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Luke Chapter 13

  • Bible Study on Luke 

    Luke Chapter 13


    >> Click Here For Audio Version << 
     

    Luke 13 Outline:
    13:01-05 People who perished.
    13:06-09 The man seeking fruit.
    13:10-17 Jesus heals a bent woman.
    13:18-21 The kingdom of God.
    13:22-30 Who exactly are in the kingdom?
    13:31-33 That fox Herod.
    13:34-35 Jesus laments over Jerusalem.


    Fun Facts:
    — Jerusalem is one of the oldest cities in the world and has been destroyed at least twice, besieged 23 times, attacked 52 times, and captured and recaptured 44 times.

    — Luke mentions Jerusalem ninety times, while it occurs only forty-nine times in the all the rest of the new testament. It was considered the heart of the nation of Israel.


    Study Notes:
    Luke 13:1-5 It was commonly believed that disaster was a punishment for sin, so Jesus makes it a point that these Galileans had not been singled out for punishment but that everyone listening to Him could suffer the same fate, and likewise have no time to repent. Repenting of sins is both a once-for-all event in life and a day-to-day affair that keeps putting new sins behind you.

    Luke 13:6-9: Jesus tells a parable of a man who owned a vineyard with a fig tree in it. For three years he looked for fruit on this tree but found none and he decided to cut it down. The vinedresser asked him to wait one more year while he fertilized it. God is merciful and patient, but He does expect to see good fruit growing in our lives. There will come an end to His patience one day and the tree that will not bear fruit will be cut down and burned.

    Luke 13:10-17: The right use of the sabbath continued to be a point of dispute between Jesus and the religious leaders. Jesus put the real needs of people first where the pharisees put the law they had developed first. God has said “do no work on the sabbath” and man had turned it into “do nothing on the sabbath, at least in public…” Just like God told Adam “Do not eat the fruit of that tree” and Eve told the serpent “We cannot eat, nor touch it.” They went above and beyond the actual word of God.

    Jesus saw a woman that had been “bound by satan” for eighteen years and He laid hands on her and healed her. The woman whose backbone had fused in a bent over position, stood up straight for the first time in almost two decades. It was a glorious miracle. Instead of the synagogue ruler being happy, it reads: “The ruler of the synagogue, being indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, said to the multitude, “There are six days in which men ought to work. Therefore come on those days and be healed, and not on the Sabbath day!” (Luke 13:14 WEB)

    The rabbis believed that on the sabbath, animals could be led out by a chain or rope, as long as nothing was carried. You could draw water for them and pour it into a trough, though you could not hold the bucket while they drank from it. This fulfilled the letter of the law while still caring for the animals. Jesus asked them that if they worked around the law to take care of the animals, how much more so to heal a daughter of Abraham? It was the power of God that healed the woman, and God chose to do it on the sabbath day. Who are we to tell God when and what to do like He is our pet? It seems ridiculous, but I have seen this attitude in church myself.

    Luke 13:18-21: Jesus tells two parables, one about the mustard seed and the other about the leaven (yeast). This is directly after healing the woman in the synagogue. Though the rulers were opposed, the people rejoiced at the glorious things done by Him (13:17). The seed of the kingdom of God was planted and would continue to grow until the birds of the air made nests in its branches. The birds could refer to the nations of the earth (Ezekiel 17:23; 31:6; Daniel 4:12, 21). The kingdom of God will be universal and people from all nations will be a part of it.

    The leaven or yeast would spread through all of the flour. The kingdom of God will encompass the entire earth. In the same way, man is made of earth and like a city (Prov. 25:28). When the seed of the kingdom is planted in someone, it is only the beginning. It will grow driving out the darkness before it one bad attitude at a time until the whole body is full of light. Compare someone who got saved last week to someone that has walked with God for twenty years and you will see a difference. Don’t get all holy and religious on me: The spirit within you may be a new creation in Christ, but you are still in that same old body, and you still have those same old desires until you overcome them.

