2021 Men’s Discipleship Bible Study Sessions

Description and Purpose

This web page supports the weekly discipleship-oriented men’s Bible study that Life Church launched in February 2020. It contains both general resources for the Men’s Bible Study and resources specific to the sessions we have conducted so far.

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The Bible

Doing the Bible is the first of our Core Values at Life Church and in order to do the Bible we have to learn the Bible. This section contains some Bible resources and some links to supplemental information about the Bible.

See the Following Jesus: Focus On The Message Class web page.

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Following Jesus

This Bible Study is an expression of our 7-component discipleship curriculum: Following Jesus. It draws specifically from the first component: Focus on the Message.

• Following Jesus
• Following Jesus: Focus on the Message
• Following Jesus – Resources

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Sessions

In this section you’ll find each of the Bible Study sessions that we’ve conducted listed in chronological order. As we mentioned above, the sessions are based largely on the Bible Study from Following Jesus: Focus on the Message. The “Additional resources to check out” section of each session includes a link to the related section of Focus on the Message.

Session 45 – 01/06/2021

Agenda (tentative)

• January 6, 2021 Handout
• Icebreaker: Highs and Lows
• Joe Sumrell – Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 2, Lesson 10 – Matthew 4:12-17
• Matthew 12
  • Lord of the Sabbath
    • Matthew 12:1-14
    • Watch: Sabbath Biblical Theme Video | BibleProject™
  • God’s Chosen Servant
    • Matthew 12:15-21
  • Jesus and Beelzebub
    • Matthew 12:22-37
  • The Sign of Jonah
    • Matthew 12:38-45
  • Jesus’ Mother and Brothers
    • Matthew 12:46-50
  • Additional Resources:
    • ?
• Discipleship
  • Planning joint social events with people you are evangelizing.
• Additional resources to check out:
  • Matthew for Everyone, Part 1 (The New Testament for Everyone) by Tom Wright – Amazon.com
  • Following Jesus: Introduction
  • Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 4 (Lessons 4-8)

Notes (what we actually covered)

•  Icebreaker: The Insurrection
• Joe Sumrell – Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 2, Lesson 10 – Matthew 4:12-17
• Matthew 12
  • Not covered
• Discipleship
  • Not covered

Session 46 – 01/13/2021

Agenda (tentative)

• January 13, 2021 Handout
• Icebreaker: Highs and Lows
• Reynolds Shepherd – Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 2, Lesson 11 – Matthew 4:18-22
• Matthew 12
  • Lord of the Sabbath
    • Matthew 12:1-14
    • Watch: Sabbath Biblical Theme Video | BibleProject™
  • God’s Chosen Servant
    • Matthew 12:15-21
  • Jesus and Beelzebub
    • Matthew 12:22-37
  • The Sign of Jonah
    • Matthew 12:38-45
  • Jesus’ Mother and Brothers
    • Matthew 12:46-50
  • Additional Resources:
    • ?
• Discipleship
  • Planning joint social events with people you are evangelizing.
• Additional resources to check out:
  • Matthew for Everyone, Part 1 (The New Testament for Everyone) by Tom Wright – Amazon.com
  • Following Jesus: Introduction
  • Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 4 (Lessons 4-8)

Notes (what we actually covered)

•  Icebreaker: Current Events
• Reynolds Shepherd – Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 2, Lesson 11 – Matthew 4:18-22
• Matthew 12
  • Not covered
• Discipleship
  • Not covered

Session 47 – 01/20/2021

Agenda (tentative)

• January 20, 2021 Handout
• Icebreaker: Highs and Lows
• Mac Crawford – Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 2, Lesson 12 – Matthew 4:23-25
• Matthew 12
  • Lord of the Sabbath
    • Matthew 12:1-14
    • Watch: Sabbath Biblical Theme Video | BibleProject™
  • God’s Chosen Servant
    • Matthew 12:15-21
  • Jesus and Beelzebub
    • Matthew 12:22-37
  • The Sign of Jonah
    • Matthew 12:38-45
  • Jesus’ Mother and Brothers
    • Matthew 12:46-50
  • Additional Resources:
    • ?
• Discipleship
  • Planning joint social events with people you are evangelizing.
  • Paula Gooder Videos
    • Disciples learn by following Jesus and being in his presence.
    • There is a big difference between what is taught and what is learned. The church is most effective as a learning environment when people are actually sent out to do something.
    • Jesus sends disciples out before we would think that they were ready.
    • My job is to throw you into the deep end of the pool and watch you discover that you won’t drown.
• The Chosen
• Greater Formation Videos
• Additional resources to check out:
  • Matthew for Everyone, Part 1 (The New Testament for Everyone) by Tom Wright – Amazon.com
  • Following Jesus: Introduction
  • Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 4 (Lessons 4-8)

Notes (what we actually covered)

•  Icebreaker: Current Events
• Mac Crawford – Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 2, Lesson 12 – Matthew 4:23-25
• Matthew 12
  • Not covered
• Discipleship
  • Planning joint social events with people you are evangelizing.
  • Paula Gooder Videos
    • Disciples learn by following Jesus and being in his presence.
    • There is a big difference between what is taught and what is learned. The church is most effective as a learning environment when people are actually sent out to do something.
    • Jesus sends disciples out before we would think that they were ready.
    • My job is to throw you into the deep end of the pool and watch you discover that you won’t drown.
• The Chosen

Session 48 – 01/27/2021

Agenda (tentative)

• January 27, 2021 Handout
• Icebreaker: Highs and Lows
• Bill Baxter – Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 3, Lesson 1 – Matthew 5:1-12 – The Beatitudes
• Matthew 12
  • Jesus and Beelzebub
    • Matthew 12:22-37
  • The Sign of Jonah
    • Matthew 12:38-45
  • Jesus’ Mother and Brothers
    • Matthew 12:46-50
• Additional resources to check out:
  • Matthew for Everyone, Part 1 (The New Testament for Everyone) by Tom Wright – Amazon.com
  • Following Jesus: Introduction
  • Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 4 (Lesson 6)

Notes (what we actually covered)

•  Icebreaker: Current Events
• Bill Baxter – Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 3, Lesson 1 – Matthew 5:1-12 – The Beatitudes
• Matthew 12
  • Jesus and Beelzebub
    • Matthew 12:22-37
• Additional resources to check out:
  • Matthew for Everyone, Part 1 (The New Testament for Everyone) by Tom Wright – Amazon.com
  • Following Jesus: Introduction
  • Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 4 (Lesson 6)
  • The Chosen

Session 49 – 02/03/2021

Agenda (tentative)

• February 3, 2021 Handout
• Icebreaker: Highs and Lows
• Q&A
• Matthew 12
  • Jesus and Beelzebub
    • Matthew 12:22-37; Daniel 7 (Son of Man)
  • The Sign of Jonah
    • Matthew 12:38-45
  • Jesus’ Mother and Brothers
    • Matthew 12:46-50
• Additional resources to check out:
  • Matthew for Everyone, Part 1 (The New Testament for Everyone) by Tom Wright – Amazon.com
  • Following Jesus: Introduction
  • Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 4 (Lessons 6-8)

Notes (what we actually covered)

• Icebreaker: General conversation, prayer requests
• Matthew 12
  • Jesus and Beelzebub
    • Matthew 12:22-37; Daniel 7 (Son of Man)
• Additional resources to check out:
  • Matthew for Everyone, Part 1 (The New Testament for Everyone) by Tom Wright – Amazon.com
  • Following Jesus: Introduction
  • Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 4 (Lesson 6)
  • The Chosen

Session 50 – 02/10/2021

Agenda (tentative)

• February 10, 2021 Handout
• Icebreaker: Highs and Lows
• Q&A
• Matthew 12
  • The Sign of Jonah
    • Matthew 12:38-45
    • Watch: Jonah Bible Book Overview Video | BibleProject™
  • Jesus’ Mother and Brothers
    • Matthew 12:46-50
• Additional resources to check out:
  • Matthew for Everyone, Part 1 (The New Testament for Everyone) by Tom Wright – Amazon.com
  • Following Jesus: Introduction
  • Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 4 (Lessons 7-8)

Notes (what we actually covered)

• Icebreaker: General conversation, prayer requests
• Matthew 12
  • The Sign of Jonah
    • Matthew 12:38-45
    • Watch: Jonah Bible Book Overview Video | BibleProject™
  • Jesus’ Mother and Brothers
    • Matthew 12:46-50
• Additional resources to check out:
  • Matthew for Everyone, Part 1 (The New Testament for Everyone) by Tom Wright – Amazon.com
  • Following Jesus: Introduction
  • Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 4 (Lessons 7-8)

Session 51 – 02/17/2021

Agenda (tentative)

• February 17, 2021 Handout
• Icebreaker: Highs and Lows
• Q&A
• Matthew 13
  • The Parable of the Sower
    • Matthew 13:1-23
    • Isaiah 6:1-10
  • The Parable of the Weeds
    • Matthew 13:24-30
    • Matthew 13:36-43
• Additional resources to check out:
  • Matthew for Everyone, Part 1 (The New Testament for Everyone) by Tom Wright – Amazon.com
  • Following Jesus: Introduction
  • Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 4 (Lessons 4-8)

Notes (what we actually covered)

• Icebreaker: General conversation, prayer requests
• Matthew 13
  • The Parable of the Sower
    • Matthew 13:1-23
    • Isaiah 6:1-10
• Additional resources to check out:
  • Matthew for Everyone, Part 1 (The New Testament for Everyone) by Tom Wright – Amazon.com
  • Following Jesus: Introduction
  • Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 4 (Lesson 9)

Session 52 – 02/24/2021

Agenda (tentative)

