GateWay Church of Visalia
Philosopher Jesus
Pastor Ed Kemp April 20 & 23, 2023
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
So What?!
Jesus equipped us to serve Him with:
#1. The tangible proof of His physical resurrection.
#2. His personal approval on the authority of Scripture.
#3. The Holy Spirit’s powerful presence to lead us to live well.
The reality of Christianity sets it apart from every other religion.
Jesus the Philosopher: Acceptance
Luke 24:36-53, April 20 & 23, 2023
Prayer Requests:
Group Discussion: Did you pick your career because of: 1. Right place, right time? 2. Your mental interests fit the job? 3. Your physical skills fit the job?
Read out loud: Luke 24:36-53,
How has Jesus equipped us to serve Him?
#1. With the tangible proof of His physical resurrection.
The disciples were having a hard time believing Jesus was actually physically alive so He ate a piece of fish as evidence that He was alive and fully human. If the disciples were having a hard time believing Jesus was alive and fully human, why do I think I’d have more faith if I saw Him alive?
Review the ideas of Public beliefs, Private beliefs, and Core belief statements from the message on Sunday.
· What are some public beliefs that people might say they believe outwardly to make an impression but with which they struggle inwardly?
· What are private beliefs which can change with emotions or circumstances?
· What are core beliefs and how have I and God been developing them?
#2. With His personal approval on the authority of Scripture.
What do you think of the statement, “God said it, I believe it, that settles it!” Pastor Ed believes in the grammatical-historical-structural interpretation of Scripture, why does he think that’s the best way to interpret? Has that style of Biblical interpretation helped you understand the Bible? How has it helped you in your Bible reading?
#3. With the Holy Spirit’s powerful presence to lead us to live well.
Read Galatians 5:19-24. Review the deeds of the flesh and then review the fruit of the Spirit. How do they contrast? What characteristic of the fruit do you want to work on most? Luke 24:52 says, “They returned to Jerusalem with great joy…” John Ortberg recently shared a daily strategy for developing more joy, he said every morning when you get out of bed recite, “This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” and then intentionally smile. If you don’t like this strategy, come up with another one. The goal is to build joy!
What do you think of the statement, “The reality of Christianity sets it apart from every other religion.”
Family Time: Luke 24:51 states, “And it came about while he was blessing them, He parted from them.” Read this verse as you’re putting your kids to bed and then bless them. “I bless your mind for with it you can read God’s Word. I bless your hands for with them you can serve others in Jesus name. I bless your mouth for with it you can speak encouraging words to others. I bless your soul for with it you can feel the joy of the Lord.” Then pray and depart from them just like Jesus!!!
Luke 24:36-53, April 20 & 23, 2023
Prayer Requests:
Group Discussion: Did you pick your career because of: 1. Right place, right time? 2. Your mental interests fit the job? 3. Your physical skills fit the job?
Read out loud: Luke 24:36-53,
How has Jesus equipped us to serve Him?
#1. With the tangible proof of His physical resurrection.
The disciples were having a hard time believing Jesus was actually physically alive so He ate a piece of fish as evidence that He was alive and fully human. If the disciples were having a hard time believing Jesus was alive and fully human, why do I think I’d have more faith if I saw Him alive?
Review the ideas of Public beliefs, Private beliefs, and Core belief statements from the message on Sunday.
· What are some public beliefs that people might say they believe outwardly to make an impression but with which they struggle inwardly?
· What are private beliefs which can change with emotions or circumstances?
· What are core beliefs and how have I and God been developing them?
#2. With His personal approval on the authority of Scripture.
What do you think of the statement, “God said it, I believe it, that settles it!” Pastor Ed believes in the grammatical-historical-structural interpretation of Scripture, why does he think that’s the best way to interpret? Has that style of Biblical interpretation helped you understand the Bible? How has it helped you in your Bible reading?
#3. With the Holy Spirit’s powerful presence to lead us to live well.
Read Galatians 5:19-24. Review the deeds of the flesh and then review the fruit of the Spirit. How do they contrast? What characteristic of the fruit do you want to work on most? Luke 24:52 says, “They returned to Jerusalem with great joy…” John Ortberg recently shared a daily strategy for developing more joy, he said every morning when you get out of bed recite, “This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” and then intentionally smile. If you don’t like this strategy, come up with another one. The goal is to build joy!
What do you think of the statement, “The reality of Christianity sets it apart from every other religion.”
Family Time: Luke 24:51 states, “And it came about while he was blessing them, He parted from them.” Read this verse as you’re putting your kids to bed and then bless them. “I bless your mind for with it you can read God’s Word. I bless your hands for with them you can serve others in Jesus name. I bless your mouth for with it you can speak encouraging words to others. I bless your soul for with it you can feel the joy of the Lord.” Then pray and depart from them just like Jesus!!!