Episode 084 – Parable of the Good Samaritan Pt 1: It’s a Bad Questioni.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-138{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-138:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-138.icon-hover-animation-pulsate:after {-webkit-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);-moz-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);}Key Passage(s): Luke 10:25-28When someone wants to encourage others to ask questions, they will often say, “There are no stupid questions.” But those who’ve been asked too many stupid questions will invariably reply, “Sure, there are no stupid questions – just stupid people who ask them.” It’s their way of humorously (or not so humorously) stating that there are clearly good questions and there are bad questions. In Luke 10, Jesus is asked by an expert, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” It’s a bad question, but not for the reasons you may think. The underlying factors betray his question, and he’s seeking a bare minimum approach to obedience to God. The problem is, many of us do the same thing, but unlike the expert, we may have no clue we’re doing it. If we don’t address it, we’re going to miss the way of Jesus and fail to live the life Jesus is calling us to live right now.

Discussion Questions

What was your biggest takeaway from the teaching?

What new connections did you make based on the content of this teaching?

How have you traditionally understood Jesus’s interaction with the expert here in Luke 10?

In what areas of your life do you feel like you’ve been seeking the “minimum requirement?”

What are some better questions you need to be asking going forward?

Where have you been too “eternal life after death” focused, rather than being “eternal life begins now” focused? Why do you think that is? How would life look different for you if were more focused on the now?

How will you begin living out the truths of this teaching this week?

For Further Study

Stories With Intent by Klyne Snodgrass – Pages 338-362

Short Stories By Jesus by Amy-Jill Levine – Chapter 2

Poet & Peasant and Through Peasant Eyes (Combined Ed.) by Kenneth E. Bailey – Chapter 3 (in Through Peasant Eyes) addresses this parable.

The Parables by Brad Young – Chapter 5

Episode 083 – The Parable of the Soils Pt 2: Listen and Obeyi.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-141{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-141:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-141.icon-hover-animation-pulsate:after {-webkit-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);-moz-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);}Key Passage(s): Mark 4:10-13; Isaiah 6:8-10; Matthew 13:34-35Did Jesus tell parables to confuse his audience? A literal reading of the Parable of the Soils seems to indicate that. But what most people don’t realize is that Jesus does something with this parable that he doesn’t do with any of his other parables – he bookends it with the words “to hear.” Whoa! Until this phrase is set within the unfolding narrative of the Bible, it’s impossible to understand what Jesus is doing to help and challenge his audience to understand his words, and why he shockingly quotes Isaiah to prove it. He wants his audience to be like a bumper crop. But in order to do so, they must be willing to not only listen to the word of God, but obediently and courageously walk it out. As disciples of Christ, we must do the same, and this parable instructs on how to do so!

Discussion Questions

What was your biggest takeaway from the teaching?

It was stated in the teaching, “a disciple is someone who listens and obeys.” What are your thoughts on this?

It was also stated that this parable is about “preparation and execution.” How do you, or how might you, prepare yourself to hear the word of God?

How focused are you on setting aside time to engage the words of God?

How well do you think you are listening? How can you grow in this area?

Is there any place where you know what God is calling you to do and you’re struggling to do so? Why do you think that is?

How will you begin living out the truths of this teaching this week?

For Further Study

Stories With Intent by Klyne Snodgrass – Pages 145-178

The Parables by Brad H. Young – Chapter 14

Episode 081 – Jesus and His Explosive Parablesi.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-147{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-147:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-147.icon-hover-animation-pulsate:after {-webkit-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);-moz-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);}Key Passage(s): Deuteronomy 19:15; Acts 1:1Being intentional with God’s Word is essential to living a deep and meaningful life. In the biblical period, God’s people were called to not only dig into the Scriptures but also to have an ongoing discussion with their friends and family about them. Formany of us, our time with God’s Word often stops with reading it and we miss out on the critical responsibility of discussion. In this episode, we explore why it’s so crucial to be intentional about our relationship with the Bible so that it permeates every facet of our lives.

Discussion Questions

What was your biggest takeaway from the teaching?

How have you traditionally understood that nature and purpose of parables? Did you learn anything new that will help you better approach and study the parables?

Of all the parables Jesus told, which one is your favorite? And why?

Klyne Snodgrass wrote in Stories With Intent, “Parables enlighten and instruct, but often with a message that people do not want to hear (p. 159).” What are your thoughts on this?