• February 24, 2021 Handout
• Icebreaker: Highs and Lows
• Bill Parker – Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 3, Lesson 2 – Matthew 5:13-16 – Salt and Light
• Q&A
• Matthew 13
  • The Parable of the Sower
    • Matthew 13:1-23
    • Isaiah 6:1-10
  • The Parable of the Weeds
    • Matthew 13:24-30
    • Matthew 13:36-43
  • The Parables of the mustard Seed and the Yeast
    • Matthew 13:31-35
    • Psalm 78
  • The Parable of the Weeds Explained
    • Matthew 13:24-30
    • Matthew 13:36-43
  • The Parable of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl
    • Matthew 13:44-46
  • The Parable of the Net
    • Matthew 13:47-52
  • A Prophet Without Honor
    • Matthew 13:53-58
• Additional resources to check out:
  • Matthew for Everyone, Part 1 (The New Testament for Everyone) by Tom Wright – Amazon.com
  • Following Jesus: Introduction
  • Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 4 (Lessons 9-15)

Notes (what we actually covered)

• Icebreaker: General conversation, prayer requests
• Bill Parker – Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 3, Lesson 2 – Matthew 5:13-16 – Salt and Light
• Matthew 13
  • The Parable of the Sower
    • Matthew 13:1-23
    • Isaiah 6:1-10
  • The Parable of the Weeds
    • Matthew 13:24-30
    • Matthew 13:36-43
  • The Parables of the mustard Seed and the Yeast
    • Matthew 13:31-35
    • Psalm 78
  • The Parable of the Weeds Explained
    • Matthew 13:24-30
    • Matthew 13:36-43
  • Additional resources to check out:
  • Matthew for Everyone, Part 1 (The New Testament for Everyone) by Tom Wright – Amazon.com
  • Following Jesus: Introduction
  • Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 4 (Lessons 9-12)

Session 53 – 03/03/2021

Agenda (tentative)

• March 3, 2021 Handout
• Icebreaker: General conversation, prayer requests
• Reynolds – Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 3, Lesson 3 – Matthew 5:17-20 – The Fulfillment of the Law
• Q&A
• Matthew’s Gospel
  • Bearing Fruit (Slides)
    • Parable of the Sower
    • Ladder of Abstraction – concrete language
    • What is a disciple and how do I know when I’ve made one?
    • Farming: seed, field, how to harvest
    • Fishing: nets, location, how to cook
  • Matthew 13
    • The Parable of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl
      • Matthew 13:44-46
    • The Parable of the Net
      • Matthew 13:47-52
    • A Prophet Without Honor
      • Matthew 13:53-58
• Additional resources to check out:
  • Matthew for Everyone, Part 1 (The New Testament for Everyone) by Tom Wright – Amazon.com
  • Following Jesus: Introduction
  • Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 4 (Lessons 13-15)

Notes (what we actually covered)

• Icebreaker: General conversation, prayer requests
• Reynolds – Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 3, Lesson 3 – Matthew 5:17-20 – The Fulfillment of the Law
• Matthew’s Gospel
  • Bearing Fruit (Slides)
    • Parable of the Sower
    • Ladder of Abstraction – concrete language
    • What is a disciple and how do I know when I’ve made one?
    • Farming: seed, field, how to harvest
    • Fishing: nets, location, how to cook
  • Matthew 13
    • The Parable of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl
      • Matthew 13:44-46
    • The Parable of the Net
      • Matthew 13:47-52
    • A Prophet Without Honor
      • Matthew 13:53-58
• Additional resources to check out:
  • Matthew for Everyone, Part 1 (The New Testament for Everyone) by Tom Wright – Amazon.com
  • Following Jesus: Introduction
  • Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 4 (Lessons 13-15)

Session 54 – 03/10/2021

Agenda (tentative)

• March 10, 2021 Handout
• Icebreaker: Highs and Lows
• Jesse – Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 3, Lesson 4 – Matthew 5:21-26 – The Fulfillment of the Law
• Bearing Fruit
  • Parable of the Sower
  • Ladder of Abstraction – concrete language
  • What is a disciple and how do I know when I’ve made one?
  • Farming: seed, field, how to harvest
  • Fishing: nets, location, how to cook
• Salvation
  • The Bible uses many terms to describe a single experience from multiple perspectives:
    • Believer, Born Again, Christian, Disciple, Follower of Jesus, Saints, Saved
    • See Following Jesus: Introduction – Lesson 2
  • The Gospels give us a picture of what salvation looks like.
    • Matthew 4:18-22 – Jesus calls his first disciples:
    • Matthew 4:23-25 – Jesus heals the sick:
    • Matthew 5:1-2 – Introduction to Sermon on the Mount:
    • Matthew 5:3-12 – Beatitudes
    • Matthew 5:17-20 – The Fulfillment of the Law
    • Matthew 5:21-22 – Murder
  • This is what salvation looks like.
    • People who have been captivated by Jesus.
    • People following Jesus in order to learn from him.
    • People abandoning their past teachers in favor of learning directly from Jesus.
    • Accepted by Jesus and not at all anxious about whether they are “in” or “out”.
• Matthew’s Gospel
  • Matthew 14
    • John the Baptist Beheaded
      • Matthew 14:1-12
    • Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand
      • Matthew 14:13-21
    • Jesus Walks on the Water
      • Matthew 14:22-36
• Additional resources to check out:
  • Matthew for Everyone, Part 1 (The New Testament for Everyone) by Tom Wright – Amazon.com
  • Following Jesus: Introduction
  • Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 4 (Lessons 4-8)

Notes (what we actually covered)

• Icebreaker: General conversation, prayer requests
• Jesse – Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 3, Lesson 4 – Matthew 5:21-26 – The Fulfillment of the Law
• Bearing Fruit
  • Parable of the Sower
  • Ladder of Abstraction – concrete language
  • What is a disciple and how do I know when I’ve made one?
  • Farming: seed, field, how to harvest
  • Fishing: nets, location, how to cook
• Salvation
  • The Bible uses many terms to describe a single experience from multiple perspectives:
    • Believer, Born Again, Christian, Disciple, Follower of Jesus, Saints, Saved
    •  See Following Jesus: Introduction – Lesson 2
  • The Gospels give us a picture of what salvation looks like.
    • Matthew 4:18-22 – Jesus calls his first disciples:
    • Matthew 4:23-25 – Jesus heals the sick:
    • Matthew 5:1-2 – Introduction to Sermon on the Mount:
    • Matthew 5:3-12 – Beatitudes
    • Matthew 5:17-20 – The Fulfillment of the Law
    • Matthew 5:21-22 – Murder
• This is what salvation looks like.
  • People who have been captivated by Jesus.
  • People following Jesus in order to learn from him.
  • People abandoning their past teachers in favor of learning directly from Jesus.
  • People accepted by Jesus and not at all anxious about whether they are “in” or “out”.
• Matthew’s Gospel
• Additional resources to check out:
  • Matthew for Everyone, Part 1 (The New Testament for Everyone) by Tom Wright – Amazon.com
  • Following Jesus: Introduction
  • Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 4 (Lessons 4-8)

Session 55 – 03/17/2021

Agenda (tentative)

• March 17, 2021 Handout
• Icebreaker: Highs and Lows
• Mack – Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 3, Lesson 5 – Matthew 5:27-30 – Adultery
• Bearing Fruit
  • Parable of the Sower
  • Ladder of Abstraction – concrete language
  • What is a disciple and how do I know when I’ve made one?
  • Farming: seed, field, how to harvest
  • Fishing: nets, location, how to cook
• Salvation
  • The Bible uses many terms to describe a single experience from multiple perspectives:
    • Believer, Born Again, Christian, Disciple, Follower of Jesus, Saints, Saved
    • See Following Jesus: Introduction – Lesson 2
  • The Gospels give us a picture of what salvation looks like.
    • Matthew 4:18-22 – Jesus calls his first disciples:
    • Matthew 4:23-25 – Jesus heals the sick:
    • Matthew 5:1-2 – Introduction to Sermon on the Mount:
    • Matthew 5:3-12 – Beatitudes
    • Matthew 5:17-20 – The Fulfillment of the Law
    • Matthew 5:21-22 – Murder
  • This is what salvation looks like.
    • People who have been captivated by Jesus.
    • People following Jesus in order to learn from him.
    • People abandoning their past teachers in favor of learning directly from Jesus.
    • Accepted by Jesus and not at all anxious about whether they are “in” or “out”.
  • With salvation we receive a “superpower” – the ability to pay attention to Jesus.
    • This is the flip side of the “faith” that is the evidence of salvation.
    • What we do with this “superpower” will determine the course of our spiritual life. 
• Matthew’s Gospel
  • Matthew 14
    • John the Baptist Beheaded
      • Matthew 14:1-12
    • Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand
      • Matthew 14:13-21
    • Jesus Walks on the Water
      • Matthew 14:22-36
• Additional resources to check out:
  • Matthew for Everyone, Part 1 (The New Testament for Everyone) by Tom Wright – Amazon.com
  • Following Jesus: Introduction
  • Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 5 (Lessons 1-3)

Notes (what we actually covered)