    Luke 13:22-30: Jesus was slowly making His way to Jerusalem and taking time to teach along the way. The Jews believed that all Israel would certainly be saved, except for a few blatant sinners who excluded themselves. Jesus made it clear that there will be many surprises in the membership of the kingdom. He urges His listeners to strive to make sure that they are in that number. The word “strive” means whole-hearted action. It was a technical term for competition and where we get the English word “agonize.” It means no half-hearted effort; give it everything that you have got.

    We should be genuinely seeking God now. It is not human achievement that will get you into the gate, but more of the attitude of putting God first in your life. Make Him and His work important in your life now. The first group strove to get in through the narrow door. The second group claimed to know Jesus, they heard Him preaching in the streets, they ate and drank in His presence, but He did not know them and they were turned away. They did not act on His words, though they heard them. James said: “But be doers of the word, and not only hearers, deluding your own selves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man beholding his natural face in a mirror; for he sees himself, and goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.” (James 1:22–24 WEB)

    Timing: There are two groups of people mentioned here and timing seems to be one difference: “Strive to enter” is now; “Will seek to enter” is in the future. All genuine seekers are freely welcome to come to God, but there is a time limit on the offer of salvation. When the door is finally shut, those standing outside of it will be lost. The return of Jesus will come like a bolt of lightning, catching everyone off guard (Matt 24:27). When the door on the ark of Noah closed, everyone outside of it perished. Only eight people were saved (1 Peter 3:20). That was certainly a narrow door. Today is the day of salvation (2Cor. 6:2). Live your life ready to die and begin to put God first now.

    Luke 13:31-33 The pharisees gave Jesus a death threat from Herod who had put John the baptizer to death. Jesus called Herod a “fox” which probably meant that he was neither a great man, nor a straight man. Foxes were small, but considered sly and sometimes represented destructiveness (Song 2:15). Later when Jesus appeared before Herod, He did not say a word (Luke 23:9). When Jesus has nothing to say to someone, that person is hopelessly lost.

    Luke 13:34-35 Jerusalem was the heart of the nation of Israel and though Jesus knew what was coming, He followed the path that God had set before Him. Luke mentions Jerusalem ninety times, while it occurs only forty-nine times in the all the rest of the new testament. It was important to Luke and being the heart of the nation, Jerusalem was where the prophets appeared before the Sanhedrin (essentially, a jury for religious matters), were tried and then put to death. It was there that the nation’s attitude towards Jesus would reach its final stages and God’s Messiah would fulfill His purpose on the earth.

    When a nation or individual persists in rejecting God, the end is inevitable. God no longer lives there or in them. To me, Luke 13:35 points to the future second advent of Christ when Jesus will return and Israel will recognize Him as the true Messiah and say “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”



    Jerusalem is one of the oldest cities in the world and has been destroyed at least twice, besieged 23 times, attacked 52 times, and captured and recaptured 44 times. The temple mount is in the foreground.

     


    Study Questions: (if your answers are very long, you may want to type them first in something like Word or Notepad, which doesn't require an Internet connection, then copy and paste (Ctrl-A to select, Ctrl-V to copy, Ctrl-V to paste), to prevent mishaps. Also, there is a 3K character limit, so if they are super long, feel free to post more than once, and just answer a couple of questions at a time. Also, you are welcome to post any questions you may have. We look forward to your thoughts!)

    1. Jesus talks about the parable of the fig tree in Luke 13:8-9. What does this story mean to you? Who is the owner? Who is the vinedresser?

    2. In Luke 13:10-17, Jesus rebuked the “ruler of the synagogue” and those who agreed with him, as hypocrites for freeing a woman from a disabling spirit on the sabbath. Note that the woman did not even have to ask for help, nor did she express that she believed in Jesus. What does this section tell you about Jesus’s love and compassion?

    3. Jesus said in Luke 13:18-2 1that the kingdom of God is like a mustard seed which starts small and grows great over time, and like the leaven used to make bread, which works from within. What does this section tell you about Jesus’ patience?

    4. In Luke 13:22-30, Jesus suggested that there would be fewer than we may think in HIs kingdom (“For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and not be able to”), and that we may be surprised at who they are (“And behold, some are last who will be the first, and some are first who will be the last”). What are your thoughts on what this means for us?

