Awake Us Now

Luke 17:11-19; "Top 10%"

Today's teaching is a story from the last weeks of Jesus' life before His arrest, crucifixion, death and resurrection. This story speaks with immediacy, power and direction to us today.

Top 10% - what comes to mind is human achievement- we want to be at the top, but God sees things much differently. When God speaks of the top 10% He's talking about those who walk by faith in Him and who are filled with gratitude and thanksgiving.

So let's explore today's story in light of how God sees the top 10%.

The story is about 10 desperate individuals with a need that was met by Jesus and that will show us the importance of recognizing what God has done and giving Him the glory.

As Jesus is traveling towards Jerusalem 10 men with leprosy cry out to Him, "Jesus, Master, have pity on us!"

Jesus! Have mercy on us! And Jesus has mercy - He is merciful and He simply responds in love and mercy to them with, "Go show yourselves to the priests." (Because according to the Law - If you had leprosy and it went away - you had to go through an 8 day purification ritual in order to be called "clean.")

Jesus' command to go show the priests was a way of saying - even though you have leprosy - act like you are healed! Before healing began Jesus told them to act healed.

Jesus is saying act on what God has declared!

And then as they walked to Jerusalem they were healed!

The Lord Jesus has delivered us from our sins by His death and resurrection. He provides life forever and He calls us not to simply sit around and wait for God to do stuff in our lives, He calls us to act on what God has declared. We are to learn from these 10 lepers that it is important to respond to what the Lord says!

Jesus speaks and He calls us to act!

As we read on with the story - 1 of the 10 when he saw he was healed - turned back and went to Jesus praising God in a loud voice and fell in thanks at Jesus' feet.

10 were healed but only 1 truly understood that healing is more than just healing of the body. Healing is healing of the soul, and the spirit and the mind and that is what Jesus does. He heals the ultimate need of every person - and that is healing of the disease of the soul that destroys us - and only Jesus brings this healing as the the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

This healed leper showed himself to be in the top 10 because he realized what mattered most was giving thanks and praise to God and coming to know Jesus.

God calls us to gratitude and thanksgiving. Our attitude affects the way we live. He calls us to be people filled with gratitude because of Jesus Christ and what He's done for us. Gratitude for the greatest gift of all.

Gratitude verses: ⁃ 1 Corinthians 15:57 ⁃ 2 Corinthians 9:15 ⁃ Colossians 3:17 Gratitude changes us!

Walk by faith practicing gratitude to God the Father through Jesus Christ.

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St. Luke's Account is part three of our Two Year Study of the Gospels. This book written by Luke, a non-Jew, offers a unique perspective into the story of Jesus' life.

This study is great for large group, small group or home group study.

Luke 2:22-40; "Simeon and Anna"

What is the meaning of the name, Jesus? Do we fully comprehend what this name means? In Hebrew it is Yeshua. It literally means Yehovah, Jehovah, Yahweh saves. "God Saves." This is the name given to Jesus. A precious name. "God Saves" is a powerful name, a mighty name and a remarkable name, a name that blesses all who call upon Him, a name that declares God is the One who saves us.

Every time we speak His name we are reminded of the truth that God has broken into our world and stepped in to save us. We need this divine intervention. It is God who saves us and not we ourselves.

In today's story we see Jesus, Mary and Joseph at the temple and are introduced to Simeon. The Holy Spirit told him he would not die before seeing the Messiah. Simeon was in the temple as Mary, Joseph and Jesus entered and Simeon was prompted by the Holy Spirit to know this baby was the promised Savior. Simeon takes Jesus in his arms and speaks, "Sovereign Lord, now dismiss your servant in peace, for my eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of all nations, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of your people Israel."

Simeon was thrilled to be holding God's promised Savior in his arms and to know God's promise was right before his very eyes.

Then Simeon blessed them and to Mary he added, "This child is destined to cause the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against so that the thoughts of hearts will be revealed."

The good news: God is fulfilling all He promised, but there's also a warning that the fulfillment of the promise of a Savior comes at a great cost - that many will not receive what God so graciously offers. This is a prophetic word about the later years of Jesus' ministry.

