Ephesians #6: E Pluribus Unum (Eph 4:1-6)

This Sunday we’ll be continuing our study in Ephesians (ch 4:1-16), and the theme of it can be embodied in the Latin phrase “E pluribus unum” – out of many, one.

Paul’s previous theme of unity will flow easily into chapter 4, where he begins his practical applications of what he described in the first three chapters. We’ll be breaking this into three parts: v1-6 where Paul reinforces the need for us to intentionally pursue unity; v 7-10 where he explains that unity isn’t uniformity and then v 11-16 where he expounds on the purpose of the church and its leadership.

As you read v1-6, take note of how all the character qualities he challenges us to embody all have a social outworking. If you were to turn this around and consider it from the negative, based on these verses – what do you think Paul would say is the biggest threat to the church? In what practical ways can we begin the process of drawing closer to each other as the church?

V7-10 take a brief detour, where Paul qualifies his statement on unity, reminding us that it’s not uniformity, we still have individual gifts given us. He quotes Psalm 68 to support his claim, but it only makes it a bit fuzzier for us as modern readers. We’ll dig into that more on Sunday – but if God has given us each a gift for the sake of the community, what might your gift be? That’s a subject worth praying about – and I think it can be anything from an ability to give a friendly smile to hearing messages from God for the community. Let’s be open to how God wants to use all of us!

When Paul does start describing the gifts God gave the church, he talks about people. I find that fascinating. We’ll talk about how Paul subverts the Greco-Roman ideal of honor and position on Sunday. There’s a lot to consider in this – suffice it to say, these are all job descriptions, not titles of position, and certainly not assumed because of earned status. Gift is the operative word. And who is the gift for?

Paul also describes the reason for these functions in the church – to equip the community for ministry. If that’s the case, where is ministry taking place, in Paul’s thinking? All of us joined together, from the many-one, form a better picture of who Jesus is!

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Ephesians #5: The Power of Unity and Love (Eph 3:1-21)

This Sunday we’ll be returning to Paul’s letter, reading Ch 3:1-21.

The chapter is broken into two parts – in v 1 Paul starts a train of thought…but in v 2 he interrupts himself to give a bit of backstory on his own calling and relationship to the gospel. What he reveals in that digression is fascinating stuff.

V 2-13 show us a picture of what Paul saw the Gospel doing in this present world. He uses the word “both” multiple times, in connection with equality and unification – that is, he saw the division between the Jewish people and all the other nations as nullified in the gospel. For him, that was a demonstration of God’s wisdom at work in this world.

How much does that square with your own understanding of how the Gospel is to be impacting this world? Followers of Jesus come from all sorts of backgrounds, economic situations, cultural perspectives, political affiliations – the list goes on and on. Those things divide us pretty intensely in our modern world – how can we prioritize unity amidst the great diversity of our fellow believers? After reading what Paul writes – how important is unity in the midst of diversity to you?

The next section of chapter 3, v 14-21 has Paul picking back up on his train of thought. There is a word that gets repeated a lot in this section as well – love. Specifically, the divine love showed to us as a community of Christ followers. How might our love for each other help expand our understanding of God’s love for us? How is love demonstrated in a community setting like the church? How can we improve on this aspect of church community?

Our study will be quick but in depth – I hope you can join us!

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Ephesians #4: It's All About Identity (Eph 2:1-22)

One of the things we’ve had to learn in the dawn of the digital age is how to protect against identity theft. It’s certainly something that requires diligence on our part; changing passwords, identifying stop signs to prove we aren’t robots, all sorts of measures are taken to protect our identities.

In our passage this Sunday, Paul is going to reflect on our Christian identities, and he’s going to reinforce some important truths about who we are in Christ. We’ll be reading Ephesians ch 2.

The chapter seems to flow naturally from what Paul was writing about at the end of chapter 1, where he talked about what it meant to our lives to be adapted as God’s children. In ch 2, we’ll be reading a lot of fairly dense theological propositions about the nature of our salvation and the new humanity that we have become in Christ.