    5. As Jesus laments over the state of Jerusalem in Luke 13:31-35, He expresses His love for its people and says “And I tell you, you will not see me until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord’”. What are your thoughts on how this section may apply to our modern nations and about how we should pray for them?


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34 comments
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Kay Rushin
Kay Rushin I am gonna get back to the questions.....But I think this answered the " lukewarm approach" Gotta love it......
July 6, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Love this study, it is amazing how much I am still learning. Thank y'all so much for giving us so much to learn about and ponder in our hearts. Love The Word of God.
July 6, 2015- Edit- Delete
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member 1)- I feel like we are the vine and Jesus is the vinedresser, if He continues to pour out blessings upon us and we just let it all wither away and do nothing with what God has given us to use, then Jesus will cut us down if we are not bearing Him good fruit. We cannot stand on both sides of the fence and be a true vine for Jesus that is growing great fruit, because we are either bearing fruit or not. If we make mistakes and ask for forgiveness and try to do better, then we are trying to help our vine grow, but if we are not willing to let God have His way in our lives and we don't take care of our vine, then Jesus may come in an cut it down, because we are not bearing good fruit. My prayer is to always try to bear good fruit, I don't want to be one of the ones left out, I want heaven to be my eternal home and I want my vine to bear wonderful fruits for Jesus. I want to be an extension of The Hands of Jesus, to help others, through love and whatever He asks of me. Thank you, Pastor Dion for this awesome Bible study, it has truly given me a lot to think about and hope to be a better Christian and draw closer each day to Jesus.
July 6, 2015- Edit- Delete
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member 2)-That Jesus loves and cares about us whether we are sinners or saints. His love is for us all and His forgiving power is for anyone willing to accept Him into their hearts, asking and believing for forgiveness of their sins, and accept Him as their Savior, believing He died on the cross and rose again, that we might have forgiveness and be with Him one day for eternity. Jesus's love is so amazing.
July 6, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deborah Alexander
Deborah Alexander Q#2=Jesus knows what we stand in need of before we even ask, He is full of compassion Matt. 9:36 in 2Corithians 1:3-4 it says we are to show the same compassion that was shown to us by Jesus to others, therefore I believe Jesus was once again setting an example for us to follow. Q#3= I know that Jesus is very patient with us because we daily sin and try to get it right. We start off as babes with milk, but as we stay in his word daily seeking Him we will Grow Spiritually in our walk with Him.
July 6, 2015
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Kay Rushin
Kay Rushin Parable-a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson, as told by Jesus in the Gospels. Lord I am so glad you started talking in simple ways in the New testament, I had a hard time with Aesop fables. Q1- God is the owner and Jesus is the vine-dresser, the great Intercessor . Luke 13:8-9 relate what the vineyard keeper (who represents God the Son, Jesus) replied to the vineyard owner (who represents God the Father). The vineyard keeper’s words illustrate the goodness and long suffering of God in giving opportunity and encouragement for the unfruitful and disobedient to repent. The vineyard keeper’s plea on behalf of the condemned fig tree represents the intercession of Jesus Christ for us.
July 6, 2015
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Kay Rushin
Kay Rushin Q2- God is love everyday, all day and we should have his same  spirit when someone is in need. When you see a need, meet it. No waiting until you feel like it.... Q3-He is patient, He wants to see growth in our lives... Job's patience X's a lot Q4- Scary Stuff..... We are brought with a price. The price is to honor him and do his will, keep the commandments as much as our limited minds will allow, Be in the mindset of forgiveness and loving people. If you love me you will keep my commandment. DO NOT take my salvation for granted. A gift, Grace, Favor Q5-This reminds me of the phrase “every knee shall bow” that comes from the Old Testament book of Isaiah. Isaiah 45:23. I need to pray for the world as a whole, because believing in The trinity is the only way. You will not see me until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord’”
July 6, 2015
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David and Dianna Wyles
David and Dianna Wyles 1) We are the vine, Jesus is the vinedresser, God is the owner 2) Jesus' love and compasion is unmeasureable.He came to save us  & he is the ruler over the sabbath. I believe he was pointing out that it's ok to do a good deed on the sabbath.
July 7, 2015
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David and Dianna Wyles
