This was the third sunday school class in the series on The Life of Paul. This class covered more detail on the events in the life of Paul following his conversion through the first missionary journey. The focus was mainly on Acts 13-14, though we only got through chapter 13 in the class.

Included is the extended lecture notes that were handed out. There were two videos shown during the class; they were from Jossy Chacko’s book “Madness!“

 

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 Life of Paul L03 - Notes: Download (143)

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to post them by clicking on the comments link at the top of this post.

Chris Price shared on the words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount concerning loving one’s enemies. This message is part of a series entitled “A New Kingdom.”

Scripture References: Matt 5:38-48.

Are all Christians required to be complete pacifists? In other words, is the military and police force off limits for the follower of Jesus?

Eye for an eye was a part of the judicial law or civil law to be used by the courts of Israel (Exodus 21:24, Leviticus 24:20, Deuteronomy 19:21). It was a governing principle to guide the judges of Israel in their administration of justice (the punishment must fit the crime).

But I say to you…

Don’t resist evil and turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39).

• Does this mean I should stand by and watch people be victimized?

Give up your cloak (Matthew 5:40)

• See Exodus 22:26, 27 and 1 Corinthians 6:7)

Go the extra mile (vs. 41) The Roman occupation.

Give to the one asks of you (vs. 42) Whatever they ask for?

(Matt 5:43) Loving your enemies…okay, but do I have to like them?

How do we do this? Romans 5:6-11; Matthew 5:11.

 

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Questions for Discussion:

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Dave Barker shared on the words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount concerning how we pray and fast. This message is part of a series entitled “A New Kingdom.”

Scripture References: Matt 6:5-19, Matt 7:7-12.

 

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Questions for Discussion:

1. Do you have a “default prayer”?
   • (One you learned as a child or as a new Christian that comes to mind and is easily prayed without too much thought or attention)
2. Do you find that about what we call “The Lord’s Prayer” (see 6:9-13) …or is that very special to you?
3. Why do you think Jesus so obviously linked the following three actions: Giving to the Poor, Prayer and Fasting?
   • (compare “When you give…When you pray…When you fast” for the evident link here)
4. Do you find it easier to pray in front of others or in private? Why?
5. “For everyone who asks, receives; he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”
   • What has been your experience with this strong statement of the Lord Jesus?
   • Has your experience affected your understanding of and attitude towards God?
   • Or has your understanding of and attitude toward God affected your acceptance of this statement of Jesus?

Here is Lynsey Williamson’s March newsletter.  She writes:

I hope you enjoy reading about Scotland and the work God’s doing there as well as at UBC and UVIC. Thank you for your prayers and faithful support.

 Mar Newsletter: Download (271)

This was the first sunday school class in the series on The Life of Paul.

The handout is the extended lecture notes. The slides below were used during the second half to provide background on the subject of the Kingdom by looking at the Kingdom of Rome as Paul would have known it.

 Life of Paul L01 - Notes: Download (210)

Any questions or comments? Feel free to share them by clicking on the comments button under the title of this post.

Gordon Sorenson from the Baptist General Conference (BGC) National Office in Edmonton, shared his heart with us and included some of his and his wife’s own personal walk through times of testing. Gordon is the Director for Stewardship for the BGC churches across Canada.

Scripture References: Matt 6:1-4, Matt 6:19-24.

 

 11am Message [30:30m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (104)

Questions for Discussion:

1. From what Gordon shared, what was the one thing that the Lord impressed upon you about our perspective on stewardship of our time, talents and money?
2. “Store up treasure on earth” or “Store up treasure in Heaven” – What is the difference?
3. John Wesley in the late 1700s instructed that we should first think about what storing up treasures on earth was not:
   • using money to meet the basic needs (not wants) of one’s family (a home, clothing and food);
   • having enough for one’s business obligation to ‘owe no-one anything’;
   • and making provision for one’s immediate family’s need should you die before them.

   These three he considered essential and to save any more was to him “storing up treasure on earth” and, as such, expressly prohibited by Jesus. Comment on this!

4. Discuss what a believer’s approach should be as he or she makes their will. (Such as: leaving everything to children who already have enough – and often more than enough – and leaving legacies to the church or missions movements.)
5. Where does tithing fit into all this?

Chris Price expounded Matt 5:20-26 on Jesus’ views concerning anger and reconciliation. This is the fifth message on the sermon on the mount and is part of the second half of the teaching entitled “A New Kingdom” which began with the first 5 chapters of the book of Joshua in January.

 

 11am Message [30:30m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (85)
 Sermon Notes: Download (187)

Questions for Discussion:

• Did anything stick out to you in the text or in the sermon?
• What does righteous anger look like? When does it cross the line into unrighteousness?
• Why do you think that Jesus doesn’t make a distinction between righteous and unrighteous anger in this passage?
• Why does Jesus take anger and contempt so seriously?
• How do you react when Jesus uses language like, ‘the fires of hell’?
• There were many people who were offended at Jesus and he did not pursue reconciliation with each one. Why?
• What does this tell us about seeking reconciliation?
• Are there people in your life that you need to try and be reconciled to?

Dave Barker expounded Matt 5:27-37 on Jesus’ comments concerning adultery, divorce and taking oaths. This is the fourth message on the sermon on the mount and is part of the second half of the teaching entitled “A New Kingdom” which began with the first 5 chapters of the book of Joshua in January.

 

 11am Message [45:05m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (93)
 Transcript: Download (160)

“For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Jesus raises the bar with no escape clauses! We see how deeply serious Jesus considers the things we say, promises we give, vows we take and commitments we make.

1. Lust (Adultery)
2. Leaving (Divorce)
3. Lies (Oaths)

“But”, you say, “What about this?…or this?…or this?” The only answers to complications, contradictions, extenuating circumstances, questions and conflicts lie within the abounding grace of our Heavenly Father, through confession, repentance and the priceless blood of the Lord Jesus. “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls” (1 Peter 2:24-25).

Questions for Discussion:

1. Why is it so hard for Christians to live victoriously in the forgiveness of Jesus after they have committed sexual sin, even though they have confessed and repented of it to the Lord?
2. Why is is often hard for Christians to forgive the sexual sins of others?
3. Why do you think God said, “I hate divorce”? (Malachi 2:16)
4. Discuss how we relate to fellows believers who commit other sins and then repent.
   • Do we (or should we) relate any differently to those who go through divorce?
   • Do adultery and/or divorce disqualify people from any ministry/ies?
5. Talk together about the power of a simple “YES” or “NO” that becomes trusted because of the character of the person saying so.
6. Do you ever find it difficult to be that honest in your responses to questions in sometimes challenging circumstances?