Week 8
The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
Pastor Kevin Canterbury
1. The Defining Contrast: Pride vs. Humility
"Humility is the only proper response when we truly recognize two things: the extent of our own wretched sinfulness and the insurmountable gap that stands between our perceived righteousness and God’s perfect, holy requirement."
Question:
How does a high view of self prevent us from acknowledging the insurmountable gap between our righteousness and God’s holiness?
Scriptures to Consider:
Matthew 23:11-12, Isaiah 6:3-5
2. External Works vs. Internal Heart
"We can focus on external actions and religious checklists, while our heart remains as deceitful and wicked as ever."
The Pharisee focused on his visible religious performance (fasting and tithing) while Jesus taught that sin starts deep in the heart (sinful thoughts are enough to condemn).
The Pharisee focused on his visible religious performance (fasting and tithing) while Jesus taught that sin starts deep in the heart (sinful thoughts are enough to condemn).
Question:
In what ways might focusing on external actions (e.g., church attendance, ministry involvement) allow us to keep our sinful heart and ignore the need for true humility?
Scriptures to Consider:
1 Samuel 16:7, Luke 6:45
3. The Foundation of the Gospel
"A Gospel that doesn’t first establish our state as sinners under the wrath of God is no Gospel at all and will produce self-righteousness."
Question:
Why must BAD news about our sinful condition precede the Good News of salvation?
Scriptures to Consider:
Romans 1:18, Romans 6:23
4. Justification and The Great Exchange
"We receive Christ’s righteousness... and He receives our just punishment... We are justified by faith alone through Grace."
Question:
How does this doctrine of Justification demonstrate that grace is unmerited favor and that our works can’t save us?
Scriptures to Consider:
Romans 3:23-25, 1 John 2:2
5. The Self-Righteous Warning
"You can go your entire life thinking you are a Christian... and you can still end up in hell. Because external behavior is not the standard."
The warning is given that a person can be scrupulously religious and still end up in hell because external behavior is not the standard.
The warning is given that a person can be scrupulously religious and still end up in hell because external behavior is not the standard.
Question:
How can we test our own hearts against the sneaking cancer of self-righteousness, and what is the danger of believing no one else has enough credibility to speak into our life?
Scriptures to Consider:
Matthew 21:31-32, Matthew 5:20
Week 7
Be Ready
Pastor Kevin Canterbury
1. The Context: The Tension of Active Readiness
How does the command to “Be ready!”(Matthew 25:13) force you to maintain an active state of readiness in your spiritual life, rather than passively waiting?
Quote
“The key issue in this parable isn’ the waiting or the delay, it's about maintaining a state of active readiness so that when the call comes... you don't miss the moment."
Scriptures to Consider:
Luke 12:35–36, Romans 13:11
2. The Central Tension: The Substance of the Oil
The difference between the wise and foolish virgins was the extra oil, representing the substance of readiness (sustained faith, prayer, and obedience). What does the parable teach about the danger of having the appearance of readiness (the lamp) without the substance (the extra oil)? Why can't we rely on others' preparation for our own faith?
Quote:
"The extra oil is the substance of readiness, representing the sustained, ongoing spiritual discipline of faith, prayer, and obedience... You can't rely on someone else's preparation."
Scriptures to Consider:
Matthew 7:21–23, Hebrews 10:24–25; Romans 14:12
3. The Final Verdict: Accountability and Urgency
The Lord is not driven by our cultural attitude of convenience or lack of personal responsibility. What does the finality of this warning mean for your personal accountability and how should it shape your current priorities regarding fulfilling the mission Christ gave us?
Quote:
"The Parable is a warning that God's patience is not limitless. If the King of Kings extends His hand of mercy to you again and again, and if He clearly warns you that the time of mercy will come to an end, then when He returns, you should expect exactly that… The time to respond and prepare is now!
Scriptures to Consider:
Ephesians 5:15-16, Colossians 3:23–24
4. Keeping ourselves from Distraction: Knowing vs. Doing
Where do you see yourself placing your time and energy (your "oil")—on seeking speculative knowledge about the end times, or on the core mission of sharing the Gospel and makingdisciples? Why do so many people choose to focus on things of lesser importance and make them the main thing?
