Eagle Eye

This week we continue our tour of the apostles with John the Evangelist.  Our faith lives would be so different without his writings.  I love his emphasis on relationship and his simple yet powerful focus on what it means to love Jesus.

First I gathered together some scripture from which to choose.

Mark 1:14-20  After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God.  “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!”

As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.  “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”  At once they left their nets and followed him.

When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets.  Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

Luke (5:1-11) further describes James and John as Simon’s partners.

Mark 5: 35-43  While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher any more?”  Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”
He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James.  When they came to the home of the synagogue ruler, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly.  He went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.”  But they laughed at him.
      After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was.  He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means, “Little girl, I say to you, get up!” ).  Immediately the girl stood up and walked around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished.  He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat.

Mark 10: 35-45  Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.”  “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.  They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.”

“You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?”  “We can,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.”

When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John.  Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.  Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.  For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Mark 14: 32-34 They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.”

Luke 9: 46-56  An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest.  Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him.  Then he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For he who is least among you all—he is the greatest.”

“Master,” said John, “we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us.”  “Do not stop him,” Jesus said, “for whoever is not against you is for you.”

As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.  And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem.  When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?”  But Jesus turned and rebuked them, and they went to another village.

When Jesus was on the cross:

John 19:25-27 Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Dear woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

John 21:19-24 Then Jesus said to Peter, “Follow me!”  Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?”  Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.”  Because of this, the rumor spread among the brothers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?”

This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.

James, John’s brother was killed by the sword at King Herod’s request.  (Acts 12)  In Acts 13 it describes him travelling for a while with Paul and Barnabas.  But otherwise there are not many records of his travelling.

John has 3 short letters (two are really short) that revolve around the themes: Jesus is the savior, he loves us, we show our love for him by loving and serving others.  He warns repeatedly against false teachers telling you anything that conflicts with that.  A good example of this:

1 John 5:1-5  Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well.  This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands.  This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.  Who is it that overcomes the world?  Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

Revelations is the record of John’s vision of the end of the world.  Some people freak out about it, and others dismiss it.  Some talk about it being a coded message to people suffering under the Roman emperor Nero.  A sample from the beginning:

Revelations 1: 9-16  I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.  On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, which said: “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.”

I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was someone “like a son of man,”dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest.  His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire.  His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters.  In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.

It is from the book of Revelation that we learn the most about Jesus returning, even if it is hard to understand.  Peter and Paul wrote about it, and angels mentioned it at Jesus’ ascension to heaven after his resurrection.

Acts 1: 10-11 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them.  “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

Revelation 22: 12-17  “Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.  I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.

“Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.  … I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”  The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.”

Then I went through, narrowed down and added the questions.  Because last week's lesson went a bit longer than the attention span of most of the middle schoolers, I'm trying to be more disciplined this time around.

Eagle Eye

John was the only one of the apostles not to be martyred.  Tradition has it that he was the youngest.  And the only apostle to write a gospel, earning him the name John the Evangelist.  His gospel stands out as the most different of the four gospels.  He is often represented with an eagle (because of a passage in Revelation 4:7).  In addition to the gospel, he wrote three short letters that became epistles, and the mysterious Book of Revelation, which ends the bible.  His older brother James was also an apostle, and together they had the nickname the Sons of Thunder.








John was called at the very beginning of Jesus ministry.  He may have been a disciple of John the Baptist's ministry beforehand.
Mark 1:14-20
1)    Luke (5:1-11) Also describes James and John as Simon’s partners.  What would it take for you to give up your hometown and business to follow a teacher?



Mark 5: 35-43
2)    There are a few occasions when Jesus doesn’t take all of the apostles, but a smaller group that usually includes Peter, James and John.  Why would Jesus not take everyone?  What does it tell you about PJ&J that Jesus chose them?



Not every story about John is a positive one. 
Mark 10: 35-45
3)    What does Jesus mean by “drink the cup I drink”?  What do you think John might have learned from this exchange?



John was the only apostle to follow Jesus all the way to the cross.  While Jesus was on the cross, he asked John for a favor.  In John’s gospel, he refers to himself as the “disciple Jesus loved” rather than by name.
John 19:25-27
4)    What does Jesus think of John?  What would it be like to adopt a friend’s mother?



James, John’s brother was killed by the sword at King Herod’s request.  (Acts 12)  In Acts 13 it describes him traveling for a while with Paul and Barnabas.  But otherwise there are not many records of his traveling.  John has 3 short letters (two are really short) that revolve around the themes: Jesus is the savior, he loves us, we show our love for him by loving and serving others.  He warns repeatedly against false teachers telling you anything that conflicts with that.  A good example of this:
1 John 5:1-5
5)    How would you put this in your own words?



