disciples

Captivating Day 11 Love For The Nations

2 Comments

Read His Words Before Ours!

Matthew 28:18-20
Psalm 96:1-13
1 Kings 8:41-43
1 Thessalonians 5:14-18

Captivating, Day 11

“Even for the foreigner who is not your people Israel, but has come from a distant land
because of Your name — for they will hear
of Your great name, strong hand, and outstretched arm,
and will come and pray towards this temple.
May You hear in heaven, Your dwelling place, and do according to all the foreigner asks.
Then all the peoples of the earth will know Your name,
to fear You as Your people Israel do.”
1 Kings 8:41-43

King Solomon prayed these words at the dedication of the Temple. The words are nestled solidly in the Old Testament, many generations before Jesus spoke the words of the Great Commission. In the Great Commission, the Lord challenges us to “go and make disciples of all nations.”
King Solomon’s words prove that the concept of all nations knowing the Lord is not a new one.

However, as I read the words prayed by King Solomon, I sensed my “You Are Here” pin on my mental map shifting. Had I been living in the time of King Solomon, I would be the foreigner. I would be the one coming from afar to learn of the Lord. With that reality sinking in, I found a new humility washing my perspective on the Great Commission and my role within it. Instead of looking out my door and searching for people to tell the good news to (which is not a bad perspective to have in general), I sensed my heart shifting to focus on the Lord first. From that starting line, I simply engage those I encounter, trusting He is the one who has put them in my path. The entire process became far less about me and much more about Him.

It was with this renewed mindset I began reflecting on previous mission trip experiences and my interactions with the missionaries ministering in those locations. I have had the opportunity to travel to countries with extreme poverty and visiting homes for eight people made from cardboard. I’ve also walked the streets of first world countries where taxi after taxi were all high-end cars. In each scenario, the same truth proved true of those serving there. These missionaries had allowed themselves to be rooted in their respective ministries, and moved with the flow of the Lord in their land, because they had locked their eyes on the Lord first and followed where He led.

As you read the words of the Great Commission, may your gaze on the Lord guide you into all that He has prepared for you. If you feel the call to physically go abroad, keep your eyes on Him and obey with all you have. You will be astounded at the places He sets your feet. If you do not feel called right now to serve overseas, you are still vitally important to missions. Yes, you can help financially by sending others and have a tangible impact, however, there are other avenues as well.

For the last few years, the Lord has opened the door for me to travel to Estonia on short term mission trips. The team from my church visits the same location every year in effort to invest in and encourage those serving full-time. On our last trip, I asked what impact our trips and presence have. The lead pastor, who is originally from England, said our visits bring needed encouragement and support in a variety of ways. Sometimes that looks like manual help at the church or homes, other times it looks like a listening ear and prayer for those serving. Still other times, it is simply allowing those serving full-time to rest in the presence of other believers, especially in locations that aren’t open to the Gospel.

One of the most significant statements, however, came from a young Estonian woman who serves in the church. She explained that the team consistently returning and some members coming back year after year sent the message to everyone that they are significant and the investment is genuine. She noted how our consistency and intentionality conveyed that we care about her and her relationship with the Lord as our promises to return proved to be more than lip service.

You may not be called to leave your zip code to physically serve in another country or location; however, you can impact the nations regardless. Is there a missionary you know who could use consistent encouragement? Would a note, email, or care package remind them they are not forgotten and provide some empowerment to carry on? Why not ask how you can pray for them specifically?

The Lord’s heart is for the nations and the individuals within those nations to know Him. This concept is woven throughout the Word in both Old and New Testaments.
Lock your gaze on Him and tune your ears to His voice.
Through your obedience, you will help advance the Great Commission!

Share your thoughts from today’s Journey Study!
Can we pray for you?
Sign up to receive every Journey Study!
Join our Facebook Community!

Join the GT Community and share your thoughts!

Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus. Tap and hold from your mobile device to download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Captivating Week Three! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!

Looking for other journeys from this theme?
Here’s a link to all past studies in Captivating!

