 1:45, Mark 2:2 What is Mark suggesting will happen when you are meeting the needs of people?

Q. Interspersed in this healing montage, Mark demonstrates that the religious leaders and system are hindering rather than helping people. Why would Mark do this? (See Mark 1:22, 32, 43-44; Mark 2:6-8) 

Q. Mark intentionally sandwiched healing stories within the calling of disciples.

(See the surrounding stories of Mark 1:16-20 and Mark 2:13-14).

    Why would Mark teach Jesus' style of disciple-making this way? 

    What is Mark saying about the ministry of Jesus?

    What is Mark saying about disciple-making in the church?

Q. Does Mark 1:35-36 fit in the middle of this healing story-set? Why?

    How does this verse encourage you in your discipleship?

Q. In Mark’s day, how did sickness and demons correlate? (Mark 1:32-34)

    What about today? How are things different? Why?

    The incarnated Jesus spoke into Mark’s world as a local!

     “All things to all people. So that by all means, He might reach many.” 

    Where might Jesus focus His healing ministry today? 

     (Mental Health? Community/family? Cancer?)

     “WWJD” - wrong question. He’s in me. What will I do?
    “WWJHMD” - What would Jesus have me do?

Q. How does this passage increase your love for Jesus and other people? 

Q. Is there a particular person you feel impressed to share part of today’s study with? Who? Why them?

Closing Prayer

Teaching The Second Coming

This morning while attending a Uniting Church with a client, the topic was "The Second Coming." During the sermon, the minister said, "You all know Dave because he joins us every second Sunday. Dave has a Seventh-day Adventist background. Seventh-day Adventists have the second coming right in their name - so they have a lot to say about it, I'm guessing." Then, looking up at me, he said, "Dave, If you'd like right of reply, I'd love to have you unpack the passage I'm struggling with in this sermon. I'll do my best and you can do the rest. If you are willing, at the time."

The minister then powered into unpacking Matthew 25:14-30. 

When he got to the end of his sermon, he said, "Dave, do you have something to say to help us with this passage? Only if you are comfortable."

The verse "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." (1 Peter 3:15) went through my mind... And I did.

During his sermon, I dug into the passage and the surrounding context. (Have a carefully read of Matthew 25:1-30 before going any further) I was looking for a positive way to reveal Jesus and his end time mission for disciples.

When the minister invited me to join him at the mic, here's what I said, more or less.

First, we need to ask, “What is the context of this story.” At the beginning of the passage, it says, “Again, it will be like a man” .... What is the “it” in the “it will be like”? Reach back to the previous passage and Jesus says, “At that time, the Kingdom of Heaven will be like”. So, the topic in question is the Kingdom of Heaven. That’s the starting point. The finish of the story is “celebration" with God or “the place of weeping and gnashing of teeth.” So, this is a story about the Kingdom of Heaven and how it relates to those entrusted with its wealth.

Q. What is the primary focus of the Kingdom of Heaven?

A. Jesus.

The only people Jesus ever gut-punched were the religious leaders who misrepresented God to the people. These were the light on a hill people, Jerusalem’s leaders. They had taken the Kingdom of God and buried all of its glory and all of its truth under a mountain of laws and self-righteousness. Jesus had words with these leaders. Strong words. And often. The Kingdom of God was meant for everyone and Israel was meant to be the servant that spread that story. Instead, they buried it.

In the middle of Jesus’ ministry on Earth, we have the story of Jesus sending out the 72 to prepare for His arrival in unsuspecting towns. Jesus advised his disciples to enter a town and say, “The Kingdom of Heaven is Near.” Jesus also said, “If they invite you into their homes, go in. Lodge there. Eat there. And tell them I am coming soon and to be ready for my arrival.” Then he turned the tables, “If nobody in that town welcomes you, even after you declare the Kingdom of Heaven is near, shake the dust off your sandals and leave town. It will be better for that town at the end than for Sodom and Gomorrah.”

This story is a picture of God shaking the dust off his sandals. The wealthy landowner ousting the servants who didn’t make use of what they’d been given is Jesus’ way of saying to the religious leaders, “You know that rubbish tip outside the city? The one that just keeps burning and burning. The one where the rubbish gets dumped from Jerusalem? That’s where rubbish goes. Yeah, you don’t want to go there.”

Yes, it’s harsh. But, it is not a parable about you. It is not a parable about your family members who aren’t using their spiritual gifts. It's Jesus talking to the religious leaders. It is about those entrusted with the nearness of the Kingdom of Heaven who choose to ignore it rather than ignite it.