Revelation is the record of John’s vision of the end of the world.  Some people freak out about it, and others dismiss it.  Some talk about it being a coded message to people suffering under the Roman emperor Nero.  It is from the book of Revelation that we learn the most about Jesus returning, even if it is hard to understand. 
Revelation 22: 12-17
6)    What do you think about the idea of Jesus coming back?

Bonus:  the best musical cover of the Book of Revelations has got to be Johnny Cash's "The Man Comes Around."  It sounds like he's seen it. 

The only way I can find to share it is a video.  Caution: it does have photo of Cash flipping the bird.

I got a rock

Studying Peter this week.  What an embarrasment of riches in terms of scripture to consider.  Unfortunately too much for a 40ish minute study.  And with the youth, it seems unsafe to assume that they are already familiar with the stories, although one of my students knows scripture and verse better than I do.

Here's the scripture after the first cut:  (from the NIV and the Message - you can probably tell which is which.)  After the scriptures, I'll share which I included - still too many! - and the questions.

Getting called:
Matthew 4:18-20

“Walking along the beach of Lake Galilee, Jesus saw two brothers: Simon (later called Peter) and Andrew. They were fishing, throwing their nets into the lake. It was their regular work. Jesus said to them, "Come with me. I'll make a new kind of fisherman out of you. I'll show you how to catch men and women instead of perch and bass." They didn't ask questions, but simply dropped their nets and followed.”

John 1: 35-42 

The next day John [the Baptist] was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, "Look, the Lamb of God!"  When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, "What do you want?"  They said, "Teacher, where are you staying?"

"Come," he replied, "and you will see."   So they went and saw where he was staying, and spent that day with him. It was about mid-afternoon.  Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus.  The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, "We have found the Messiah" (that is, the Christ).  And he brought him to Jesus.  Jesus looked at him and said, "You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas" (which, when translated, is Rock).

Matthew 14:22-33 

Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd.  After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat was already a considerable distance[a] from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.  During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear.  But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."

"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."  "Come," he said.  Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"  Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"  And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.  Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."

Matthew 16: 13-20

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?"  They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets."  "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"  Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.  I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."  Then he warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.

Matthew 26: 69-75 [While Jesus is being tried by the chief priests]

All this time, Peter was sitting out in the courtyard. One servant girl came up to him and said, "You were with Jesus the Galilean."  In front of everybody there, he denied it. "I don't know what you're talking about."  As he moved over toward the gate, someone else said to the people there, "This man was with Jesus the Nazarene."  Again he denied it, salting his denial with an oath: "I swear, I never laid eyes on the man."  Shortly after that, some bystanders approached Peter. "You've got to be one of them. Your accent gives you away."  Then he got really nervous and swore. "I don't know the man!"

Just then a rooster crowed. Peter remembered what Jesus had said: "Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times." He went out and cried and cried and cried.

John 21:15-19 (The Message)

After breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?"  "Yes, Master, you know I love you."  Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."  He then asked a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?"  "Yes, Master, you know I love you."   Jesus said, "Shepherd my sheep." Then he said it a third time: "Simon, son of John, do you love me?"   Peter was upset that he asked for the third time, "Do you love me?" so he answered, "Master, you know everything there is to know. You've got to know that I love you."

Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. I'm telling you the very truth now: When you were young you dressed yourself and went wherever you wished, but when you get old you'll have to stretch out your hands while someone else dresses you and takes you where you don't want to go." He said this to hint at the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. And then he commanded, "Follow me."

Acts 4:3-20 

[The Sadducees] seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand.

The next day the rulers, elders and teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and the other men of the high priest's family. 7They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: "By what power or what name did you do this?"  Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: "Rulers and elders of the people!  If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, 10then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.  He is 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.’ [Psalm 118]  Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."

When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.  But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say.  So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together.  "What are we going to do with these men?" they asked. "Everybody living in Jerusalem knows they have done an outstanding miracle, and we cannot deny it.  But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn these men to speak no longer to anyone in this name."

Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.  But Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard."

Acts 15: 5-11

Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, "The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses."

The apostles and elders met to consider this question.  After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: "Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. He made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith.  Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear?  No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are."

1 Peter 3: 8-18

Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless—that's your job, to bless. You'll be a blessing and also get a blessing.

Whoever wants to embrace life
and see the day fill up with good,
Here's what you do:
Say nothing evil or hurtful;
Snub evil and cultivate good;
run after peace for all you're worth.
God looks on all this with approval,
listening and responding well to what he's asked;
But he turns his back
on those who do evil things.

If with heart and soul you're doing good, do you think you can be stopped? Even if you suffer for it, you're still better off. Don't give the opposition a second thought. Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you're living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy. Keep a clear conscience before God so that when people throw mud at you, none of it will stick. They'll end up realizing that they're the ones who need a bath. It's better to suffer for doing good, if that's what God wants, than to be punished for doing bad. That's what Christ did definitively: suffered because of others' sins, the Righteous One for the unrighteous ones. He went through it all—was put to death and then made alive—to bring us to God.