Seeds Day 12 Seeds Of Encouragement: Digging Deeper

Leave a Comment

Digging Deeper Days

Finding the original intent of Scripture and making good application to our everyday lives as we become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
Check out Seeds Of Encouragement!

The Questions

1) Who is being spoken to in this verse and what is Jesus saying to them?

2) What is the power received?

3) Why Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the end of the earth?

Acts 1:8

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Original Intent

1) Who is being spoken to in this verse and what is Jesus saying to them?
This verse is spoken by Jesus before He ascends to Heaven. Jesus is with His disciples on the Mt of Olives outside of Bethany. Essentially, these words are the last ones Jesus says to His disciples before leaving them. In those moments, Jesus promises His disciples they will not be abandoned even though He is leaving them. The disciples had witnessed Jesus’ ministry, death, and resurrection and had spent time with Jesus after His resurrection. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus instructed His disciples to share the Gospel with all nations.  However, with these words, Jesus tells them to stay and wait. He doesn’t want them to go alone to carry His gospel to the nations, but instead wait for the Holy Spirit to come. Jesus knows their mission is will not be accomplished alone. He knows they need what only God can provide.

2) What is the power received?
This power is the gift of the Holy Spirit. When we hear the word “power” we often think physical strength. However, this isn’t what Jesus is referring to here as this is a spiritual power. This power is the strength, courage, and boldness by which Jesus’ disciples will go out and accomplish the mission Jesus is laying before them. Jesus didn’t tell the disciples to go out before they had the power from the Holy Spirit. He told them to wait for it. Jesus knew there was no hope in them being witnesses if they did not have the power only God can provide. The power of the Holy Spirit would come and equip them with all the tools needed to be successful and effective witnesses. Without the Holy Spirit, they would never have success.

3) Why Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the end of the earth?
Jesus had given His disciples what we call the Great Commission at the end of Matthew 28. Here in Acts 1:8, Jesus expounds on that command and lays out a plan of action. The disciples were Jews who would have lived in Jerusalem and Judea. Their mission is to begin sharing the Gospel and making witnesses right where they were in everyday life and then move out from there in every widening circles of influence. The disciples were to continue moving into Samaria and then into the rest of the world. Essentially, this lays out the plan to take the Gospel to the Jews and then the Gentiles. Expositor’s Bible Commentary words it this way, “Jerusalem, Judea, – the Apostles were to begin their great practical life of witnessing at home, but they were not to stay there. Samaria was next to have its opportunity, and so we shall find it to have been the case; and then, working from home as centre, to the uttermost parts of the earth.” Never were the disciples to stay in the comforts of home. God’s plan was always to send His power and enable the disciples to share the Good News with His entire creation.

Everyday Application

1) Who is being spoken to in this verse and what is Jesus saying to them?
While Jesus is speaking directly to His disciples in this verse, His message is still for us today. As believers, we are also His disciples and these words are just as much for us as it was for those who heard it first when Jesus spoke. We too have the job of sharing the Gospel with all nations. However, if the disciples could not take on the task in their own power, why should we think we can? Just as they needed the Holy Spirit, so do we. When we place our faith in Jesus, we are also given the gift of the Holy Spirit who never leaves. We can choose, however, to ignore His voice and attempt to do His work on our own strength. Here is where we need to be reminded of Jesus’ message to His first disciples and to us!

2) What is the power received?
Spiritual power is a gift provided by the Holy Spirit. The disciples needed the power to go out boldly and confidently share the Gospel bearing witness to Jesus. Before the Spirit was given, the disciples were told to wait. Jesus would not send them to accomplish a mission if they were not equipped to accomplish it. If the disciples needed the Spirit’s power and they had physically walked with Jesus and learned at His feet, we should also acknowledge we need this power in order to bear witness to Jesus. This power allows us to step out in courage to share the truth of who Jesus is and why the world needs Him. Where is the Spirit leading you? Are you in the habit of engaging with Him through Scripture, journaling, prayer, and quiet listening? If we are to accomplish the Lord’s mission in our everyday lives, our effectiveness begins and ends with our dependence on the equipping power of the Holy Spirit!

