GateWay Church of Visalia
Philosopher Jesus
March 9 & 12, 2023 Pastor Ed Kemp
Locations & Times
GateWay Church
1100 S Sowell St, Visalia, CA 93277, USA
Thursday 6:45 PM
Sunday 8:30 AM
Sunday 10:30 AM
Introduction
Understanding the text:
#1. The truth of the Inscription
#2. The motivation of the 1st criminal
#3. The confession of the 2nd criminal
a. The fear of God and his repentance
b. Jesus’ statement, “Father, forgive them…”
c. The behavior of Jesus
a. The fear of God and his repentance
b. Jesus’ statement, “Father, forgive them…”
c. The behavior of Jesus
#4. The response of Jesus
So What?!
What has any of this got to do with me?
#1. Jesus is my King as well as the Savior.
#2. Think of the eternal not just the temporal.
#3. My goal is to live the greater picture.
#4. Jesus’ response, “Truly I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
Jesus the Philosopher: Acceptance
Luke 23:38-43, March 9 & 12, 2023
Pastor Ed Kemp
Prayer Requests:
Group Discussion: Where do you get your news, a newspaper, online emails, news magazines, or surfing the net?
Read out loud: Luke 23:38-43
What has any of this got to do with me?
#1. Jesus is my King as well as the Savior. The certificate of debt nailed to the cross of Jesus said, “King of the Jews,” not Savior of the World. Jesus is our Savior when we accept Him as the Messiah and King of the Jews which implies I’m His subject in His Kingdom! Where do most people find it difficult to submit to Jesus authority? What’s the area where you need Jesus to rule the most in your life: Bible reading, Prayer, Fellowship, Serving or Inviting others over the threshold of GateWay to hear the gospel?
#2. Think of the eternal not just the temporal. The 1st criminal cannot get past his anger and bitterness. He can’t accept his punishment even though he’s guilty!!! Have you ever been angry at God for Him allowing you to experience the consequences of your decision or for making you go through an unjust situation?
#3. My goal is to live the greater picture. The 2nd criminal understands he’s getting his just desserts for his criminal behavior. He hears Jesus’ forgiveness of those who unjustly crucified Him. He’s awestruck by Jesus’ trust in His Father in Heaven and His depth of ability to forgive. Have you ever had to forgive someone for mistreating you? Why is it so hard to trust God’s guidance and control when we go through difficulty or trauma?
#4. Jesus’ response, “Truly I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
“Well done…” What’s the greatest place you’ve ever been, a place where you were awestruck with its impact on you? Why was it so inspiring?
Family Time: Read Luke 23:38-43 to your kids. Take a field trip to the mountains or ocean and talk to your kids about how the immensity or beauty of the view is so inspiring to them. Take time to pray with them and thank God for His creation. Then have some fun!
Luke 23:38-43, March 9 & 12, 2023
Pastor Ed Kemp
Prayer Requests:
Group Discussion: Where do you get your news, a newspaper, online emails, news magazines, or surfing the net?
Read out loud: Luke 23:38-43
What has any of this got to do with me?
#1. Jesus is my King as well as the Savior. The certificate of debt nailed to the cross of Jesus said, “King of the Jews,” not Savior of the World. Jesus is our Savior when we accept Him as the Messiah and King of the Jews which implies I’m His subject in His Kingdom! Where do most people find it difficult to submit to Jesus authority? What’s the area where you need Jesus to rule the most in your life: Bible reading, Prayer, Fellowship, Serving or Inviting others over the threshold of GateWay to hear the gospel?
#2. Think of the eternal not just the temporal. The 1st criminal cannot get past his anger and bitterness. He can’t accept his punishment even though he’s guilty!!! Have you ever been angry at God for Him allowing you to experience the consequences of your decision or for making you go through an unjust situation?
#3. My goal is to live the greater picture. The 2nd criminal understands he’s getting his just desserts for his criminal behavior. He hears Jesus’ forgiveness of those who unjustly crucified Him. He’s awestruck by Jesus’ trust in His Father in Heaven and His depth of ability to forgive. Have you ever had to forgive someone for mistreating you? Why is it so hard to trust God’s guidance and control when we go through difficulty or trauma?
#4. Jesus’ response, “Truly I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
“Well done…” What’s the greatest place you’ve ever been, a place where you were awestruck with its impact on you? Why was it so inspiring?
Family Time: Read Luke 23:38-43 to your kids. Take a field trip to the mountains or ocean and talk to your kids about how the immensity or beauty of the view is so inspiring to them. Take time to pray with them and thank God for His creation. Then have some fun!