1 Peter 5: 8-11 

Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You're not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It's the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won't last forever. It won't be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does.

2 Peter 3: 14-18 

So, my dear friends, since this is what you have to look forward to, do your very best to be found living at your best, in purity and peace. Interpret our Master's patient restraint for what it is: salvation. Our good brother Paul, who was given much wisdom in these matters, refers to this in all his letters, and has written you essentially the same thing. Some things Paul writes are difficult to understand. Irresponsible people who don't know what they are talking about twist them every which way. They do it to the rest of the Scriptures, too, destroying themselves as they do it.

But you, friends, are well-warned. Be on guard lest you lose your footing and get swept off your feet by these lawless and loose-talking teachers. Grow in grace and understanding of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Glory to the Master, now and forever! Yes!

I got a rock.

We’ve read a lot about Peter.  He had an amazing life, from fisherman to leader of the Church.  To really study him would take more than a single day, but let’s get a start.  Nobody tried to make Jesus the center of their life with as much enthusiasm as Peter did.

Getting called:
Matthew 4:18-20

1)    What do you learn about Peter here?  About Jesus? 



Matthew 14:22-33 
2)    There was a book recently with the title “If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat.”  What do we learn about Peter here?



Matthew 16: 13-20
3)    Why give Simon a nickname?  (Cephas is the Greek for rock, while Peter is the Latin.)  What does Jesus mean here about Peter?




In Matthew 26: 69-75 is the story of how Peter denied Jesus three times while he was being tried by the Temple officials.  At the Last Supper Peter told Jesus he would die for him.  Hours later he’s denying he even knows him. 
4)    Have you ever felt rejected by a friend or family member?  Have you ever rejected a friend and then regretted it?


The turning point:  After the resurrection, and the appearances to the apostles in the upper room (the story with Thomas), Jesus appeared to the disciples again at the Sea of Galilee.  The apostles went fishing (Peter’s idea), didn’t catch anything, and didn’t recognize Jesus when he showed up at the shore.  Jesus told them to put the net on the other side, and they caught a boat full of fish.  John realized who he was, and Peter dived in and swam to him.  Jesus had made them breakfast.  And then…

John 21:15-19

5)    Why does Jesus repeat the question?  What does he mean by “feed my sheep”? 



6)    What was Peter feeling during this conversation?



Acts 4:3-20 
7)    How has Peter changed?  How would you describe him now?

Acts 15: 5-11
8)    All through history, and maybe all through your life, people have tried or may try to put extra requirements on being a Christian.  People will say “if you believe that then…” and have ideas of their own.  What would Peter say makes you a Jesus follower?



1 Peter 3: 8-18 
9)    What connections do you see between what Peter writes in this letter and the rest of his story?



10)    What’s one thing you can take away from this study?

Incredible

Your best friend dies.  The man you gave up everything to follow.  He was put to death by a tag team of the Empire, your government and your religion in the most awful way possible.  Now someone tells you that he is risen.  Seen first by a woman (!) and then your other friends find an empty tomb.  All that means is someone took the body.  And Mary was literally crazy with grief… it’s not hard to imagine her imagining Jesus.  Then they claim he came to them, but here they are still cowering. 
No.  It is inconceivable.  Wishful thinking.  It is unbelievable.  It is incredible.

Today we study Thomas, nicknamed for a famous moment of disbelief.  Thomas as a name comes from the Aramaic name Tau'ma close to the Aramaic word for twin: T'oma (תאומא).  So John calling call him Didymus (twin in Greek) Thomas in his Gospel (3 times) could be interpreted as omitting the actual name.  Quite ancient stories describe Thomas going to India and being martyred there by being pierced with a spear.  He is also reported to be the only apostle present (spiritually transported to and fro) for the assumption of Mary’s body directly to heaven.  (A non-scriptural story, obviously, but also quite ancient.)

At right is a picture of a St. Thomas cross.  The design is attributed to Thomas, and dates bate to at least 6th century Persia, where he was known to preach.  The design shows the Trinity.  It's not generally thought that 1st century Christians used the cross as a symbol.

Matthew 10:1-4  (Quite similar in Mark 3:18 & Luke 6:15)

He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.  These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

1)    Why 12 apostles?  Why separate out individuals from all the people following him?  Why call Judas Iscariot?  Why do we hear the calling of some apostles but not others?



John 11:7-16

Then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.”  “But Rabbi,” they said, “a short while ago the Jews tried to stone you, and yet you are going back there?”
Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? A man who walks by day will not stumble, for he sees by this world's light.  It is when he walks by night that he stumbles, for he has no light.” 