There is an emphasized “then” and “now” flow to what Paul writes. What are some of the ways he describes our old lives, the way we were? What are the contrasts, how does he see us now? What do you suppose being dead in sin means? How do you understand who the ruler of unseen powers is? In what way does this inform you about your nature as a believer in Jesus? Does it expand your sense of self?

V 8-10 is considered Paul’s great manifesto on salvation by grace alone. Grace is a free gift, something we certainly didn’t earn. Since good works don’t earn us a place with God, what do you think Paul is getting at in v10 where he talks about the good works we’re ordained for?

In the rest of the chapter, v11-22, Paul describes the inclusion of the gentile people into God’s big plan to redeem the world. Twice he talks about God making a new person (or we could say human) out of the two divided people of Jews and gentiles. This happened when the dividing wall, or barrier of the commands of the Law of Moses were fulfilled in Christ and therefore nullified. If there is no longer any external marker for inclusion in God’s family – what might that mean about the makeup of God’s community, the church? In what ways can we learn to join together as a single temple of God?

This will be a deep, but I believe enlightening study. I hope you can join us!

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Ephesians #3: Our Ongoing Journey (Eph 1:15-23)

This Sunday we’ll keep reading Ephesians together, covering ch 1:15-23. Paul will be moving from singing to praying in the opening of his letter. In the section we’ll be reading, Paul will be praying for his fellow believers – and the import of what he prays for is what we’ll be focusing on in our study.

Once again, the word Apokalupsis is used – a Greek word which means “something hidden that gets revealed”. Paul wants us to have a revelation concerning three areas of our lives effected by the Gospel.

In v15-17 Paul prays that we’d grow in our knowledge of God. What does that mean to you? Do you think he wants us to have a large amount of information stored up about the Divine? What kind of knowledge might he be referring to, and how would it be apprehended in our own lives and experiences? What are some sources we could consider which would provide us a deeper knowledge of God?

V18 is Paul’s prayer that we would be enlightened concerning hope. What does he anchor that hope in at the end of the verse? What inheritance do you believe he’s talking about? Can you think of any important issues of inheritance in the Old Testament that might shed light on what Paul means?

V19-23 provide us with a bold declaration of Christ’s transcendence over every power or authority, in this world or the next. What does he cite as the source of that power? In what way does the resurrection demonstrate God’s power – and what might it be forecasting for this world?

This is a complex bit of Scripture – but I’m looking forward to digging into it together and finding ourselves in a life of ongoing discovery. Hope you can join us!

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Ephesians #2: God's Loving Plan (Eph 1:3-14)

This Sunday we’ll be continuing in our study of Ephesians, reading ch 1:3-14. Paul’s opening after his initial greeting is actually a poem in the Greek. Translated to English, it doesn’t come off as poetically – it’s actually one really long run-on sentence.

As you read over these verses – try to take note of repeated words. In v3-5, what does Paul praise the Father for doing for us through Christ? How does Paul describe God’s attitude when it comes to his gathering us into his family? What does that tell you about your value in God’s eyes? Does that differ from your own sense of value? How can we learn to asses our own worth based on God’s determination?

V6-10 provides us with a revelation of God’s great big plan. What does Paul say it is in v 10? How would you explain God’s plan in your own words?

Paul finishes his poem in v11-14. What role does he describe the Holy Spirit fulfilling in our lives? How much are you aware of the Holy Spirit’s activity in your daily life? What are some ways we can become more alert and responsive to the Holy Spirit’s work day to day?

I’m really looking forward to this study – there some very important truths we need to meditate on when it comes to our relationship with God. I hope you can join us!

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Ephesians #1: Introduction-A New Humanity (Eph 1:1-2)

This Sunday we’ll begin a new series, exploring the book of Ephesians. I’m really excited about this study mostly because I really enjoy this book. We’ll be starting slowly, only reading the prologue found in chapter 1:1-2.

Ephesus was a major port city in ancient Asia Minor (modern day Turkey). Paul had visited that city many years earlier and planted a church which became a hub of the Christian movement. Paul doesn’t give a specific reason for writing this letter – and we’ll go over that more on Sunday.

