Tag: Jesus

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
Updates

Upson Downs 4-23

A current strategy is to offer books, puzzles, games, and other resources to our neighbors through our book cart. It’s a little like a neighborhood library, but we don’t expect returns (and we don’t charge overdue fines!) We have an abundance of good books that we would like to share, and we know they will be especially welcome in these strange times.

Recent book selection

Please won’t you be my neighbor?

Mr. Fred Rogers

We try to be present to our neighbors as they access these resources, stop and look, or just say hello when passing by. This is an opportunity to reach out in a time of isolation and uncertainty. We want to offer not only tangible items like books, but more importantly, offer the love of Jesus to all, and to make ourselves known as a small body of Christian believers.

We invite anyone to stop by for welcome, some wonderful resources, conversation, and timeless truths.When asked a question about who is my neighbor, Jesus tells a familiar yet convicting story. Read about it in Luke 10. Then come by and we’ll talk about it. As Mister Rogers says, “Please won’t you be my neighbor?

Categories
Updates

Upson Downs

empty street
Quiet streets in Gardena, April 2020

…we all strive to not merely exist, but to thrive and grow in these strangely unprecedented times

Regan

Last night we enjoyed wonderful, refreshing laughter as we gathered together outside for an evening of fun. But is was fun with a serious purpose: raising money for a ministry in Mexico providing food and educational supplies for a needy family. People were generous in donations, and generous in laughter for a memorable experience. We will do it again as one of our young men has committed himself to raising monthly support for another less fortunate boy. 

We continue to wrestle with the question posed to Jesus so long ago: “Lord, what do I still lack?” as we study the gospel of Matthew for the straightforward truths laid out by Jesus. Last Thursday Jose finished his commentary on Matthew 16, reminding us of the things that make gates fall: reconciliation, forgiveness, discipline.

Against these weapons, Hades doesn’t stand a chance. He also referenced Acts 15:1-15 noting the mandate to reference and submit to godly leadership in the church, another essential element of life together. We were also edified by Drive through History, taking us virtually to the places where Jesus endured His trial and execution. May we never forget.

Finally, we all strive to not merely exist, but to thrive and grow in these strangely unprecedented times. God is still good. As Dennis Prager says, “Never take normal for granted again.” May it be so.

Regan Read
April 18, 2020

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?