Week 2 Discussion: Our discussion

As we begin to wrap up the summary of our lesson this week, lets remember what was said after the video (paraphrased. I hope I captured it correctly- add a comment or expound as a contributor).

• As we focus on the "sell everything" aspect of what Jesus said, don't forget that he added, "...and follow me."
  
• Perhaps it is tough to get into heaven as a wealthy person because "For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more. (Luke 12:16-50 New King James Version)"
  
• Are being asked to actually give it all away or simply be willing to give it all away when asked?
• It is a giant leap of faith to believe that "God will provide." Not everyone can internalize that we do not "earn" what we have, but God provides it to us.
• Are we grateful enough for what we are provided?
• How do we know what it is that we need versus what we "deserve?"
• How can we "square today's lesson with"
• Living the American dream?
• Saving for our future, providing college for our children?
• Keeping from being a burden for our children in our old age?
• How can we better serve our community (either our church community or our geographic community) with the resources God has provided?

One final thought. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) included Jesus' last instructions to His Apostles. Among other things, he told them to "... go and make disciples of all nations." We are the result of that.

In addition, we at GBPC accept that as part of our charge. Last year, we studied about the Marks of a Disciple: a heart for Christ alone, a mind transformed by the Word, arms of love, knees for prayer, a voice to speak the Good News, a spirit of servanthood and stewardship.

When Jesus went out to select His first disciples- first Simon Peter and his brother Andrew and then James and John, in turn- all left everything they had and followed Jesus (see Matthew 4:18-22, for one version of the story).

As disciples of Christ, perhaps that is what Jesus meant for us all along?







NOTE: One definition of disciple is a "complete and competent follower of Jesus Christ" (Growing True Disciples, by George Barna, WaterBrook Press, Copyright 2001, page 17).