3) Why Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the end of the earth?
Just as Jesus lays out a plan for the disciples to carry out the Great Commission at the end of this verse, He lays out a plan for us. As believers, we are commanded to make disciples of all nations just as the original disciples were. Even though we don’t live in Jerusalem our plan of action should look similar to the disciples. We are first to start in our own “Jerusalem”, the place we call home. Who is God calling us to share the Gospel with in our homes, in our neighborhoods, or in our workplace? Next, we are to look to the area or city we live in, our “Judea”. Samaria would have been a little farther out from home. It could be like asking who am I to share the Gospel with within the region God has placed me. Lastly, I am to share the Gospel to the ends of the earth. There is no place on earth that is not worthy of hearing the Good News. Where is God asking me to go? Any one of these areas may feel out of our comfort zone, but with the power of the Holy Spirit we can bravely and boldly go and bear witness making disciples. When I lived in Las Vegas my church said it this way, “Las Vegas, the West and the World”. I now live in Kansas City, MO and my church says it this way, “our church, the Northland, and beyond.” Think about where God has placed you… how can you reword this action plan Jesus gave to match where God has you located. It will be different for all of us, but the end goal is the same… to see every nation to the end of the earth hear the Good News of Jesus!

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with Seeds Of Encouragement!

Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read it, and the verses around it,
several times
3) Write down your questions
as you think of them.
4) Ask specific culture related questions and be ready to dig around for your answers. Google them, use www.studylight.org, or look them up in a study Bible and read the footnotes (click on the little letters next to a word and it will show you
other related verses!). (www.esvbible.org)
5) Check your applications with other trusted Christians that you are in community with and embrace the fullness of God
in your everyday!

Digging Deeper Community

Share What You’ve Learned!
Pray Together!
Join us in the GT Facebook Community!

Our Current Study Theme!

This is Seeds Week Three!
Don’t miss out on the discussion!
Sign up to receive every GT Journey Study!

Why Dig Deeper?

Finding the original meaning is a huge deal when we study Scripture and can make all the difference in our understanding as we apply God’s truths to our everyday lives.

In our modern-day relationships, we want people to understand our original intention as we communicate; how much more so between God and humanity?!

Here’s a little bit more on why we take Digging Deeper so seriously.

Study Tools

We love getting help while we study and www.studylight.org is one of many excellent resources, providing the original Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament) with an English translation.

Want to know more about a specific word in a verse? Click on “Strong’s Interlinear Bible” then click the word you’d like to study. Discover “origin”, “definition” and hear the original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

Want more background? Click “Study Tools”, then pick a few commentaries to read their scholarly approach, keeping in mind that just because a commentary says it, doesn’t mean it’s true. (just like the internet :-))

Memorize It!

Download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!
Tap and hold on your mobile device to save.

Seeds Day 7 Never Alone: Digging Deeper

2 Comments

Digging Deeper Days

Finding the original intent of Scripture and making good application to our everyday lives as we become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
Check out Never Alone!

The Questions

1) Who was the author and what was the setting of this passage? 

2) What do we learn about the religious leaders in this portion of Acts?

3) Why were the apostles obedient to continue preaching?

Acts 5:17-42

17 But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and filled with jealousy 18 they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison. 19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, 20 “Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.” 21 And when they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach.

Now when the high priest came, and those who were with him, they called together the council, all the senate of the people of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. 22 But when the officers came, they did not find them in the prison, so they returned and reported, 23 “We found the prison securely locked and the guards standing at the doors, but when we opened them we found no one inside.” 24 Now when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them, wondering what this would come to. 25 And someone came and told them, “Look! The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people.” 26 Then the captain with the officers went and brought them, but not by force, for they were afraid of being stoned by the people.

27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, 28 saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” 29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”

33 When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. 34 But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while. 35 And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men. 36 For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. 37 After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered. 38 So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice, 40 and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. 42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.

