by Bret Capranica | Mar 6, 2014 | Featured Articles, Pastoral Ministry, Preaching
Carefully Think Read Matthew 13:44-52 List the parables described here. What are the similarities between each of the parables? What are the differences? What is the emphasis of the first two parables that do not have a stated explanation? What is the emphasis of the thrid parable that is explained? What are the new and old things that Jesus is referring to in the last parable (vv 51-52)? How is this final parable (vv 51-52) a good summary of the three parables before it? Of all the parables in chapter 13? Prayerfully Meditate How do you see your participation in God’s kingdom similar to the man who found the hidden treasure and the merchant who discovered the valuable pearl? The disciples could identify themselves with the parables (v 51). How do you personally identifiy with each of these parables? What is it about the kingdom of God that you find overwhelmingly, joyfully, compelling that you would give up everything to have it? How do you cultivate and maintain such a compelling joy in the things related to God’s kingdom? Intentionally Act Do you find anything in your life distracting you from the deepest joy in the kingdom of God? How can you focus your heart on the kingdom this week? What will you do? How will you respond? How could you use this passage as a means to encourage someone else? Who would that be in your life? Make plans in your heart and schedule to do that this week. Pray for those who will be in attendance Sunday do not love God’s kingdom like the man who finds...
by Bret Capranica | Oct 13, 2012 | Featured Articles, Pastoral Ministry, Preaching
Carefully Think Read Matthew 5:38-42. Summarize in one sentence what the main idea is. How does Matthew 5:38-42 fit with the idea Jesus expressed in 5:17-20? Read Exodus 21:24; Leviticus 24:20; and Deuteronomy 19:21. What are these passages teaching about retaliation? Why would the OT emphasize this? How do these OT passages help you understand what Jesus is referring to in 5:38? Is Jesus contradicting the OT passages in 5:39? Why or why not? List the illustrations Jesus gives about retaliation in 5:39-42. What is the emphasis of each one uniquely (i.e., what is the issue with being slapped verses being sued, etc.)? Is Jesus advocating pacifism in these verses? Are Christians not to defend themselves? Is Jesus suggesting that we not advocate justice? Why – why not? Prayerfully Meditate How are Christians supposed to apply these concepts in 5:38-42 in day-to-day living? Over what sort of issues are you most prone to seek personal vengeance? How could you cultivate the default attitude of trusting God and not seeking revenge when taken advantage of? What sort of patterns of thinking would you need to develop? How could this affect how you pray for those who are unjustly taking advantage of you? What would help motivate a person to respond the way Jesus is advocating? How does the message of the gospel help cultivate this sort of response? Think back to what Jesus suffered. How did he respond? Why did he respond as he did? How would his responses be helpful in our cultivating a similar response? Intentionally Act Have you been expressing any personal animosity or vengeful attitudes toward...
by Bret Capranica | Sep 27, 2012 | Featured Articles, Marriage and Family, Pastoral Ministry, Preaching
Carefully Think Read Matthew 5:31-32 Where did this instruction originally come from in the Old Testament? What is the connection between 5:31-32 to 5:27-30? What is the connection between 5:31-32 and 5:17-20? Is Jesus contradicting what was said in the OT by his statement in 5:32? Why or why not? Who are the various parties that Jesus indicates are guilty of sin in 5:32? Why would divorce and remarriage except on the grounds of immorality cause someone to commit adultery? Prayerfully Meditate Divorce is a prevalent and painful subject in our society. What are some of the modern day challenges with what Jesus says about divorce in 5:31-32? Why are they so challenging? What is Jesus saying about marriage in these verses? Why would immorality be legitimate grounds for divorce? Read 1 Corinthians 7:10-24. What grounds for divorce does Paul give? Read Matthew 19:1-9. What are the similarities and differences to 5:31-32? In light of the above passages and considerations, what elements would make for a stronger marriage? If you or someone you know has pursued divorce for unbiblical reasons, how could you helpfully serve them? How could you help a person who has legitimate grounds for divorce think through their heart attitudes and approach to the situation? Intentionally Act Has God put anyone on your heart in thinking through these issues? Pray for them to have a heart for God and a desire to obey His word. Plan a time to talk with them about what God’s word says on the issue. Do you and your spouse need to talk through what would make for a stronger marriage...
by Bret Capranica | Jul 27, 2011 | Biblical Studies, Pastoral Ministry, Preaching, Video
Make Leviticus practical. In Leviticus last week we said it covered 5 ways we live with God – or that He lives with us: sacrifice, mediation, purity, atonement, and holiness. Jesus fulfills all of those. The sacrificial system made atonement very practical, vivid, and constant for the Jewish people. How can it be for us. CJ Mahaney’s book, The Cross-Centered Life, suggests a few ways to preach the gospel to yourself regularly: Memorize the gospel Pray the gospel Sing the gospel Review the effects of the gospel Study the Gospel Books recommended in the video: The Discipline of Grace, Jerry Bridges The Cross-Centered Life, C.J. Mahaney The Cross of Christ, John R. W....
by Bret Capranica | Mar 7, 2011 | Biblical Studies, Featured Articles, Pastoral Ministry, Preaching, Worship
Know The sermon manuscript below will help if you want to review references, or review what was covered. Sermon Manuscript The exaltedness of jesus 5.11 14 View more documents from Summit Woods Baptist Church. Worship is central to the activity of heaven. If you are interested in expanding your thinking on the subject of worship, I recommend a few resources to read: 2 Good Books on Worship Christ Centered Worship, Bryan Chapell Worship Matters, Bob Kauflin Be How do our weekly gatherings affect your daily living? In what ways have you chosen to take any of the material that brought conviction or encouragement to your heart and begin to use it practically in your life? Read through Revelation 5:11-14 and review the ways Jesus”™ nature is praised by the angels and creation. In what ways have rested in the sufficiency of Jesus? In what ways have you found yourself trying to rest in something other than his sufficiency? Do Read again through the passage. Write down how you have found Jesus”™ worthy in his: Capability to handle the issues of your life Wealth (spiritually and materially) ““ how would his wealth affect your attraction to earthy wealth? Wisdom ““ has secular philosophies become more predominant in the way you conduct your finances, business, family, personal life? In what ways are you specifically trusting in Christ as an all sufficient and praiseworthy source of wisdom? Might ““ what are you trusting the power of God to do? Or would mere self-effort be an apt description of how you live? Honor ““ what/who are you finding value in to the extent...