After he had said this, he went on to tell them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.”  His disciples replied, “Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better.” Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep.  So then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”

Then Thomas (called Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”

2)    Most people consider that Thomas was referring to how the Jews will kill Jesus.  What does this help you learn about Thomas?  What do you make of Thomas being called Twin?

John 14:1-7

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” 

Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”  Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.  If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

3)    What does this help you learn about Thomas?

John 20:19-31  (the Message)

Later on that day, the disciples had gathered together, but, fearful of the Jews, had locked all the doors in the house. Jesus entered, stood among them, and said, “Peace to you.” Then he showed them his hands and side.  The disciples, seeing the Master with their own eyes, were exuberant. Jesus repeated his greeting: “Peace to you. Just as the Father sent me, I send you.”  Then he took a deep breath and breathed into them. “Receive the Holy Spirit,” he said. “If you forgive someone's sins, they're gone for good. If you don't forgive sins, what are you going to do with them?”

But Thomas, sometimes called the Twin, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples told him, “We saw the Master.”  But he said, “Unless I see the nail holes in his hands, put my finger in the nail holes, and stick my hand in his side, I won't believe it.”

Eight days later, his disciples were again in the room. This time Thomas was with them. Jesus came through the locked doors, stood among them, and said, “Peace to you.”  Then he focused his attention on Thomas. “Take your finger and examine my hands. Take your hand and stick it in my side. Don't be unbelieving. Believe.”  Thomas said, “My Lord and my God!”*

Jesus said, “So, you believe because you've seen with your own eyes. Even better blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing.”  Jesus provided far more God-revealing signs than are written down in this book. These are written down so you will believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and in the act of believing, have real and eternal life in the way he personally revealed it.

*the words this is translated from means “the God” and is previously only used by
John (the evangelist) to refer to Yahweh, the Father.  This is the first occurrence
in scripture of someone identifying Jesus with the Father.

4)    I notice that Thomas was at least brave enough to be out of the room on the first visit.  And that 8 days after seeing Jesus, the other apostles don’t seem to have moved.  What do you make of that?


5)    What else do you notice?  What does it mean?


6)    How has Jesus given you what you need?


1 Peter 1: 3-9

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be*, you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.  These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

* "If need be" is omitted from NIV for some reason.

7)    What connections do you notice between what Peter writes and the story of Thomas?

8)    If your life of faith was to be boiled down to three mentions, what would they be?

Bonus: 10 reasons to believe

1. A Public Execution Assured His Death
2. A High Official Secured The Gravesite
3. In Spite Of Guards, The Grave Was Found Empty
4. Many People Claimed To Have Seen Him Alive (1 Corinthians 15:5-8).
5. His Apostles Were Dramatically Changed
6. Witnesses Were Willing To Die For Their Claims
7. Jewish Believers Changed Their Day Of Worship
8. Although It Was Unexpected, It Was Clearly Predicted
9. It Was A Fitting Climax To A Miraculous Life
10. It Fits The Experience Of Those Who Trust Him

Holy Week and Palm Sunday: Do you know him?

This week we'll be reading the Passion.  When you're reading for a story, I often like to read from the Message.  It's not a translation, but an attempt to write the same text in the way we might write it today.  The publisher calls it a reading bible as opposed to a study bible.  The writer, Eugene Peterson, is one of my favorite writers on spiritual topics.  The Message is available from biblegateway.com for free online.

For our study, we'll take a look at Leslie Lombardo's model of Jerusalem/Stations of the Cross, read the text below, and then talk about what it tells us about Jesus.  This is why he came, and there is no understanding of him that doesn't start here.  Finally, we'll watch the clip That's My King, a video set to the rhythmic message of S. M. Lockridge.  (The video is embedded at the end of the post.)  How would you describe Jesus?

Luke 22:31-23:46 Abridged for time (The Message; NIV; RCL )

Get Ready for Trouble
31-34  "Simon, stay on your toes. Satan has tried his best to separate all of you from me, like chaff from wheat. Simon, I've prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out. When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and give them a fresh start."  Peter said, "Master, I'm ready for anything with you. I'd go to jail for you. I'd die for you!"  Jesus said, "I'm sorry to have to tell you this, Peter, but before the rooster crows you will have three times denied that you know me."

A Dark Night
39-44 Leaving there, he went, as he so often did, to Mount Olives. The disciples followed him. When they arrived at the place, he said, "Pray that you don't give in to temptation."  He pulled away from them about a stone's throw, knelt down, and prayed, "Father, remove this cup from me. But please, not what I want. What do you want?" At once an angel from heaven was at his side, strengthening him. He prayed on all the harder. Sweat, wrung from him like drops of blood, poured off his face.