Original Intent

1) Who was the author and what was the setting of this passage?
Luke, the author of the Gospel of the same name, also penned the book of Acts. The setting of this passage – in broad terms – was Jerusalem. The very city where Jesus had been tried and crucified finds us watching another scene of imprisonment and questioning. Most of the activity preceding this particular scene happens at the temple where Jews have regularly been worshipping the Lord for centuries. Now, with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the fullness of the gospel revealed through Jesus’ death and resurrection, the apostles leverage the religious center of the temple an opportunity to share truth and freedom found in Christ, the long-awaited Messiah.

2) What do we learn about the religious leaders in this portion of Acts?
The religious leaders (Pharisees and Sadducees) hadn’t learned anything from Jesus during His time on earth or from the empty tomb. The feelings they’d had toward Jesus were now pointedly placed on the twelve apostles: jealousy, bitterness, hatred, and fear of losing their position of political, social, and religious power. The Sanhedrin had tried to stop Jesus’ teachings, even going so far as to crucify Him. Now this council was poised to assert their will against the apostles, even if it meant death. The disciples, of course, knew this would be the case, which is why they stayed huddle together in an upper room even after Jesus’ ascension and they had seen the risen Lord. They had no power to go about teaching, even if everything Jesus had taught them was true. Everything changed when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the apostles and they were given Christ’s resurrection power to teach, preach, and boldly share, regardless of the cost to themselves. (Acts 2:1-4)

 3) Why were the apostles obedient to continue preaching?
Peter and John stated in Acts 4:20, “for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” The apostles were Jesus’ circle of companions and students for three years. They heard every teaching, saw every interaction, and witnessed every miracle. After spending time with the Resurrected Lord (John 20:19–21:23; Acts 1:1-5), their lives were so changed by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4) they were compelled to share Jesus with everyone. Because they had personally experienced the transforming power of Jesus and were empowered by His own Spirit, obeying Him was an act of love.

Everyday Application

1) Who was the author and what was the setting of this passage?
The broad scene was Jerusalem, but in this passage we see the apostles in jail, in the temple courts, and in front of the religious leaders.  Is it ironic that Jesus Himself walked a similar road? Not at all! Followers of Christ will experience a small portion of what He experienced…and we should rejoice! (1 Peter 4:13) Consider the regular, everyday “platforms” the Lord gives you where you regularly meet people. The grocery, the bank, the coffee shop, the PTA, or your neighborhood. How might God be calling you to step up and leverage these for His kingdom work? The risk to Peter and the other apostles was imprisonment and even death, but sharing the truth and freedom found in Jesus was worth it because their reward was eternal. When eternity is at stake, persecution for the Name of Jesus is always worth it!

 2) What do we learn about the religious leaders in this portion of Acts?
Until Jesus returns to reign and judge sin, evil will always try to prevail against Jesus Christ and His people, but it will never win. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5) We should not be surprised when persecution affects us today. Our choices to follow Christ will lead to being shunned, excluded, and mocked in varying forms and degrees. To share even a small part in suffering for the Name of Jesus is an honor and, as Paul records in his letter to the Philippians, his sufferings served as a conduit for the gospel to be preached even more boldly! (Philippians 1:12-14) Where is God calling you to speak the truth boldly with grace?!

3) Why were the apostles obedient to continue preaching?
Obedience is a choice…and every choice has consequences, whether positive or negative. In this case, what we see as a negative consequence (flogging – brutal!), the apostles considered a blessing. The hearts of the apostles had been made new and their minds had been renewed in how they thought about persecution. Whereas before the Holy Spirit’s power and before they had encountered the risen Lord, they would have denied Jesus or run in fear, now these same men rejoiced because they were counted worthy to suffer for Christ. Is this a popular thought? No. Not then, and certainly not now in our world of self-serving entertainment and comfort. So, ladies, let us pray. Boldly. For hearts that are willing to suffer the world’s torment for the joy of serving and loving Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Let us obey out of a heart of love because we have been so radically loved and rescued!

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with Never Alone!

Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read it, and the verses around it,
several times
3) Write down your questions
as you think of them.
4) Ask specific culture related questions and be ready to dig around for your answers. Google them, use www.studylight.org, or look them up in a study Bible and read the footnotes (click on the little letters next to a word and it will show you
other related verses!). (www.esvbible.org)
5) Check your applications with other trusted Christians that you are in community with and embrace the fullness of God
in your everyday!

