Hello Life Church,
Like most parents we want Jesus to be a part of our children's lives. In vs 13 parents wanted their children to be touched by Jesus. But the disciples pushed them away. Why do you think this was happening? Jesus said Let the little children come to me, do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. What did Jesus mean ? I think that as a child your heart is pure and wanting to learn and you believe what is told to you so why not get the knowledge of God in your life as a young child or even now as a teen. vs 24 is almost like a riddle It is easier for a camel to go through an eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God. What does that mean? To me what I get is its easier to get a camel to do something (camels can be stubborn) than to get someone rich to do what is right. Not all who are rich act above others ( and those who don't have anything can act just as wrong). and try to get into heaven on their own. Jesus does tell we CAN'T do this on our own (get into heaven) but with God all things are possible.
Matthew 20 Jesus predicts his death a third time. I don't think the 12 were really grasping what was going to happen. All of them had learned it through out their lives. (they were taught at the temples and by hearing that God was going to send a savior via parents and scrolls ) But here is Jesus saying this to them again. I know he was preparing their hearts. What in this chapter has made you think twice? the parable about the vineyard, a bold woman asking for her sons to sit at Jesus hands in heaven, two blind men receiving sight? Let me know.
Matthew 21, What will be known later as Palm Sunday. Jesus rides in to town on a Donkey, not a horse, not a chariot not a bed carried by his disciples, not in a grand way but a simple way. The way we believe his mother Mary traveled. Hosanna in the highest heaven. What awesome words. Here again I can't choose what is my favorite part of this chapter. What draws you in what makes you think and want to know more? Ask if I don't know how to answer it I have a team of youth leaders, Mike, Stacy, and Rich who are here to help us all grow in the Lord and his word.
Have a Blessed Day
Kaylene
Friday, August 15, 2014
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Matthew 16-18 (Wednesday August 13th)
Hi guys! So for this week, we'll be diving into the Gospel of Matthew, chapters 16-18. Starting in chapter 16, here we find Jesus speaking to the Pharisees as they asked for signs and discussed among themselves this Jesus. In addition, it is here that we find Peter confessing Jesus as the Christ. In Matthew 16:14 (ESV) Jesus specifically asks Peter "But who do you say I am?" His question is pointed and direct. It also serves the purpose of signifying such a crucial aspect of how we identify Jesus. In today's age, many talk about Jesus as a man, a scholar, a teacher, a zealot, and a revolutionary. And yes He was all of those things, but above all these who is Jesus? Peter replies to Jesus in the next verse with "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Later in this chapter Jesus speaks of his future resurrection, but he instructs His disciples to deny themselves and follow Him. How do we follow Him? Before we can do anything we must believe, and we must identify Jesus and the Christ and the Son of God.
In chapter 17 the Gospel goes on to tell of the Transfiguration of Jesus. How Jesus with his inner circle James, John and Peter climbed the high mountain to encounter God. Not only did He encounter His Father, but He was transfigured right before the disciples' eyes. There, He encountered both Moses and Elijah. Later He displays the power of His father by healing a demon-possessed boy and speaks of His resurrection which grows near.
Moving on, chapter 18 is where we really get into some good stuff. Jesus settles a dispute between His disciples on who is the greatest, explaining to them that they must be selfless like a child. He also gives parables and gives warnings on the temptations of sin, and the importance of forgiving those who sin against you. But one of my favorite parables in all of the Gospel is the parable of the lost sheep. In here Jesus explains through the analogy of the lost sheep that while many of His followers will never stray, there will be those who do. But the joy that He feels upon finding that lost sheep and bringing him back to the herd is unparalleled. It reiterates the amazing mercy and grace that is available to us through Him. No matter who we are, or what we've done, Jesus is there for us! He is always there to find us, to guide us and to bring us back home. Now is that cool or what? Way cool.
In chapter 17 the Gospel goes on to tell of the Transfiguration of Jesus. How Jesus with his inner circle James, John and Peter climbed the high mountain to encounter God. Not only did He encounter His Father, but He was transfigured right before the disciples' eyes. There, He encountered both Moses and Elijah. Later He displays the power of His father by healing a demon-possessed boy and speaks of His resurrection which grows near.
Moving on, chapter 18 is where we really get into some good stuff. Jesus settles a dispute between His disciples on who is the greatest, explaining to them that they must be selfless like a child. He also gives parables and gives warnings on the temptations of sin, and the importance of forgiving those who sin against you. But one of my favorite parables in all of the Gospel is the parable of the lost sheep. In here Jesus explains through the analogy of the lost sheep that while many of His followers will never stray, there will be those who do. But the joy that He feels upon finding that lost sheep and bringing him back to the herd is unparalleled. It reiterates the amazing mercy and grace that is available to us through Him. No matter who we are, or what we've done, Jesus is there for us! He is always there to find us, to guide us and to bring us back home. Now is that cool or what? Way cool.