David and Dianna Wyles 3) This tells me Jesus has much patience and wants us all to hear his but, but there is a time limit, if the doors close before we hear and listen to the call we will miss out... 4) To me this means don't be a luke warm christian, seek him with all your heart>> even if you heard his call late, if the door's still open... there is still time to worship. 5) I believe it's a heart thing...we won't see him or even look for him until he is established himself in our hearts.When we say ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord’, we are accepting him into our hearts and he will show himself and we will feel his presence.
July 7, 2015
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David and Dianna Wyles
David and Dianna Wyles Thank you Pastor, bible study was great. Left me lots to think about ;) Say blessed <3
July 7, 2015
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Veronica Ryan
Veronica Ryan Thank you for this bible study. I am someone that the seed has just been planted. I am grateful to read that if I continue, the darkness will be drivin out until the body id full of light.
July 7, 2015
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Lorna Smetak
Lorna Smetak Fig Tree. The owner is God and the vinedresser is Jesus. No one listening or reading the word of the gospel or repenting of their sins. God says to cut it down if no one is repenting or obeying the word (gospel) (figs-fruit). Jesus asks on our behalf for one more try to get the world to repent and obeying the word, then God may have his way with the world and destroy it.
July 7, 2015
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Lorna Smetak
Lorna Smetak I think that deep down inside that there was something there, since she was there in the area where Jesus was speaking. Jesus always has compassion and love for everyone no matter what the circumstances are with people. Jesus did say that he didn't come into the world to judge the world but to save the world. Jesus never gives up on anyone of us. Some times it takes us a little while to get on the right path in our life time. I am thankful that Jesus is patient.  
July 7, 2015
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Lorna Smetak
Lorna Smetak Some will seek and not be able to enter. I think it is those who go to church on Sunday but then the next day will be non forgiving and kind hearted to others and back to their earthly ways. Some do good in the day but at night when it is dark they think that no one can see, they do will also do earthly things. But they tend to forget that the Lord and his father see's everything. People who always walked in the way of the word will be last to enter and the ones that just became a new believer will be first. This also goes with the workers of the field who started first thing in the morning and latter in the afternoon (couple of hours) get paid the same no matter how long they worked.
July 7, 2015
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Patty Martin
Patty Martin (1) To me, the parable of the fig tree means that the Word of God, the Bible, is to us what fertilizer is to the fig tree.  We need the Word in our daily thoughts, words, and actions to produce good fruit.  God is the owner, Jesus is the vinedresser, and we are the vines.  We often need pruning just as the fig tree does, to remove the old, useless habits we once had so that we can grow stronger in Him.  Only then, can we produce fruit and bless others.
July 8, 2015
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Carol Pady
Carol Pady 1. God is the owner the vine dresser is His Word. As we study and apply His Word it prunes away our earthly desires. 2. Jesus was compassionate and as he saw the woman's deformity He was moved deeply. So He healed her out of His love. 3. Jesus is patient as He waits for us to grow in our faith. He gently corrects us and teaches us through the Holy Spirit to be more like Him. 4. Going to church and hearing of Jesus is not enough. We need to believe in Jesus, heartfully repent and be born again with the Holy Spirit. We can receive salvation as a small child or on our deathbed and we will all receive the same gift of eternal life in Heaven. 5. We must pray for world evangelism. Pray for those who have never received the Gospel of Jesus.
July 8, 2015
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Patty Martin
Patty Martin (2) The compassion and love of Jesus is not limited to days of the week, nor is it limited to only Christians.  Jesus loves all sinners and came to save the lost.  I believe that Jesus rebuked the Pharisses and called them hypocrites because they created their own man-made laws, placing themselves above the superiority of God.  The religious leaders had lost compassion and love for the people and acted in a self-righteous manner.  Jesus called them out on it by healing those who suffered and showed the religious leaders that any time or day is the perfect opportunity to help others or to save them.  We are always to honor God's law before man's law, and show love and compassion as Jesus did.    
July 8, 2015
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Patty Martin