When Jesus died on the cross, the temple curtain tore from top to bottom and God got out of the box! The message about God, His love, and the nearness of the Kingdom of Heaven is no longer entrusted to one select group of people. God left that idea in the dust. The Holy Spirit now reaches out to every heart drawing all people toward God’s Kingdom. And once you welcome it in, you are the storytellers. You are the message bearers. You are the light on a hill. So shine! 

Sabbath - The Best Day Ever (Children's Story)

 

Fluffy's Christmas Gift - by Dr Charles Page

I received an email request yesterday that made me happy. The author of this Children's Christmas book asked me to read and record it on my YouTube Channel. 🙂 What fun to participate with others in making the world a better place!

Storytelling for Morning Worship

I had a great time doing the family worship each day at 2023 Victoria Bigcamp with Kenton and Katrina Ridley. Best fun, ever!

The Vic conference just asked us to do morning worship again in 2024!

Brothers New and Old

Forgive Thy Brother, by Scott Erickson,2017

As Christians, we hold dear the principles of forgiveness and reconciliation. Both the Bible and the Christian experience are redemption rich. These themes are often found in stories about brothers. Do you have a story of forgiveness between you and a brother? The Bible has many. 

Today, we are going to explore two such stories from Scripture. One is told by Jesus and the other is recounted in Genesis. The parable of the Prodigal Son and the story of Jacob and Esau. These timeless narratives offer us profound lessons about God's boundless love and the transformative power of forgiveness. Let us journey through these sacred stories, drawing inspiration for our own relationships.

The Prodigal Son: A Story of Redemption

Our journey begins with the Parable of the Prodigal Son, shared by Jesus in the Gospel of Luke. This story unfolds the tale of a wayward son who demanded his inheritance, squandered it recklessly, and found himself in spiritual and material destitution. However, in the depths of his despair, he came to a moment of reckoning.

Luke captures the essence of the prodigal son's rebellion: "The younger one said to his father, 'Give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them. Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country, and there squandered his wealth in wild living" (Luke 15:12-13).

As the prodigal son hits rock bottom, surrounded by swine and squalor, he comes to his senses. The son realizes the consequences of his actions and decides to return to his father, to humbly repent of his waywardness. This decision is a turning point in his life.

Jesus paints a profound picture of the prodigal son's return: "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him, and kissed him" (Luke 15:20). This parable exemplifies the joy in Heaven when a sinner repents. The Father's love and forgiveness knows no bounds!

Henri J.M. Nouwen, in his book "The Return of the Prodigal Son," summarises Jesus’ parable perfectly: "The story of the Prodigal Son is the story of a God who goes searching for us, runs toward us, and welcomes us back with open arms, regardless of our past."

As I read about the Prodigal Son's return, I couldn't help but think about the brother who stayed home. He was resentful when his father was grace-full. He was jealous when his father was generous. He was selfish when his father was celebrating. This bitter brother reminds us to join the Father in celebration, generosity and grace when a lost child comes home.

Changing Hearts: A Story Worth Telling

When I was 12 years old, I was asked by my pastor to preach a sermon. He recommended I dress as a Biblical figure and act out the story. A few weeks later, I stood before the congregation, dressed in a brightly coloured costume, sandals and a headscarf, and enacted the story of the Prodigal Son. 

I invited my adult uncle, who was not a believer, to come and hear my story. To my astonishment on the day, he was there in the audience. As I reached the part where the father embraced his son, I noticed tears running down my uncle's face. 

It was a profound moment that emphasized the power of the parable and set my life on a new course - I wanted to keep doing whatever I had done that day. Telling the story of God’s love and forgiveness touches hearts and changes lives!

Jacob and Esau: A Story of Reconciliation

Now, let's turn to the narrative of Jacob and Esau in Genesis chapters 27 to 33. This story portrays a tale of deception, sibling rivalry, estrangement, and, ultimately, reconciliation.

Jacob lied to his blind father and tricked him into blessing him with the inheritance of God’s promises rather than allowing it to go to his older brother, Esau, as it should have. The depth of Jacob's deception is revealed when Father Isaac said to Esau: "Your brother came deceitfully and took your blessing" (Genesis 27:35). This act sowed deep discord between the brothers. 

Esau, understandably hurt and betrayed, “held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. He said to himself, 'The days of mourning for my father are near; then I will kill my brother Jacob.'" (Genesis 27:41). In modern English: “Once dad is dead, so are you!”

Fearing for his life, Jacob fled to his uncle Laban's house, where he lived in exile for many years. The relationship between the brothers remained deeply fractured. 

However, years later, in a moment of divine grace and transformation, Esau forgave Jacob. Genesis 33:4 beautifully captures the reconciliation: "But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept."

Conclusion

Both stories emphasize the importance of recognizing our sins, repentance, and seeking reconciliation with our Heavenly Father and with one another.