As you read the first two verses, think about Paul’s introduction of himself and who his intended readers are. He describes himself as an apostle (a leader in the church) – on what does he base his sense of ministry? How much does God’s will play a role in your own understanding of self?

Who he writes to are described in the NLT as “holy people” – but in most older translations they are called “saints”. What is a saint, in your thinking? Who do you think qualifies for that description? We’re going to talk about that on Sunday because it’s very important that we understand who we are in Christ.

There is a surprising amount of content in the two little verses we’ll be looking at – I hope you can join us as we begin this incredible book!

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Luke #86: A Present Peace, Purpose and Passion (Luke 24:35-53)

This Sunday will be the 9/11 anniversary – a date we will most likely never forget given the way in which that event has shaped our nation and society since. Yet there was another event, many, many years ago which we citizens of God’s Kingdom remember weekly, and the effect of that event on our lives and in this world has been profoundly good.

We’ll be reading about the resurrection event in our final study in the Gospel of Luke this Sunday. We started this study nearly two years ago, and I hope we’ve grown closer to Christ and gained a clearer perception of what the Gospel is along the way. We’ll be reading Luke 24:36-53.

The two disciples who met Jesus on the road to Emmaus have just finished telling their story when everyone notices that Jesus is standing there among them. That sort of thing happens in several of the resurrection accounts – what might that suggest to us about the nature of our gathering together as Jesus’ disciples today?

What are the first words from his mouth to his followers? What does that tell us about his desire for us in our gathering?

In v 45-49 Jesus, in essence, hands the keys of ministry over to his disciples. What does v45 say happened to them? What is the purpose of that enlightenment based on v 46-48? What does being a witness mean to you? How comfortable are you with that description?

After Jesus ascends back to the Father’s realm, what do the disciples do? How is their attitude described? Does their attitude seem odd to you, given the fact that they no longer see Jesus? How might we understand our own walk of faith in light of that?

I’ve so enjoyed this study – it’s always a bittersweet thing for me to conclude it. I hope you can join us for our wrap up of this amazing Gospel of Luke!

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Luke #84: The Evidence of Things Not Seen (Luke 24:1-12)

One of the major changes that took place in the early stages of the church, which set it apart from Judaism was the move from Saturday to Sunday as a day dedicated to God. The seventh day, Saturday, was the day ordained by God in the law of Moses as a day of rest. The post-exilic Israelites held their synagogue services on Saturday, which Jesus and all his disciples did as well.

Why did the church move from Saturday to Sunday? Because of what happened one Sunday morning which changed to course of history and set into motion the advance of God’s Kingdom on earth. The early church began observing their services on Sunday because it was a celebration of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead.

Think of it – every Sunday when the church gathers all over the world, we are celebrating Easter!

This Sunday as we continue our study of Luke, we’ll be reading Luke 24:1-12. We’ll be considering Jesus’ resurrection – more specifically, the empty tomb, which stands as evidence of something unseen.

It’s fascinating that in each of the gospel accounts, nobody is a witness to the resurrection itself – only the events and evidences post resurrection.

In our account this Sunday, we’ll read about the women coming to the tomb to prepare what they assumed would be a corpse for decomposition. When they get to the tomb, it’s empty. Each of the gospel accounts of this event starts this way. What does that empty tomb speak to you about Jesus and the nature of our mission with him?

Two glowy dudes show up and remind the women that this was something Jesus told everyone would happen, but nobody understood what he was saying, and therefore had no anticipation of this occurring. The disciples didn’t understand what Jesus was saying – but how did that affect God’s plans? Does God ask us to understand what he’s up to? What does God look for from us?

When we finally get to the men disciples (v11), their response to the women’s report is less than heroic or faith-filled. Can you really blame them though? Peter decides to investigate for himself – and I believe he takes the first step that countless believers have followed behind him. How difficult is it for you to allow for all the possibilities of God’s involvement in your life or in this world? Following Peter’s example, how can we become more open to God’s possibilities?

I’m looking forward to digging in to this explosively hopeful passage with you this Sunday – I hope you can join us!