• Icebreaker: General conversation, prayer requests
• Mack – Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 3, Lesson 5 – Matthew 5:27-30 – Adultery (postponed)
• Bearing Fruit
  • Parable of the Sower
  • Ladder of Abstraction – concrete language
  • What is a disciple and how do I know when I’ve made one?
  • Farming: seed, field, how to harvest
  • Fishing: nets, location, how to cook
• Salvation
  • The Bible uses many terms to describe a single experience from multiple perspectives:
    • Believer, Born Again, Christian, Disciple, Follower of Jesus, Saints, Saved
    •  See Following Jesus: Introduction – Lesson 2
  • The Gospels give us a picture of what salvation looks like.
    • Matthew 4:18-22 – Jesus calls his first disciples:
    • Matthew 4:23-25 – Jesus heals the sick:
    • Matthew 5:1-2 – Introduction to Sermon on the Mount:
    • Matthew 5:3-12 – Beatitudes
    • Matthew 5:17-20 – The Fulfillment of the Law
    • Matthew 5:21-22 – Murder
• This is what salvation looks like.
  • People who have been captivated by Jesus.
  • People following Jesus in order to learn from him.
  • People abandoning their past teachers in favor of learning directly from Jesus.
  • People accepted by Jesus and not at all anxious about whether they are “in” or “out”.
  • With salvation we receive a “superpower” – the ability to pay attention to Jesus.
    • This is the flip side of the “faith” that is the evidence of salvation.
    • What we do with this “superpower” will determine the course of our spiritual life.
• Matthew’s Gospel (Chapter 14 postponed)
• Additional resources to check out:
  • Matthew for Everyone, Part 1 (The New Testament for Everyone) by Tom Wright – Amazon.com
  • Following Jesus: Introduction
  • Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 5 (Lessons 1-3)

Session 56 – 03/24/2021

Agenda (tentative)

• March 24, 2021 Handout
• Icebreaker: Highs and Lows
• Mack – Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 3, Lesson 5 – Matthew 5:27-30 – Adultery
• Bearing Fruit
  • Parable of the Sower
  • Ladder of Abstraction – concrete language
  • What is a disciple and how do I know when I’ve made one?
  • Farming: seed, field, how to harvest
  • Fishing: nets, location, how to cook
• Salvation
  • The Bible uses many terms to describe a single experience from multiple perspectives:
    • Believer, Born Again, Christian, Disciple, Follower of Jesus, Saints, Saved
    • See Following Jesus: Introduction – Lesson 2
  • The Gospels give us a picture of what salvation looks like.
    • Matthew 4:18-22 – Jesus calls his first disciples:
    • Matthew 4:23-25 – Jesus heals the sick:
    • Matthew 5:1-2 – Introduction to Sermon on the Mount:
    • Matthew 5:3-12 – Beatitudes
    • Matthew 5:17-20 – The Fulfillment of the Law
    • Matthew 5:21-22 – Murder
  • This is what salvation looks like.
    • People who have been captivated by Jesus.
    • People following Jesus in order to learn from him.
    • People abandoning their past teachers in favor of learning directly from Jesus.
    • Accepted by Jesus and not at all anxious about whether they are “in” or “out”.
  • With salvation we receive a “superpower” – the ability to pay attention to Jesus.
    • This is the flip side of the “faith” that is the evidence of salvation.
    • What we do with this “superpower” will determine the course of our spiritual life.
• Matthew’s Gospel
  • Matthew 14
    • John the Baptist Beheaded
      • Matthew 14:1-12
    • Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand
      • Matthew 14:13-21
    • Jesus Walks on the Water
      • Matthew 14:22-36
• Additional resources to check out:
  • Matthew for Everyone, Part 1 (The New Testament for Everyone) by Tom Wright – Amazon.com
  • Following Jesus: Introduction
  • Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 5 (Lessons 1-3)

Notes (what we actually covered)

• Icebreaker: General conversation, prayer requests
• Mack – Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 3, Lesson 5 – Matthew 5:27-30 – Adultery
• Bearing Fruit
  • Parable of the Sower
  • Ladder of Abstraction – concrete language
  • What is a disciple and how do I know when I’ve made one?
  • Farming: seed, field, how to harvest
  • Fishing: nets, location, how to cook
• Salvation
  • The Bible uses many terms to describe a single experience from multiple perspectives:
    • Believer, Born Again, Christian, Disciple, Follower of Jesus, Saints, Saved
    •  See Following Jesus: Introduction – Lesson 2
  • The Gospels give us a picture of what salvation looks like.
    • Matthew 4:18-22 – Jesus calls his first disciples:
    • Matthew 4:23-25 – Jesus heals the sick:
    • Matthew 5:1-2 – Introduction to Sermon on the Mount:
    • Matthew 5:3-12 – Beatitudes
    • Matthew 5:17-20 – The Fulfillment of the Law
    • Matthew 5:21-22 – Murder
• This is what salvation looks like.
  • People who have been captivated by Jesus.
  • People following Jesus in order to learn from him.
  • People abandoning their past teachers in favor of learning directly from Jesus.
  • People accepted by Jesus and not at all anxious about whether they are “in” or “out”.
  • With salvation we receive a “superpower” – the ability to pay attention to Jesus.
    • This is the flip side of the “faith” that is the evidence of salvation.
    • What we do with this “superpower” will determine the course of our spiritual life.
• Matthew’s Gospel (Chapter 14 postponed)
• Additional resources to check out:
  • Matthew for Everyone, Part 1 (The New Testament for Everyone) by Tom Wright – Amazon.com
  • Following Jesus: Introduction
  • Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 5 (Lessons 1-3)

Session 57 – 03/31/2021

Agenda (tentative)

• March 31, 2021 Handout
• Icebreaker: Highs and Lows
• Mack – Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 3, Lesson 6 – Matthew 5:31-32 – Divorce
• Building From Scratch
  • Key concepts are often framed in an important way the first time they appear in scripture!
    • Salvation
    • The Gospel
    • Conversion
  • Salvation
    • The Bible uses many terms to describe a single experience from multiple perspectives:
      • Believer, Born Again, Christian, Disciple, Follower of Jesus, Saints, Saved
      • See Following Jesus: Introduction – Lesson 2
    • The Gospels give us a picture of what salvation looks like.
      • Matthew 4:18-22 – Jesus calls his first disciples:
      • Matthew 4:23-25 – Jesus heals the sick:
      • Matthew 5:1-2 – Introduction to Sermon on the Mount:
      • Matthew 5:3-12 – Beatitudes
      • Matthew 5:17-20 – The Fulfillment of the Law
      • Matthew 5:21-22 – Murder
    • This is what salvation looks like.
      • People who have been captivated by Jesus.
      • People following Jesus in order to learn from him.
      • People abandoning their past teachers in favor of learning directly from Jesus.
      • People accepted by Jesus and not at all anxious about whether they are “in” or “out”.
    • With salvation we receive a “superpower” – the ability to distinguish between Jesus and other sources and to pay attention to Jesus.
      • “I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber.  The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep.  The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.  When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.  But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.”  – John 10:1-5 (NIV)
      • This is the flip side of the “faith” that is the evidence of salvation.
      • What we do with this “superpower” will determine the course of our spiritual life.
    • Calvinism vs. Arminianism
  • The Gospel
    • What is the Gospel?
      • Find the first proclamation of the Gospel by searching through the beginning of each gospel.
    • Can you confidently explain the gospel to someone else in less than two minutes?
      • Are there any pieces of the Gospel that you don’t understand (e.g. the Kingdom of God)?
      • Illustration: Sports (e.g. basketball) and recognition of skill deficits.
      • If so, you now know what you need to work on!
  • Modeling Conversion
    • Compare 2 paradigms:
      • Salvation as a free gift.
      • Salvation as a commitment to following and obeying Jesus.
      • Salvation as a free gift:
      • Illustration: Free tickets to a show I can’t afford.
      • Salvation as a commitment to following and obeying Jesus.
      • Illustration: Free membership to a gym with a trainer.
      • Illustration: Scholarship to college with a faculty advisor.
    • What is the normal path to conversion (i.e. becoming a follower)?
      • Gospel proclamation (e.g. The Kingdom of God is here)
      • Saving faith (includes the “superpower” ability to pay attention to Jesus)
      • Acts of commitment (e.g. baptism, “Jesus is Lord”, joining family of believers)
      • Discipleship
    • Let’s use Peter’s Pentecost sermon as a model:
      • “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
        When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
        Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off — for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
        With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.”  Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
        They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  – Acts 2:36-42 (NIV)
      • Peter: God has made this Jesus . . . both Lord and Christ.
      • People: What shall we do?
        • This indicates that Peter’s message has generated saving faith in some of his audience!
        • We need to leave space for an indication that saving faith has been generated!
      • Peter: Repent and be baptized . . .
        • Peter responds to their faith by “opening the door” to the Kingdom.
      • Outcome:
        • They responded and 3,000 men were added to their number.
        • They devoted themselves to the Apostles’ teaching . . .
• Matthew’s Gospel
  • Matthew 14
    • John the Baptist Beheaded
      • Matthew 14:1-12
    • Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand
      • Matthew 14:13-21
    • Jesus Walks on the Water
      • Matthew 14:22-36
• Additional resources to check out:
  • Matthew for Everyone, Part 1 (The New Testament for Everyone) by Tom Wright – Amazon.com
  • Following Jesus: Introduction
  • Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 5 (Lessons 1-3)

Notes (what we actually covered)