Quote:
“While it is good to understand what scripture says about the end-times (eschatology), it is far more important that we know Christ and act in obedience to His commands... Keep your lamp burning by focusing on the core Gospel message, not the footnotes."
Scriptures to Consider:
Acts 1:7–8, 1 Corinthians 2:1–2
Week 6
A Debt Unpaid
Student Director Andrew Morgan
1. Complete Forgiveness vs. Infinite Forgiveness
Peter and Jewish teachers of the time assumed that forgiveness had its limitations. Jesus goes against this assumption and affirms that forgiveness is to be infinite. How does this compare to the way we see people treat each other? How could we expect someone to react who has been sinned against?
Quote
“Peter’s question is pretty simple: How many times must we forgive those who sin against us?
How many times are we supposed to go through the cycle of having somebody wrong us and us no longer holding it against them? I mean, it’s also a pretty reasonable question. It seems reasonable to ask when to shut off the cycle of sin and forgiveness since the person is just going to keep sinning against us and really has no intention of changing.”
How many times are we supposed to go through the cycle of having somebody wrong us and us no longer holding it against them? I mean, it’s also a pretty reasonable question. It seems reasonable to ask when to shut off the cycle of sin and forgiveness since the person is just going to keep sinning against us and really has no intention of changing.”
Scriptures:
Matthew 18:21–22; Genesis 4:23–24
2. God forgives immense sin against Him
By sin, everyone is infinitely indebted to God, a debt that nobody can repay, but the merits of Christ cover the sins of believers. Here the analogy is debt, but what are other ways Scripture describes sin and how it’s forgiven? Which of these resonates with you the most?
Quote:
“In short, being justified is the sin equivalent of being debt free. Our sin, like debt, accumulates and the expectation is that we, one way or another, make up for what was taken. To be justified, then, means that we no longer have any sin that we need to make up for. But the reason this verse says no one is justified by the works of the law is because our debt is too large for us to ever repay it. Instead, we must rely on the merits of Christ to cover the debt of our sin. We are unable to repay our debt and must rely on Christ for forgiveness.”
Scriptures:
Matthew 18:23–27; Galatians 2:16
3. Forgive others as God has forgiven you
Scripture makes it clear that forgiving and being forgiven go hand in hand. It is the expectation of God and the king in the parable that those who are forgiven, forgive. Why is there a connection between these two? Does being forgiven encourage you to forgive? Why or why not?
Quote:
“God makes believers far off better than they were when they were in the debt of sin. Christ took on the debt of sin of those who believe and believers are allowed to enter into an eternity with God. The slave may have been well off after his debt was forgiven, but believers are infinitely far better off since their sins are forgiven. And the only appropriate response is to become infinitely merciful like God who shows infinite mercy. That no matter how people sin against them or how many times they do it, believers are to forgive just as they have been forgiven.”
Scriptures:
Matthew 18:31–34; Matthew 5:7; Matthew 6:14–15
4. The difficulty of infinite forgiveness
The way other people sin against us is no small thing. The parable compares being sinned against as losing tens of thousands of dollars. How does keeping in mind our sin against God help us forgive when we’re sinned against?
Quote:
“This parable understands that people sin against us in horrible, harmful, and costly ways. The way other people sin against us is no small thing. It’s not the kind of thing you just brush off and move on with your day. It would take the first slave months of hard work to recover what he had lent to his fellow. And there are ways people sin against each other that take months, years, and entire lifetimes to recover from. Something natural within us should reject the idea that these
kinds of debts should go unpaid and unpunished. That the fellow slave truly got what he deserved. But all of this is to forget the way the first slave was treated.”
kinds of debts should go unpaid and unpunished. That the fellow slave truly got what he deserved. But all of this is to forget the way the first slave was treated.”