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Matthew 13-15 Tuesday Aug 12
HEALINGS HEALINGS HEALINGS
PARABLES PARABLES PARABLES
These 3 chapters are filled with so many miracles and parables!
First I want to draw your attention not to a particular healing but when and how the healing did or did NOT take place. There was a time Jesus didn't heal - yep, that's what I said. Why? Matt 13:58 said He didn't heal because of people's unbelief. However one time (Matt 14:36) people just touched him and they were healed. One time he ignored, then rejected, then degraded a woman who's daughter needed healing but she kept asking, for healing and he finally did. Instead of just reading the stories, what does this tell us about Jesus? What can we learn?
Second, let's talk about the parables. These 3 chapters say, " ...and the kingdom of heaven is like...." at least 8 TIMES! This topic must be very important to Him. The thing that I want you to see is in Matt 13:11 and 16. He tells his friends something important. He says the secrets of the kingdom of heaven have been given them to know and that their eyes and ears are blessed because they see and hear. To me this is a GREAT thing to pray for.....to be found one that Jesus would give the secrets of the kingdom to and to have seeing eyes and hearing ears.
PARABLES PARABLES PARABLES
These 3 chapters are filled with so many miracles and parables!
First I want to draw your attention not to a particular healing but when and how the healing did or did NOT take place. There was a time Jesus didn't heal - yep, that's what I said. Why? Matt 13:58 said He didn't heal because of people's unbelief. However one time (Matt 14:36) people just touched him and they were healed. One time he ignored, then rejected, then degraded a woman who's daughter needed healing but she kept asking, for healing and he finally did. Instead of just reading the stories, what does this tell us about Jesus? What can we learn?
Second, let's talk about the parables. These 3 chapters say, " ...and the kingdom of heaven is like...." at least 8 TIMES! This topic must be very important to Him. The thing that I want you to see is in Matt 13:11 and 16. He tells his friends something important. He says the secrets of the kingdom of heaven have been given them to know and that their eyes and ears are blessed because they see and hear. To me this is a GREAT thing to pray for.....to be found one that Jesus would give the secrets of the kingdom to and to have seeing eyes and hearing ears.
Saturday, August 9, 2014
Mathhew 7,8,9 (Saturday August 9)
Hello fellow bloggers and readers. Today we continue with the book of Matthew:
Matthew 7
Do Not Judge - Here in verses 1-6 Jesus is saying, who are you to judge? Look in the mirror.
Ask - In verses 9-11 Jesus compares God the Father to earthly fathers and states that God wants to give good things to His children.All we need to do is ask.
In verses 15-23 Jesus tells us to beware of false prophets and how to recognize them. he says you will know them by their fruits. In Revelation we learned that people will be fooled by and follow false prophets, so I like how this ties in with that and Jesus is teaching us how to recognize. $10 Starbucks gift card to the first youth to answer these 3 questions correctly:
1. What does Jesus mean when he says you will know them by their fruits?
2. What does Jesus mean when he says "every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire."?
Verses 28 + 29 say that people were astonished at Jesus' teaching
3. What was different about Jesus' teachings compared to the scribes?
Matthew 8
Jesus is back to his healing ways. Jesus heals a leper, a centurion's servant, Peter's mother-in-law, two demon possessed men and many more. What was unique about the way the centurion's servant was healed (verse 5-10) and why did Jesus marvel at this Centurion's faith?
Verses 23-27 show us that even the weather and the oceans obey Jesus
In verses 18-22 Jesus tells us that discipleship is costly. What is something you will have to give up to be discipled by Jesus? What will it cost you?
Matthew 9
Jesus forgives and heals a paralyzed man. The religious leader were already not pleased with Jesus for all of His healings but when Jesus forgave this man they really got upset.
In verses 9-13 Jesus shows us that in order to save "sinners/bad people", you actually have to come into contact with "sinners/bad people." Besides, who really is a good person anyway? Have we learned from all of our reading this summer? Are there any of us who will get to heaven because we are "good people"?
In verses 14-17 we see more religious thought questioning Jesus's actions. Jesus continues to teach relationship with him instead of rules and regulations.
Jesus then continues to heal more people, including raising a girl from the dead. This chapter really showcases the power of Jesus when you consider that he healed the blind, paralyzed, and the dead. Is healing still possible today? Do you know anyone who has been healed by Jesus?