Jesus will grow in favor with God and men, but when He begins His ministry there will be a division that will occur because many will not receive what Jesus has to offer. This is still true today. Many will not admit their need for a Savior.

God loves humble people. He opposes the proud and pride will get in the way of many from believing.

Simeon also prophecies to Mary, "And a sword will pierce your own soul." Words that were fulfilled for Mary - a mother that experienced unbelievable sorrow and incredible grief. She would watch her son die on the cross, see Him rejected by many and Simeon gives her a heads up on what's to come.

In verse 36 - We are introduced to Anna. Anna was a prophet who also recognized Jesus as the promised Messiah and comes up to the group. She gives thanks to God and spoke about Jesus to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Israel. What a day of joy this was as the realization of God's promises are being fulfilled in Jesus.

This is also for us today, an indication of what is to come. Just as they yearned for Jesus to come, we too yearn for His return. Through the fulfillment of the promise of a Savior - We too can trust the promised fulfillment of His return.

This day IS coming! There will be a day for us like there was for Simeon and Anna when we behold the One whom the Father promised. And like Anna and Simeon we too will rejoice!

This story reminds us that God keeps His word! Just as they saw baby Jesus face to face, we too on His return will see Him face to face in His full glory! And there will be endless rejoicing!

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St. Luke's Account is part three of our Two Year Study of the Gospels. This book written by Luke, a non-Jew, offers a unique perspective into the story of Jesus' life.

This study is great for large group, small group or home group study.

Luke 1:57-80; "John's Story"

Pastor Dodge explores Luke's account of John the Baptist in today's study. It's a story that starts with the miraculous pregnancy of Elizabeth who was well past her child-bearing years, yet God was faithful to His promise to her husband Zechariah.

In today's text John is born and it is the 8th day after his birth, the day that the baby boy would be circumcised and named. Their family and friends are sure the baby boy will be named a family name after Zechariah. However Elizabeth follows through with what the angel Gabriel had told her husband when the angel had announced they would have a son. And Elizabeth states the child would be named John just as the angel told them to name him.

Since the angel's visit to Zechariah he had become unable to speak because he doubted the word of God through the angel. As family is saying how can you name him John, Zechariah writes on his tablet that the child's name is John and he is instantly healed and able to speak. He praises the Lord and everyone joins in thanking God for this miraculous healing.

The story is a reminder that God has never stopped doing things. He has never stopped acting. He is moving constantly and revealing himself to men, women and children. He is the Living God. He is near and He does these things still today!

Zechariah is a priest - with some holy speculation - it is possible he is the one who may have circumcised John that day. We read that Zechariah is filled with the Holy Spirit. From the beginning of the Last Days which began with the coming of Jesus when Mary became pregnant God has been filling people with His Holy Spirit - men, women, young and old. Not just then, 2000 years ago, but still today.

Zechariah is filled with the Holy Spirit and then prophecies the coming of the Messiah, the fulfillment of God promises of a Redeemer. Zechariah goes on to prophecy over his son as the one to prepare the way for the coming Messiah.

John grew up and became strong in the Spirit. He lived in the wilderness until he began to appear publicly to the people of Israel.

We read in all 4 gospels about

JOHN'S CHARACTER

1. Prophetic - John was prophetic in his actions and his behavior. Wearing a camel hair garment and a leather belt - an outfit that harkened back to the prophet Elijah - John like Elijah calls people back to God. 2. Courageous - John called all to come back to God. He even told the religious. He told soldiers, prostitutes, tax collectors, even a king. John did not back down from courageously speaking God's of all needing a Savior. 3. Humble - John knew his life belonged to God. He knew his life was not his own. We too are called to be humble before God because a humble heart is open to receive what God desires to impart.

JOHN'S MESSAGE

1. Sin - John taught the unpopular message that God takes sin seriously. Sin is rebellion against God. All have sinned and all of us need a Savior. Sin is treason against God. 2. Repentance - repentance is the proper response to recognizing that "I am a sinner." Repentance is a 180 degree turn around - it's an about face in one's life and it is turning back to God. Repentance is also a change of mind in the way we look at our sinful nature. 3. Salvation - John taught that God keeps His word and redeems us by sending His Son to save us all through faith in Jesus. John points us to Jesus - our Savior who brings us Salvation.

