tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566996886033440097.post5199366589131907813..comments2012-10-17T22:51:20.684-07:00Comments on Men Jesus Called: Lesson 5: Bartholomew, Matthew, ThomasMike Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08699304273862823955noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566996886033440097.post-80915230141005881432011-02-12T16:24:42.540-08:002011-02-12T16:24:42.540-08:001. Have you ever written somebody off after you fo...1. Have you ever written somebody off after you found out about their past or place of upbringing? - <br /><br />No, to many people do that -not just with their "past" but also with their current situation. Many people and unfortunately Christians are so judgmental of where people live, what they drive or don't drive etc etc. We should be like Christ and LOVE people right where they are. Matthew was engaged in his job of scheming money and taking what he wanted when Jesus called him. Jesus showed us right then to love people right where they are. <br /><br /><br />2. Jesus “saw” Bartholomew prior to their meeting (John 1:48). Would you make any changes in your behavior if you knew Christ was watching? <br /><br />Isn't HE always with us, so doesn't HE always see? <br /><br />3. The Bible says Matthew “left everything behind” to follow Christ (Luke 5:28). What do you think it means to “leave everything behind”?<br /><br />He was willing to do whatever Jesus wanted, even if it required leaving the comforts of home, the security of a job and the ease of familiarity. He trusted enough to step out into the unknown. <br /><br /><br />4. Thomas needs to see Jesus alive to believe it (John 20:25). Are you the kind of person that would have believed without seeing? Why or why not?<br /><br />It's difficult to have the child like faith that is required. Many times I find myself saying...why do I ever doubt...why. I'd like to think I'd believe - but I do wonder if the others had not seen it if they would have believed it. They all show signs of doubt along the way. <br /><br /><br />Excellent study as always. I love the feast that Matthew had for the Lord...shows gratitude as well as determination -that no matter how hard the journey, no matter what others thought - he was willing to be used. <br /><br />@spreadingJOYMariehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10000514743553076139noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6566996886033440097.post-50496874389677674082011-02-09T08:28:19.017-08:002011-02-09T08:28:19.017-08:00God is giving you guys some really good stuff here...God is giving you guys some really good stuff here!<br />1. Have you ever written somebody off after you found out about their past or place of upbringing? No, but the thought does come occasionally. Then the Holy Spirit whispers ...ahem.. and I realize that thought needs to be stopped in it's tracks. With every person I meet, the truth is - there but for the grace of God go I.<br /><br />2. Jesus “saw” Bartholomew prior to their meeting (John 1:48). Would you make any changes in your behavior if you knew Christ was watching? Yes, but not because of the evil eye mentality many believers have. I don't think that's the posture Jesus wants us to take. It's law rather than grace. Instead, I believe Jesus wants to help us see what He sees in us, so we can become our true new creation selves and live that out. <br /><br />3. The Bible says Matthew “left everything behind” to follow Christ (Luke 5:28). What do you think it means to “leave everything behind”?<br /><br />Be willing to whatever God asks.<br /><br />4. Thomas needs to see Jesus alive to believe it (John 20:25). Are you the kind of person that would have believed without seeing? Why or why not?<br /><br />I really didn't witness any signs or wonders (that I remember) before I believed. Somehow the gospel just made sense to me. Once I believed (at 7), lots of confirmations followed - and still do.Colleen Fosheehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06170231693230777411noreply@blogger.com