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[Thought questions for Following Jesus in Everyday Life June 2, 2015]

1. Jesus the theologian. If theology is the study of God, was anybody ever better qualified than Jesus to teach this subject? Why do you think Jesus didn’t seem to be interested in establishing Himself as the world’s leading theological expert? Instead of longing to educate his followers in the difficult concepts of theology, what was His greatest desire?
2. Pharisaism. Is there a modern-day equivalent to the Pharisees of Jesus’ day? Do we have people in our midst today with a Pharisaic outlook on life? Why was it so easy for the Pharisees to accept the prophets of old, but impossible to accept the loving Jesus? Do some Christians (many Christians?) try to lock the door to keep others away from the household of God? Do you and I ever cringe at the thought of people who don’t think about Jesus exactly as we do coming into our fellowship? Are you ever tempted to rejoice in the “truth” of the Advent message, looking beyond its core purpose?
3. Fear God. If “fear” means being afraid, should fear be part of our core of church beliefs? Why or why not? What relationship does godly fear have to our eternal future? Does a person who has plenty of money have nothing to fear because he or she can buy whatever is wanted? How can our fear of God be made holy within us? Will we know when we have deep respect and love for God that adds up to a godly fear? How?
4. Be prepared. How many times have you longed for the second coming of Jesus to happen now rather than at some distant time? If your life should end now, could you know without a doubt that you are ready to be caught up into eternal life when Jesus comes? How can we be prepared every day for Jesus to come when God has told us that nobody knows when that day is? Are there benefits to being ready all the time? How can that assurance be obtained?
5. A fruitful witness. Why did the God of all set forth the essentials of the plan of salvation before any of us were even on earth needing to know about such a rescue plan? What made the cross always the most essential ingredient in this plan? Why was Luke such a strong believer in the benefits of witnessing? What is there for you and I to witness about in this day and age?
6. A servant leader. As the disciples prepared for their last supper with the Lord, what were they arguing about? Does that strike you as being an example of those men’s total unworthiness to be servant-leaders of Jesus? So why didn’t Jesus toss them out? Are you and I beyond reproach in this area of life? Can we respond to the appeal of Jesus to identify with those who are the least of humanity? Or should we strive to be among the greatest? Explain your answer.

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