In our lives we too are to prepare the way for Jesus' return, He is coming, and so we prepare by living for Him alone.

⁃ Prepared. ⁃ Changed. ⁃ Renewed. ⁃ Inviting Jesus into our daily living. ⁃ Reflecting on Him. ⁃ Living out of the Good News.

He transforms us and on the last day He will raise us!

Until then we are to serve, follow and grow in Him who is Lord of our lives.

Our website – https://www.awakeusnow.com

Watch the video from our website! https://www.awakeusnow.com/2-year-study-of-the-gospels-upper

Watch the video from our YouTube Channel!! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOzMkhPyiNWwlJRpV6Bwpu01

St. Luke's Account is part three of our Two Year Study of the Gospels. This book written by Luke, a non-Jew, offers a unique perspective into the story of Jesus' life.

This study is great for large group, small group or home group study.

Luke 1:39-56; "Elizabeth's Story"

The story of Mary's visit to Elizabeth is often a forgotten story. But what it shows us should not be ignored. It is life-changing, powerful, dynamic and has impact on the way we understand the Bible, the way we perceive and understand God and how he moves in our lives today.

Earlier in the chapter we learned Elizabeth was now about 6 months pregnant with John the Baptist and Mary is just newly pregnant with Jesus. When Mary arrives and greets Elizabeth, Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit, In this first chapter of Luke the Holy Spirit is mentioned three times. Why is this significant?

When we look at the Old Testament - which contains 23,145 verses, the Holy Spirit is only mentioned a total of 3 times. But now in the New Testament in this first chapter of Luke in the first 41 verses, the Holy Spirit is mentioned three times! What this indicates is a profound truth: with the coming of Jesus, EVERYTHING CHANGES! It ushers in the age of the Spirit that will continue until Jesus' return.

The three Holy Spirit incidents: Mary's told by the angel announcing her to be Jesus' mother, that the Holy Spirit will come upon her. Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit as Mary arrives at her home and greets her. John in Elizabeth's womb leaps in the power of the Holy Spirit.

In points one and two we see they are women receiving the Spirit, this prompts us to look to see if a woman being filled with the Holy Spirit is mentioned in the Old Testament and there is not a mention of that.

So let's look at Joel 2:28-29 "I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days." Here we read God will pour out His Spirit on both men AND women! In Luke 1 - we see this prophetic word coming true. God is pouring out His Spirit on young (Mary) and old (Elizabeth) and both men and women. God's Spirit in fullness to all!

At this point everything changes because God is now dealing with His people in a dynamic NEW WAY by pouring out his Spirit in abundance. Why? Because the Messiah has come - within the womb of Mary! it is in Him that the Spirit comes and we are freed to live in this power.

Additionally, we hear in our story that as Mary greets Elizabeth and Elizabeth is filled with the Spirit, the baby (John) inside her womb leaped and was filled with the Spirit.

Elizabeth immediately responds: "Blessed are you among women, Mary, blessed is the child (Jesus) you will bear. But why am I so favored that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your voice reached my ears, my womb leaped for joy!"

The angel foretold this about Elizabeth's baby (John the Baptist) when he announced to Zechariah (Elizabeth's husband) he would have a son: "for he (John) will be great in the sight of God…and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born!" Luke 1:15

All these pieces coming together! What happens next? Looking at Joel 2:28-29 we see everything prophesied happening EXCEPT for this line: "your sons and daughters will prophesy" but in the very next verse of our story what happens? Mary prophesies in a beautiful song, The Magnificat. (Luke 1:46-56)

In this song of praise to God verses 51-55 are also prophetic. Pastor Dodge, using Hebrew context, goes on to explain and describe how these verses are prophecy. (Our hope is that you will listen to this most interesting and revelatory insight on Mary's song).