Scriptures:
Matthew 18:28–30; Psalm 103:8–12
Week 5
Sower, Seeds and Soil
Pastor Kevin Canterbury
1. The Power of Parables: Reflecting on the Condition of Our Hearts
Jesus taught in parables to invite people into the story and reveal profound truths about the human heart. The parable of the sower is a hard parable to accept because it challenges us to look deep within ourselves.
Scriptures: Matthew 13:1-9; Matthew 13:18-23; James 1:22-24
Scriptures: Matthew 13:1-9; Matthew 13:18-23; James 1:22-24
Question #1
What is the most challenging part of the parable for you?
Question #2
What does it reveal about the condition of your own heart?
2. The Sower and the Soil: Understanding the Universal Invitation
The parable describes the sower indiscriminately broadcasting the seed over a broad area, just as Jesus preached to a mixed audience. The Gospel is a universal invitation for anyone to hear and receive, not a secret for an exclusive club. The effectiveness of the seed, which is the Word of God, is not dependent on the sower but on the condition of the soil, which is understood to be the condition and receptiveness of the human heart.
Scriptures: Mark 4:26-29; Romans 1:16
Scriptures: Mark 4:26-29; Romans 1:16
Question #1
How does the idea of the Gospel being broadcast indiscriminately challenge our assumptions about who is "worthy" of hearing the message?
Question #2
What does it mean that the outcome is "dependent on the soil it falls on—the condition of our heart"? How can we cultivate "good soil" in our own lives?
3. The Different Soils: A Look at Distractions and Enduring Faith
Jesus identifies four types of soil, representing different heart conditions: the hard path, the rocky ground, the thorny ground, and the good soil. The thorny ground represents a heart that receives the Word but allows worldly cares and the seductiveness of wealth to choke it out, making it unfruitful. The rocky ground represents those who fall away when trouble or persecution comes because they have no deep roots.
Scriptures: Luke 8:14; Colossians 2:6-7; Hebrews 12:1-3
Scriptures: Luke 8:14; Colossians 2:6-7; Hebrews 12:1-3
Question #1
What are possible "thorns" in your life that could potentially choke out the Word and prevent it from bearing fruit?
Question #2
How can we develop the "deep roots" needed to endure when trouble or persecution comes because of our faith?
4. The Good Soil: Bearing Fruit through the Spirit
The good soil represents a heart that is receptive, repentant, and humble. This heart hears and understands the Word, and as a result, bears a multitude of fruit. The Gospel seed, when planted in good soil, will always produces the fruit of righteousness and the fruit of the Spirit.
Scriptures: John 15:5; Philippians 1:6; Galatians 5:22-23
Scriptures: John 15:5; Philippians 1:6; Galatians 5:22-23
Question #1
What does it mean to have a receptive, repentant, and humble heart? How can we actively cultivate these qualities?
Question #2
We are not responsible or capable of effecting our own transformation and growth, that is the Spirit's job within us. What part does obedience and discipline play and how can we partner with the Spirit to be rooted in Christ and bear fruit?
Week 4
The Hidden Influence of the Kingdom
Elder Brett Darling
1. "Vast, unshakable, protective, and life-giving"
Thinking about the Parable of the Mustard Seed....
Thinking about the Parable of the Mustard Seed, the sermon states that the kingdom of heaven "starts small, hidden, almost invisible to the world," but becomes "vast, unshakable, protective, and life-giving"1. Where have you seen this principle of small beginnings leading to immense growth in your own life or in the life of your church?
Scriptures:
Matthew 13:31-32, Ezekiel 17:23
2. "Troubled pasts" to bring Him glory
God "loves the underdog" and...
The sermon mentions that God "loves the underdog" and often uses people the world considers insignificant or those with "troubled pasts" to bring Him glory3. How does this idea encourage you in your personal faith journey, especially if you feel unqualified or have a past you'd rather hide?
Scriptures
1 Samuel 16:11-12, 1 Corinthians 1:27-29
3. The quiet, internal power of the kingdom
The Parable of the Leaven emphasizes...
