GateWay Church of Visalia
Philosopher Jesus
Pastor Lance Ainsworth August 4 and 7, 2022
Locations & Times
GateWay Church
1100 S Sowell St, Visalia, CA 93277, USA
Thursday 6:45 PM
Sunday 8:30 AM
Sunday 10:30 AM
v18,19 The right question with the wrong perspective.
Jesus is more than a “good teacher.” He is God.
The church is built upon the revelation of Jesus. (Matt. 16:18)
More than “because the Bible says so.”
Jesus is more than a “good teacher.” He is God.
The church is built upon the revelation of Jesus. (Matt. 16:18)
More than “because the Bible says so.”
v20 I am a good person
He is the total package. A good guy, wealthy,
and young.
He is the total package. A good guy, wealthy,
and young.
v22 You forgot the first commandment – You shall have no other gods before me. (Exodus 20:3)
Jesus is not trying to change the man’s behavior – he is trying to change his god.
“The heart is an idol maker.” John Calvin
An idol can be a good thing, just in the wrong place.
Jesus is not trying to change the man’s behavior – he is trying to change his god.
“The heart is an idol maker.” John Calvin
An idol can be a good thing, just in the wrong place.
v23 Sad – deeply grieve.
Grief over his own life. I am not good enough, I am my possessions, my position, my passions
What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? Mark 8:36
“Does this spark joy?” Marie Kondo
Mental Health Pandemic.
Grief over his own life. I am not good enough, I am my possessions, my position, my passions
What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? Mark 8:36
“Does this spark joy?” Marie Kondo
Mental Health Pandemic.
v24-27 This is impossible without God
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matt. 5:3) * the first be attitude
How to break the idol of materialism.
- Admit your spiritual poverty.
- Let go of your possessions and accept God’s gift of salvation.
- Live a life of gratitude.
- Practice generosity.
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matt. 5:3) * the first be attitude
How to break the idol of materialism.
- Admit your spiritual poverty.
- Let go of your possessions and accept God’s gift of salvation.
- Live a life of gratitude.
- Practice generosity.
v28 You will not regret following Jesus.
Following Jesus will cost you something, not following Jesus will cost you everything.
The ground is level at the foot of the cross.
Following Jesus will cost you something, not following Jesus will cost you everything.
The ground is level at the foot of the cross.
Jesus the Philosopher: Answers for Life
August 4 & 7, 2022
Prayer Requests:
Read Luke 18:18-30
Icebreaker: What is something you deeply desired and when you got it, it did not live up to the expectation?
1. How can we share with the world that Jesus was more than just a good man or a good teacher, but God? Paul says in 2 Cor. 2:2 “For I decided that while I was with you, I would forget everything except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” How does focusing our faith on the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus change our perspective?
2. John Calvin says the heart is an idol maker. Do you agree with that statement? What idols have you had to overcome in your life? Do they creep back in sometimes? The rich young ruler experienced deep grief when he chose not to follow Jesus. Can you relate to times you rejected God?
3. Salvation is impossible without God. God made it possible through His son Jesus. To receive this gift, we must admit our spiritual bankruptcy. What keeps us from admitting our need for Jesus? How does God feel about pride?
4. The idol of materialism is as old as time. Do you think it’s more prevalent now than in other times? Do you think it’s ok to have nice things? How do you balance wealth with following Jesus? A question to think about this week, Am I a generous person?
Family Time
Ask your family about a need they see around them. Ask how you could be a part of God’s story in the earth by helping with that need. Plan and execute a generous act together as a family.
August 4 & 7, 2022
Prayer Requests:
Read Luke 18:18-30
Icebreaker: What is something you deeply desired and when you got it, it did not live up to the expectation?
1. How can we share with the world that Jesus was more than just a good man or a good teacher, but God? Paul says in 2 Cor. 2:2 “For I decided that while I was with you, I would forget everything except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” How does focusing our faith on the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus change our perspective?
2. John Calvin says the heart is an idol maker. Do you agree with that statement? What idols have you had to overcome in your life? Do they creep back in sometimes? The rich young ruler experienced deep grief when he chose not to follow Jesus. Can you relate to times you rejected God?
3. Salvation is impossible without God. God made it possible through His son Jesus. To receive this gift, we must admit our spiritual bankruptcy. What keeps us from admitting our need for Jesus? How does God feel about pride?
4. The idol of materialism is as old as time. Do you think it’s more prevalent now than in other times? Do you think it’s ok to have nice things? How do you balance wealth with following Jesus? A question to think about this week, Am I a generous person?
Family Time
Ask your family about a need they see around them. Ask how you could be a part of God’s story in the earth by helping with that need. Plan and execute a generous act together as a family.