45-46  He got up from prayer, went back to the disciples and found them asleep, drugged by grief. He said, "What business do you have sleeping? Get up. Pray so you won't give in to temptation."  No sooner were the words out of his mouth than a crowd showed up, Judas, the one from the Twelve, in the lead. He came right up to Jesus to kiss him. Jesus said, "Judas, you would betray the Son of Man with a kiss?"

49-53 When those with him saw what was happening, they said, "Master, shall we fight?" One of them took a swing at the Chief Priest's servant and cut off his right ear.  Jesus said, "Let them be. Even in this." Then, touching the servant's ear, he healed him.  Jesus spoke to those who had come—high priests, Temple police, religion leaders: "What is this, jumping me with swords and clubs as if I were a dangerous criminal? Day after day I've been with you in the Temple and you've not so much as lifted a hand against me. But do it your way—it's a dark night, a dark hour."

A Rooster Crowed
54-62 Arresting Jesus, they marched him off and took him into the house of the Chief Priest. Peter followed, but at a safe distance. In the middle of the courtyard some people had started a fire and were sitting around it, trying to keep warm. One of the serving maids sitting at the fire noticed him, then took a second look and said, "This man was with him!"  He denied it, "Woman, I don't even know him."  A short time later, someone else noticed him and said, "You're one of them."  But Peter denied it: "Man, I am not."  About an hour later, someone else spoke up, really adamant: "He's got to have been with him! He's got 'Galilean' written all over him."  Peter said, "Man, I don't know what you're talking about." At that very moment, the last word hardly off his lips, a rooster crowed. Just then, the Master turned and looked at Peter. Peter remembered what the Master had said to him: "Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times." He went out and cried and cried and cried.

Slapping Him Around
63-65The men in charge of Jesus began poking fun at him, slapping him around. They put a blindfold on him and taunted, "Who hit you that time?" They were having a grand time with him.  When it was morning, the religious leaders of the people and the high priests and scholars all got together and brought him before their High Council. They said, "Are you the Messiah?"  He answered, "If I said yes, you wouldn't believe me. If I asked what you meant by your question, you wouldn't answer me. So here's what I have to say: From here on the Son of Man takes his place at God's right hand, the place of power."  They all said, "So you admit your claim to be the Son of God?"   "You're the ones who keep saying it," he said.  But they had made up their minds, "Why do we need any more evidence? We've all heard him as good as say it himself."

Luke 23
Pilate
1-5 Then they all took Jesus to Pilate and began to bring up charges against him. They said, "We found this man undermining our law and order, forbidding taxes to be paid to Caesar, setting himself up as Messiah-King."  Pilate asked him, "Is this true that you're 'King of the Jews'?"  "Those are your words, not mine," Jesus replied.  Pilate told the high priests and the accompanying crowd, "I find nothing wrong here. He seems harmless enough to me."  But they were vehement. "He's stirring up unrest among the people with his teaching, disturbing the peace everywhere, starting in Galilee and now all through Judea. He's a dangerous man, endangering the peace."

6-12  When Pilate heard that, he asked, "So, he's a Galilean?" Realizing that he properly came under Herod's jurisdiction, he passed the buck to Herod, who just happened to be in Jerusalem for a few days.  Herod was delighted when Jesus showed up. He had wanted for a long time to see him, he'd heard so much about him. He hoped to see him do something spectacular. He peppered him with questions. Jesus didn't answer—not one word. But the high priests and religion scholars were right there, saying their piece, strident and shrill in their accusations.  Mightily offended, Herod turned on Jesus. His soldiers joined in, taunting and jeering. Then they dressed him up in an elaborate king costume and sent him back to Pilate. That day Herod and Pilate became thick as thieves. Always before they had kept their distance.

13-25  Then Pilate called in the high priests, rulers, and the others and said, "You brought this man to me as a disturber of the peace. I examined him in front of all of you and found there was nothing to your charge. And neither did Herod, for he has sent him back here with a clean bill of health. It's clear that he's done nothing wrong, let alone anything deserving death. I'm going to warn him to watch his step and let him go."  At that, the crowd went wild: "Kill him! Give us Barabbas!" (Barabbas had been thrown in prison for starting a riot in the city and for murder.) Pilate still wanted to let Jesus go, and so spoke out again.  But they kept shouting back, "Crucify! Crucify him!"  He tried a third time. "But for what crime? I've found nothing in him deserving death. I'm going to warn him to watch his step and let him go."  But they kept at it, a shouting mob, demanding that he be crucified. And finally they shouted him down. Pilate caved in and gave them what they wanted. He released the man thrown in prison for rioting and murder, and gave them Jesus to do whatever they wanted.

