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Gospel

A voice in the wilderness

Thursday Bible Study News

Recent Zoom Bible study
Scott teaching a recent study 8-6-2020

Recently we have updated our format for Thursday Bible Study a little. Since the Spring with COVID-19 we have had a Zoom option for people to come and join while we had social distancing at home.

We have seen that if everyone is logged in to the meeting with one or two people per screen, it is a lot easier to hear and see everyone. This also allows for us to include more people in the teaching on Matthew’s gospel that Scott Kjos is doing. In addition, parents with small children can attend and be a part of the meeting.

Recordings are being made with Zoom and shared on here on this YouTube playlist so that we can review the teaching and share with others. We would be glad to have others join, so for the most current information please check our Connect page.

See you for Thursday Bible Study. This week we will discuss Matthew chapter 4.

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Blog Gospel Our story Teaching Updates

Upson Downs 7-30-20

Summer is racing by with no resolution to many of our modern dilemmas: worldwide pandemic, social unrest, economic challenges, remote work and school. There is no end in sight, and it’s easy to get caught up in the politics of the day, or look for magic solutions. We believe that Jesus really is the answer, but what does that mean in a practical sense? 

We believe that Jesus really is the answer, but what does that mean in a practical sense? 

Regan Read

We at Church of the Servant-King are wrestling with these very questions, challenging ourselves to greater faithfulness in unprecedented times. The politics of Jesus: radical forgiveness, loving your enemies, life laid down for others, uncompromising faithfulness, sacrifice, loving God-these are timeless truths. In light of this, as Francis Schaeffer poignantly asked, “How shall we then live?” 

Rather than be utterly paralyzed by the overwhelming weight of God’s call on our lives, we strive to at least be faithful in small things, which Scripture tells us, will enable us to be faithful in grander achievements. Accordingly, we have expanded our Thursday night Zoom Bible Study, reaching out more purposefully to our community, loving the lonely through calls, notes, and encouragement.

screenshot from a recent online bible study
Experiencing digital connections with Zoom at a recent Bible Study.

We are beginning an online forum with church leaders, seeking an ecumenical dialogue and partnership regarding how to love the world in turbulent times. We are ever more aware of the need to break down barriers and are working with a large sister congregation to embody the truths we say we believe. As we take nightly walks, we have an increased burden to greet our neighbors and make friendly connections. Community building is a call on all our lives. 

Enough for now! We hope you stay well and encouraged, and, as always, we appreciate your prayers and feedback.

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Gospel Teaching

Little children…

Please see our post “Bible Study Summaries” for information on the format of this post.

Matthew 18:1-14

Discussion 4/30/2020

I’ve not been like a child. Anything I’ve learned, I’ve become an “expert,” using anything I’ve learned to separate and not unite. I’ve been the opposite of humility, and called to repent.

I read the story of Moses & Jesus as a child. My mother asked me to choose between them as to who was the greatest and I chose Jesus. In my life I asked who is the greatest as they jockeyed for position. 

Participant

I feel this story in Matthew 18 says, “Look, see this child, be like him: unimportant, etc. Jesus becomes impatient with the disiciples’ questions. How do you view yourself? How do you position yourself?”

“Jesus is teaching what followers should be like. See children in a new light. Be humble. Don’t miss the warning of a millstone being hung around your neck and be thrown into the sea.”

“What does it mean to become like a child?”

Participant question

Correction and direction.

“I resent people that correct me. Take correction and direction like a child. The disciples were all the time.”

On the word “child,” it was (in Greek) the most diminutive meaning little child or newborn. He could be referring to infant.”

“They, the disciples, will have a great responsibility caring for the little ones.”

“Be careful if you look down on “despise” others, how you treat your brothers and sisters.”

There is a warning to the Pharisees setting up others to fail.

Children image courtesy
https://images.app.goo.gl/BgFezvNhvD8Ur1Cc7
Woe to those who are teachers…

Teaching

Now this section is from our teacher, Jose. His thoughts and impressions.

Referring to Romans 8:12-17: There is only one king by righteousness. Then come the sons. And they cry “Abba, Father,” in the spirit of sonship. We are all heirs of God, provided we suffer with him. 