Patty Martin I believe that Jesus' parable about the tiny mustard seed is symbolic to our walk with Christ.  When we first begin our walk as believers, our steps are small baby steps.  We are still young Christians in our beliefs and in our faith.  As with the parable of the fig tree, our mustard seed of faith must be fertilized, watered, and cared for.  With the proper care, our mustard seed grows.  We must continually pull the weeds away so the plant will grow and flourish.  Now we can offer even the tiniest seed to someone else who either has not walked with Christ or is just beginning their walk.  Like leavened bread, we rise to spread the Word of God to others and continue to do God's work, which is to bring others into His kingdom.     
July 8, 2015
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Patty Martin
Patty Martin (4) I think Jesus is telling us to continue to seek God daily and to strive to be more like Jesus in our Christian walk. We cannot only hear the Word or read the Word, but we must be doers of the Word. The meaning is similar to "Don't just talk the talk, but walk the walk." If we think that by only knowing the Word of God but not striving to live our lives accordingly, then we will not enter the gates of Heaven. When we truly accept Jesus as our Savior, we are a light for others. Our hearts must be sincere and to love Him is to live for Him. Nothing must be placed before Him. Jesus knows the sincerity of our hearts, whether or not we are playing the role of a Christian or truly striving to live in a way that pleases Him.
July 8, 2015
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Patty Martin
Patty Martin (5) I believe that we should continuously pray for our nation and for other nations, that they come to know Jesus and believe that He is their Savior.  I also believe that Christ's second coming is close, especially in the state that our own country and the world is in at this time.  Our work here on earth is for the Lord...to do whatever we can to bring others to Christ for their salvation.  With technology as advanced as it is today, there are many ways for us to reach the lost. There is TV, radio, the Internet, CDs, etc. There are numerous missionaries around the world bringing Bibles in all languages and the teaching of God with them.  More than any other time, people around the world are being reached with the good news. Unfortunately, many people are rejecting the Word of God and replacing His laws with man-made laws that go against the Word.  God will not bless these people or their nation when He is removed from it.  For these reasons, I think Christ's return is very close and it is now that we must choose to walk with Christ or deny Him.  We must continue to pray that others will turn to God rather than to the world.
July 8, 2015
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Patty Martin
Patty Martin I agree, Tamara.  I love this Bible study!  Through all the learning, my fire for the Lord is reignited every day!
July 8, 2015
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Patty Martin
Patty Martin (3 continued) The mustard seed and leavened bread tell me that Jesus is patient with us, even when we have been hasty in making the wrong decisions and have been disobedient. He knows that once we commit ourselves to Him, our faith and trust in Him grows, and we are no longer disillusioned. We catch ourselves in sin, repent, and strive to live according to God's Word, and do what we can to bring others to Christ.
July 9, 2015
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Kathy Banfield
Kathy Banfield #1 In my opinion, I view the fig tree as a person. God is the real owner. If we wait, use proper "fertilizer" (Gods word) in time, we will bear fruit.Patience is the key. God WILL work in us, but it takes time! #2 Jesus acted from pure love, and love does not abide by rules and regulations as put forth by man. If Jesus obeyed  the pharisee's "rules", the poor woman might never had been cured! And His example of untying a donkey or ox made sense. When you get right down to it, there was very little that could be "legally" done on a sabbath day.#3 Jesus had more patience than any mortal man or woman ever. For example, He had to deal with the unbelief of Hid disciples and He did so with tremendous patience. Especially at the garden of Gesthemethe, when they fell asleep while Jesus suffered! I can't imagine having the kindness and patience of Jesus. He was willing to work with small "mustard seeds" without growing frustrated.#4This is just the opposite of society as we know it. On earth, those with money are granted first privileges. Money really does buy everything---on earth. But God's kingdom is not earthly. This gives me encouragement, because although  my faith is great, my bank account is not! In short, one cannot buy their way into Heaven.Jesus stressed this time and again.#5  I like how Jesus refers to Herod as a "fox"! Mere mortals would probably chose much stronger words, but I digress.. Prayer is the only weapon we have available to us to combat ignorance in this world. Miracles can occur if we pray the way Jesus taught us and really believe our prayers will be answered.Never once has God ignored my prayers.If He listens to a lowly disabled deaf woman He surely will hear the prayers of any  sincere person who believes and trusts in Him.I am especially encouraged by the verse, "The first shall be last and the last will be first." Bob Dylan may have plagiarized the Bible, but  I happen to agree!