Skull Hill
32-38  Two others, both criminals, were taken along with him for execution.  When they got to the place called Skull Hill, they crucified him, along with the criminals, one on his right, the other on his left.  Jesus prayed, "Father, forgive them; they don't know what they're doing."  Dividing up his clothes, they threw dice for them. The people stood there staring at Jesus, and the ringleaders made faces, taunting, "He saved others. Let's see him save himself! The Messiah of God—ha! The Chosen—ha!"  The soldiers also came up and poked fun at him, making a game of it. They toasted him with sour wine: "So you're King of the Jews! Save yourself!"  Printed over him was a sign: this is the king of the jews.

39-43  One of the criminals hanging alongside cursed him: "Some Messiah you are! Save yourself! Save us!"  But the other one made him shut up: "Have you no fear of God? You're getting the same as him. We deserve this, but not him—he did nothing to deserve this."  Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you enter your kingdom."  He said, "Don't worry, I will. Today you will join me in paradise."

44-46  By now it was noon. The whole earth became dark, the darkness lasting three hours—a total blackout. The Temple curtain split right down the middle. Jesus called loudly, "Father, I place my life in your hands!" Then he breathed his last.  When the captain there saw what happened, he honored God: "This man was innocent! A good man, and innocent!"  All who had come around as spectators to watch the show, when they saw what actually happened, were overcome with grief and headed home. Those who knew Jesus well, along with the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a respectful distance and kept vigil.



Message from S M Lockridge.  S. M. = Shadrach Meshach!

Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright, 1993-2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.

Resurrection Eggs

Last week we did the Resurrection Eggs for our group time.  These are a pretty cool way to review the events of Holy Week for a family, childen's ministry or youth group. People made neat connections, and it even helped the adults to know the story better as well as the order.

Resurrection Eggs.  The Resurrection Eggs are basically a timeline activity that does a nice job of giving a visual connection with the major events of Holy Week.

• How to play:  we take turns pulling eggs out of the carton until they are all taken.  (That way if there’s an uneven amount, the youngest get more.)  But do not open them yet. 
• Starting again with the youngest, one person opens an egg and shows what’s inside.  What is it?  What is it’s connection with Jesus’ story?  On some of the objects it’s pretty clear and on others it could be several things.  Guesses are okay – there’s no single correct answer.
• The first person puts their egg down.  The second person tries to guess if their item goes before or after.  Each person then tries to put their item in order, forming a kind of timeline.  Be sure to share how you remember the order, or what connections you see between the events, or especially what the events mean to you and why they’re important.  Of course, it’s not a quiz, and it’s okay for the person to get help – especially if the helper shares their thinking.  But it’s good for the opener to get a chance to guess or try first.  Try to put the items in order, and then take turns saying what comes next and how they know.  Circulate to answer questions and help with the procedure.
• When it's time to clean up, you can either put things back in their original eggs, or mix it up.  I think mixing it up keeps it fresher, as you never know what you’re going to get.

The items and their original intent:
Donkey – Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey.  What we commemorate on Palm Sunday, jesus entering on a donkey reminded people of King David’s entry to Jerusalem also on a donkey.
Coins – Judas receives 30 pieces of silver.  The Scribes and Pharisees paid Judas 30 silver coins to betray Jesus.
Cup – Jesus at the Last Supper, where he celebrates communion for the first time.
Praying Hands – Garden of Gethsemane.  After the Passover meal, Jesus went to the gardens to pray with Peter, James and John.  But they couldn’t stay awake.
Leather strip – the whip.  After Jesus was arrested, and taken to Pilate, he was whipped.  Then when presented to the crowds, the crowds called for the release of a criminal instead of Jesus.
Crown of thorns – the crown of thorns.  Before the crucifixion, Jesus was mocked for being King of the Jews.
Nails – the nails that held Jesus to the cross.  While sometimes people were tied to crosses, they used nails for a quicker, more brutal death.  Perhaps because of wanting it done before the high holy day began at sundown.
Die – (one dice) the lots cast by the centurions.  The Roman guards didn’t want to divide Jesus seamless royal purple cloak, so the gambled to see who would receive it. (Pair of dice, but one is “a die.”)
Spear – the spear that pierced Jesus side.  To check to see if Jesus was dead, one centurion pierced Jesus’ side with a spear.  He did not move, and blood and water came out, proving that he was, in fact, dead.
Cloth – represents the linen wrapping.  When Jesus was taken down from the cross there wasn’t time for the full Jewish funeral ritual, so he was quickly wrapped in a linen sheet to be taken to the tomb.
Stone – the stone that sealed the tomb.  The Pharisees understood that Jesus had raised Lazarus, and were afraid that someone would make it seem like he had risen from the dead, so they insisted the tomb be sealed and guarded.  A large stone was rolled across it, sealed with the Roman governor’s mark, and centurions were posted.  Little did they know that they would be proving that Jesus did indeed rise from the dead!
Empty egg – the empty tomb.  Luke 24:5-6 “Why do you look for the living among the dead?  He is not here; he has risen!”