• Icebreaker: General conversation, prayer requests
• Mack – Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 3, Lesson 6 – Matthew 5:31-32 – Divorce
• Building From Scratch
  • Key concepts are often framed in an important way the first time they appear in scripture!
    • Salvation
    • The Gospel
    • Conversion
  • Salvation
    • The Bible uses many terms to describe a single experience from multiple perspectives:
      • Believer, Born Again, Christian, Disciple, Follower of Jesus, Saints, Saved
      • See Following Jesus: Introduction – Lesson 2
    • The Gospels give us a picture of what salvation looks like.
      • Matthew 4:18-22 – Jesus calls his first disciples:
      • Matthew 4:23-25 – Jesus heals the sick:
      • Matthew 5:1-2 – Introduction to Sermon on the Mount:
      • Matthew 5:3-12 – Beatitudes
      • Matthew 5:17-20 – The Fulfillment of the Law
      • Matthew 5:21-22 – Murder
    • This is what salvation looks like.
      • People who have been captivated by Jesus.
      • People following Jesus in order to learn from him.
      • People abandoning their past teachers in favor of learning directly from Jesus.
      • People accepted by Jesus and not at all anxious about whether they are “in” or “out”.
    • With salvation we receive a “superpower” – the ability to distinguish between Jesus and other sources and to pay attention to Jesus.
      • “I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber.  The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep.  The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.  When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.  But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.”  – John 10:1-5 (NIV)
      • This is the flip side of the “faith” that is the evidence of salvation.
      • What we do with this “superpower” will determine the course of our spiritual life.
    • Calvinism vs. Arminianism
  • The Gospel
    • What is the Gospel?
      • Find the first proclamation of the Gospel by searching through the beginning of each gospel.
    • Can you confidently explain the gospel to someone else in less than two minutes?
      • Are there any pieces of the Gospel that you don’t understand (e.g. the Kingdom of God)?
      • Illustration: Sports (e.g. basketball) and recognition of skill deficits.
      • If so, you now know what you need to work on!
  • Modeling Conversion
    • Compare 2 paradigms:
      • Salvation as a free gift.
      • Salvation as a commitment to following and obeying Jesus.
      • Salvation as a free gift:
      • Illustration: Free tickets to a show I can’t afford.
      • Salvation as a commitment to following and obeying Jesus.
      • Illustration: Free membership to a gym with a trainer.
      • Illustration: Scholarship to college with a faculty advisor.
    • What is the normal path to conversion (i.e. becoming a follower)?
      • Gospel proclamation (e.g. The Kingdom of God is here)
      • Saving faith (includes the “superpower” ability to pay attention to Jesus)
      • Acts of commitment (e.g. baptism, “Jesus is Lord”, joining family of believers)
      • Discipleship
    • Let’s use Peter’s Pentecost sermon as a model:
      • “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
        When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
        Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off — for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
        With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.”  Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
        They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  – Acts 2:36-42 (NIV)
      • Peter: God has made this Jesus . . . both Lord and Christ.
      • People: What shall we do?
        • This indicates that Peter’s message has generated saving faith in some of his audience!
        • We need to leave space for an indication that saving faith has been generated!
      • Peter: Repent and be baptized . . .
        • Peter responds to their faith by “opening the door” to the Kingdom.
      • Outcome:
        • They responded and 3,000 men were added to their number.
        • They devoted themselves to the Apostles’ teaching . . .
• Matthew’s Gospel (Chapter 14 postponed)
• Additional resources to check out:
  • Matthew for Everyone, Part 1 (The New Testament for Everyone) by Tom Wright – Amazon.com
  • Following Jesus: Introduction
  • Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 5 (Lessons 1-3)

Session 58 – 04/07/2021

Agenda (tentative)

• April 7, 2021 Handout
• Icebreaker: Highs and Lows
• Spending time with Jesus.
• Reynolds – Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 3, Lesson 7 – Matthew 5:33-37 – Oaths
• Building From Scratch
  • Key concepts are often framed in an important way the first time they appear in scripture!
    • Salvation
    • The Gospel
    • Conversion
  • Salvation
    • The Bible uses many terms to describe a single experience from multiple perspectives:
      • Believer, Born Again, Christian, Disciple, Follower of Jesus, Saints, Saved
      • See Following Jesus: Introduction – Lesson 2
    • The Gospels give us a picture of what salvation looks like.
      • Matthew 4:18-22 – Jesus calls his first disciples:
      • Matthew 4:23-25 – Jesus heals the sick:
      • Matthew 5:1-2 – Introduction to Sermon on the Mount:
      • Matthew 5:3-12 – Beatitudes
      • Matthew 5:17-20 – The Fulfillment of the Law
      • Matthew 5:21-22 – Murder
    • This is what salvation looks like.
      • People who have been captivated by Jesus.
      • People following Jesus in order to learn from him.
      • People abandoning their past teachers in favor of learning directly from Jesus.
      • People accepted by Jesus and not at all anxious about whether they are “in” or “out”.
    • With salvation we receive a “superpower” – the ability to distinguish between Jesus and other sources and to pay attention to Jesus.
      • “I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber.  The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep.  The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.  When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.  But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.”  – John 10:1-5 (NIV)
      • This is the flip side of the “faith” that is the evidence of salvation.
      • What we do with this “superpower” will determine the course of our spiritual life.
    • Calvinism vs. Arminianism
  • The Gospel
    • What is the Gospel?
      • Find the first proclamation of the Gospel by searching through the beginning of each gospel.
    • Can you confidently explain the gospel to someone else in less than two minutes?
      • Are there any pieces of the Gospel that you don’t understand (e.g. the Kingdom of God)?
      • Illustration: Sports (e.g. basketball) and recognition of skill deficits.
      • If so, you now know what you need to work on!
  • Modeling Conversion
    • Compare 2 paradigms:
      • Salvation as a free gift.
      • Salvation as a commitment to following and obeying Jesus.
      • Salvation as a free gift:
      • Illustration: Free tickets to a show I can’t afford.
      • Salvation as a commitment to following and obeying Jesus.
      • Illustration: Free membership to a gym with a trainer.
      • Illustration: Scholarship to college with a faculty advisor.
    • What is the normal path to conversion (i.e. becoming a follower)?
      • Gospel proclamation (e.g. The Kingdom of God is here)
      • Saving faith (includes the “superpower” ability to pay attention to Jesus)
      • Acts of commitment (e.g. baptism, “Jesus is Lord”, joining family of believers)
      • Discipleship
    • Let’s use Peter’s Pentecost sermon as a model:
      • “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
        When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
        Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off — for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
        With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.”  Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
        They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  – Acts 2:36-42 (NIV)
      • Peter: God has made this Jesus . . . both Lord and Christ.
      • People: What shall we do?
        • This indicates that Peter’s message has generated saving faith in some of his audience!
        • We need to leave space for an indication that saving faith has been generated!
      • Peter: Repent and be baptized . . .
        • Peter responds to their faith by “opening the door” to the Kingdom.
      • Outcome:
        • They responded and 3,000 men were added to their number.
        • They devoted themselves to the Apostles’ teaching . . .
• Matthew’s Gospel
  • Matthew 14
    • John the Baptist Beheaded
      • Matthew 14:1-12
    • Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand
      • Matthew 14:13-21
    • Jesus Walks on the Water
      • Matthew 14:22-36
• Additional resources to check out:
  • Matthew for Everyone, Part 1 (The New Testament for Everyone) by Tom Wright – Amazon.com
  • Following Jesus: Introduction
  • Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 5 (Lessons 1-3)

Notes (what we actually covered)

• Icebreaker: General conversation, prayer requests
• Spending time with Jesus.
• Reynolds – Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 3, Lesson 7 – Matthew 5:33-37 – Oaths
• Matthew’s Gospel
  • Matthew 14
    • John the Baptist Beheaded
      • Matthew 14:1-12
• Additional resources to check out:
  • Matthew for Everyone, Part 1 (The New Testament for Everyone) by Tom Wright – Amazon.com
  • Following Jesus: Introduction
  • Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 5 (Lessons 1-3)

Session 59 – 04/14/2021

Agenda (tentative)

• April 14, 2021 Handout
• Icebreaker: Highs and Lows
• Spending time with Jesus.
• Building From Scratch
  • Key concepts are often framed in an important way the first time they appear in scripture!
    • Salvation
    • The Gospel
    • Conversion
  • Salvation
    • The Bible uses many terms to describe a single experience from multiple perspectives:
      • Believer, Born Again, Christian, Disciple, Follower of Jesus, Saints, Saved
      • See Following Jesus: Introduction – Lesson 2
    • The Gospels give us a picture of what salvation looks like.
      • Matthew 4:18-22 – Jesus calls his first disciples:
      • Matthew 4:23-25 – Jesus heals the sick:
      • Matthew 5:1-2 – Introduction to Sermon on the Mount:
      • Matthew 5:3-12 – Beatitudes
      • Matthew 5:17-20 – The Fulfillment of the Law
      • Matthew 5:21-22 – Murder
    • This is what salvation looks like.
      • People who have been captivated by Jesus.
      • People following Jesus in order to learn from him.
      • People abandoning their past teachers in favor of learning directly from Jesus.
      • People accepted by Jesus and not at all anxious about whether they are “in” or “out”.
    • With salvation we receive a “superpower” – the ability to distinguish between Jesus and other sources and to pay attention to Jesus.
      • “I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber.  The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep.  The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.  When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.  But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.”  – John 10:1-5 (NIV)
      • This is the flip side of the “faith” that is the evidence of salvation.
      • What we do with this “superpower” will determine the course of our spiritual life.
    • Calvinism vs. Arminianism
  • The Gospel
    • What is the Gospel?
      • Find the first proclamation of the Gospel by searching through the beginning of each gospel.
    • Can you confidently explain the gospel to someone else in less than two minutes?
      • Are there any pieces of the Gospel that you don’t understand (e.g. the Kingdom of God)?
      • Illustration: Sports (e.g. basketball) and recognition of skill deficits.
      • If so, you now know what you need to work on!
  • Modeling Conversion
    • Compare 2 paradigms:
      • Salvation as a free gift.
      • Salvation as a commitment to following and obeying Jesus.
      • Salvation as a free gift:
      • Illustration: Free tickets to a show I can’t afford.
      • Salvation as a commitment to following and obeying Jesus.
      • Illustration: Free membership to a gym with a trainer.
      • Illustration: Scholarship to college with a faculty advisor.
    • What is the normal path to conversion (i.e. becoming a follower)?
      • Gospel proclamation (e.g. The Kingdom of God is here)
      • Saving faith (includes the “superpower” ability to pay attention to Jesus)
      • Acts of commitment (e.g. baptism, “Jesus is Lord”, joining family of believers)
      • Discipleship
    • Let’s use Peter’s Pentecost sermon as a model:
      • “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
        When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
        Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off — for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
        With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.”  Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
        They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  – Acts 2:36-42 (NIV)
      • Peter: God has made this Jesus . . . both Lord and Christ.
      • People: What shall we do?
        • This indicates that Peter’s message has generated saving faith in some of his audience!
        • We need to leave space for an indication that saving faith has been generated!
      • Peter: Repent and be baptized . . .
        • Peter responds to their faith by “opening the door” to the Kingdom.
      • Outcome:
        • They responded and 3,000 men were added to their number.
        • They devoted themselves to the Apostles’ teaching . . .
• Matthew’s Gospel
  • Matthew 14
    • John the Baptist Beheaded
      • Matthew 14:1-12
    • Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand
      • Matthew 14:13-21
    • Jesus Walks on the Water
      • Matthew 14:22-36
• Additional resources to check out:
  • Matthew for Everyone, Part 1 (The New Testament for Everyone) by Tom Wright – Amazon.com
  • Following Jesus: Introduction
  • Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 5 (Lessons 1-3)