July 10, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member 3)- Even when we have the smallest of faith, like the smallest of seeds, a mustard seed, we can grow strong over time, with Jesus, because it takes time for a baby to be weaned from a bottle to be able to eat baby food and then more solid food, just like it takes us as believers in Christ, we may start off small, then step by step, we become a little stronger by reading and studying God's word, and praying and then maybe another step by fasting and letting God's will be done in our lives, we have grown, but it has taken faith from a very small seed to grow into a big strong mustard plant, and while we were taking these baby steps, Jesus was patient with us, because He knows we can't take everything in at one time, it comes with our faith growing stronger each day and I am so thankful that Jesus is patient with us, because sometimes we don't allow ourselves to grow stronger in Jesus we just kind of become settled and willing to get out the boat and hold Jesus's Hand and walk with Him closer and closer each day. We must trust Jesus, He won't let us down.
July 10, 2015- Edit- Delete
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member 4)- I think we all may have a big surprise one day as we stand before Jesus, sometimes we think just because we do this or that in the Name of Jesus all is well, but many do good deeds, but never really give their heart to Jesus and our good deeds aren't going to get us into heaven, we might say, but Lord, I did this in Your Name or I worked at the soup kitchen and helped the homeless, or I cleaned the church every week, or I was at church everytime the doors were open, I read my Bible every day and the list could go on, but just because we do many good deeds, we are not saved by our goodness but by God's Grace. We can't earn salvation, nor can we pay our way into heaven with good deeds, we have to have the blood of Jesus applied to our hearts, we have to ask Him to forgive us of our sins and go out and do the best for Him that we can do. He wants a willing vessel, but He wants us to ask Him into our hearts and ask for forgiveness of our sins and believe and we shall receive. Have faith and be about the Father's business, until His return for us. We must keep our lamps burning bright for Jesus, be ready at all times, for His coming is drawing near.
July 10, 2015- Edit- Delete
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member 5)-We should pray for our nations as a whole and individually that those that know Jesus will bring Him back into our nation and those that don't know Him, that we as Christians will reach out to the lost of the world. Jesus wants us to pray for all to be saved, pray that all would open their eyes and see their need for Him, but we know that all aren't going to be saved, there will be many who never accept Jesus, but we will all bow before Jesus one day and answer for the lives we have lived and I truly want Jesus to say to me, well done though good and faithful servant, enter in to heavens gates. 
July 10, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Valerie Fields
Valerie Fields 1.     1.     Luke 13:8-9 The parable of the fig tree. To me this parable speaks of us as the fig tree, God the Father as the owner of the fig tree and Jesus as the vinedresser. God the Father was so angry at the disobedience of His people. He was tempted to destroy all of mankind but then He sent His son Jesus to die for our sins. In the parable of the fig tree, He tells the dresser of the vineyard that the fig tree has not produced any fruit in three years. He gives the order to cut it down, He is tired of dealing with this nonproductive tree/people. This is why Jesus states that we cannot come to the Father except through Him. John 14:6 The vinedresser/Jesus asks for just a little more time to give the fig tree/nonproductive people time to produce. If it continues to be nonproductive, then He will cut it down. God sent Jesus to die for the sins of His people. He is long suffering in that none should parish but He will not wait forever. He wants us to bear the fruits of the Spirit, which are love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23.  If we bear the fruits of the Spirit we become more like Him. In doing so, we will be able to bring lost souls to Him in that they might be saved.
July 11, 2015
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Valerie Fields
Valerie Fields 2. Luke 13:10-17 This passage of scripture tells me that Jesus has love and compassion for all.  Often times we may not want to go to Him because we are guilty and we don’t feel worthy of His blessings or there may be those among us who don’t know Him. He loves us all the same. He wants us to come to Him but sometimes we can’t or don’t know how. This is where witnessing comes into play. It is our duty as Christians to witness about the goodness of Jesus. We are to live our lives in such a fashion that our lights will shine.  We are to bear the fruits of the Spirit so that when people look at us they will want to know, what must I do to be saved! Some of us so called Christians are so self-righteousness and judgmental until we drive the lost away from Christianity. Jesus came for the lost. Jesus states on more than one occasion that “those who are well have no need for a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”  Mark 2:17 and Luke 5:31 