In this kingdom there are two tiers. There are kings and heirs. They are those who respond adequately to the call of Christ. 

Trust is the essential quality. 

Jose Mejia

The one “led astray” is the one the shepherd goes after.

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Gospel Updates

Upson Downs 5-1-20

This week we are digging into Matthew 18 for Bible study. As the time nears for Jesus’ suffering and death, things intensify greatly. More seems to be directed specifically to His disciples- who will remain faithful until the end? The same question is always posed to us; picking up one’s cross and following Him are not occasional acts!

Jose teaching recently with social distancing and remote connection support

We have been glad for those who are joining us remotely for Bible studies while we continue to maintain careful procedures at home. Recently we were reminded that in this time of pandemic, we should not be practicing social distancing, rather, we should practice physical distancing and social solidarity. What an important distinction!

…we should practice physical distancing and social solidarity

We give thanks for a new, healthy baby in our midst, and for all our wonderful kids who seem to be faring quite well in this time of uncertainty. We hope we are modeling calm and courage in the midst of the storm, always remembering that Jesus is in the boat with us.

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Gospel

We need to love people.

Please see our post “Bible Study Summaries” for information on the format of this post.

Discussion on Matthew 17

Although Jesus seems to want to be alone at times, he works in congress with others like his disciples. The Lord even discusses things with Moses and Elijah. This seems to be a lesson for us that we cannot be a Lone Ranger, we need to work in partnership. Use your imagination, what would it have been like to be the disciples at this time and to be hearing those words from the Lord?

Why were they not scared at the sight of Moses and Elijah, but only scared at the voice of God. Moses connects to covenant, the Law. And Elijah is emblematic of the prophets.  Elijah and Moses were known figures to the Jews. Connected to circumcision, and the Passover. 

Moses was on the mountain with God, and now with Jesus.  Elijah did not experience death, was taken up. God was making sure they knew Jesus was his son, above the prophets, even as great as Moses and Elijah was.  It was a “wow” moment, Jesus was no prophet, but God incarnate. Scary! 

God is presenting Jesus: don’t worship, adore, prostrate, offering, sacrifice, 

BUT LISTEN TO HIM! ‘Cause you haven’t been doing a good job! 

Jesus doesn’t need admirers, he needs listeners!  Jesus comes off the mountain and is immediately met with human need and suffering.

We cannot make it on our own strength, we need the help that is offered to us. 

We don’t need to “move mountains,” we need to love people. 

Bible Study discussion

Maybe Jesus is so frustrated with them because maybe they knew how to cast out demons, but you didn’t pray and fast and believe in, or believe me. You didn’t really think it could be done, or you thought you could do it alone, arrogance, do it with special power given and not go through the process of prayer and fasting. Want the easy quick way out. 

Shortcut taken? Taking gifts for granted, thinking its magic! 

Even if you had a small faith, you could move a mountain. But you don’t even have enough to heal a boy. The purpose of faith is to love people. That’s what Jesus wants.

They couldn’t heal that guy, lack of faith prevented them from addressing and alleviating human pain and suffering.

Even a tiny dose of faith can move mountains.

But you DON’T even have that much… You can’t heal this guy, even though you have been given power. Lack of faith, trust, understanding, listening, obedience. We can do so more if we can increase our faith level!

Teaching

Now this section is from our teacher, Jose. His thoughts and impressions.

Section 1

The revelation of Jesus is unfolding, and he is teaching and showing more. Maybe earlier the disciples could not have handled it. Increased intimacy = increased information. Divine revelation comes gradually it seems. We are given what we can handle. 

A gradual dispensation of knowledge. We are not ready for solid food yet, like in Corinthians. Mature information for mature followers

Like trying to bench press 225 when you have not trained. 

We cant handle some things yet, but we need to get ready.

To those who have, much more will be given, and to those who have not, even that will be taken away. We need to ASPIRE to something, not just desire! Drastically different outlooks.  Don’t demand without seeking to deserve what is being asked to be given. 

Use the gifts given. Do you like boxing? Iron Mike Tyson- left hand to the body, immediate left to the head. 

What would you do if you hear Gods voice? Fall down, pass out, soil yourself?

