Plan Be
What did we learn from the previous blog story of walking alongside Jesus:
Jesus explains to those listening: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.” (John 10:11-13) Notes: John 10:10 In contrast to the thief who takes life, Jesus gives life. The life he gives right now is abundantly richer and fuller. It is eternal, yet it begins immediately. Life in Christ is lived o a higher plane because of his overflowing forgiveness, love, and guidance. Have you taken Christ’s offer of life? Notes: John 10:11,12 A hired hand tends the sheep for money, while the shepherd does it for love. The shepherd owns the sheep and is committed to them. Jesus is not merely doing a job; he is committed to love us and even lay down his life for us. False teachers and false prophets do not have this commitment. Jesus continues… “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me — just as the Father knows me and I know the Father — and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life — only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.” (John 10:14-18) Notes: John 10:16 The “other sheep” were non-Jews. Jesus came to save Gentiles as well as Jews. This is an insight into his worldwide mission - to die for the sins of the world. People tend to want to restrict God’s blessings to their own group, but Jesus refuses to be limited by the fences we build. Notes: John 10:17,18 Jesus’ death and resurrection, as part of God’s plan fo the salvation of the world, were under God’s full control. No one could kill Jesus without his consent. --------————-- “At these words, the Jews were again divided. Many of them said, ‘He is demon-possessed and raving mad. Why listen to him?” “But others said, ‘These are not the sayings of a man possessed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?” (John 10:19-21) --------————-- Journal Prompts Q: Do you believe Jesus as a shepherd? Do you believe and understand us as followers, like sheep? Q: Do you believe or understand that reading and learning what Jesus had to say leads to a deeper understanding of Forgiveness? Love? and Guidance? (Great group discussion question, right???) Q: Do you believe that Jesus came to save everyone? Even today? Back then it was Gentiles and Jews. Do you believe He is here right now, asking if you want to believe in Him and be saved? Q: Do you believe that Jesus was sent to walk our earth, share His insights into the Forgiveness, Love and Guidance of God? Q: Do you think this man, who calls himself Jesus Christ, the Messiah, is demon possessed? Or God infused? Q: Again, do you believe that Jesus could restore sight to a blind man? Q: Do you believe that Jesus was sent by God to be born, to die for us and our sins? --------------------- "40-Days of Excellence" Journal CHALLENGE We invite you on a quest to dig deeper and learn about the meaning of the death and resurrection of Friend Jesus. Over the next 40 days (of this Lenten season), join us in this Journal Challenge. You may want to "give something up" (we recommend noise in your life: social media, limited news time, etc.). Instead of focusing on what you can't have, let's focus on what we CAN HAVE walking with Jesus through the prophets and disciples through the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Here is What To Do 1) Start by scheduling quiet time into your schedule every day for 40 days. 2) Get a Journal and entitle it: "40 Days of Excellence" 3) Get your Bible out (or use the YouVersion Bible app) and write out the questions and scripture mentioned in the our blogs, (you can go back and review the blog posts) 4) Around Day 30, journal what the characteristics of BEcoming an EXCELLENT Christian can look like in your life. We promise you, this will be one of the most enriching studies you can do. BE dedicated, set boundaries, and you will discover EXCELLENCE in Jesus, Others and Yourself. JOY!! Please Note: If you are joining us well into the 40 Day Challenge, like God, we will meet you where you are at! No stress. No worries. We're just happy you are coming along for the journey. xo Christie and Sandi ---------- References 1) Life Applications Study Bible - Scripture and Notes 2) Assembled by Christie Lynch Be Designed to Be
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