Essential 100
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Essential 100
Week Twelve: The Teachings of Jesus
[To listen to an audio recording, click here]
56. Sermon on the Mount—Part 1 (Matthew 5:1—6:4)
What would you say is the secret to true happiness?
Which part of this portion of the Sermon on the Mount is the most challenging to you? Why?
57. Sermon on the Mount—Part 2 (Matthew 6:5—7:29)
What do you suppose Jesus would have to say to people walking through a modern day shopping mall?
Which part of this portion of the Sermon on the Mount is the most challenging to you? Why?
58. The Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 13:1-58)
How would you explain the Kingdom of Heaven to a modern person?
Why do you suppose Jesus talked so much about the Kingdom of Heaven?
59. The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)
In our global community today, what do you think it means to be a "neighbor"?
What is your responsibility towards that person?
60. Lost and Found (Luke 15:1-32)
How would you summarize the main point Jesus is making through these parables?
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Worried? Writing this meditation is one of my many weekly responsibilities. I am trying to complete it this Monday afternoon. But as I am reflecting and praying on what to share with you, my mind keeps wandering to thoughts about tomorrow. I am having a surgical procedure in the morning. Part of me is concerned about completing some tasks that I will not be able to do tomorrow, including this meditation, and making needed phone calls, but part of me is wondering about the procedure, the discomfort, and the possible outcomes of the biopsy. Reflecting upon our E100 readings this week from Matthew’s gospel, I am finally focusing on this question the Lord Jesus asks in 6:27: “Who of you by worrying will add a single hour to his life?” Well,… certainly not me! If anything I am wasting time that I need to complete this meditation and move on to something else! But to be perfectly honest, I am a bit worried about tomorrow. So I have just been reminded of another Scripture, Philippians 4: 6 and 7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” So I am stopping now to thank the Lord for HHis presence and prayed for His will to be done tomorrow in my mind, and heart (and my arm pit!), … Now I am waiting for the promise of His peace, … So now no more worry about tomorrow. I really agree with Jesus: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34
On to the next task!
Blessings in Christ, Pastor Jim
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