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Luke #83: The Planted Seed (Luke 23:50-56)

Have you ever done any gardening? From the time I was a kid, I was always intrigued by gardens, planting seeds that would take shape over time, becoming something so delightfully different in form from what was planted.

This Sunday as we continue our study in Luke, we’ll be reading about a different kind of planting – the burial of Jesus. We’ll be reading Luke 23:50-56.

In John’s gospel, Jesus made the statement “I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives.”

Just like when I was a child, I look at the shape of the seed and wonder what shape the harvest will take. That’s something I believe is forecast in the account of Jesus’ burial. It’s way more than just a connecting passage between Jesus’ death and what’s about to happen (I hate spoiling it for you, but Jesus’ death doesn’t take).

We get introduced to a character named Joseph of Arimathea. He was a member of the Sanhedrin who didn’t go along with their plan to have Jesus executed, which makes him at very least sympathetic with Jesus’ ministry. He asks Pilate for the body to be buried. How might this have been a risky move for him, given what just happened between Pilate and the Sanhedrin during the trial? What does this social, political and even religious risk he takes tell us about the nature of this new life we receive from Christ?

In v 55, who are the followers of Jesus that the narrative focuses on? Do you find it interesting that none of the big names of the disciples are present? In fact, we don’t even find out the names of the women disciples in Luke’s telling of this. A radical upheaval in the order of this broken world’s systems comes into focus here – what do you think it might be?

I think this will be an interesting and encouraging passage to examine together – I hope you can join us this Sunday!

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Luke #82: The Unthinkable Throne (Luke 23:32-49)

This Sunday we’ll be reading about the crucifixion of Jesus in our study of Luke. We’ll be covering ch 23:32-49.

What emotions do you feel as you read over this passage? The Gospel accounts are meant to instruct us, but they are also intended to engage us on every level. Some truth has to be felt before we could ever come close to contemplating or embracing it. This section is one of those, I think.

As we meditate on the events, there are things that stand out which help to expand our understanding of what Jesus was accomplishing on our behalf.

I v34, Jesus gives his famous response to the mistreatment he suffered. What do we glean about the intended purpose of this sacrifice from those words?

The sign they affix to the cross declares Jesus to be King. It was meant as a mockery, but the rest of the New Testament expounds on the deeper meaning of this, indicating that this was, indeed, Jesus’ moment of triumph (Col 2:15). Jesus is truly King. But what do we make of a King enthroned on a brutal cross? What sort of kingdom is this?

Jesus then extends mercy and the promise of entrance into God’s realm to the criminal being crucified with him in v42-43. What did the criminal do to merit this welcome? How can his example help us to understand the nature of our own relationship with Jesus?

Why do you suppose the sun went dark? Read Genesis 1:1-3. Do you see any correlation between these two events?

The temple in Jerusalem had a heavy curtain which hung as a divider between the main temple and the Holy of Holies – the place of God’s presence. That curtain was torn in two at Jesus’ death, according to v45. What message does the removal of that barrier send to us?

It is a heavy passage to deal with but filled with so much hope as we meditate on it. I look forward to exploring this passage together. Hope you can join us this Sunday!

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Luke #81: The Way of the Cross (Luke 23:26-31)

This Sunday is our annual Water Day (formerly called The Great Big Water Balloon Fight of 2022) – so wear beachy kinds of clothing that you don’t mind getting wet and a towel! We’ll be serving hamburgers and hot-dogs (courtesy of Pineapple Willy’s).

The text we’ll be studying together is Luke 23:26-31 as we continue our reading of Luke’s Gospel. We’re in the final stages of the narrative, and Jesus is now headed to the cross. As he is enroute to his place of execution, we are introduced to a new character who, again, isn’t there to advance the story as much as give insight to its meaning.

Simon of Cyrene (modern day Libya) appears in all three synoptic gospels who, like Barabbas, is named; so its intended that we pay attention to him. He is compelled by the Romans to carry Jesus’ cross since Jesus isn’t able to do so. So he takes Jesus’ cross and follows behind him. What picture does that create for you? Who might he represent? Read Luke 9:23 – does it connect with this scene in your thinking?