You can make eggs of your own with these things or others like: scrap of palm, purple cloth, rope (arrest), soap (washing of the feet), soldiers, bible charm, cotton ball (ascension to clouds), key (locked upper room), cross, etc.  If you want to buy a set, they're available at Christian bookstores or online for $8-$15.  If you're at St. John's, ask Leslie, as she picked up several sets.

St Patrick's and the Prodigal Son

Prayer for the Faithful attributed to St. Padraig of Eire  (Hat tip: Christine Sine)

May the Strength of God guide us.
May the Power of God preserve us.
May the Wisdom of God instruct us.
May the Hand of God protect us.
May the Way of God direct us.
May the Shield of God defend us.
May the Angels of God guard us.
- Against the snares of the evil one.

May Christ be with us!
May Christ be before us!
May Christ be in us,
Christ be over all!

May Thy Grace, Lord,
Always be ours,
This day, O Lord, and forevermore. Amen.

Realized today I never put up the middle school study from this week.  The goal was to delve into one of the two greatest parables.  I thought it might be too well known, but the recent experience and meditating on Esther and the annual reader of the Megillat kept me from falling into that trap.

In my youth I spent a lot of time thinking about things with a focus on the lost son, and then as a parent having new appreciation for the father.  I've spent time thinking about the father to learn about the Father.  It took me a long time to get around to thinking of myself as the older brother. 

Text is from the Message.

Prodigal Son:  Who are you?

Today as we read we’ll try to get deep into the meaning of this important and familiar parable by trying to create the images of what it was like.


Starting Connection:  what is a parable?  Have you heard the word before?  What does it mean?



Background:  Luke Chapter 15 starts out like this: 
Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear him. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them."


1)    What do the Pharisees and teachers mean?  Are they happy or mad about this?


Jesus responds by telling three stories.  The first is about finding a lost coin.  The second about finding a lost sheep.  The third is about a lost son.  It has also been called the Parable of the Prodigal Son.  Prodigal is an unusual word that means wasteful.  It is considered by many people to be one of the two most important parables.


The Story of the Lost Son  (Luke 15:11-32)

Then he said, "There was once a man who had two sons. The younger said to his father, 'Father, I want right now what's coming to me.' So the father divided the property between them.”

2)    In other words, the younger son asked for his inheritance.  That usually comes after someone dies, and they leave what money, property or valuable things they have to their family or to charities.  How does each son and the father feel here?

It wasn't long before the younger son packed his bags and left for a distant country. There, undisciplined and dissipated, he wasted everything he had. After he had gone through all his money, there was a bad famine all through that country and he began to hurt. He signed on with a citizen there who assigned him to his fields to slop the pigs. He was so hungry he would have eaten the corncobs in the pig slop, but no one would give him any.

3)    How does the younger son feel?  If the father and brother had no way to know what had happened, what would they be feeling?

That brought him to his senses. He said, 'All those farmhands working for my father sit down to three meals a day, and here I am starving to death. I'm going back to my father. I'll say to him, Father, I've sinned against God, I've sinned before you; I don't deserve to be called your son. Take me on as a hired hand.' He got right up and went home to his father.

4)    Would that be hard to go back?  Why does he say he doesn’t deserve to be called his father’s son anymore?  What would you imagine his father would say?  His brother?

When he was still a long way off, his father saw him. His heart pounding, he ran out, embraced him, and kissed him. The son started his speech: 'Father, I've sinned against God, I've sinned before you; I don't deserve to be called your son ever again.'  But the father wasn't listening. He was calling to the servants, 'Quick. Bring a clean set of clothes and dress him. Put the family ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Then get a grain-fed heifer and roast it. We're going to feast! We're going to have a wonderful time! My son is here—given up for dead and now alive! Given up for lost and now found!' And they began to have a wonderful time.

5)    What is each of them feeling?  The younger son?  The father?  The brother?

All this time his older son was out in the field. When the day's work was done he came in. As he approached the house, he heard the music and dancing. Calling over one of the houseboys, he asked what was going on. He told him, 'Your brother came home. Your father has ordered a feast—barbecued beef!—because he has him home safe and sound.'

6)    Imagine a sumptuous meal with your favorite food.  Fixed for the person who has caused you the most trouble.  How would you feel?

The older brother stalked off in an angry sulk and refused to join in. His father came out and tried to talk to him, but he wouldn't listen. The son said, 'Look how many years I've stayed here serving you, never giving you one moment of grief, but have you ever thrown a party for me and my friends? Then this son of yours who has thrown away your money on bad people shows up and you go all out with a feast!'

7)    Have you ever felt like the older brother?  What makes you feel like life isn’t fair?