Notes (what we actually covered)

• Icebreaker: General conversation, prayer requests
• Spending time with Jesus.
• Matthew’s Gospel
  • Matthew 14
    • John the Baptist Beheaded
      • Matthew 14:1-12
    • Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand
      • Matthew 14:13-21
• Additional resources to check out:
  • Matthew for Everyone, Part 1 (The New Testament for Everyone) by Tom Wright – Amazon.com
  • Following Jesus: Introduction
  • Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 4 (Lessons 4-8)

Session 60 – 04/21/2021

Agenda (tentative)

• April 21, 2021 Handout
• Icebreaker: Highs and Lows
• Spending time with Jesus.
• Lou: Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 3, Lesson 8 – Matthew 5:38-42 – An Eye for an Eye (postponed to 4/28/2021)
• Matthew’s Gospel
  • Matthew 14
    • John the Baptist Beheaded
      • Matthew 14:1-12
    • Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand
      • Matthew 14:13-21
    • Jesus Walks on the Water
      • Matthew 14:22-36
• Additional resources to check out:
  • Matthew for Everyone, Part 1 (The New Testament for Everyone) by Tom Wright – Amazon.com
  • Following Jesus: Introduction
  • Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 5 (Lessons 1-3)

Notes (what we actually covered)

• Icebreaker: General conversation, prayer requests
• Spending time with Jesus.
• Matthew’s Gospel
  • Matthew 14
    • John the Baptist Beheaded
      • Matthew 14:1-12
    • Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand
      • Matthew 14:13-21
• Additional resources to check out:
  • Matthew for Everyone, Part 1 (The New Testament for Everyone) by Tom Wright – Amazon.com
  • Following Jesus: Introduction
  • Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 5 (Lessons 1-2)

Session 61 – 04/28/2021

Agenda (tentative)

• April 28, 2021 Handout
• Icebreaker: Highs and Lows
• Lou: Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 3, Lesson 8 – Matthew 5:38-42 – An Eye for an Eye (postponed to 4/28/2021)
• Matthew’s Gospel
  • Matthew 14
    • Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand
      • Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-15
    • Jesus Walks on the Water
      • Matthew 14:22-36; Mark 6:45-56; John 6:16-24
• Additional resources to check out:
  • Matthew for Everyone, Part 1 (The New Testament for Everyone) by Tom Wright – Amazon.com
  • Following Jesus: Introduction
  • Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 5 (Lessons 2-3)

Notes (what we actually covered)

• Icebreaker: General conversation, prayer requests
• Spending time with Jesus.
• Matthew’s Gospel
  • Matthew 14
    • Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand
      • Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-15
    • Jesus Walks on the Water
      • Matthew 14:22-36; Mark 6:45-56; John 6:16-24
• Additional resources to check out:
  • Matthew for Everyone, Part 1 (The New Testament for Everyone) by Tom Wright – Amazon.com
  • Following Jesus: Introduction
  • Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 5 (Lessons 2-3)

Session 62 – 05/05/2021

Agenda (tentative)

• May 5 2021 Handout
• Icebreaker: Highs and Lows
• Lou: Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 3, Lesson 8 – Matthew 5:38-42 – An Eye for an Eye (postponed)
• Matthew’s Gospel
  • Matthew 14
    • Jesus Walks on the Water
      • Matthew 14:22-36; Mark 6:45-56; John 6:16-24
  • Matthew 15
    • Clean and Unclean
      • Matthew 15:1-20; Mark 7:1-23;
      • Bad Behavior
        • Vice lists: Matthew 15:19-20; Mark 7:21-23; 1 Corinthians 6:9–10; Galatians 5:19-21; ; Ephesians 5:5; Colossians 3:5-6; 1 Peter 4:3; Rev 21:8; 22:15
        • Matthew 15:
          • murder
          • adultery
          • sexual immorality
          • theft
          • false testimony
          • slander
        • Mark 7: sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly
        • 1 Corinthians 6: sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers
        • Galatians 5: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like
        • Ephesians 5: No immoral, impure or greedy person
        • Colossians 3: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry
        • 1 Peter 4: debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry
        • Revelation 21: cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars
• Additional resources to check out:
  • Matthew for Everyone, Part 1 (The New Testament for Everyone) by Tom Wright – Amazon.com
  • Following Jesus: Introduction
  • Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 5 (Lessons 2-3)

Notes (what we actually covered)

• Icebreaker: General conversation, prayer requests
• Spending time with Jesus.
• Matthew’s Gospel
  • Matthew 14
    • Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand
      • Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-15
    • Jesus Walks on the Water
      • Matthew 14:22-36; Mark 6:45-56; John 6:16-24
  • Matthew 15
    • Clean and Unclean
      • Matthew 15:1-20; Mark 7:1-23;
• Additional resources to check out:
  • Matthew for Everyone, Part 1 (The New Testament for Everyone) by Tom Wright – Amazon.com
  • Following Jesus: Introduction
  • Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 5 (Lessons 2-3)

Session 63 – 05/12/2021

Agenda (tentative)

• May 12 2021 Handout
• Icebreaker: Highs and Lows
• Lou: Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 3, Lesson 8 – Matthew 5:38-42 – An Eye for an Eye (postponed)
• Discipleship Update – How are we doing?
  • Fishing with a line.
  • Fishing with a net.
  • Five Thresholds
• Matthew’s Gospel
  • Matthew 15
    • Clean and Unclean
      • Matthew 15:1-20; Mark 7:1-23;
      • Bad Behavior
        • Vice lists: Matthew 15:19-20; Mark 7:21-23; 1 Corinthians 6:9–10; Galatians 5:19-21; ; Ephesians 5:5; Colossians 3:5-6; 1 Peter 4:3; Rev 21:8; 22:15
        • Matthew 15:
          • murder
          • adultery
          • sexual immorality
          • theft
          • false testimony
          • slander
        • Mark 7: sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly
        • 1 Corinthians 6: sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers
        • Galatians 5: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like
        • Ephesians 5: No immoral, impure or greedy person
        • Colossians 3: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry
        • 1 Peter 4: debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry
        • Revelation 21: cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars
• Additional resources to check out:
  • Matthew for Everyone, Part 1 (The New Testament for Everyone) by Tom Wright – Amazon.com
  • Following Jesus: Introduction
  • Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 5 (Lessons 2-3)

Notes (what we actually covered)

• Icebreaker: General conversation, prayer requests
• Discipleship Update – How are we doing?
  • Fishing with a line.
  • Fishing with a net.
  • Five Thresholds
  • The members shared examples of their experiences sharing the gospel with others.
  • We watched the Five Thresholds overview video and the video on the 1st threshold: trust.
• Additional resources to check out:
  • Matthew for Everyone, Part 1 (The New Testament for Everyone) by Tom Wright – Amazon.com
  • Following Jesus: Introduction
  • Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 5 (Lessons 2-3)
  • 2 videos from from Life Church Discipleship Resources – YouTube
    • 5 Thresholds Overview
    • Threshold 1: Trust

Session 64 – 05/19/2021

Agenda (tentative)

• May 19 2021 Handout
• Icebreaker: Highs and Lows
• Lou: Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 3, Lesson 8 – Matthew 5:38-42 – An Eye for an Eye (postponed)
• Discipleship Update – How are we doing?
  • The importance of carrying evangelism and discipleship through to completion.
  • Watch the Five Thresholds videos on the 2nd and 3rd thresholds: Curiosity and Openness to Change.
• Matthew’s Gospel
  • Matthew 15
    • Clean and Unclean
      • Matthew 15:1-20; Mark 7:1-23;
      • Bad Behavior
        • Vice lists: Matthew 15:19-20; Mark 7:21-23; 1 Corinthians 6:9–10; Galatians 5:19-21; ; Ephesians 5:5; Colossians 3:5-6; 1 Peter 4:3; Rev 21:8; 22:15
        • Matthew 15:
          • murder
          • adultery
          • sexual immorality
          • theft
          • false testimony
          • slander
        • Mark 7: sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly
        • 1 Corinthians 6: sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers
        • Galatians 5: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like
        • Ephesians 5: No immoral, impure or greedy person
        • Colossians 3: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry
        • 1 Peter 4: debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry
        • Revelation 21: cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars
• Additional resources to check out:
  • Matthew for Everyone, Part 1 (The New Testament for Everyone) by Tom Wright – Amazon.com
  • Following Jesus: Introduction
  • Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 5 (Lessons 2-3)

