“Worship of Jesus is rather harmless and risk-free. Following Jesus changes everything.” (Richard Rohr)
Luke
24:13-24, 27-31 International Children’s Bible
13 That
same day two of Jesus’ followers were going to a town named Emmaus. It is about
seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking
about everything that had happened. 15 While they
were discussing these things, Jesus himself came near and began walking with
them. 16 (They were not allowed to recognize
Jesus.) 17 Then he said, “What
are these things you are talking about while you walk?” The
two followers stopped. Their faces were very sad. 18 The
one named Cleopas answered, “You must be the only one in Jerusalem who does not
know what just happened there.” 19 Jesus said to
them, “What are you talking about?”
The followers said, “It is about Jesus of Nazareth. He
was a prophet from God to all the people. He said and did many powerful
things. 20 Our leaders and the leading priests gave
him up to be judged and killed. They nailed him to a cross. 21 But
we were hoping that he would free the Jews. It is now the third day since this
happened. 22 And today some women among us told us
some amazing things. Early this morning they went to the tomb, 23 but
they did not find his body there. They came and told us that they had seen a
vision of angels. The angels said that Jesus was alive! 24 So
some of our group went to the tomb, too. They found it just as the women said,
but they did not see Jesus.”
27 Then Jesus
began to explain everything that had been written about himself in the
Scriptures. He started with Moses, and then he talked about what all the
prophets had said about him. 28 They came near the town
of Emmaus, and Jesus acted as if he did not plan to stop there. 29 But
they begged him, “Stay with us. It is late; it is almost night.” So he went in
to stay with them. 30 Jesus sat down with them and took
some bread. He gave thanks for the food and divided it. Then he gave it to
them. 31 And then, they were allowed to recognize
Jesus. But when they saw who he was, he disappeared.
As Jesus models strong, mature, and connected
discipleship, He teaches us about the discipline of...
Walking
with other Jesus followers-(See Luke
14:13-24 above)
This is
not the time to pull away and neglect meeting together, as some have formed the
habit of doing, because we need each other! In fact, we should come together
even more frequently, eager to encourage and urge each other onward as we
anticipate that day dawning. (Hebrews 10:25, The Passion
Translation)
It’s helpful to have someone process through life decisions with
another perspective
Studying scripture with other Jesus
followers-(See Luke 14:27
above)
All Scripture is inspired by God
and is useful for teaching and for showing people what is wrong in their lives.
It is useful for correcting faults and teaching how to live right.
(2 Timothy
3:16, International Children’s Bible)
The Vowel Method of scripture study:
·
Ask questions of the text.
·
Emphasize key words in a passage by saying them.
·
In other words, paraphrase the text in your own words.
·
Other verses
can add meaning to your overall understanding.
·
How
can yoU relate this to your
life?
Sharing communion with other Jesus followers-(See Luke 14:28-31
above)
Every time
you eat this bread and drink this cup, you show others about the Lord’s death
until he comes.
(1 Corinthians 11:26,
International Children’s Bible)
When engaging in communion, look back at Jesus’ sacrifice on the
cross, and His gift of grace. Look up because Jesus is all you need. Strengthen
your faith by being aware of this. Look ahead to Jesus’ imminent return to
Earth one day. Look around you, and realize you are a family as the body of
Christ.
Not meeting spiritual disciplines (like Bible reading, prayer, church
attendance, and worship) can lead to high levels of guilt for the Christian that
doesn’t do them well. The problem is one’s faith can often turn into a dry,
lifeless religion when it becomes a habitual ritual that is not a fresh expression
of God’s grace. Jesus wants a relationship with you. Have you drifted away from
Him (either on purpose or accidentally)?
“Jesus says ‘Follow
Me’ at least 20 times in
all four gospels. [There
are] 6 occasions in Matthew, 4 in Mark, 5
in Luke, and 5 in John” (hugsnblessings).
“Following Christ is not a casual or
occasional practice, but a continuous commitment and a way of life that applies
at all times and in all places.”
(Dallin H. Oaks)[i]
[i] Inspired by the sermon
“The Disciplines of a Jesus Follower: Back to Basics” (installment two)
Sunday February 7, 2021, Pastor Dave Jansen (CPG). In-person services are
available at all four CenterPoint campuses. CenterPoint also has an online
Sunday morning service that can be viewed at facebook.com/centerpointchurches
or centerpointchurches.com.
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY 2021
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