Digging Deeper Community

Share What You’ve Learned!
Pray Together!
Join us in the GT Facebook Community!

Our Current Study Theme!

This is Seeds Week Two!
Don’t miss out on the discussion!
Sign up to receive every GT Journey Study!

Why Dig Deeper?

Finding the original meaning is a huge deal when we study Scripture and can make all the difference in our understanding as we apply God’s truths to our everyday lives.

In our modern-day relationships, we want people to understand our original intention as we communicate; how much more so between God and humanity?!

Here’s a little bit more on why we take Digging Deeper so seriously.

Study Tools

We love getting help while we study and www.studylight.org is one of many excellent resources, providing the original Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament) with an English translation.

Want to know more about a specific word in a verse? Click on “Strong’s Interlinear Bible” then click the word you’d like to study. Discover “origin”, “definition” and hear the original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

Want more background? Click “Study Tools”, then pick a few commentaries to read their scholarly approach, keeping in mind that just because a commentary says it, doesn’t mean it’s true. (just like the internet :-))

Memorize It!

Download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!
Tap and hold on your mobile device to save.

Prayer Day 4 What’s In A Name: Digging Deeper

Leave a Comment

Digging Deeper Days

Finding the original intent of Scripture and making good application to our everyday lives as we become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
Check out What’s In A Name!

The Questions

1) What is important about calling God “Our Father”? 

2) What does it look like for us to “honor” God’s name? 

3) What does it mean for God’s name to remain “holy”? 

Matthew 6:5-9

5 “Whenever you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites, because they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by people. Truly I tell you, they have their reward. 6 But when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 7 When you pray, don’t babble like the Gentiles, since they imagine they’ll be heard for their many words. 8 Don’t be like them, because your Father knows the things you need before you ask him. 

9 “Therefore, you should pray like this:
Our Father in heaven,
your name be honored as holy…” 

Original Intent

1) What is important about calling God “Our Father”?
When Jesus decided to teach about prayer to the people who were listening to Him on the mountainside (Matthew 5:1), His first lesson was on structuring their prayers (beginning in verse 9).  Jesus first focused on how to address the most holy God:  as FATHER.  Jesus’ simple, uncomplicated model for prayer begins with acknowledging to whom we pray.  Of all the names and titles given to God throughout the ages that Jesus could have emphasized, He focused on the one that reiterated the relationship God has with His people.  He reminded those listening that God is their perfect Father.  In fact, in verses 5-8, Jesus refers to praying to the “Father” 3 times.  While it is not wrong to pray to Jesus and the Holy Spirit, for they are the other 2 persons of the One Triune God, Jesus establishes and models for us the normative practice of praying to God, the Father.  Jesus’ instruction was to come before God with that kind of intimacy and knowledge – like a child approaching his or her father to have a personal conversation.  

2) What does it look like for us to “honor” God’s name?
Jesus’ instruction continues to highlight the father-child relationship as He further instructs that God’s name is to be honored.  There is a correlation here to the Ten Commandments in which God’s people receive the instruction to “honor your father and mother” (Exodus 20:12); Jesus reiterates a concept that would have been familiar to those listening.  Not only are we to honor God because of His relationship to us as Father, but also in how we pray – not to be seen by others (verse 5) or in the number of words we use (verse 7).  These two instructions from Jesus emphasized to His disciples that their prayers were to be focused on God, rather than their own actions. 

3) What does it mean for God’s name to remain “holy”?
Jesus understood that there were many names that were treated as important by the people He was teaching – leaders, priests, idols, and so many more.  As a result, He instructs the people listening to treat one name alone as holy, their Father in heaven.  In a world full of options and idols, Jesus distinguishes the name of God as the only one deserving special significance.