Matthew 7
Do Not Judge - Here in verses 1-6 Jesus is saying, who are you to judge? Look in the mirror.
Ask - In verses 9-11 Jesus compares God the Father to earthly fathers and states that God wants to give good things to His children.All we need to do is ask.
In verses 15-23 Jesus tells us to beware of false prophets and how to recognize them. he says you will know them by their fruits. In Revelation we learned that people will be fooled by and follow false prophets, so I like how this ties in with that and Jesus is teaching us how to recognize. $10 Starbucks gift card to the first youth to answer these 3 questions correctly:
1. What does Jesus mean when he says you will know them by their fruits?
2. What does Jesus mean when he says "every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire."?
Verses 28 + 29 say that people were astonished at Jesus' teaching
3. What was different about Jesus' teachings compared to the scribes?
Matthew 8
Jesus is back to his healing ways. Jesus heals a leper, a centurion's servant, Peter's mother-in-law, two demon possessed men and many more. What was unique about the way the centurion's servant was healed (verse 5-10) and why did Jesus marvel at this Centurion's faith?
Verses 23-27 show us that even the weather and the oceans obey Jesus
In verses 18-22 Jesus tells us that discipleship is costly. What is something you will have to give up to be discipled by Jesus? What will it cost you?
Matthew 9
Jesus forgives and heals a paralyzed man. The religious leader were already not pleased with Jesus for all of His healings but when Jesus forgave this man they really got upset.
In verses 9-13 Jesus shows us that in order to save "sinners/bad people", you actually have to come into contact with "sinners/bad people." Besides, who really is a good person anyway? Have we learned from all of our reading this summer? Are there any of us who will get to heaven because we are "good people"?
In verses 14-17 we see more religious thought questioning Jesus's actions. Jesus continues to teach relationship with him instead of rules and regulations.
Jesus then continues to heal more people, including raising a girl from the dead. This chapter really showcases the power of Jesus when you consider that he healed the blind, paralyzed, and the dead. Is healing still possible today? Do you know anyone who has been healed by Jesus?
Friday, August 8, 2014
Matthew4,5,6 Friday August 8
Good Morning,
We are now in Matthew 4. Jesus is so vulnerable here, he has fasted 40 days and 40 nights. Can you tell me anything else with 40 in it? Could you survive with no food or water for that long? The devil tempts Jesus to do things and Jesus uses what he knew to get the devil out. Once he goes through this Angles come and take care of him. Jesus begins to preach. He calls his first Disciples. Could you imagine working on your boat or catching fish and Jesus says come follow me. they dropped everything to follow Jesus. Front row seats to an amazing life changing journey. Jesus heals the sick and shares about Gods kingdom. Matt 5, this is where the Sermon on the Mount took place also the Beatitudes. Do you know that this means happiness? This is so cool read them over and over again. No matter if you are home schooled, go to private, public, college or work we all face these things in our lives good or bad. Just one of these can make your day go smoother. Matthew 5 we all know it in some way or form salt light, hiding our lamp. Jesus word is just as relevant to day as it was then. He even goes through some of the laws that they all knew and clarifies them. Matt. 6, why would Jesus say don't make a big deal about giving to the poor? Have you ever seen anyone have the look at me attitude? What did you think of them? Just like praying Jesus said don't show off. why would Jesus say that? He wants your prayers to be from the heart not the mouth. We all know vs9-13. Matthew 6 is I believe Jesus putting aside the show and going after us and having a personal relationship with him. So many people at that time and now just go through what they have been taught or the rules. Jesus wants more than that he wants you and him to know each other deeper.
Think good thoughts and have a blessed day.
Kaylene
We are now in Matthew 4. Jesus is so vulnerable here, he has fasted 40 days and 40 nights. Can you tell me anything else with 40 in it? Could you survive with no food or water for that long? The devil tempts Jesus to do things and Jesus uses what he knew to get the devil out. Once he goes through this Angles come and take care of him. Jesus begins to preach. He calls his first Disciples. Could you imagine working on your boat or catching fish and Jesus says come follow me. they dropped everything to follow Jesus. Front row seats to an amazing life changing journey. Jesus heals the sick and shares about Gods kingdom. Matt 5, this is where the Sermon on the Mount took place also the Beatitudes. Do you know that this means happiness? This is so cool read them over and over again. No matter if you are home schooled, go to private, public, college or work we all face these things in our lives good or bad. Just one of these can make your day go smoother. Matthew 5 we all know it in some way or form salt light, hiding our lamp. Jesus word is just as relevant to day as it was then. He even goes through some of the laws that they all knew and clarifies them. Matt. 6, why would Jesus say don't make a big deal about giving to the poor? Have you ever seen anyone have the look at me attitude? What did you think of them? Just like praying Jesus said don't show off. why would Jesus say that? He wants your prayers to be from the heart not the mouth. We all know vs9-13. Matthew 6 is I believe Jesus putting aside the show and going after us and having a personal relationship with him. So many people at that time and now just go through what they have been taught or the rules. Jesus wants more than that he wants you and him to know each other deeper.