It was said in the teaching, “We do not grow without tension and challenge. Anything significant in life requires us to be pushed.” Where have you experienced this in your life?

What are you most excited about or hoping to get out of this series on the parables?

How can you begin preparing yourself this week to engage these explosive stories in the weeks to come?

For Further Study

Stories With Intent by Klyne Snodgrass

Episode 080 – The Power of Storyi.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-150{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-150:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-150.icon-hover-animation-pulsate:after {-webkit-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);-moz-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);}Key Passage(s): Mark 4:1-2We’re kicking off a brand-new series on Jesus and His Parables. Nearly one-third of Jesus’s teachings are in the form of parables. Jesus knew how to tell a good story. And he leveraged the power of story because he knew it was the most effective strategy for spreading a message. When we understand the power of story, and how Jesus utilized it, we’ll not only better understand his parables, but we’ll also be convinced that we must tell more stories if we want our most significant messages to spread.

Discussion Questions

What was your biggest takeaway from the teaching?

Knowing more about the power of story, what did this teach you about Jesus’s intentionality when it came to teaching?

How have you experienced the power of story in your life? How have stories shaped you?

How do you leverage the power of story with your family, at work, with your friends, etc.?

Where can you utilize stories more in communicating with others?

How will you begin living out the truths of this teaching this week?

For Further Study

Talk Like Ted by Carmine Gallo

Episode 079 – Do and Teachi.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-153{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-153:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-153.icon-hover-animation-pulsate:after {-webkit-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);-moz-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);}Key Passage(s): Acts 1:1How do you get people to change? It’s a simple, yet profound question. What if I told you that the way we typically think people change isn’t the way they change at all – that we’ve got it all backwards? The good news is that Jesus didn’t. He knew exactly how people change, and employed an approach that maximized this. And when you understand what he did and why he did it, the way you approach change in your life and in the lives of others will definitely change. Enjoy!

Discussion Questions

What was your biggest takeaway from the teaching?

Had you ever noticed the word order in Acts 1:1 about the “do and teach?”

When seeking change in your life or in others, where have you focused so much on the rider that you’ve neglected the elephant?

What’s once experience you could create in order to seek the desired change (again, whether in you or in those you lead or influence)?

How will you begin living out the truths of this teaching this week?

For Further StudySwitch by Chip and Dan Heath

Episode 078 – Serving Those Who Serve Youi.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-156{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-156:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-156.icon-hover-animation-pulsate:after {-webkit-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);-moz-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);}Key Passage(s): Acts 20:35; Matthew 20:28Most people have heard the axiom, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” According to the apostle Paul (in Acts 20), it was Jesus who coined this. He knew this truth more than anyone else, because his entire life was devoted to loving and serving people well. As followers of Jesus, we’re called to do the same. But how can we grow in our ability to do so? I recently had a monumental conversation that gave me a new angle on how to serve people well, and I can’t wait to share it with you. As you implement this strategy into your life, I believe you will experience anew the reality that it is more blessed to give than to receive.

Discussion Questions

What was your biggest takeaway from the teaching?

It’s always fun receiving something (a gift, a compliment, etc.), but do you really believe it is more blessed to give than receive? Why or why not?

As mentioned in the teaching, we do not give in order to receive, but where have you received the most by giving? Why do you think that is?

When you’re paying for something, you expect certain results (and you should). But where can your sense of entitlement get in the way of appreciating someone’s service to you?

Is there anyone who serves you that you take for granted? Has this teaching changed how you will interact with such people in the future?

What are some tangible ways that you can serve those who are serving you?

How will you begin living out the truths of this teaching this week?

For Further Study

The Gathering – this is the organization referred to in this teaching. (A reminder that their site is undergoing significant changes – so be sure to check back from time to time to get their new resources.)

Teaching Series Episode 011 – To Live Is To Give

Episode 077 – Fearing or Revering Godi.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-159{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-159:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-159.icon-hover-animation-pulsate:after {-webkit-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);-moz-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);}Key Passage(s): Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 9:10; Job 28:28According to Proverbs 9:10, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” Perhaps you’ve heard this before, and maybe, like me, you’ve wondered, “Are we supposed to be scared of God?” Is this what this verse means? Or as some of us have no doubt learned, the “fear” here is really a “reverent fear.” But is that true? In this episode we unpack this passage to understand what “fearing the LORD” entails and how a proper understanding enables us to trust God more in our lives.