Jesus ushered in the age of the Spirit when He came to earth and even while still in Mary's womb this is still true. Just like Mary, Elizabeth and John, we too are told we are filled with the Holy Spirit. It's through the Spirit that we can say, "Jesus is Lord!" (1 Corinthians 12:3 "Therefore I want you to know that… no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit.")

In this story we see the evidence of God keeping His word. Every promise of God's will be fulfilled.

We read Mary stayed three months with Elizabeth and oh the conversations they must have had! Our Christian faith is personal and communal: shared with families, friends, and others. When God's people talk together about faith and what God is doing, we are encouraging each other in our faith and exalting God's Name together! Just as Mary and Elizabeth did 2,000 years ago!

Our website – https://www.awakeusnow.com

Watch the video from our website! https://www.awakeusnow.com/2-year-study-of-the-gospels-upper

Watch the video from our YouTube Channel!! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOzMkhPyiNWwlJRpV6Bwpu01

St. Luke's Account is part three of our Two Year Study of the Gospels. This book written by Luke, a non-Jew, offers a unique perspective into the story of Jesus' life.

This study is great for large group, small group or home group study.

Luke 1:26-38; "Mary's Story"

The Christmas story is familiar to most of us, but Pastor Dodge gives us a fresh view of this well know story over the next few weeks beginning today with the story of Mary, Jesus' mother.

Mary's name means bitter. She was born in an obscure village, raised in a difficult time when the children of Israel were in bondage to Roman master. BUT her Son would not only redeem Israel - He would redeem the world.

Very little is know about Mary. What we know is that she was a virgin born in the town of Nazareth, a town not even mentioned in the Old Testament. However, God chose an obscure little town and an unknown young woman to be the carriers of His promised Savior. Though Mary's name means bitter, God changes things! He turns bitterness into joy! A unique birth, a unique mother and a unique child!

Today, Christmas is under attack. Yet perhaps it's more than that. The battle is larger than the attack on Christmas, it's a battle that goes back to the garden of Eden. It's not a war on Christmas, it's a war on God.

The human race, since our fall, has been hostile to the things of God. But! The magnitude of God's love is that He breaks into our world even when we are His enemies.

Let us pray that God would move in the lives of people to reveal His incredible goodness.

This well-known story shows us many things: ⁃ God breaks into the life of Mary and He still breaks into our lives today. ⁃ Mary willingly listened to God's message to her through the angel Gabriel and His Word is still active and alive today! ⁃ Gabriel tells her what to name her son. She is to name Him Jesus, meaning "God saves" and God continues to save His people today through faith in Christ Jesus. ⁃ Mary asked "I am a virgin, how will this be?" Gabriel responded through the Holy Spirit and the angel goes on to say in Luke 1:37 "For no word from God will ever fail." God's promises are assured. He does the impossible! He does what no human being can accomplish - our redemption! Jesus alone redeems and saves. Through the power of the Holy Spirit using the Virgin Mary to conceive and bear a Son - God's one and only Son - Jesus breaks into our world with His saving grace!

Today's reading ends with Mary saying, "I am the Lord's servant, may your word to me be fulfilled" and then the angel left her. Such a powerful example of trust - she hears the word of God, receives it, believes it and rejoices in it.

So much to learn from Mary. She's not just our Savior's mother, she is an amazing role model for any who desire to be servants of the Lord. Things that stand out about Mary that we can apply in our own lives as well: 1. Devout Faith - trusted God even when what Gabriel told her seemed impossible. We too are called to devout faith in God today. 2. Humility - humble individual who knew it wasn't about her, but about God. A truth for us to internalize too. 3. Obedience - she listened, obeyed and followed God. Faith saves and when we have faith we will obey! Faith shows itself in obedience. 4. Worship - sing praises- thank God for what He has done.

As we celebrate Christmas we're not simply looking back to what happened long ago at Jesus' first coming. We're also looking forward to His final coming when He returns - when He reigns and rules forevermore!

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St. Luke's Account is part three of our Two Year Study of the Gospels. The Gospel of Luke takes a look at the life of Jesus, beginning with the well-known Christmas stories. Luke, a non-Jew, offers a unique perspective into the story of Jesus' life.

