After the events of Easter weekend - the arrest and crucifixion of Jesus, then reports of Jesus' resurrection - the disciples were disoriented, confused, not sure what they should do. We'll learn from Jesus' interaction with Thomas and then with Peter about the path forward in times of uncertainty.

How the Easter story impacts and empowers our lives today and every day.

Discovering God's plan for multiplying His love throughout the world

The Apostle John teaches us another principle for thriving for a lifetime: learn to discern whether the source of spiritual revelations and experiences is human, divine, or demonic.

Empty Vessels. Jesus is looking for people who are listening obediently to fill with His Spirit and to do His Kingdom work.

NOTES

Luke 10:38-42

The Beatitudes - Mathew 5:5-11

Blessed are: The poor in spirit…

Lack: Self-fulfillment. Ego.

Blessing: …theirs is the  kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are: Those who mourn…

Lack: Solace. The “hole” of loss.

Blessing: …they will be comforted.

Blessed are: The meek…

Lack: Ambition. Self-promotion.

Blessing: …they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are: Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness…

Lack: Self-righteousness.

Blessing: …they will be filled.

Blessed are: The merciful…

Lack: Judgment. Unforgiveness.

Blessing: …they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are: The pure in heart…

Lack: Cynicism

Blessing: …they will see God.

Blessed are: The peacemakers…

Lack: Anger. Hatred of “them”.

Blessing: …they will be called children of God

Blessed are: Those who are persecuted because of righteousness…

Lack: Justice. Security.

Blessing: …the kingdom of heaven

• The essence of Jesus’s earthly ministry was emptying himself of his inherent divine power.

Jesus Emptied Himself – Philippians 2:1-11

• Jesus modeled self-emptying for us.

Empty Vessels – 2 Timothy 2:20-22

The Call to Self-Denial – Matthew 16:24-25

Mary and the One Thing – Luke 10:38-42

The central teaching of Jesus *is not* afterlife, systematic theology, or good moral behavior; the central message of Jesus is the Kingdom of God. Let’s explore together how just a little (quantum) shift in our paradigm can open us up to a whole new world of Divine reality.

The beloved Apostle marvels at the love God lavished on us when Jesus gave his life so that we could become God's children, and just as children look like their parents, the children of God are characterized by love and righteousness.

Week 3: Defending Against the Attacks of the Evil One

1 John 2:18-29

With the love of a concerned spiritual father, John prepares us to defend against the attacks of the evil one.

Like a rope made up of 3 braided strands, John weaves together 3 important strands that work together to help us thrive in life for a lifetime.

In this study of 1 John, we learn from the Apostle's example insights for thriving in life...for a lifetime.