May, 2011 (6)
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Sent to Nineveh (Jonah 1)
The stench of Nineveh's sin had come up against God. And yet God sent his messenger there. Many Christians say we are living in a society under God's judgement. All the more reason to see ourselves as God's messengers to that society!
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Is it worth it? (9:23-27)
Jesus made it clear that following him would be a costly and painful business. Why would anyone choose it? Because of what we gain - life! And because of what we see - even here in this world, those who follow him see the Kingdom of God.
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The Fruit of the Spirit: Self Control
Self- control: the capacity to master our desires. What are the desires that need to be controlled, and what strategies must we use to control them?
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Ashamed of Jesus? (9:23-26)
Jesus knew that he would experience the humiliation and shame of the cross. He warned that those who follow him must expect to carry a cross too, and share his shame. What shame do we face in our society if we choose to follow Jesus?
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The Fruit of the Spirit: Gentleness
But what is Gentleness? Is it the same as weakness? Was Christ weak? Is the God of the Bible weak? A gentle man is a man who knows just how much force is necessary to achieve his purpose - and uses it.
