Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 24:15-36 (NLT) ~Jesus Speaks about the Future Cont.~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Jesus taking the time to answer the disciples’ questions. Similar landscapes in many ways. Reading from Joel 2:1-13. The Lord is merciful and compassionate wanting us to turn to Him.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 24:1-14 (NLT) ~Jesus Speaks about the Future~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The circumstances, “birth pains”, are things we have to go through but are not looking forward to go through. Those who endure to the end are in the Word and strengthened by God’s Holy Spirit. Enduring in love. When we go through trials we can be encouraged that there is still time for others to be saved.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 23:23-39 (NLT) ~Jesus Criticizes the Religious Leaders Cont.~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. God’s word tells us that God will be the champion over our lives. Jesus sees into our hearts. Jesus’ pain behind this scolding. Justice with Mercy vs. justice with vengeance. The call to self-reflect on Jesus’ words. Psalms 118:22-26. The door is still open, there is still opportunity to repent and live differently.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 23:11-22 (NLT) ~Jesus Criticizes the Religious Leaders Cont.~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Let your yes be yes. Jesus calling out the leaders. Not realizing the implications of our words and actions. Repentance allows for a change of perspective. Abusing power or making money the most important thing. In the kingdom of this world its all about being honored, In the Kingdom of God it’s about being humble servants.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 23:1-10 (NLT) ~Jesus Criticizes the Religious Leaders ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The trap of finding your identity in your gifting, your role, or your occupation. Being known for what you contribute to the community and being edified when others acknowledge you. Jesus is all we need. We can go back daily to His teaching in the scriptures. We don’t need to wait until Sunday, we have access now!

Reading Psalms 26 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. David making observations separating himself from the world and the sin. The self-reflection in David’s words. David knew God was looking and knows his heart. Reflecting the people, we spend the most time with. Seeking the LORD’s judgment. Standing innocent before God because of the blood of Jesus. Speaking it out helps us walk it out. Allowing God to set us straight and praising Him, praise His goodness, He still wants us near!

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 22:41-46(NLT) ~Whose Son is the Messiah? ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The profound truth found in the scriptures. The Messiah is coming to establish a greater kingdom than any worldly kingdom. Jesus’ question to the religious leaders silencing them. Keeping an open mind to learn and grow.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 22:34-40 (NLT) ~the Most Important Commandment ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Deut. 6:4, the heart behind the law. Though Jesus continued to amaze with His answers the religious leaders missed opportunity to go Jesus to learn. Lev. 19:17. Baring a grudge is a trap for the one who holds it.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 22:23-33 (NLT) ~Discussion about Resurrection ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The Sadducees thinking, they have it figured out something about the afterlife. Taking scripture out of contexts. Mistakes can take us off in a wrong direction while remaining convinced of being right. The letter of the Law vs the Heart of God. The clarity Jesus brings and the truth He reveals in scripture.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 22:15-22 (NLT) ~Taxes for Caesar ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The Pharisee’s attempt to trap Jesus with a question about money. The Kingdom of the world overvaluing money. The Kingdom of God valuing and operating through relationships. Visa’s priceless moments with a cost. The imprinted image of Caesar vs the imprinted image of God.