In the second great discourse in Matthew, Jesus shares the cost of discipleship. What does it mean to be a disciple?
Download the Discussion Questions here.
We also had a puppet show this week.
A soldier’s grave
Today, the 11th of November, we remember those who gave their lives during the First World War that ended after four long years on 11 am on 11 November 1918. A minute of silence was dedicated at 11 am today to honour the memory of those who have suffered or died in wars and armed conflicts around the world.
Remembrance Day, as well as other Memorial days throughout the year and in different countries, give us the opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices of others that enable us to live in peace and safety today. It helps us appreciate the legacy they have left us and pledge to leave a better world for the generations to come.
God also wants us to remember. He has asked us to “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8) as a memorial of creation and salvation (Deuteronomy 5:15). He asked us to remember our spiritual heritage and the way He has led us in the past (Isaiah 46:9).
In addition, He has asked us to remember His sacrifice: “And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me” (Luke 22:19).
When we have communion together, breaking bread that symbolises the body of Jesus that was broken for us, drinking the wine that represents the blood of Jesus spilt for us, we partake in remembering the cross. We spend a thoughtful moment of prayer thinking of the sufferings of Jesus and why He endured such shame and agony. We appreciate His exchange of life for ours and renew our commitment to Him.
Communion not only remembers the past but anticipates the future. “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes” (1 Corinthians 10:26).
In remembering His death, we also look forward to the day when Jesus will come again to end sin, resurrect the dead, and wipe away our tears.
For the next 5 weeks, we will be doing a new series on the Book of Matthew, exploring the meaning of the “Kingdom of God’ as presented by Jesus.
Download the Discussion Questions here.
From “Solid Ground” by Mark Finley:
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35
When I was a boy we sometimes played a simple game with a ball. One person stood on one side of the house, another person on the other. The first person attempted to throw the ball over the house. The second tried to catch it! The ball would go up to the top of the roof and roll back. It went up and back, up and back, up and back.
Some people’s Christian experience is like that – up and down, up and down. They attempt to pray, they study the Bible regularly, but it seems there is no life to their Christian experience.
Is it possible to attend church consistently, feasting on a spiritual banquet each week, and still die of a spiritual heart attack? Without a clear focus on service, our spiritual arteries become clogged. For this reason Jesus said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’ Acts 20:35.
In giving we are blessed. As we share with others what Jesus has done for us, our own spiritual experience is strengthened. The more we give away our faith, the more our faith grows. It grows when we share it…
If you want a growing Christian experience, share your faith. Make a prayer list. Begin praying for your family members, neighbours, or work associates who don’t know Christ. Share truth-filled literature with people God leads into your life. The Lord may lead you to open your home for a small group Bible study. He may open the door for you to give Bible studies to a close friend. The Lord may even lead you to conduct your own evangelistic series.
However God leads you, be sensitive to His leading. You will be utterly amazed at how you grow spiritually by getting involved in sharing your faith. When we witness to others, the soul we save may very well be our own, for it is always ‘more blessed to give than to receive.’
How can you share your faith with others today? Is there a song that comforts you that you can link on Facebook? A video that inspires you? A testimony that you can blog? Is there someone in need that you can minister to, whether it is by being a good listener or helping out financially? Is God asking you to give more in a certain area of your life?