The Parable of the Leaven emphasizes the quiet, internal power of the kingdom, which permeates and transforms everything from the inside out. In what ways do you see this "internal growth" at work in your own heart and in the broader culture? How can we, as believers, be more like leaven in our communities?
Scriptures to Consider:
Matthew 13:33, John 17:15-18, Mark 16:15
4. "In the world but not of it"
The message argues that...
The message argues that Christians are called to be "in the world but not of it," like yeast mixed into dough, to bring about transformation. How do you balance engaging with the world around you while remaining distinct from its values? What are some practical ways you can be a "carrier of the gospel" in your daily life?
Scriptures to Consider:
Matthew 5:13-16, Romans 12:2, 2 Corinthians 5:20
Week 3
God’s Gracious Invitation: A Seat at the Great Banquet
Pastor Kevin Canterbury
1. The Great Banquet: A Story of Invitation & Rejection
The original guests' excuses...
The original guests' excuses represented misplaced priorities. What "excuses" or competing priorities in our lives might cause us to neglect God's invitation today?
Quote:
So, one by one, the guests give their excuses to the servant... 'I've got to go look at the field I just bought.'... 'I just bought five oxen and I have to go test them.'... 'I just got married and I need to be with my wife.'... But here’s the thing… these aren't just excuses; they represent the priorities that people place above the Master’s invitation. Something more important came along, and the guests couldn’t even be bothered to let the Host know.
Scriptures to Consider:
Luke 14:18-20, Matthew 6:24
2. The Dinner Party Dilemma: A Lesson in Humility
The Pharisees were...
The Pharisees were jockeying for positions of honor at the dinner party. How does the desire for status or recognition in our own lives get in the way of embracing the humility Jesus teaches?
Quote:
Jesus, noticing how many guests chose the place of honor, tells them His first parable, which really isn’t much of a parable but rather an instruction about how they should conduct themselves at a wedding feast. He says: 'When you're invited to a wedding, don't just grab the best seat... Instead, when you arrive, take the lowest seat.
Scriptures to Consider:
Luke 14:8-11, Matthew 23:12
3. From Excuses to the Kingdom: A Call to Action
Among other things...
Among other things, this parable serves as a warning against complacency. In what ways might someone who has been a part of the church for a long time become complacent in their faith?
Quote:
The parable is not just a historical account; it's a universal truth and a warning about the condition of our own hearts and the risk of becoming complacent in our faith. The Pharisees were no different in nature than we are... they became comfortable and complacent in their rule-keeping and their elite status and began to view themselves as entitled members of the Kingdom of God.
Scriptures to Consider:
Revelation 3:14-22
4. God’s Gracious & Costly Invitation
How does viewing...
How does viewing the Lord's Supper as a "living parable" of the Great Banquet—a picture of being an "honored and expected guest" for whom preparations have been made—change your perspective on its significance in your life?
Quote:
Our church sign says, 'We've saved you a seat.' That simple phrase communicates that you are an expected guest, that we've made preparations for you and your family. In the same way, God has saved you a seat at His banquet table. He has made the preparations, and there was a great cost to it. You are an honored and expected guest... The Lord's Supper is a living parable—a picture of the great banquet to which we are all invited. All the preparations have been made; all we have to do is come.
Scriptures to Consider:
Isaiah 25:6-8, Revelation 19:9
5. The Final Warning About Complacency & Judgment
God’s gracious invitation has...
God’s gracious invitation has a time limit. What does this urgency mean for our personal response to God’s invitation, and how should it shape our priorities?
Quote:
Jesus ends this parable by giving a stark warning: those people who were invited but gave excuses will NOT taste of His banquet. God is merciful and gracious, long-suffering and patient, but there will come a time when God’s mercy towards unrepentant and stubborn-hearted people will cease.
Scriptures to Consider:
Matthew 22:12-14
Week 2
Wheat and Weeds Discussion Questions
Pastor Mat Miller
1. Patience with God's Plan
The Kingdom of God involves...
The Kingdom of God involves a "mixed kingdom" where wheat and weeds grow together. This requires us to have patience with God's plan.