They also speak of the nature of God’s love. Just as the father in the Prodigal Son parable embraced his wayward son, and as Esau forgave Jacob, God's love is unconditional, and His mercy knows no bounds. These stories remind us that all of Heaven celebrates when a sinner repents. There is a profound joy that comes with reconciliation and restoration in our own lives.

C.S. Lewis once said, "To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you." That’s what it's all about. Forgive as you have been forgiven. 

When he realised the heart of Esau was filled only with forgiveness, Jacob declared, "To see your face is like seeing the face of God" (Genesis 33:10). This profound statement underscores the idea that reconciliation and forgiveness are God's prime attributes. When we extend forgiveness and experience reconciliation, we catch a glimpse of God. In such moments, we revel in Divine love and mercy.

As followers of Jesus, let us carry these lessons with us, always ready to forgive and seek reconciliation. Whether we find ourselves in the role of the Prodigal Son, in need of repentance, or like Esau, ready to extend forgiveness, may we strive to emulate the love and forgiveness shown by our Heavenly Father.

May you know the unbounded love and mercy of God. 

May you, like the brother who chose forgiveness over resentment, be ready to forgive.

May you recognize the face of God when you receive forgiveness from others.

And, may you experience Heaven’s profound joy every time the Father calls for a celebration!

Great Communicators

Humans are communal creatures. We are masters of tribalism, nationality, culture, sub-culture, language, dialect, family, religion, fields of study, etc. - all result from of our need to have group identity. Each of these collective categories bond us together within the group and separate us distinctly from those outside the group. It's what we do. It's how we make sense of things.

Having specialised terms helps us clearly say that which is important to us. Higher learning has its words, phrases and definitions. So do religions, cultures and nations. Heck, so do families - my dad and I have words and phrases that mean nothing to anyone else but bring entire memory clusters back to mind when we use them - thus bonding us again, closer and closer - becoming more like each other and less like everyone else.

Those who successfully speak to others outside their personal areas of specialisation excel at using common language - simple speak. And they make a study of the group they wish to speak to. Christians call this incarnation. Scholars call it 'dumbing down'. Communicators call it necessary!

Good communication is saying it right.
Great communication is being heard right.
Good communicators are educated and articulate.
Great communicators are relational and understood.

Here's a strategy to help you know if you have something ready to truly communicate to those external to your worldview. Explain it to an eight-year-old and ask them to tell it back to you in their own words.

Trying to understand God? Here, try these on.

Put on your coloured glasses. Oh, you already have them on! 

We all do. 

The cultural, spiritual and physical context of when and where we live combined with the education we receive from that culture create the lenses through which we see God, how we read the Bible and how we think of our fellow humans. 

This has always been true of humanity. Just like us, in Old Testament times, they defined God and their relationship with God through the lenses created by their world. And when they wrote it down, they wrote it with those lenses on - believing they were seeing clearly. When we read it, we read through our lenses. Learning about their lenses and trying them on when reading the Bible will help us understand them and their writing. 

But understanding God takes a lot more than the right glasses! We believe we can now see God clearly because of Jesus. Hogwash! God had work done - a lot of work! - before he showed up as Jesus. It's called the incarnation. God went through a massive transformation - gestation in a human womb, childhood in a Palestinian village, indoctrination in an Israelite community, all with a teenage mum and and tradie dad - so he could be one with us. He was still God, but cloaked in humanity and locked in a historical context. He came as close to being one of us as was divinely possible. 

Perhaps he did too good of a job. He spent much of his ministry saying, "How long have I been with you and still don't understand who God is?" Even after Jesus died, came back to life and was about to be slurped up to Heaven, "Some of them still doubted" (Matt 28:17). That's just the way of us humans. Our lenses only allow so much to be true!

So, if you have trouble understanding God - join the club. He doesn't expect us or require us to understand him. The epic narrative of Biblical scripture repeatedly shows that God wants us to know one thing - God loves us. He said it over and over and they wrote it down in their language. Then he showed up looking strangely familiar and showed us with his words, actions, death and resurrection. God is Love. God loves you. God created you as a creature of love - to love and be loved. Can you see it?

For God         (spiritual lens)
so loved         (relational lens)
the World       (cosmological lens)
that He           (patriarchy lens)
gave               (monetary lens)
His                 (gender lens)
one & only     (eggs in one basket lens!)
Son                 (family lens)
whoever          (inclusivity lens)
believes           (faith lens)
in Him             (trust lens)
will not die      (fear lens)
but have           (identity lens)
eternal life       (hope lens)

The BAD WORDS of Christianity

As Christians, we've been sold a bad set of words. And words define everything. 

