[IN] Has the shaking of the last 18 months led to a deeper faith in Christ?

Challenge: Identify the good habits and support structures for your walk with Jesu

Let the Children Come

In Luke 18 there is an episode where people bring young children or babies to Jesus. The disciples of Jesus get uppety about this and want to put a stop to it. But Jesus corrects them, using some interesting words that should make us think about people come into the presence of God.

Servant of the Cause - Colossians 1:24 - 27

In the British Army special forces (SAS) the soldiers are willing to face unspeakable risk, hardship and danger all for the cause, all to 'get the job done'. Yet it is not done in a vacuum - it is with incredibly high comradeship, knowing that on mission your fellow soldiers will be there for you whatever happens. They also know that the unit will equip them and back them with whatever they need.

The Image of the Invisible God - Colossians 1:15 - 20

In trying to understand God, we have to come to terms with the fact that God is Spirit - He isn't someone or something that we can just see, touch or grab. God to the human eye is invisible. So we can't make an image of God, like ancient people would carve a bull and then bow down and worship it, because that would be just a physical thing and of course not God at all.

[UP] What does it mean for you to totally surrender to Jesus as Lord and God?

Challenge: Examine all departments of your life – in which areas do you hold back?

The Ten Coins - Luke 19:12 - 27

Another story told by Jesus, this time with a man of noble birth going off for a while, and giving servants coins to 'put to use' while he was away. The story has some interesting twists - some are clear that they do not want him to be king, and the responses to the investors raises eyebrows. Some of the dialogue might surprise us.

Sent on the Gospel Message - Colossians 1

Paul writes to followers of Jesus as an apostle - someone sent on a specific task, with a message to deliver. He is not just sent by anyone - he is an apostle of Jesus - sent by the Lord of Lords! It is not his choice, nor the choice of others - it is the plan of God. He is sent with a message to people far and wide, and in that context he writes effectively to us.

[OUT] Who are you carrying the good news message to?

Challenge: Relay the message to one person in the next couple of weeks

Jesus and the Blind Man - Luke 18

Jesus approaches the town of Jericho, with a crowd all around him. At the side of the road a blind man calls out: 'Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me'. The crowd tells him to shut up, but the man shouted out all the more ...

The Rich and the Kingdom of God - Luke 18

Jesus is faced with an important person, who asks a great question. They ask 'what must they do to inherit eternal life'. They show the correct understanding that eternal life (and the Kingdom of God) is inherited and not earned - this is good!