This study is great for large group. small group or home group Bible study.

Luke 14:1-24; "Dinner Disaster"

Today's story is of Jesus attending a dinner with His enemies - who have an agenda and it's not a good one. Yet Jesus has a heart even for those who oppose Him.

Jesus is invited to the house of a prominent Pharisee on a Sabbath day and they are all watching Him. There in front of Him they have placed a very sick man with a serious health condition of being severely swollen.

Keep in mind:

• It's a Sabbath day

• Previously Jesus had done healings on the Sabbath and the synagogue leaders were extremely angry

• No "work" was to be done on a Sabbath

• Healings were considered "work"

Entrapment:

We can see this sick man placed in front of Jesus, is a set up for entrapment so that they could say Jesus broke the Sabbath by healing someone.

Jesus recognizes the trap and He addresses it head on saying, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?" But they did not answer Him, so Jesus healed the man and sent him on his way. They all witnessed it.

What was that like to see the healing of this very sick man? As the swelling disappears and he goes away whole and healed. No longer critically ill. Can you imagine the murmurs and whispers of the dinner guests?

Jesus' concern and love for the lost (including the religious who in reality do not know the Living God) compels Him to take the conversation further because he loves the Pharisees and those that are hostile to Him.

So Jesus asks them, "If one of you has a child or ox that falls into a well on a Sabbath day will you not immediately pull it out?" And the Pharisees made no response.

As Jesus looks out over the table where people had worked to get the best seat reclining near the host, He continues with a parable. The summary of the parable is that you don't go to a party and take the seat of honor, as you'll just embarrass yourself. The lesson is one of humility before God and man and as Jesus continues the story He speaks these powerful words: "for all those who exalt themselves will be humbled and those who humble themselves will be exalted."

Rebuttal:

Jesus is rebutting their arrogance, their pride, their self-aggrandizement. He's saying - when you really know the Living God it affects how you behave. Not that we are saved by our behavior - but that when we know the love of God and the forgiveness He offers in Christ Jesus, the Messiah, it changes our behavior.

When we truly understand how much God loves us and how much Jesus paid to redeem us, that news changes our attitude about ourselves and we realize we bring nothing to the heavenly party.

It's not about what I can achieve, it's about what God offers and therefore my attitude changes and how I act changes and what I think changes.

The story continues with Jesus challenging the host to not invite friends who will simply reciprocate the invitation to his next party. Rather Jesus says to invite the poor, lame, crippled, and blind and then he will be blessed. Though they can't repay him for the invitation - Jesus adds that he would be repaid at Chris's return.

Diversion:

A dinner guest attempts to change the subject, clear the air, calm the tensions and says, "Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God." What does Jesus respond with?

With this profound story about an owner inviting many guests to his banquet. When it was time for the party he sent his servant out to let those who had been invited that it was now time to come.But all invitees had excuses. So the host ordered his servant to bring in the poor, crippled, blind and the lame and after doing so, the servant told the owner there was still room left. So the Master sends out the servant into the country roads to compel more to come so that his house would be full. Jesus ends the story with the owner saying that not one of those who were invited and changed their minds in coming would get a taste of the banquet.

Jesus is saying this is what's happened with His own people. The very one God invited rejected God and refused to accept all that He was offering through Jesus.

These people were religious but they didn't really have a heart for God. And when you reject Jesus, you reject the Father who sent Him.

This story is not just for 1st century Israel - these words are for us today. Jesus is telling us that nothing is to get in the way of our relationship with the Living God through faith in Jesus. We are not to allow anything to get in the way of God's purpose through Christ for each one of us.

There are eternal consequences to rejecting God's mercy through Jesus, but God is faithful and works to show them then and us now the consequences of rejecting Him, rejecting the open door to coming to Him, rejecting His love for each of us.

There is a forever party coming! The joy of life forever in the presence of God! We don't want to miss the heavenly banquet!

Surrender to the Living God. Jesus is summoning us to Himself. He offers life to all who repent and believe. He desires all to experience the joy of daily following Him.