Everyday Application

1) What is important about calling God “Our Father”?
As mentioned before, Jesus’ instruction to address God as “Father” when we pray echoes Exodus 20:12 from the Ten Commandments where we are called to honor our earthly fathers and mothers.  His instruction is a confirmation of the  relationship we have with Him.  We must be sure that we do not allow that relationship to be defined or distorted in any way by our earthly fathers;  no matter how good or bad our experiences may be, GOD IS MORE.  Do you ever struggle to relate to God as your Father?  If so, why would  you say that is a challenge for you?  What truth do you need to remember to help you better relate to God as your Father?  If you are comfortable relating to God as your father, how does that impact your relationship with Him?   

2) What does it look like for us to “honor” God’s name?
No matter what activity we undertake, we are called to represent God well.  This includes when we pray, whether in private or public.  When you pray in private, do you give God the honor He deserves?  How do you do that?  Or are you ever guilty of treating Him like a magic bullet just when you need help?  Or of approaching Him flippantly?  Or with a demanding attitude?  What about when you pray publicly?  Are your thoughts ever dominated by what others may think of your words?  In those moments, are you more concerned about your own reputation more than you are with voicing a prayer that honors His name?  Do you ever find yourself concerned with getting the approval of others when you pray in a corporate setting – wanting to be seen as “wise” or “spiritual” by those listening?   Consider your motives carefully and whether or not you are honoring Him in all your prayers. When you pray, take time to offer praise to God before petitioning Him for your own needs, creating space to remind you to Whom you pray.  

3) What does it mean for God’s name to remain “holy”?
“Holy, holy, holy…” (Isaiah 6:3 and Revelation 4:8) is a phrase reserved for God alone.  There are other references, of course, that refer to people and actions as holy.  But the use of the three repetitions together is solely referencing the Almighty God showing that He is the only One worthy of that kind of praise. He is wholly different and set apart (which is the meaning of “holy”) from any other being in the universe.  In order to keep God in His rightful place in our hearts, attitudes, minds, and actions, we must be sure that we don’t allow anything to have priority over Him.  Our idols may not look the same, but we all struggle with them in one way or another.  Where do you find yourself challenged to keep God in His rightful place in your life?  What pulls for your attention above Him? 

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with What’s In A Name!

Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read it, and the verses around it,
several times
3) Write down your questions
as you think of them.
4) Ask specific culture related questions and be ready to dig around for your answers. Google them, use www.studylight.org, or look them up in a study Bible and read the footnotes (click on the little letters next to a word and it will show you
other related verses!). (www.esvbible.org)
5) Check your applications with other trusted Christians that you are in community with and embrace the fullness of God
in your everyday!

Digging Deeper Community

Share What You’ve Learned!
Pray Together!
Join us in the GT Facebook Community!

Our Current Study Theme!

This is Prayer Week One!
Don’t miss out on the discussion!
Sign up to receive every GT Journey Study!

Why Dig Deeper?

Finding the original meaning is a huge deal when we study Scripture and can make all the difference in our understanding as we apply God’s truths to our everyday lives.

In our modern-day relationships, we want people to understand our original intention as we communicate; how much more so between God and humanity?!

Here’s a little bit more on why we take Digging Deeper so seriously.

Study Tools

We love getting help while we study and www.studylight.org is one of many excellent resources, providing the original Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament) with an English translation.

Want to know more about a specific word in a verse? Click on “Strong’s Interlinear Bible” then click the word you’d like to study. Discover “origin”, “definition” and hear the original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

Want more background? Click “Study Tools”, then pick a few commentaries to read their scholarly approach, keeping in mind that just because a commentary says it, doesn’t mean it’s true. (just like the internet :-))

Memorize It!

Download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!
Tap and hold on your mobile device to save.

Palette Day 7 All The Colors: Digging Deeper

Leave a Comment

Digging Deeper Days...are a pretty big deal at GT!

We search God's Word together, ask questions as we read, dig around to find the original intentions at the time of writing, and then make some applications to our everyday lives.
Along the way, we hope you'll pick up some new tools to study Scripture and you'll see truth in a new and accessible way!
Dig In!

The Passage

Looking for yesterday’s
Journey Study?
Check out All The Colors!

Matthew 28:16-20 English Standard Version (ESV)

16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

The Questions

1) Why are some doubting? What has happened previously to make them doubt or believe?