Jesus then stops to preach what is considered his final sermon to Israel when he speaks to the grief-stricken women on the road. Most scholars believe this is Jesus making a final forecast of the events that unfolded in 70 AD when Rome destroyed Jerusalem. We’ll do our best to unpack that on Sunday.

What stands out to me is that Jesus lets these women know they didn’t need to weep for him. Considering he’s been beaten and bloodied and on his way to be executed, how does that make sense? Why do you think it wasn’t necessary to weep for Jesus? What sort of resolution is before him?

Given Jesus’ outcome – what might that tell us about following Jesus’ way of the cross? How might it encourage us when His path becomes difficult to follow?

I hope you can join us as we explore this text on Sunday!  

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Luke #80: The Substitute (Luke 23:13-25)

Product sample lady at the store: “Try these kale chips! They’re the perfect substitute for potato chips!”

Me: “You’ve never eaten potato chips have you?”

I’m not always a big fan of substitutes – when I was a kid my mom was fully immersed in the fledgling hippie organic health food world. For a while I wasn’t allowed to eat commercial candies, but my mom gave me carob bars from the health food store which she described as a substitute for the poisonous candy I wanted. It tasted exactly nothing like chocolate.

Trying to substitute something good for something bad doesn’t always work – but there is one substitute for which I will be eternally grateful. In this case, the good was substituted for the bad on a cosmic scale, and because of it, we can breathe deeply the air of freedom.

We’re going to be considering The Substitute in our study of Luke this Sunday – reading chapter 23:13-25. The trial of Jesus continues as he is bounced back and forth between Pilate and Herod then back to Pilate for a verdict. Pilate wants to release Jesus after whipping him.

We know Pilate from history as a corrupt, ambitious and cruel leader who was in continual conflict with the Sanhedrin, the Jewish leaders. Factoring in his character and animosity for the Sanhedrin, why might he have wanted to set Jesus free?

Luke gives us no explanation for Barabbas’ appearance – we have to read Matthew 27:15-17 to get that information.

Barabbas appears in all four gospels at this point of the narrative. That means he’s important to the story – at least as a way of telling us about the story. What picture does Barabbas’ release and Jesus’ condemnation present to us? How does it reveal the nature of the gospel initiative?

Put yourself in the sandals of Barabbas. You’ve been brought from your cell into the sunlight and told someone named Jesus of Nazareth will be dying instead of you, and you will now go free. What do you feel? What goes through your mind; what questions would you ask?

The word “release” is repeated five times in this section of Luke. What does that emphasis imply to you? What does it speak about the nature of our lives after being reconciled to God through Jesus?

This is a dramatic section of the story – I’m really looking forward to digging into this text together! I hope you can join us!

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Luke #79: Silence of the Lamb (Luke 23:1-12)

Have you ever noticed how “noisy” it is?  Not honking cars or screaming ambulances, but opinion served up as fact.  Fact that is rarely precise and often delivered with a self serving side of deceit.  Amplified by 24 hour news broadcasts, and social media platforms, the resulting volume is deafening.  The effect often times drives one to outrage.  We are left feeling hopeless, angry and thinking the world is falling apart.  Nothing seems to be going right.

Well, take heart, there is hope for us!

This week we continue our study in the Gospel of Luke beginning the next chapter reading Luke 23: 1-12.  In this section we continue to read about the trial of Jesus but this time Jesus will be brought in front of Pontius Pilate and Herod Antipas.  The Sanhedrin and the Jewish religious leaders are seeking to have Jesus put to death but need Roman approval so they bring Jesus before the Roman court hoping for a guilty verdict.

As we read through the trial in front of Pilate, think about how each participant is this event felt. What was the driving force behind the Council?  From who’s eyes did they define justice?  Who was being protected by their stewardship of the Jewish law?  How involved does Pilate want to be?  Is this really a Roman issue or is Pilate being manipulated?  Notice the crowd.  How important a role do they play?  What can we learn form Jesus’ actions or inaction?  There is a lot going on here!  As we saw last week, there is a great deal of hypocrisy and self serving ego being exhibited.