His father said, 'Son, you don't understand. You're with me all the time, and everything that is mine is yours—but this is a wonderful time, and we had to celebrate. This brother of yours was dead, and he's alive! He was lost, and he's found!'

8)    What is each of them feeling?  The younger son?  The father?  The brother?  Which person do you feel the most like in the story?


9)    Why did Jesus tell stories like this one to the Pharisees and teachers who are complaining at the start?


10)    What’s one thing you take away from studying this parable?



In general, the students made great connections, and definitely got what the point for the Pharisees was.  It was hard for them to imagine the lost son being so out of touch that the father didn't know what had become of him.  (Why would he imagine him as dead?)  The aspect of life feeling unfair was something to which all of them could relate.  One student made a connection new to me - asking for you half is like treating your parent as if they are already dead.  Whew!

March Men's Study

I'm doing something I've never done tomorrow - reuse a study for the same group!  I was looking through what I had on the prodigal son for the youth group, and stumbled across a 4 year old study from the men's group at Lakeshore Lutheran Fellowship.  It was exactly what I needed to be thinking about at this point in Lent.  Interesting to look back and revise a study, too.

We meet at 7 (breakfast), 7:30-8:30ish study if you're interested, 2nd Saturday of each month.  It's not so much me teaching, as bringing questions that I want to hear these brothers talk about.

The Cross Is…
From In My Place, an article by Steve Brown.  Romans 5:6-11, verse by verse

Even radical bible scholars count this as an epistle definitely written by Paul.  His purposes in writing the letter include:  prayers for his coming journey to Jerusalem, Rome and then on to Spain, to outline his teaching, and to address the big conflict in the community.  The conflict between the Gentile and Jewish Christians developed because Emperor Claudius exiled Jews from Rome in AD 49, which resulted in Gentile Christians taking leadership positions.  The tension came when Jewish Christians returned in AD 54 after Claudius’ death and found the Gentiles not keeping Jewish food laws nor observing Jewish holy days.

Martin Luther described Romans as “the chief book of the New Testament… it deserves to be known by heart, word for word, by every Christian.”  His lectures on Romans in 1515-16 were probably what led to the 95 Theses of 1517.  In 1738, John Wesley’s reading of Luther’s Preface to the Epistle to the Romans began his conversion experience. In 1919, Karl Barth wrote a commentary on Romans which was a big influence on the German Christians who resisted the Third Reich.  Modern day evangelists use the “Romans Road” to present the case for salvation:  Romans 3:23, 6:23a, 6:23b, 5:8,10:9-10,10:13.  That’s a good epistle! 

Today we’ll look at just half of one chapter.  In the first four chapters, Paul uses a bunch of strong connections with the Old Testament to make the case that we are justified by faith.  Now he’s going to share the blessings of being justified.  First let’s look at Romans 5:1-5.
1-2 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3-4 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
1)    How would you sum up those first five verses to a fellow Christian?



2)    What are some of the blessings of justification?


3)    Can you think of any life examples of the benefits of suffering described in 3-4?



The CROSS is a…necessity
v6:  You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.
4)    If we are forgiven, why do we always pray to be forgiven?  In what ways were we powerless?  Are we no longer powerless?



The CROSS is a…surprise
v7:  Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die.
Brown notes: we deserve wrath, we expect anger, and yet  we find God offering love.
5)    What’s the difference between a righteous man and a good man?


6)    How would you feel if someone offered their life up for yours?  (Or, if you’ve experienced this in the military or elsewhere,  how did you feel when they did offer their life for yours?)  What if it was someone who was a better person than you?  Someone with more to lose?



The CROSS is a…demonstration
v8: But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
7)    Can we witness if we are miserable and bound?  God demonstrated his love to us that he might demonstrate his love through us.



The CROSS is a…promise
v9: Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!
This reminds me of the best teacher I ever knew.  She enforced complete discipline to make sure that her classroom was a safe place for her elementary students, but always, always any act of discipline was followed by an act of love.
8)    What does this verse mean to you?



The CROSS is a…reality
v10: For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!
9)    Do you live in guilt? That’s living in a lie.  The reality is you are forgiven.  More than acquitted of the crime, we’re reconciled.  What difference does that make in how we live day to day?



10)    Are you afraid of death?  That fear is a lie.  The reality is you are going to live forever.  What difference can that make in our decision making?



The CROSS is a…celebration
v11: Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
11)    Consider the parable of the Prodigal Son.  What keeps the older brother from celebrating?



12)    In our happiness-obsessed culture, how do you explain joy?  How can accepting Jesus’ salvation result in joy if it doesn’t change anything about your circumstances?

Web Resources
Steve Brown is a former pastor, radio host and seminary teacher who concentrates on grace.  His teaching is very freeing because of this great emphasis on it's free and freeing nature.  You can find his resources on keylife.org.  Writings, podcasts, etc.