Notes (what we actually covered)

• Icebreaker: General conversation, prayer requests
• Discipleship Update – How are we doing?
  • The importance of carrying evangelism and discipleship through to completion.
  • We watched the Five Thresholds videos on the 2nd and 3rd thresholds: Curiosity and Openness to Change.
• Additional resources to check out:
  • Matthew for Everyone, Part 1 (The New Testament for Everyone) by Tom Wright – Amazon.com
  • Following Jesus: Introduction
  • Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 5 (Lessons 2-3)
  • 2 videos from from Life Church Discipleship Resources – YouTube
    • 5 Thresholds Overview
    • Threshold 1: Trust
    • Threshold 2: Curiosity
    • Threshold 3: Openness to Change

Session 65 – 05/26/2021

Agenda (tentative)

• May 26, 2021 Handout
• Icebreaker: Highs and Lows
• Lou: Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 3, Lesson 8 – Matthew 5:38-42 – An Eye for an Eye
• Discipleship Update – How are we doing?
  • The importance of carrying evangelism and discipleship through to completion.
  • Watch the Five Thresholds videos on the 4th and 5th thresholds: Seeking and Following.
• Matthew’s Gospel
  • Matthew 15
    • Clean and Unclean
      • Matthew 15:1-20; Mark 7:1-23;
      • Bad Behavior
        • Vice lists: Matthew 15:19-20; Mark 7:21-23; 1 Corinthians 6:9–10; Galatians 5:19-21; ; Ephesians 5:5; Colossians 3:5-6; 1 Peter 4:3; Rev 21:8; 22:15
        • Matthew 15:
          • murder
          • adultery
          • sexual immorality
          • theft
          • false testimony
          • slander
        • Mark 7: sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly
        • 1 Corinthians 6: sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers
        • Galatians 5: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like
        • Ephesians 5: No immoral, impure or greedy person
        • Colossians 3: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry
        • 1 Peter 4: debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry
        • Revelation 21: cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars
• Additional resources to check out:
  • Matthew for Everyone, Part 1 (The New Testament for Everyone) by Tom Wright – Amazon.com
  • Following Jesus: Introduction
  • Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 5 (Lessons 2-3)

Notes (what we actually covered)

• Icebreaker: General conversation, prayer requests
• Discipleship Update – How are we doing?
  • The importance of carrying evangelism and discipleship through to completion.
  • We watched the Five Thresholds video on the 4th threshold: Seeking.
• Additional resources to check out:
  • Matthew for Everyone, Part 1 (The New Testament for Everyone) by Tom Wright – Amazon.com
  • Following Jesus: Introduction
  • Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 5 (Lessons 2-3)
  • 2 videos from from Life Church Discipleship Resources – YouTube
    • 5 Thresholds Overview
    • Threshold 1: Trust
    • Threshold 2: Curiosity
    • Threshold 3: Openness to Change
    • Threshold 4: Seeking

Session 66 – 06/02/2021

Agenda (tentative)

• June 2, 2021 Handout
• Icebreaker: Highs and Lows
• Discipleship Update – How are we doing?
  • The importance of carrying evangelism and discipleship through to completion.
  • Watch the Five Thresholds videos on the 4th and 5th thresholds: Seeking and Following.
• Jesse: Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 3, Lesson 9 – Matthew 5:43-48 – Love For Enemies (postponed)
• Matthew’s Gospel
  • Matthew 15
    • Clean and Unclean
      • Matthew 15:1-20; Mark 7:1-23;
      • Bad Behavior
        • Vice lists: Matthew 15:19-20; Mark 7:21-23; 1 Corinthians 6:9–10; Galatians 5:19-21; ; Ephesians 5:5; Colossians 3:5-6; 1 Peter 4:3; Rev 21:8; 22:15
        • Matthew 15:
          • murder
          • adultery
          • sexual immorality
          • theft
          • false testimony
          • slander
        • Mark 7: sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly
        • 1 Corinthians 6: sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers
        • Galatians 5: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like
        • Ephesians 5: No immoral, impure or greedy person
        • Colossians 3: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry
        • 1 Peter 4: debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry
        • Revelation 21: cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars
• Additional resources to check out:
  • Matthew for Everyone, Part 1 (The New Testament for Everyone) by Tom Wright – Amazon.com
  • Following Jesus: Introduction
  • Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 5 (Lessons 2-3)

Notes (what we actually covered)

• Icebreaker: General conversation, prayer requests
• Discipleship Update – How are we doing?
  • The importance of carrying evangelism and discipleship through to completion.
  • Our community’s and our society’s desperate need for disciples.
  • How Black Christians should respond to American racism and oppression.
  • We watched the Five Thresholds video on the 4th and 5th thresholds: Seeking and Following.
• Additional resources to check out:
  • Matthew for Everyone, Part 1 (The New Testament for Everyone) by Tom Wright – Amazon.com
  • Following Jesus: Introduction
  • Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 5 (Lessons 2-3)
  • 2 videos from from Life Church Discipleship Resources – YouTube
    • 5 Thresholds Overview
    • Threshold 1: Trust
    • Threshold 2: Curiosity
    • Threshold 3: Openness to Change
    • Threshold 4: Seeking
    • Threshold 5: Following
  • Reading While Black: African American Biblical Interpretation as an Exercise in Hope – YouTube (2:13)
  • Interview with Esau McCaulley, author of “Reading While Black” – YouTube (24:06)
  • Slavery in the Bible | Dr. Esau McCaulley – YouTube (52:37)
  • Courageous Conversations Pt. 5 | Is Christianity a White Man’s Religion? – YouTube (59:00)
  • The Jude 3 Project
  • Life Church Discipleship Resources Amazon.com List
    • Matthew for Everyone, Part 1 (The New Testament for everyone) by Tom Wright
    • God Struck Me Dead: Voices of Ex-Slaves by Clifton H. Johnson
    • Slave Religion: The “Invisible Institution” in the antebellum South by Albert J. Raboteau

Session 67 – 06/09/2021

Agenda (tentative)

• June 9, 2021 Handout
• Icebreaker: Highs and Lows
• Remembering Turhan
• Jesse: Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 3, Lesson 9 – Matthew 5:43-48 – Love For Enemies (postponed)
• Matthew’s Gospel
  • Matthew 15
    • Clean and Unclean
      • Matthew 15:1-20; Mark 7:1-23;
      • Bad Behavior
        • Vice lists: Matthew 15:19-20; Mark 7:21-23; 1 Corinthians 6:9–10; Galatians 5:19-21; ; Ephesians 5:5; Colossians 3:5-6; 1 Peter 4:3; Rev 21:8; 22:15
        • Matthew 15:
          • murder
          • adultery
          • sexual immorality
          • theft
          • false testimony
          • slander
        • Mark 7: sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly
        • 1 Corinthians 6: sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers
        • Galatians 5: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like
        • Ephesians 5: No immoral, impure or greedy person
        • Colossians 3: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry
        • 1 Peter 4: debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry
        • Revelation 21: cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars
• Additional resources to check out:
  • Matthew for Everyone, Part 1 (The New Testament for Everyone) by Tom Wright – Amazon.com
  • Following Jesus: Introduction
  • Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 5 (Lessons 2-3)

Notes (what we actually covered)

• Icebreaker: General conversation, prayer requests
• Icebreaker: Highs and Lows
• Remembering Turhan
• Matthew’s Gospel
  • Matthew 15
    • Clean and Unclean
      • Matthew 15:1-20; Mark 7:1-23;
      • Bad Behavior
        • Vice lists: Matthew 15:19-20; Mark 7:21-23; 1 Corinthians 6:9–10; Galatians 5:19-21; ; Ephesians 5:5; Colossians 3:5-6; 1 Peter 4:3; Rev 21:8; 22:15
        • Matthew 15:
          • murder
          • adultery
          • sexual immorality
          • theft
          • false testimony
          • slander
        • Mark 7: sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly
        • 1 Corinthians 6: sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers
        • Galatians 5: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like
        • Ephesians 5: No immoral, impure or greedy person
        • Colossians 3: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry
        • 1 Peter 4: debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry
        • Revelation 21: cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars
• Additional resources to check out:
  • ?

Session 68 – 06/16/2021

Agenda (tentative)

• June 16, 2021 Handout
• Icebreaker: Highs and Lows
• Remembering Turhan
• Jesse: Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 3, Lesson 9 – Matthew 5:43-48 – Love For Enemies (postponed)
• Matthew’s Gospel
  • Matthew 15
    • Clean and Unclean
      • Matthew 15:1-20; Mark 7:1-23;
      • Bad Behavior
        • Vice lists: Matthew 15:19-20; Mark 7:21-23; 1 Corinthians 6:9–10; Galatians 5:19-21; ; Ephesians 5:5; Colossians 3:5-6; 1 Peter 4:3; Rev 21:8; 22:15
        • Matthew 15:
          • murder
          • adultery
          • sexual immorality
          • theft
          • false testimony
          • slander
        • Mark 7: sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly
        • 1 Corinthians 6: sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers
        • Galatians 5: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like
        • Ephesians 5: No immoral, impure or greedy person
        • Colossians 3: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry
        • 1 Peter 4: debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry
        • Revelation 21: cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars
• Additional resources to check out:
  • Matthew for Everyone, Part 1 (The New Testament for Everyone) by Tom Wright – Amazon.com
  • Following Jesus: Introduction
  • Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 5 (Lessons 2-3)

Notes (what we actually covered)

• Icebreaker: General conversation, prayer requests
• Icebreaker: Highs and Lows
• Remembering Turhan
• Jesse: Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 3, Lesson 9 – Matthew 5:43-48 – Love For Enemies
• Video from from Life Church Discipleship Resources – YouTube
  • How NOT to do an evangelistic Bible study!