To see the 3 guys talking is the body shot, and Gods voice is the hook to the head. We get knocked down. Why do they need a tent? Peter is foolish, maybe he is in shock.

Have we witnessed Jesus power and glory? If so, what statements do we make? Foolishness too often.

The 3 disciples kept their word, and remained silent until after he was raised. Do we follow his instructions? Or do we think we know better?

Obedience is required here. How do we respond to the presence of Jesus in our life?

Section 2

Fumble! Those guys get paid a lot to catch the ball, but miss often.

Developed skill

When something is given for a purpose, what happens when we blow it? Its not about the gift, but the exercise of the gift. What do we do with what has been given?

They failed at a task they had already performed. Why? Maybe they took the gift for granted. The gift was given to heal, but maybe it was rusty. The gift was wasted, not being employed.

The issue was lack of faith, and prayer and fasting They were too self-reliant, didn’t think they needed those things. Arrogance, we know better, we don’t need those things. We can use our own power and strength. 

The impossible can be achieved. We need thanksgiving, faith, prayer, fasting to perform our duties.

Last section: Do you know who I am?

Much corruption in the temple. That much is evident? Do we all participate in the tax? We don’t exempt ourselves? Don’t give yourself a pass, practice what you preach.

Lead the way, let others follow.  You put heavy burdens but don’t help others carry it.

To desire sometime does not mean to aspire it

Thought vs action. I wish I had this, or could do this. I am going to get myself into position to have, or do this. Jesus is narrowing his audience. Many, 12, 3, 1.

Whoever can handle it. Upward, onward, to Heavy lifting.  Who can handle the tasks, the work? Maybe just Peter. He has shown himself to be a willing, but flawed candidate.

Categories
Gospel Teaching

Bible Study Summaries

A little context

Bible Study Summaries on our blog (http://www.servant-king.org/category/blog/) are group discussion session notes and summaries of direct teaching presentations. Group discussions, with which we lead off Thursday Bible study are where those gathered discuss what has been gleaned during the week as we do our homework. Teaching presentations are given for a more in depth look at the passage and point to personal response.

Assignments and study context:

“What do I still lack?”

Matthew 19:20
  • One of our assignments is to spend at least 2 hours doing homework and study in preparation.
  • We also have requested that people study together if at all possible, in order to spend time together, for accountability, and to work together in the scripture. 
  • We make the attempt to study without an academic mindset but a more personal one. Not asking ‘what does the Greek say?” Rather, examining the scripture with the mindset of “What do I still lack?” Making it personal, not merely an intellectual exercise.

Timeline and disclaimer

Our current study of Matthew is taking place during the 2019-2020 time period. We are beginning our Bible Study Summaries in April 2020. In addition we have an effort to publish other types of study and teaching materials as we are able.

Posts to our blog at www.servant-king.org under the Gospel category are intended be an encouragement to others to dig deeper while asking the question of the rich young man in Matthew 19. Please know we do not think they are an exact representation of the conversations, comments, or teachings and are not intended to be a replacement for the value of meeting together to call each other on in our lives.

We would love to hear from you if you have any input, questions, or ideas but we do not desire to engage in doctrinal debates or conversations that do not call on the individual or congregations (churches) to renewal.

Categories
Apologetics Gospel

Why God made us

A first of many talks. Mark records Scott on “Why God made us, Part 1.” Please take a listen and let us know what you think.

Categories
Gospel Service

Reaching in and out

Video sharing

In COVID-19 like fashion, I am tinkering with video to support my students. I am trying to share an original short video each day or so. My school “Reading foundations” playlist on my channel is here: Along with the “safer-at-home” COVID-19 restrictions comes the question of reaching out in our church community context. This has brought me to a point of wondering, “Can we use video to reach out as a church congregation?” We have been reaching out to our neighbors to see how we can serve, but that is limited too, and we can’t invite people to any gatherings. I was speaking with Scott about this last night while at the same time he was excited about a new way he has been thinking about to share the hope of the gospel with people. I captured these clips to share. What do you think? Am I on to something here? Can “informal” videos like this one, along with other types, be an authentic and effective way to serve our neighbors and virtually many others around the world?