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Watch the video from our YouTube Channel!! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOzMkhPyiNWwlJRpV6Bwpu01

St. Luke's Account is part three of our Two Year Study of the Gospels. The Gospel of Luke takes a look at the life of Jesus, beginning with the well-known Christmas stories. Luke, a non-Jew, offers a unique perspective into the story of Jesus' life.

This study is great for large group, small group or home group Bible study.

Happy Thanksgiving!

A question: For you is thanksgiving a cultural tradition or a cultivated lifestyle?

If thanksgiving is just a cultural tradition then it all centers around a one day get together and it's over until next year.

But if thanksgiving is a cultivated lifestyle then it flows out of a living relationship with the Living God and THAT is a really excellent way to live because it leads to a life of genuine purpose that never ends.

Ps 106:1 and 136:1 speaks to the "never ends." Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His love ENDURES FOREVER!

God is TRULY GOOD!

Psalm 100:4-5 Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.

Did you know that combined, the terms thank, thankful, thankfulness, thanks and thanksgiving appear in the Bible 150 times!!!

We are called to a cultivated lifestyle of thanksgiving.

Benefits of living in thankfulness: ⁃ Faith grows and strengthens ⁃ Humility is produced ⁃ Contentment is the outcome

Faith in Jesus Christ produces a humble heart of thankfulness that results in contentment because we know the final victory in Christ is ours - forever with Him!

Colossians 2:6-7 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

If you have not received Jesus Christ as Lord of your life - today is a good day to claim Him as your Savior!

Be encouraged to live a life of cultivated thanksgiving. A life of genuine faith that overflows with thankfulness.

Thankfulness comes out of a relationship with the Living God and thankfulness produces even greater faith in the lives of all who trust in Him!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

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Scripture: Daniel 6:1-10; Revelation 2:10; Proverbs 10:9 TPT "The one who walks in integrity will experience a fearless confidence in life, but the one who is devious will eventually be exposed."

Integrity - or lack of it - shows itself in the way we live. The example of Daniel in the Bible shows us how personal conduct should match true faith in God.

Our study today is on Daniel. We will explore what led up to Daniel being placed in the lion's den.

Daniel, in his 80's, is chosen to be King Darius' chief administrator. This position of power caused others under the King to want to discredit Daniel, but all they could find was Daniel had integrity.

INTEGRITY - Daniel was: not corrupt - but honest not negligent - but diligent

When they couldn't find away to discredit Daniel, they determined the only way was to undermine his status because of his faith.

Their devious plan: they appealed to the King's vanity and went to him requesting that no one pray to any god or human except to the King alone for the 30 days. The King agreed.

In Daniel 6:10 we read Daniel's response to the new law was to continue to pray to God during his regular prayer times three times a day. He remained loyal to God and this example of being loyal to God is to be our #1 loyalty priority as well, because God is always with us. Daniel didn't cower - He prayed! The law changed, but Daniel did not! His prayers consisted of prayers of thanksgiving.

These are the additional qualities of integrity we now see displayed in Daniel's character -

INTEGRITY - Daniel was: not corrupt - but honest not negligent - but diligent not intimidated - but courageous not hypocritical - but prayerful not egotistical - but thankful not a "yes" man - but God's man

In the end Daniel is thrown into the lion's den for praying to God and not following the new law. That next morning the King calls down to Daniel - "Has the God who you serve been able to deliver you?" Daniel's response, "Yes! My God has delivered me from the lions!"

Daniel's story shows us the faithfulness of God and also encourages us to live lives of faithfulness to god!

Even those who have paid the ultimate price of martyrs' deaths - for the cause of Jesus - will be forever with God! In the we win because Jesus won over sin, death and the devil!

Revelation 2:10, "Those who are faithful unto death will receive a crown of life." When we live with integrity…. The reward is life forever with God! And THAT is the highest reward! It doesn't get any better than that.

Proverbs 10:9 TPT "The one who walks in integrity will experience a fearless confidence in life, but the one who is devious will eventually be exposed."

Integrity wins!