Discussion Questions

What was your biggest takeaway from the teaching?

What do you think it is about the human heart that drives us to stay so busy?

Name an experience in your life where your busyness may have left another person feeling like an interruption.

When have you experienced a “holy interruption?”

What activities, rituals, or practices help you to slow down and be fully present?

How will you begin living out the truths of this teaching this week?

For Further Study

Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 9:10; Job 28:28

Episode 076 – Be Strong and Courageousi.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-162{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-162:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-162.icon-hover-animation-pulsate:after {-webkit-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);-moz-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);}Key Passage(s): Joshua 1:9; John 14:27; John 16:33Over and over again in the Bible, we hear the command, “Do not fear.” But what is this command really getting at? Is it simply that we’re never to experience fear, and if we do, we’re disobeying God in some way? Or is there more to it? Fear can be a paralyzing reality in our lives. But it can also be a gift. It all depends on how we engage it. That’s why in this episode, we explore the nature of fear, how it negatively impacts us, and how we can leverage courage to move through it to do what we know we need to do but have struggled to do so.

Discussion Questions

What was your biggest takeaway from the teaching?

Have you ever felt like you were going against God’s will by being afraid? How did that cause to you feel or to respond?

How did this teaching confirm or change your understanding of fear?

When has fear led you into a state of paralysis? What happened? And what was the final result?

Where is fear getting the best of you right now, and what do you need to do to be strong and courageous?

Knowing that Jesus conquered sin and death, and is with us in the power of the Holy Spirit, how does this give you renewed courage to act?

How will you begin living out the truths of this teaching this week?

For Further StudyHagah The Text – this is a longer teaching (sermon) that goes into greater detail about the concepts explored in Teaching Series Episode 020

Episode 075 – Everyone’s Unique Pathi.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-165{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-165:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-165.icon-hover-animation-pulsate:after {-webkit-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);-moz-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);}Key Passage(s): Proverbs 22:6Most of us have heard the proverb, “Train up a child in the way they should go, and when they are old they won’t depart from it.” It’s a great proverb about teaching kids how to walk out God’s path in life. But there’s another level to understanding this proverb that I believe sheds light on one of the most significant principles for not only parenting our kids extremely well, but in how we love and lead our co-workers, teams, and others we’re called to serve.

Discussion Questions

What was your biggest takeaway from the teaching?

It was mentioned a few times that Proverbs are not promises, but are wisdom sayings around how life generally goes. Have you heard this perspective before? What do you think about it?

How does this new understanding of this Proverb change your perception on this passage? How does it change your attitude toward parenting?

In your position(s) of leadership, are you practicing this principle of helping everyone walk their own unique path? How could you do this better?

How will you begin living out the truths of this teaching this week?

For Further Study

The Wisdom Series by The Bible Project – this will help you better understand the book of Proverbs, as well as the books of Job and Ecclesiastes, and how they must be read and understood in light of one another.

Episode 074 – Weight Distributioni.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-168{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-168:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-168.icon-hover-animation-pulsate:after {-webkit-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);-moz-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);}Key Passage(s): Genesis 2:18; Galatians 6:2We often carry our burdens alone. Maybe we don’t want others to know what we’re going through. Maybe we don’t want to burden anyone with our burdens. Whatever the reasons may be, we don’t distribute them very well. And when we do this, the weight of carrying our burdens alone becomes an endeavor that leaves us weary and discouraged, with very little hope that anything will change. We cannot carry them alone. Indeed, we weren’t designed to.

Discussion Questions

What was your biggest takeaway from the teaching?

Which way is the triangle pointing in your life?

If it’s pointing down, with all of the weight on you, why is that? Do you struggle to share your burdens with others?

When it comes to your worries, anxieties, struggles, or burdens, do you find yourself dealing with them in any of the unhealthy ways discussed in the teaching – denying, downplaying, or drowning them out?

If you struggle to distribute the weight, what do you feel you need to do? How can you invite God and others (the right people) to help you distribute the weight?

How will you begin living out the truths of this teaching this week?

For Further StudyHagah The Text – this is a longer teaching (sermon) that goes into greater detail about the concepts explored in Teaching Series Episode 020