2) What commands are given to the disciples in this passage?

3) In whose power, do we go? And how long do we have that power?

The Findings for Intention

1) Why are some doubting? What has happened previously to make them doubt or believe?
In reading all of chapter twenty-eight, the scene is set for this passage that falls at the end of the chapter. Jesus has just been resurrected and there are those who simply cannot, or choose not to believe, His resurrection. The chief priest pays the soldiers to say that Jesus’ disciples have stolen His body rather than affirm the resurrection. (28:13)

2) What commands are given to the disciples in this passage?
Throughout this passage, Jesus gives four commands. He tells them to GO, MAKE DISCIPLES, BAPTIZE THEM, and TEACH THEM MY WORD.

3) In whose power, do we go? And how long do we have that power?
Jesus is very clear the power is from God the Father, through the Spirit, and He will be with us until the end of the age.

The Everyday Application

1) Why are some doubting? What has happened previously to make them doubt or believe?
The evidence of Jesus’ resurrection was right in front of them in the person of Jesus Christ. There is no reason to doubt. I read a passage like this and I think how could they not see? It is only a mirrored reflection of my own disbelief at times. God clearly works in my life, clearly moves, and clearly shows me who He is, yet I still question just as they did. It is in these moments that God gently nudges me closer to Him. He shows me my own heart of disbelief to push me and convict me of my desperate need for Him.

2) What commands are given to the disciples in this passage?
GO, MAKE DISCIPLES, BAPTIZE THEM, and TEACH MY WORD. It could not be simpler than that. This passage iterates the simplicity of the gospel. God desires His people to teach others about Him. He desires us to move beyond our borders, our personal boundaries, to places unknown, places of discomfort, and sometimes places that we simply just don’t want to go. It doesn’t mean you leave this country or even this city. What it does mean is that you have eyes that see as Jesus sees paired with a heart’s desire to tell others about Him.          

3) In whose power, do we go? And how long do we have that power?
As we go, we do not go alone. “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” This is the promise we have from our Savior. He doesn’t leave us, He empowers us! He doesn’t expect us to go of our volition but rather as His power transforms us, we move forward out of worship for Him. This power is not fleeting, but rather eternal. It does not run out or fade away, rather it grows in us, drawing us closer to Him. In that strength, we begin to look and act a whole lot more like Him. We love because He first loved us!

Share your thoughts from today’s Journey Study!
Can we pray for you?
Sign up to receive every Journey Study!

I Can Do That!

1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read through it (always more than a verse or two).
3) Write down your questions as you think of them.
4) Ask specific culture related questions and be ready to dig around for your answers. Google them, use www.studylight.org, or look them up in a study Bible and read the footnotes (click on the little letters next to a word and it will show you other related verses!). (www.esvbible.org)
5) Check your applications with other trusted Christians that you are in community with and embrace the fullness of God in your everyday!

The Community!

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Palette Week Two!
Don’t miss out on the discussion – we’d love to hear your thoughts!

The Tools!

We love getting help while we study and www.studylight.org is one of many excellent resources.  Just type in the verse you’re looking at and Boom! It’s right in front of you in English and Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament), which are the original languages the Bible was written in.

Want to know more about a specific word in a verse? Click on “Strong’s Interlinear Bible” then click the word you’d like to study. Find super awesome stuff like “origin”, “definition”, and even all the different ways that single word has been translated into English! If you want to be geeky, you can even click the word and hear its original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

Want to get more background on a word or phrasing or passage? Click “Study Tools”, then pick a few commentaries to read their scholarly approach, keeping in mind that just because a commentary says it, doesn’t mean it’s true. (just like the internet :-))

The Why!

Finding the original meaning is a huge deal when we study Scripture and can make all the difference in our understanding as we apply God’s truths to our everyday lives.

In our modern-day relationships, we want people to understand our original intention as we communicate; how much more so between God and humanity?!

Here’s a little bit more on why we take Digging Deeper so seriously.

Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus.
Download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!
Tap and hold on your mobile device to save.

Looking for other journeys from this theme?
See all past studies in Palette!