Think good thoughts and have a blessed day.
Kaylene
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Revelation 20-22 (Wednesday August 6th)
I can’t
believe the summer is almost over! Where has the time gone? I’m honored to
finish out the book of Revelation here. This material is heavy, and my reading
of it is one of many I’m sure. But nevertheless here we go!
Chapter 20
of Revelation talks about the binding of the devil, Christ’s return and 1000
year reign, Satan’s rebellion and finally the Great White Throne Judgment. Easy
stuff, right? There are many interpretations of this material, regarding the
capture of Satan and Jesus’ 1000 year earthly kingdom. After this period, Satan
is then released for one final battle that ends all battles for good and evil
and sin. Finally, judgment comes as it says in Revelation 20:12 (ESV) “And I saw the dead, great and small,
standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was
opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written
in the books, according to what they had done.” This speaks to the final
and eternal judgment that we will all face at the very end. It can seem a bit
daunting, but don’t worry, it gets better!
Chapter 21
begins with the creation of the new universe. Sin, and demons and Satan have
been defeated forever and cast into the lake of fire. Now, a new heaven and new
earth will be created, a new eternal dwelling for the redeemed. Honestly, it’s
difficult for our minds to grasp this idea. The old universe destroyed? A new
universe created that will last forever for us? What? But we can rejoice in
this idea, knowing that one day we will all be created anew, living with God in
his new creation forever! That’s pretty awesome if you ask me! In Revelation
21:4 (ESV) it says “He will wipe away
every tear form their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be
mourning nor crying nor pain anymore, for former things have passed away.”
In this new world, nothing will be sad, or disappointing or wrong in anyway. We
will all live in joy, happiness, and peace with God and one another. This
chapter raises more questions than it answers, but we can take heart knowing
that this new world, this new life will be amazing. And we should all look
forward to that day!
The final chapter,
Chapter 22 further expands on this new world and gives us the final words and
warnings of Jesus. It talks about the new river of life, where the continual
flow of eternal life will flow from God’s throne. It speaks to the tree of
life, going all the way back to Genesis and the symbol of both eternal life and
the never ending blessing of God. Finally, it tells of Jesus and His return. In
Revelation 22:7 Jesus says “And behold,
I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of
this book.” Jesus is coming back! And we don’t know when, today, tomorrow
or a hundred years from now. But we can be certain that He will return, and all
of this will come to pass! Pretty amazing stuff, right?
There’s way
more in these three chapters that I could possibly cover in one post. But I
encourage you to read it, go through it, study it! The best conversations of
faith occur while studying and discussing the Scripture! Good luck!
Sunday, August 3, 2014
Revelation 11-13 Sunday August 3
Wow, why is the book of revelations a collection of "sealed" prophecies?
Chapter 11 questions to think about:
Who could the two witness be? There are theories..
What is the purpose of the two witnesses and why did God set the whole thing up like that?
In verse 15 the Kingdom is proclaimed, why? What purpose did that serve?
Chapter 12 The woman, the child, and the serpent.
The Book of Revelations can only be written down linearly, but what if the events where not linear? What if they where not all with in a 7 year period but just a few of the things mentioned are and other where events that have happened through out time. Like this chapter for instance sound alot like this was the spiritual view of the birth of Jesus...
Just throwing that our there for something to think about.
Chapter 13
The beast from the sea...humm why does a "beast" come out of the "Sea", a lot of people think that sea actually means sea of humanity... what do you think??
symbols symbols symbols... the second beast comes out of the earth what could that mean??
Chapter 11 questions to think about:
Who could the two witness be? There are theories..
What is the purpose of the two witnesses and why did God set the whole thing up like that?
In verse 15 the Kingdom is proclaimed, why? What purpose did that serve?
Chapter 12 The woman, the child, and the serpent.
The Book of Revelations can only be written down linearly, but what if the events where not linear? What if they where not all with in a 7 year period but just a few of the things mentioned are and other where events that have happened through out time. Like this chapter for instance sound alot like this was the spiritual view of the birth of Jesus...
Just throwing that our there for something to think about.
Chapter 13
The beast from the sea...humm why does a "beast" come out of the "Sea", a lot of people think that sea actually means sea of humanity... what do you think??
symbols symbols symbols... the second beast comes out of the earth what could that mean??
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