Session 69 – 06/23/2021

Agenda (tentative)

• June 23, 2021 Handout
• Icebreaker: Highs and Lows
• Remembering Turhan
• Reynolds: Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 3, Lesson 10 – Matthew 6:1-4 – Giving to the Needy (postponed to 6/30/2021)
• Matthew’s Gospel
  • Matthew 15
    • Clean and Unclean
      • Matthew 15:1-20; Mark 7:1-23;
      • Bad Behavior
        • Vice lists: Matthew 15:19-20; Mark 7:21-23; 1 Corinthians 6:9–10; Galatians 5:19-21; ; Ephesians 5:5; Colossians 3:5-6; 1 Peter 4:3; Rev 21:8; 22:15
        • Matthew 15:
          • murder
          • adultery
          • sexual immorality
          • theft
          • false testimony
          • slander
        • Mark 7: sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly
        • 1 Corinthians 6: sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers
        • Galatians 5: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like
        • Ephesians 5: No immoral, impure or greedy person
        • Colossians 3: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry
        • 1 Peter 4: debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry
        • Revelation 21: cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars
• Additional resources to check out:
  • Matthew for Everyone, Part 1 (The New Testament for Everyone) by Tom Wright – Amazon.com
  • Following Jesus: Introduction
  • Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 5 (Lessons 2-3)

Notes (what we actually covered)

• Icebreaker: General conversation, prayer requests
• Remembering Turhan
• We watched the 1st video from from
  Marriage Builders® – Successful Marriage Advice | Marriage Builders, Inc.
  https://www.marriagebuilders.com/
  • Marriage Builders® – Program 1 – How Dr. Harley Learned to Save Marriages – YouTube
    https://bit.ly/3xQd4wj

Session 70 – 06/30/2021

Agenda (tentative)

• June 30, 2021 Handout
• Icebreaker: Highs and Lows
• Reynolds: Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 3, Lesson 10 – Matthew 6:1-4 – Giving to the Needy (postponed)
• Matthew’s Gospel
  • Matthew 15
    • Clean and Unclean
      • Matthew 15:1-20; Mark 7:1-23;
      • Bad Behavior
        • Vice lists: Matthew 15:19-20; Mark 7:21-23; 1 Corinthians 6:9–10; Galatians 5:19-21; ; Ephesians 5:5; Colossians 3:5-6; 1 Peter 4:3; Rev 21:8; 22:15
        • Matthew 15:
          • murder
          • adultery
          • sexual immorality
          • theft
          • false testimony
          • slander
        • Mark 7: sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly
        • 1 Corinthians 6: sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers
        • Galatians 5: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like
        • Ephesians 5: No immoral, impure or greedy person
        • Colossians 3: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry
        • 1 Peter 4: debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry
        • Revelation 21: cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars
• Additional resources to check out:
  • Matthew for Everyone, Part 1 (The New Testament for Everyone) by Tom Wright – Amazon.com
  • Following Jesus: Introduction
  • Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 5 (Lessons 2-3)

Notes (what we actually covered)

• Icebreaker: General conversation, prayer requests
• Video from from Life Church Discipleship Resources – YouTube
  • “The 5 Elements of Effective Evangelism” by Becky Pippert

Session 71 – 09/01/2021

Handout: September 1, 2021 Handout

Notes

• Icebreaker: General conversation, prayer requests
• We watched 2 of “The Five Thresholds” videos (available from Life Church Discipleship Resources – YouTube):
  • Threshold 1: Trust
  • Threshold 2: Curiosity
• We discussed the upcoming Men’s Discipleship Group Outreach Project:
  We will identify groups / organizations / networks that help men in our community find and keep work. We will then form teams of at least 2 that will connect with these groups and develop relationships that will, over time, lead to winning and discipling men. As an additional benefit, our connections to these groups will make us better resources for our community.

Session 72 – 09/08/2021

Handout: September 8, 2021 Handout

Notes

• Icebreaker: General conversation
• Reynolds: Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 3, Lesson 10 – Matthew 6:1-4 – Giving to the Needy
• We watched a video from Ralph Neighbour’s “Life Basic Training” series (available from Life Church Discipleship Resources – YouTube):
  • LIFE BASIC TRAINING 8 – YouTube
• We discussed the upcoming Men’s Discipleship Group Outreach Project:
  We will identify groups / organizations / networks that help men in our community find and keep work. We will then form teams of at least 2 that will connect with these groups and develop relationships that will, over time, lead to winning and discipling men. As an additional benefit, our connections to these groups will make us better resources for our community.
  • Phase 1
    1. Each of you will consult your personal networks to identify groups / organizations / networks that do at least 1 of the following:
       • Help men in our community get jobs. It doesn’t have to focus exclusively on men, but it must include men in the population that it serves. In other words, an organization that focuses exclusively on women is not a good choice for this project.
       • Mentor young men in our community.
       • Help men coming out of incarceration.
    2. We will review the results of our research and create a prioritized list targets to pursue.
    3. Form Partnerships
       • This IS NOT a solo project. Everyone needs to be part of a team!
       • Choose at least 1 partner!
       • If we end up with an odd number of participants, then we will need to have at least one group of 3 or more.
    4. Reach out to the targets and become a helpful part of their work.
  • Phase 2
    • We will develop our understanding of “The Five Thresholds” so that we’re able to competently determine what stage any given person is at.
    • We will work with our partners to monitor our relationships with our targets and prayerfully lead people through the five thresholds to a decision to follow Jesus.
  • Phase 3
    • We will disciple the people in our targets to commit to following Jesus.

Session 73 – 09/15/2021

Handout: September 15, 2021 Handout

Notes

• Icebreaker: General conversation
• Lou volunteered to teach the next training lesson: Matthew 6:1, 5-15 – Prayer
• We re-watched a video from Ralph Neighbour’s “Life Basic Training” series (available from Life Church Discipleship Resources – YouTube):
  • LIFE BASIC TRAINING 8 – YouTube
• We discussed the upcoming Men’s Discipleship Group Outreach Project:
  We will identify groups / organizations / networks that help men in our community find and keep work. We will then form teams of at least 2 that will connect with these groups and develop relationships that will, over time, lead to winning and discipling men. As an additional benefit, our connections to these groups will make us better resources for our community.
  • Phase 1
    1. Each of you will consult your personal networks to identify groups / organizations / networks that do at least 1 of the following:
       • Help men in our community get jobs. It doesn’t have to focus exclusively on men, but it must include men in the population that it serves. In other words, an organization that focuses exclusively on women is not a good choice for this project.
       • Mentor young men in our community.
       • Help men coming out of incarceration.
    2. We will review the results of our research and create a prioritized list targets to pursue.
    3. Form Partnerships
       • This IS NOT a solo project. Everyone needs to be part of a team!
       • Choose at least 1 partner!
       • If we end up with an odd number of participants, then we will need to have at least one group of 3 or more.
    4. Reach out to the targets and become a helpful part of their work.
  • Phase 2
    • We will develop our understanding of “The Five Thresholds” so that we’re able to competently determine what stage any given person is at.
    • We will work with our partners to monitor our relationships with our targets and prayerfully lead people through the five thresholds to a decision to follow Jesus.
  • Phase 3
    • We will disciple the people in our targets to commit to following Jesus.
• Matthew’s Gospel
  • Matthew 15
    • Clean and Unclean
      • Matthew 15:1-20; Mark 7:1-23;
      • Bad Behavior
        • Vice lists: Matthew 15:1-20; Mark 7:1-23; 1 Corinthians 6:9–10; Galatians 5:19-21; ; Ephesians 5:5; Colossians 3:5-6; 1 Peter 4:3; Rev 21:8; 22:15
        • Matthew 15:
          • murder
          • adultery
          • sexual immorality
          • theft
          • false testimony
          • slander
        • Mark 7:1-23: sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly
        • 1 Corinthians 6:9–10: sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers
        • Galatians 5:19-21: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like
        • Ephesians 5:5: No immoral, impure or greedy person
        • Colossians 3:5-6: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry
        • 1 Peter 4:3: debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry
        • Rev 21:8; 22:15: cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars

