Luke 15:11-32

Pastor Willie Behrends

On this Father’s Day we’re going to see what makes a great dad through Jesus’ parable of the Prodigal Son. His father is a great example to all of us (not just fathers!)

Today, we see four ways we dads can ‘nail’ Fatherhood!

I – He ___________ _________ with love! (11-16)

II – He _________________ with hope! (17-20)

III – He _____________________ with grace! (21-24)

IV – He ______________ __________ with patience! (25-32)

NEXT WEEK: We have “Every Spiritual Blessing!” Ephesians 1:1-14

Pastor Willie preaches from the English Standard Version Bible (ESV) ©2001

No Age Limits!

Matthew 19:13-15

Pastor Willie Behrends

Many things in life come with an age limit, but today Matthew shares a wonderful truth with us: according to Jesus there’s NO age limit in the Kingdom of Heaven!

These three short verses contain three powerful truths…

I – What we ________________________, Jesus welcomes! (13)

II – Faith has no __________________ requirement! (14)

III – Stop being the _______________________! (15)

Today’s ‘Take-Aways.’ Ask Yourself…

1. “Who am I tempted to _________________ in my world?”

2. “Do I ___________ and _____________ Jesus like a child?”

3. “Are there ways I’m ______________ others from Jesus?”

NEXT WEEK: The Dad Who Doesn’t Give Up! Luke 15:11-32

Pastor Willie preaches from the English Standard Version Bible (ESV) ©2001

LIFE GROUP QUESTIONS…

‘Getting to know you…’

What was one of your favorite things to do as a kid? When you think of ‘childlike faith’ what personal images or experiences come to mind?

Read Matthew 19:13-15 (Questions based on the English Standard Version© (ESV) Bible, 2001)

Questions…

1. Read verse 13. Why do you think the disciples tried to stop the children from coming to Jesus? Who are the people we often ‘rebuke’ or overlook in our church (or Our Worlds) today?

2. Read verse 14. List some of the qualities of children that you think Jesus might have been referencing as ‘kingdom-worthy.’ What are some ways we might unintentionally, (or even intentionally!) make it harder for some in Our Worlds to come to Jesus?

3. In verse 15, why is it significant that Jesus took the time to bless the children before He went away? What would it look like for us to ‘lay hands’ on others in a blessing-oriented way?

GROW…

What would it look like for you to return to a more ‘child-like’ faith in your walk with Christ? What ‘grown-up baggage’ do you need to lay down, and how will you go about doing that?

GO…

Is there someone in Your World, (a child, a new believer, an overlooked person, etc.) that God is prompting you to welcome, encourage or bless? How can you reach out to them, and how can this Life Group help, (even through the summer months until we meet together again in the Fall?)

Pray for each other as you go to Your Worlds this week.

Matthew 19:1-12

Pastor Willie Behrends

We live in a world that has redefined relationships to fit our personal desires. If we want to be faithful followers of Christ, we have to be committed to something greater than ‘culture!’

In today’s passage Jesus challenges us in three ways…

I – Go with God’s _______________________ plan! (1-6)

II – Recognize ______________________ when you see it! (7-9)

III – Be true to your _______________________! (10-12)

Today’s ‘Take-Aways.’ Ask Yourself…

1. “What (or Who’s) ____________________ do I act upon?”

2. “Do I trust God’s ______________, even when it’s hard?”

3. “Am I ______________________ God’s calling in my life?”

NEXT WEEK: Just WHO Gets In? Matthew 19:13-30

Pastor Willie preaches from the English Standard Version Bible (ESV) ©2001

LIFE GROUP QUESTIONS…

‘Getting to know you…’

What’s the best advice you’ve ever heard about relationships, marriage and/or commitment? Is there a tradition or value you grew up with that seems ‘countercultural’ today?

Read Matthew 19:1-12 (Questions based on the English Standard Version© (ESV) Bible, 2001)

Questions…

1. Read verses 1-6. Why do you think Jesus responded to the Pharisees by going to Genesis instead of quoting other scriptures, traditions or Rabbis? In what ways has modern culture drifted from God’s original plan for marriage and relationships?

2. Read verses 7-9. Why do you think Jesus describes divorce as the result of a ‘hardness of heart’ in verse 8? Can you describe a time when telling you the truth was the most compassionate thing someone did for you?

3. In verses 10-12, why do you think the disciples were so surprised by Jesus’ teaching on marriage, (v. 10)? What does Jesus’ teaching here tell you about singleness and celibacy as a ‘calling’? Does this surprise you? Explain.

GROW…

Are there areas in your life where you’ve been tempted to follow the culture instead of Christ? What can you do to return to God’s original design? What would it look like for you personally to make a ‘countercultural commitment’ in your relationships, family, or calling?

GO…

How can we lovingly speak truth about God’s design in today’s cultural climate? Do we really believe God can, and does, speak to our current culture? How can we balance truth and grace when discussing sensitive topics like divorce, abuse, gender, etc. with those in Our Worlds?

Pray for each other as you go to Your Worlds this week.