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Luke 13:10-17; "Real Meets Ritual"

Jesus is the Real Deal! He is the Messiah. He really desires that we know Him more and more and spend eternity with Him. So what does the Real Jesus have to say to us today?

Today's story in Luke tells how Jesus was in a synagogue teaching and there was a woman in attendance that had been crippled by a spirit for 18 years and was bent over and could not straighten up. (Note not possessed by a spirit but crippled by a spirit.) Luke recognizes that there is a spiritual dimension to our world. This was not just a physical illness.

Jesus does something surprising. He calls the woman to come up to Him. He understands her plight, says, "Woman, you are set free from your infirmity." The Word of Jesus is a word of power! When He speaks, even the demonic spirits listen!

He laid His hands on her. Don't you wonder what that was like to experience the loving hands of Jesus on her? Then she immediately straightened up and praised God because she was healed but also because she understood the Living God, come to earth, spoke a word of power that defeated the 18 years demonic hold.

How does this story call us today to re-evaluate our worldview and what is real?

Challenge #1

• Will we accept a Biblical or Western worldview?

Today the Western worldview dominates even within Christian circles. The Bible tells us there is an ongoing spiritual war. There are demons, though not responsible for every difficulty or trial, we are to be discerning, to seek God first, trusting that he is real and can be relied upon.

We are called to adopt a Biblical worldview and allow the scriptures to guide and direct our thinking, to allow God's Word to speak into our lives.

Our God is real and desires to move in real ways in our lives. He is challenging us in the Western world to set aside a ritual understanding of the Christian faith and to adopt a Biblical worldview, to take him seriously.

Continuing with today's story - after seeing the miraculous healing (done by Jesus on the Sabbath) the synagogue leaders are angry - Basically, after seeing divine power manifested before them, the leaders' reaction is that this is not what we do

in our worship time! The leaders say there are 6 other days in the week for healing, so he told the people to come then, we are not to work (heal) on the Sabbath. Thereby accusing Jesus of sinning by doing the healing on the Sabbath.

However, Jesus does not let this stand and He says, "You hypocrites! Don't you each on the Sabbath untie (unbind) your ox and donkey from the stall and walk them to water." (This was considered work on the Sabbath). Jesus continues, "Then shouldn't this woman bound 18 years be set free on the Sabbath?" Meaning, they will loosen the bonds on their animals on the Sabbath but then turn around and say it's wrong to loosen the bonds of this woman on the Sabbath.

It's not about the rituals, it's about encountering the Living God, the Real God who:

Transforms

Heals

Forgives

Is gracious and merciful

And who calls His children to Real Life

Challenge #2

• Will we receive and believe the Real Jesus or will we simply go along with the church culture?

Church culture today says come to church and then go back to life as usual. It says accept yourself the way you are and don't judge anything or anyone. It says it doesn't matter what you do - just be happy. Basically it says, give God lip service and then go back to your life.

This is not what God calls us to - His message is a message of truth and it is life changing! When we receive Him as Savior our lives are forever changed. We too are delivered like the woman bound by the demonic spirit we are delivered from demonic spirits, demonic teachings and demonic beliefs.

Jesus is asking us to move beyond a mere church culture and recognize Him for who he is, our Savior, Healer, Deliverer, our Lord, the One who frees us from the bonds of sin, death and the devil and gives instead Life and Hope!

Today our culture calls truth evil and lies good. Jesus is asking us to turn our back on that kind of culture and instead to hear His voice calling us to Himself.

He calls us from ritual to relationship!

He does the miraculous:

Redeems

Restores

Renews

And He offers Real Life!

Check out our website – everything we offer is FREE!! https://www.awakeusnow.com

Watch the video from our website! https://www.awakeusnow.com/2-year-study-of the-gospels-upper

Watch the video from our YouTube Channel!! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOzMkhPyiNWwlJRpV6Bwpu01

St. Luke's Account is part three of our Two Year Study of the Gospels. The Gospel of Luke takes a look at the life of Jesus, beginning with the well-known Christmas stories. Luke, a non-Jew, offers a unique perspective into the story of Jesus' life.

This study is great for large group, small group or home group Bible study.