July 11, 2015
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Valerie Fields
Valerie Fields 3. Luke 13:18-2  Jesus is long suffering and patient with us. He does not want anyone to perish but wants us all to repent. 2Peter 3:9.  The mustard seed is teeny tiny around 1-5mm in size. It takes  approximately 3 years for it to grow to its full height of 22 feet to become a mustard tree. Also with the process of leavening bread, it is a process which takes lots of kneading and then you must leave the bread in a cool place for a long time before it begins to rise. Jesus likened the Kingdom of God to these long processes. He is willing to wait on us to get it right with Him in that we may enter into His Kingdom, however He does not know the day nor the hour in which He is to return. Only the Father knows. Mark 13:32. He is coming like a thief in the night 1Thessalonians 5:2. So although He may be patient with us, it is imperative that we not tarry in living our lives for Him. We must be ready when He comes in order to reside with Him in His Kingdom.      
July 11, 2015
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Valerie Fields
Valerie Fields 4. Luke 13-22:30 There are many who assume that they will enter into His Kingdom because of their works. They feel if they pay their tithes and go to church every Sunday then they will enter into His Kingdom. They look down on others much like the Pharisees. Matthew 5:20, Matthew 23:9-39, Luke 18:9-14. There are some leaders in the church today who are misleading God’s people. They have a form of godliness but deny the power thereof  2 Timothy 3:5. These are the ones who will go knocking and Jesus will close the door in their faces saying.  “I know you not depart from me all ye workers of iniquity” Luke 13:27. Many will be surprised as they have followed these so called “leaders for a very long time.”  Many are called but few are chosen. Matthew 22:14.  Many who are first shall be last and the last shall be first. Matthew 19:30  Not everyone who cries Lord Lord will enter into His Kingdom, but only the one who does the will of the Father in Heaven. Matthew 7:21 Thus it is very important for us not to believe everything that we hear that comes from everyone claiming to be called of God . We are to study to show ourselves approved onto God. A workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2Timothy 2:15
July 11, 2015
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Valerie Fields
Valerie Fields 5. Luke 13:31-35 When I read this passage of scripture, I feel that Jesus is saddened at the state of Jerusalem.  He is the cornerstone. The cornerstone is the most important part of the building as the integrity of the whole structure depends on the cornerstone being in right alignment. Jesus is the cornerstone of our salvation. We must be in right alignment with Him in order to be saved.  His chosen people have rejected Him. Matthew 21:42. He wants to take them under His wing to protect them but many refuse to believe that He is the Son of God.  We are to pray for all nations to come into the fullness of Jesus Christ. Eph. 3:19 We are to continually pray for Jerusalem to come to know Him in that they will not be deceived by the anti-christ when he sits on the throne in Jerusalem presenting himself to be the Messiah. Jesus is coming for the children of Israel and He does not want for any to be left behind. So we pray always for the state of Jerusalem and the children of Israel to come to know Him in that they will be saved.
July 12, 2015
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Julie Schneider
Julie Schneider 1. I believe this means that we can't just "look" like Christians...we must act like one and produce fruit...walk the walk. 2. I know my family has struggled with working on the Sabbath. My dad used to say that he believed God intended for him to work any day that would provide for his family and that God blessed him with us so he was expected to care for us.  Man has made so many rules about this and other principles that it is often confusing for people!  Jesus knew the woman needed healing and he didnt care about the day, time, or even her faith....He healed her!
July 15, 2015
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Julie Schneider
Julie Schneider I worked with a woman once who thought that because she was a Christian  everything she did and said was sanctioned by God. When i would disagree with her and ask to do to something she didnt like she would tell me that she was going to pray for me...in an angry tone! I was her boss so she couldnt tell me no. I always appreciate prayer  but what she was really doing was using her religion to let me know i was wrong! I  ernestly prayed for her each time she left my office. She  will be one of the ones that will be knocking.
July 15, 2015
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Lissy Verghese
Lissy Verghese Thank you Pastor!
August 25, 2015