As the story progresses, pay special attention to the “contrasts” described.  Why would Herod look forward to seeing Jesus when Antipas wished to see him go?  Notice the crowd’s reactions when contrasted to Jesus.  The crowd is in an uproar and Jesus is silent.  He refuses to defend Himself at all.  Why is that?  

This is a convicting and wonderful section. It challenges us and it sets us free.  There is some real power in the silence of the Lamb and I’m looking forward to sharing it Sunday.  Hope you can join us

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Luke #78: Trying Times and Closed Minds (Luke 22:54-71)

This Sunday as we continue through the book of Luke we’ll be reading ch 22:54-71. Things have taken a dangerous turn in the narrative. Jesus is arrested, beaten, mocked and subjected to an unjust trial. Yet before we get to that, we read an account of Peter who followed Jesus at a distance after his arrest, and who finds himself fulfilling to the word what Jesus predicted he would do that night.

Put yourself in Peter’s sandals. Have you ever been in a situation where hostile people have suddenly turned their attention to you? What did you feel and what did you do in that environment? Peter distances himself from Jesus as a measure of self-protection – have you ever been tempted to do the same? Have you ever thought it might be easier to figure life out on your own with the intention of returning to Christ later? What does Peter’s experience and his response in v62 teach us when it comes to our closeness to Jesus?

Now put yourself in the sandals of the temple guards who were beating and mocking Jesus. Why do you think they felt the need or even the right to do that? Do you see a contrast between the guards and Jesus – and what might that contrast communicate to us about how God’s kingdom operates in this world?

The trial before the Sanhedrin was a master-class in hypocrisy. Many Biblical scholars have pointed out all the ways in which Jewish laws were broken in conducting the trial the way it was. What does it tell us about the religious leaders that they were willing to violate their own laws to accomplish their goal? Jesus makes some strong declarations which we’ll explore on Sunday – but his bold assertion was based on something other than the Sanhedrin’s assessment of him. What perspective did he identify himself from? How might his example lead us to a more stable response when others are hostile towards us?

It will be an intriguing study, I hope you can join us!

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Luke #77: The Crisis of Evil (Luke 22:47-53)

I believe that human beings have an innate sense of justice. Nothing can feel more frustrating than when it seems like wrong behavior prevails over what is right. What do we do in those instances, when our sense of integrity is violated and we feel powerless to stop it?

That’s something we’ll be considering in our study of Luke this Sunday, as we continue reading chapter 22, verses 47-53. Jesus has just finished praying in the Garden of Gethsemane and suddenly an armed crowd, led by Judas, shows up.

Judas was one of Jesus’ disciples – we will always puzzle over what changed in his attitude towards Jesus. What should a greeting with a kiss convey? What do you think Jesus’ question means in v48, “…would you betray me with a kiss”? Why would that betrayal be more significant?

The disciples suggest an armed resistance, even going so far as to strike the first blow. What does Jesus say to this, and what does he do for his captor? How should this guide our response in times when it looks like evil has the upper hand?

Jesus turns his attention to the leading priests who were there to supervise his arrest and calls out their hypocrisy. How is their hypocrisy exposed by what he says?

V 53 provides the theme of the passage – what do you think it means that it was the moment that the power of darkness reigns? How do you understand a moment, and what does that tell us about the staying power of evil? How can that help us navigate those times when evil seems to prevail?

I’m looking forward to reading this together on Sunday – I hope you can join us!

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Luke #76: Prayer Under Pressure (Luke 22:39-46)

This Sunday we’ll be continuing our study in the Gospel of Luke, reading ch 22:39-46. This is the famous account of Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane.

The passage is bracketed by a repeated command/warning to His disciples. what do you think Jesus means about falling into temptation? How do you think prayer can head that off in our experiences? Does the fact that Jesus repeats this warning mean anything to you, and if so, what would it be?

When Jesus prays, what does he ask for? How does he qualify his request? What can we learn from his qualified petition about how we should pray?

Compare what Jesus asked for with the answer he did receive. How can that observation guide our expectations about prayer?

I’m looking forward to digging into this subject together, I hope you can join us!

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