Luke 10:38-42; the story of Lazarus' sisters, Mary and Martha.

It's easy to feel overwhelmed by tasks and activities, but Jesus says that what really matters, what really lasts, is knowing Him and listening to Him.

Jesus came to the village of Bethany where Mary, Martha and Lazarus lived. Martha invited Jesus and those with Him into their home. As Jesus taught them, Mary sat at his feet listening to what he said.

Observation: Every time Mary is mentioned in the Bible she is at Jesus' feet.

Mary longed to be near Jesus and to listen to His voice and to internalize His goodness, His mercy and His love. At Jesus' feet listening is where we want to be, too. Sitting at His feet listening closely to what He's saying develops our relationship with Him.

Do we desire to be at Jesus' feet? Are we ready to hear what He has to say to us and how He longs to pour into us His love, mercy and goodness and how He longs to give us guidance and direction.

Martha was distracted by the preparations that needed to be made for having guests in the house and she said to Jesus, "Lord, don't You care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"

Many look at this story and condemn Martha - but Martha is a devout believer and she makes one of the most powerful declarations of Jesus' identity found in the gospels. In John 11:27 she says, "Lord, I believe You are the Messiah, the Son of God who has come into the world." Martha understood that Jesus is the fulfillment of everything the prophets foretold.

Yet we can learn from Martha: she is upset and angry. Have you ever been in Martha's spot? She goes to Jesus, not her sister.

Martha is obviously an outspoken person. There is nothing wrong with being outspoken. But what matters most is speaking ONLY what God would have us speak.

Even with Martha's words to Jesus about her sister, Jesus responds kindly: "Martha, Martha, You are worried about many things, but few things are needed - indeed only one. Mary has chosen better and it will not be taken from her."

There's no rebuke here, but Jesus does go to the heart of the issue and the issue is Martha's heart. She wanted to be a good hostess but that wasn't the most important thing. The most important thing was listening to Jesus and getting to know Him even more.

Observation: What matters is knowing Jesus and listening to Him.

It's not about how much we've achieved, how much we've accomplished. It's not about how well organized we are, how busy we have been and not about how successful we are. What matters is knowing Jesus and listening to Him.

John 10:14 Jesus says, "My sheep know Me."

John 10"27-28 "My sheep listen to My voice, they follow Me. No one will take them from Me."

It is one thing to know what Jesus did, but it's another thing to believe He did it for me. That's true faith!

It's easy to become distracted with things that have no abiding value or to concentrate on things that are important but not paramount. What the Bible tells us is above all else seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness and everything else will be given.

The story of Mary and Martha gives us a real life picture of listening to Jesus and getting to know Him and putting that into practice. Jesus desires ALL of us to have a close enduring relationship with Him.

Are we working on our relationship with Jesus?

Are we spending time in His presence or is he an after-thought? Are we receiving what He wants to give us or are we like Martha and upset about so many other things?

Pastor shares a book reference: "God's Favorite Place On Earth" by Frank Viola. The book addresses the difficulties of life and addresses when we feel betrayed by people and how God allows these times so that He can strengthen and mold us and to teach us to rely on Him as never before.

Another point the author makes in the book is admitting he was often like Martha busy trying to get things done, but he says, "I learned how to work for God. Then I learned how to work with God. Finally, I learned how to watch God work!" Frank Viola

This story teaches us that life's not about being busy for God and life's not about learning ABOUT Him. It's actually about knowing Him personally, it's about watching Him move in powerful ways as we sit at His feet. It's the best place to be!!!

Check out our website – everything we offer is FREE!! https://www.awakeusnow.com

Watch the video from our website! https://www.awakeusnow.com/2-year-study-of-the-gospels-upper

Watch the video from our YouTube Channel!! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOzMkhPyiNWwlJRpV6Bwpu01

St. Luke's Account is part three of our Two Year Study of the Gospels. The Gospel of Luke takes a look at the life of Jesus, beginning with the well-known Christmas stories. Luke, a non-Jew, offers a unique perspective into the story of Jesus' life.

This study is great for large group, small group or home group Bible study.