theprairieridge

Jesus invites the disciples (and us) to do his work in his power.

How can we do the Master's work with the Master's energy?

Ahab dies in his rebellion, trying to sneak past God's justice. There is no way forward when we are on the path of rebellion, but God's grace and mercy provides a new way for anyone who repents.

Dependence on God. Who are we training and sending?

We're going to be looking at King Ahab's encounter with a real prophet and how we should (1) not be yoked to the world, (2) should not affirm the lies of the world, and (3) should not seek truth where the world seeks it.

A heart hardened beyond all possibility of repentance?

Is more of the godly virtues always better? Are there limits to love, mercy, kindness? Should there be? Is it possible for a person to be more merciful than God?

In the conflict between Israel and Aram, God reveals himself to be a God who shows mercy even to his enemies (Ahab). Can we do less?

Jesus grows the kingdom of God by departing from the Jewish side of the Sea of Galilee (Capernaum) for the Gentile side of the Sea, physically demonstrating that the Kingdom of God is open to all who would believe in Jesus.

God's kingdom grows into an eternal kingdom.

How does a person grow and bear fruit for the kingdom of God?

The 4 comforts that God gives to Elijah in his hour of need are true for us as well, even more so than they were for him.

From the highest heights to the lowest lows, we follow Elijah, and we seen in him our own spiritual journey. In this text, we learn about the spiritual importance of care for the body, as well as

Two groups of people struggle with the question: Who is Jesus? Each group is desperately trying to avoid one conclusion: Jesus is who he says he is. Believers in Jesus accept him as Savior, but we, too, sometimes look for ways to explain away his claims on our lives. Peace comes when we let him rule every square inch of our souls.

Jesus navigates the crowds and calls the apostles. Mark tells us the apostles were called to heal, drive out demons, and "to be with him." Our God delights in his relationships with his children. If you are a Christian, God saved you to "be with him." Let's allow that truth encourage us to spend time with the Lord who loves us.

The conclusion of 1 Timothy.

Christians are called to display the gospel in how we live our lives. Paul talks about slaves relationships to their masters and the behavior of the rich. In both cases, Christians are called to live in a way that shows that our focus is on the next world, eternal life with God, rather than on this temporary world.

Concluding chapter 5 of 1 Timothy. Nearing the end of his letter, Paul includes several short bits of wisdom and guidance for Timothy. We talk about what they mean and how they apply to our lives today.

Paul tells Timothy ow to treat 5 different groups of people in the church: older men, younger men, older women, younger women and widows. In doing so with respect and purity, we demonstrate to the lost world that Jesus really does change lives.

Paul warns Timothy that some in the church would turn from the truth. The same is true today. In a healthy church, the leaders warn the people of false teachings, sent by the Devil to damage the people of God and lead people astray.

Paul describes the role of deacon, or servant, in the church. We talk about the qualifications to service in the church, how to serve, the attitudes of servants (and can women be Deacons!?).

What are the qualifications of someone who would serve as a leader in the church? Far from being a dry list of skills, the qualifications for Elders naturally result in a godly leadership style that keeps God at the center.

We start our look at the qualifications of church leaders by looking at the leadership structure provided by God for the churches.

Paul gives Timothy a motto for all Christians to live by, one that calls our attention to our great sin and God's great mercy to us, and in the contrast, God is revealed.

What are the things that God has instructed the church to develop and maintain in order to stay true through the years -- to be a church that is worshiping God and making disciples in ten years, in a generation, even after we have passed on?