Sin and Saved. Horrible words. 

If you're talking about being a Christian - a follower of Jesus - you couldn't have two more ill-fitting words than sin and saved. Are you saved? When did you get saved? How do you know you're saved? Have you sinned? Is this a sin? Is that a sin? How bad of a sin? IS IT A SALVATION ISSUE? Talk about 'adventures in missing the point!' If there are more effective words to destroy and distract the hearts and minds of Jesus' followers, I don't know what they are.

Do you want to know the good word? The word that'll knock sin out of your vocabulary and saved out of your worries... Love

Try it on for a bit. How does it fit?

Are you loved?

Imagine talking to your parents one day and saying, "If a big bus was careening out of control down the road toward me and you were on the side of the road, would you save me?" They would say, "Of course." ... Then you ask, "Why?" and they respond, "Because we love you!"

We do everything we can for the good of those whom we love. There's no greater love than to die for a friend. And, yet, Jesus died for you while you were still ignorant of his love. Why? So you could know you are saved? No, because He already loved you. He loves you. You are loved.

Sin doesn't make sense as a concept once you know you are loved. Sin is for those who need a list to guide them. Christians have Jesus. Knowing we are loved by God changes our allegiance. We no longer tic the boxes of righteousness. We follow in the wake of the Righteous One. We need not ask, is this a sin? Is that a sin? Have I sinned? Instead, we act in love. Like Jesus. In his own words, "The entirety of the sin/law code can be summed up in one idea: Love the Lord your God with all you've got and love everyone else as much as you are loved."

Love keeps no record of wrongs.

Buddha in Bali

At breakfast one day, my client asked the waitress why there was a statue of the Buddha in the restaurant when Bali is mostly Hindu. She explained we were sitting in a Thai restaurant and Thailand is mostly Buddhist. I asked her if she knew the name of the Buddha (I was drawing a blank) and she said, “Name? The Buddha lived as a man?” Boy, I got excited! Storytime! 

I quickly googled his name and then told her about the prince who, as a baby, was blessed and a prophecy came from the lips of the man blessing him, “I have seen that young Siddhartha Gautama will grow to be one of two great things. He will either be the world’s greatest military leader or he will become the world’s greatest spiritual teacher. But not both.” 

Siddharta’s father wanted the kingdom he ruled over to be superior to all others. So, he got the best military training for the prince. And the best education. And he trained him to be a great king. He also kept his son away from anything that would encourage him toward spiritual things. He kept him away from the poor, the sick, the lame and only let him see power, wealth and health. 

After Siddharta was married and had a child, he was riding through the city in an enclosed charriot, as he always did. But, the curtains parted and he saw, along the roadside, a man with one leg - begging. When he got home, it bothered him that there was suffering outside his palace. He began sneaking out and visiting the poor. 

One day, after saying goodbye to his wife and son, the prince left his wealth behind. Dressed as a commoner, he began walking from place to place on a pilgramage of suffering in an attempt to understand it. He decided all of life was suffering. He starved himself for awhile thinking perhaps food was the problem. But, skinny and nearly dead, he decided he was wrong. So, he began eating everything, enjoying every flavour and texture. Perhaps indulging was the remedy for suffering. But, after a time, feeling fat and unwell, he decided indulgence, also, was not the answer. Then he discovered ballance. All things in moderation but none to the point of selfishness. 

Years later, while sitting under a tree, Siddharta became fully enlightened. He realised that all of life IS suffering but all who truly live can end the suffering they see - or at least try. And this is the way of the Buddha.

The waitress, a young lady of maybe 25 listened to the entire story caught up in it. She said she had never heard this story but liked it very much. She thanked me for sharing it. 

One thing I really love about Bali is the unrushed nature of everyone - especially hospitality staff. They od or squat next to our table and we have long chats. It is a beautful place with truly beautiful people. 

Later in the day, as we were walking through Ubud, my client said, “Dave I am so glad you are my worker. I have so many spiritual questions and I love that you can just answer off the top of your head because you have studied these things and know all the stories. You’re perfect for me!” He’s a catholic man and really loves to talk about Bible stories and theology. Right now we are part way through a discussion about various Christian theories of atonement. 

But I digress. Buddha! Cool story. Bali. Great place!

Bible Study Conversation Guide

I finally developed an idea I've had for a while. A simple Bible study discussion and note-taking study guide.

Grab the PDF here

Print it double-sided, Fold it in quarters and you have a convenient note-taking size. open it for the discussion guide, when needed. 🙂

It is good, of course, to read the passage and study it beforehand!

What do you think of it? Can you see it working for you?

Based on my 28 Stories journals and Peter Roenfeldt's Bible study bookmarks.