In what specific areas of your life...
In what specific areas of your life (e.g., family, ministry, society) are you most tempted to take control and "fix the weeds"? What does it look like to trust God's sovereignty and patiently wait for Him to do His work?
The sermon said that choosing...
The sermon said that choosing to trust God's plan is an ongoing choice, not a one-time decision. What does "acknowledge Him in all your ways" (Proverbs 3:6) mean practically for you in your current season of life?
Scriptures from Sunday’s Message:
Scriptures from Sunday’s message: Isaiah 55:8-9; Romans 8:28; Proverbs 3:5-6
Additional Scripture
Psalm 37:1-7
2. Cultivate, Not Condemn
The kingdom doesn't...
The kingdom doesn't push people out, but gathers them in, and our role is to cultivate, not condemn.
Social media and politics are...
Social media and politics are areas where we might be tempted to "fix the weeds." Where in your life are you most likely to fall into a "condemn" mindset rather than a "cultivate" mindset? Are there ways of reminding yourself of God’s
mindset?
mindset?
The parable of the Great Banquet shows...
The parable of the Great Banquet shows that people we think should be in the kingdom may be absent, and people we least expect may be present. How does this reality influence how you view your relationships?
Scriptures from Sunday’s Message:
Scriptures from Sunday’s message: Luke 14:21-24; Matthew 28:19-20
Additional Scripture
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
#3. Fixing Your Eyes on Hope
We are to fix our eyes on...
We are to fix our eyes on the hope of the Kingdom...
What are the...
What are the "things right in front of you" (e.g., frustrations, comforts, distractions) that keep you from looking ahead to the hope of the Kingdom? How does consciously shifting your focus on the future hope and reality of the Kingdom change your day-to-day choices and your perspective on challenges?
Scriptures from Sunday’s Message:
Matthew 14:43
Additional Scripture:
Hebrews 12:1-2, Philippians 3:20-21
Week 1
The Unspeakable Value of the Kingdom
Pastor Kevin Canterbury
1. Why Jesus Spoke in Parables
Parable: Para (beside); Ballo (to throw)
• One or two main Truths. Not meant to be complicated.
• Simple, Not Secret: Jesus used relatable, everyday stories to communicate a simple, focused truth.
Matthew 13:10–13 NET
Then the disciples came to him and said, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” He replied, “You have been given the opportunity to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but they have not. For whoever has will be given more, and will have an abundance. But whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.For this reason I speak to them in parables: Although they see they do not see, and although they hear they do not hear nor do they understand.
• The Sower and the Soil: A person's heart determines whether they hear and understand God's Word.
• A "Two-Part" Purpose: Parables hid truth from those with hard hearts and revealed it to those who were humble enough to listen.
Matthew 18:3 NET
… “I tell you the truth, unless you turn around and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven!
Matthew 13:44–46 NET
“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure, hidden in a field, that a person found and hid. Then because of joy he went and sold all that he had and bought that field. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he found a pearl of great value, he went out and sold everything he had and bought it.
• Simple, Not Secret: Jesus used relatable, everyday stories to communicate a simple, focused truth.
Matthew 13:10–13 NET
Then the disciples came to him and said, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” He replied, “You have been given the opportunity to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but they have not. For whoever has will be given more, and will have an abundance. But whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.For this reason I speak to them in parables: Although they see they do not see, and although they hear they do not hear nor do they understand.
• The Sower and the Soil: A person's heart determines whether they hear and understand God's Word.
• A "Two-Part" Purpose: Parables hid truth from those with hard hearts and revealed it to those who were humble enough to listen.
Matthew 18:3 NET
… “I tell you the truth, unless you turn around and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven!
Matthew 13:44–46 NET
“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure, hidden in a field, that a person found and hid. Then because of joy he went and sold all that he had and bought that field. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he found a pearl of great value, he went out and sold everything he had and bought it.
2. The Kingdom's Unmatched Value
Nothing Compares:
• Nothing Compares: The Kingdom contains salvation, forgiveness, peace, and eternal life—but above all, Christ himself. All other possessions are worthless in comparison.