Session 74 – 09/22/2021

Handout: September 22, 2021 Handout

Notes

• Icebreaker: General conversation
• Lou: Matthew 6:1, 5-15 – Prayer (scheduled for 9/29/2021)
• TBA: Matthew 6:1, 16-18 – Fasting
• We presented passages related to discipleship
  • Ephesians 4:1-16
  • Acts 20:13-38
• We discussed the upcoming Men’s Discipleship Group Outreach Project:
  We will identify groups / organizations / networks that help men in our community find and keep work. We will then form teams of at least 2 that will connect with these groups and develop relationships that will, over time, lead to winning and discipling men. As an additional benefit, our connections to these groups will make us better resources for our community.
  • Phase 1
    1. Each of you will consult your personal networks to identify groups / organizations / networks that do at least 1 of the following:
       • Help men in our community get jobs. It doesn’t have to focus exclusively on men, but it must include men in the population that it serves. In other words, an organization that focuses exclusively on women is not a good choice for this project.
       • Mentor young men in our community.
       • Help men coming out of incarceration.
    2. We will review the results of our research and create a prioritized list targets to pursue.
    3. Form Partnerships
       • This IS NOT a solo project. Everyone needs to be part of a team!
       • Choose at least 1 partner!
       • If we end up with an odd number of participants, then we will need to have at least one group of 3 or more.
    4. Reach out to the targets and become a helpful part of their work.
  • Phase 2
    • We will develop our understanding of “The Five Thresholds” so that we’re able to competently determine what stage any given person is at.
    • We will work with our partners to monitor our relationships with our targets and prayerfully lead people through the five thresholds to a decision to follow Jesus.
  • Phase 3
    • We will disciple the people in our targets to commit to following Jesus.
• We watched videos from InterVarsity’s Five Thresholds web site:
  • Overview
  • Trust
  • Curiosity

Session 75 – 09/29/2021

Handout: September 29, 2021 Handout

Notes

• Icebreaker: General conversation
• Lou: Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 3, Lesson 11 – Matthew 6:1, 5-15 – Prayer
  • NT Wright: Cessationism & why I pray in tongues // Ask NT Wright Anything – YouTube
• We discussed the upcoming Men’s Discipleship Group Outreach Project:
  We will identify groups / organizations / networks that help men in our community find and keep work. We will then form teams of at least 2 that will connect with these groups and develop relationships that will, over time, lead to winning and discipling men. As an additional benefit, our connections to these groups will make us better resources for our community.
  • Phase 1
    1. Each of you will consult your personal networks to identify groups / organizations / networks that do at least 1 of the following:
       • Help men in our community get jobs. It doesn’t have to focus exclusively on men, but it must include men in the population that it serves. In other words, an organization that focuses exclusively on women is not a good choice for this project.
       • Mentor young men in our community.
       • Help men coming out of incarceration.
    2. We will review the results of our research and create a prioritized list targets to pursue.
    3. Form Partnerships
       • This IS NOT a solo project. Everyone needs to be part of a team!
       • Choose at least 1 partner!
       • If we end up with an odd number of participants, then we will need to have at least one group of 3 or more.
    4. Reach out to the targets and become a helpful part of their work.
  • Phase 2
    • We will develop our understanding of “The Five Thresholds” so that we’re able to competently determine what stage any given person is at.
    • We will work with our partners to monitor our relationships with our targets and prayerfully lead people through the five thresholds to a decision to follow Jesus.
  • Phase 3
    • We will disciple the people in our targets to commit to following Jesus.
• We watched a video:
  • Moralistic Therapeutic Deism – What is it? – YouTube

Session 76 – 10/06/2021

Handout: October 6, 2021 Handout

Notes

• Icebreaker: General conversation
• Carl: Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 3, Lesson 12 – Matthew 6:1, 16-18 – Fasting
• We will continue discussing the upcoming Men’s Discipleship Group Outreach Project:
  We will identify groups / organizations / networks that help men in our community find and keep work. We will then form teams of at least 2 that will connect with these groups and develop relationships that will, over time, lead to winning and discipling men. As an additional benefit, our connections to these groups will make us better resources for our community.
  • Phase 1
    1. Each of you will consult your personal networks to identify groups / organizations / networks that do at least 1 of the following:
       • Help men in our community get jobs. It doesn’t have to focus exclusively on men, but it must include men in the population that it serves. In other words, an organization that focuses exclusively on women is not a good choice for this project.
       • Mentor young men in our community.
       • Help men coming out of incarceration.
    2. We will review the results of our research and create a prioritized list targets to pursue.
    3. Form Partnerships
       • This IS NOT a solo project. Everyone needs to be part of a team!
       • Choose at least 1 partner!
       • If we end up with an odd number of participants, then we will need to have at least one group of 3 or more.
    4. Reach out to the targets and become a helpful part of their work.
  • Phase 2
    • We will develop our understanding of “The Five Thresholds” so that we’re able to competently determine what stage any given person is at.
    • We will work with our partners to monitor our relationships with our targets and prayerfully lead people through the five thresholds to a decision to follow Jesus.
  • Phase 3
    • We will disciple the people in our targets to commit to following Jesus.
• We will continue reviewing InterVarsity’s Five Thresholds web site:
  • Overview
  • Trust
  • Curiosity

Session 77 – 10/13/2021

Handout: October 13, 2021 Handout

Notes

• Icebreaker: General conversation
• Watched several videos from the Bible Project:
  • Watch: How to Read Plot in Biblical Narrative Video | BibleProject™
  • Watch: How to Read Character in Biblical Narrative Video | BibleProject™
  • Watch: How to Read Setting in Biblical Narrative Video | BibleProject™
• Matthew’s Gospel
  • Matthew 15
    • Faith of the Canaanite Woman
      • Matthew 15:21-28; Mark 7:24-30
      • Jesus was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel
        • “He will save his people from their sins.” – Matthew 1:20-21
        • “Go only to the lost sheep of Israel” – Matthew 10:5-8

Session 78 – 10/20/2021

Handout: October 20, 2021 Handout

Notes

• Icebreaker: General conversation
• Watched several videos from the Bible Project:
  • Watch: How to Read Design Patterns in Biblical Narrative Video | BibleProject™
  • Watch: How to Read the Gospel Video | BibleProject™
  • Watch: How to Read the Law and Biblical Discourse Video | BibleProject™
• The videos triggered an extensive discussion of what it meant to be a Christian and of the distinction between evangelism, conversion, and discipleship.

Session 79 – 10/27/2021

Handout: October 27, 2021 Handout

Notes

• Icebreaker: General conversation
• Bill Baxter: Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 3, Lesson 13 (Matthew 6:19-24 – Treasures in Heaven)
• Watched videos:
  • Proven Way to Build AWESOME HABITS & Break Bad Ones | James Clear [4-step Formula] – YouTube (00:10:24)
  • Why I Don’t Go with Lisa Fields — Jude 3 Project (we watched the 1st video)

Session 80 – 11/03/2021

Handout: November 3, 2021 Handout

Notes

• Icebreaker: General conversation
• Mack: Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 3, Lesson 14 (Matthew 6:25-34 – Do Not Worry)
• We discussed, at length, the difference between seeking God first and seeking the Kingdom first.
• We discussed what Kingdom projects look like, including our outreach project.
• Upcoming Men’s Discipleship Group Outreach Project:
  We will identify groups / organizations / networks that help men in our community find and keep work. We will then form teams of at least 2 that will connect with these groups and develop relationships that will, over time, lead to winning and discipling men. As an additional benefit, our connections to these groups will make us better resources for our community.
  • Phase 1
    1. Each of you will consult your personal networks to identify groups / organizations / networks that do at least 1 of the following:
       • Help men in our community get jobs. It doesn’t have to focus exclusively on men, but it must include men in the population that it serves. In other words, an organization that focuses exclusively on women is not a good choice for this project.
       • Mentor young men in our community.
       • Help men coming out of incarceration.
    2. We will review the results of our research and create a prioritized list targets to pursue.
    3. Form Partnerships
       • This IS NOT a solo project. Everyone needs to be part of a team!
       • Choose at least 1 partner!
       • If we end up with an odd number of participants, then we will need to have at least one group of 3 or more.
    4. Reach out to the targets and become a helpful part of their work.
  • Phase 2
    • We will develop our understanding of “The Five Thresholds” so that we’re able to competently determine what stage any given person is at.
    • We will work with our partners to monitor our relationships with our targets and prayerfully lead people through the five thresholds to a decision to follow Jesus.
  • Phase 3
    • We will disciple the people in our targets to commit to following Jesus.

Session 81 – 11/10/2021

Handout: November 10, 2021 Handout

Notes

• Icebreaker: General conversation
• Watched videos from Why I Don’t Go with Lisa Fields — Jude 3 Project
  • “Has Your Life Improved Since Leaving the Church?”
  • “Can the Church Answer Hard Questions?”
• Watched videos from InterVarsity’s Five Thresholds web site:
  • Overview
  • Trust
  • Curiosity

Session 82 – 11/17/2021

Handout: November 17, 2021 Handout

Notes

• Icebreaker: General conversation
• Discuss questions raised by video #3 from Why I Don’t Go with Lisa Fields — Jude 3 Project
  • Why do we worship on Sunday instead of the Sabbath?
  • Are Christmas and Easter pagan holidays?
• Matthew 15
  • Jesus Heals the Sick and Feeds the Four Thousand
    • Matthew 15:29-39; Mark 7:31 – 8:10

No Bible Study on 11/24/2021

Session 83 – 12/01/2021

Handout: December 1, 2021 Handout

Notes

• Icebreaker: General conversation
• Reynolds: Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 3, Lesson 15 (Matthew 7:1-6 – Judging Others)
• Showed scene from “The Chosen”:
  • Jesus Heals At The Pool (The Chosen Scene) – YouTube

Session 84 – 12/08/2021

Handout: December 8, 2021 Handout

Notes

• Icebreaker: General conversation
• Bill Parker: Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 3, Lesson 16 (Matthew 7:7-12 – Ask, Seek, Knock)
• We watched the Ecclsiastes video from The Bible Project:
  • Watch: Wisdom Book Collection Video Series | BibleProject™

Session 85 – 12/15/2021

Handout: December 15, 2021 Handout

Notes

• Icebreaker: General conversation
• Al: Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Unit 3, Lesson 17 (Matthew 7:13-14 -Narrow and Wide Gates)

No Bible Study on 12/22/2021

No Bible Study on 12/29/2021