Philippians 3:7–8 ESV
But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ
Isaiah 9:7 ESV
Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end…
Revelation 11:15 NET
…The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever.”
• Infinite Value: Christ's value is intrinsic; it doesn't change based on human opinion. His worth is infinite, and it never runs out.
• Eternal Reign: Unlike our possessions in this world, the Kingdom of God and the reign of King Jesus will last forever.
Philippians 3:7–8 ESV
But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ
Isaiah 9:7 ESV
Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end…
Revelation 11:15 NET
…The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever.”
• Infinite Value: Christ's value is intrinsic; it doesn't change based on human opinion. His worth is infinite, and it never runs out.
• Eternal Reign: Unlike our possessions in this world, the Kingdom of God and the reign of King Jesus will last forever.
3. The Kingdom Comes with a Cost
Choice, Not Purchase:
• Choice, Not Purchase: You can't belong to the Kingdom of this world and the Kingdom of God at the same time. You must choose.
Matthew 16:25–26 NET
For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what does it benefit a person if he gains the whole world but forfeits his life? Or what can a person give in exchange for his life?
Losing Your Life to Find It: Jesus calls us to lay down our earthly lives and comforts to gain eternal life in the Kingdom.
Matthew 19:27–29 NET
Then Peter said to him, “Look, we have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?” Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth: In the age when all things are renewed, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And whoever has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.
• A Joyful Exchange: The men in the parables willingly and joyfully sold everything they had. They didn't begrudgingly give up a little; they gave everything for an invaluable treasure.
Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, Communion without confession, absolution without personal confession. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate. Costly grace is the treasure hidden in the field; for the sake of it a man will go and sell all that he has. It is the pearl of great price to buy which the merchant will sell all his goods. It is the kingly rule of Christ, for whose sake a man will pluck out the eye which causes him to stumble; it is the call of Jesus Christ at which the disciple leaves his nets and follows him.
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship.
Matthew 16:25–26 NET
For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what does it benefit a person if he gains the whole world but forfeits his life? Or what can a person give in exchange for his life?
Losing Your Life to Find It: Jesus calls us to lay down our earthly lives and comforts to gain eternal life in the Kingdom.
Matthew 19:27–29 NET
Then Peter said to him, “Look, we have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?” Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth: In the age when all things are renewed, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And whoever has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.
• A Joyful Exchange: The men in the parables willingly and joyfully sold everything they had. They didn't begrudgingly give up a little; they gave everything for an invaluable treasure.
Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, Communion without confession, absolution without personal confession. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate. Costly grace is the treasure hidden in the field; for the sake of it a man will go and sell all that he has. It is the pearl of great price to buy which the merchant will sell all his goods. It is the kingly rule of Christ, for whose sake a man will pluck out the eye which causes him to stumble; it is the call of Jesus Christ at which the disciple leaves his nets and follows him.
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship.
4. The Kingdom's Value is Hidden
Hidden from Unbelievers:
John 3:3 NET
Jesus replied, “I tell you the solemn truth, unless a person is born from above, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
• Hidden from Unbelievers: Only those who have been "born from above" can truly see the Kingdom of God.
1 Corinthians 2:11 NET
For who among men knows the things of a man except the man’s spirit within him? So too, no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.
• More Than Charity: The world sees the Church as a charitable institution, but our primary mission is to proclaim the Kingdom and make disciples.
• Only God Can Reveal It: We can't make people see the value of the Kingdom; only the Holy Spirit can do that work.
Jesus replied, “I tell you the solemn truth, unless a person is born from above, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
• Hidden from Unbelievers: Only those who have been "born from above" can truly see the Kingdom of God.
1 Corinthians 2:11 NET
For who among men knows the things of a man except the man’s spirit within him? So too, no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.
• More Than Charity: The world sees the Church as a charitable institution, but our primary mission is to proclaim the Kingdom and make disciples.
• Only God Can Reveal It: We can't make people see the value of the Kingdom; only the Holy Spirit can do that work.