Thank you for joining the DoNotDepart Team during the season of Lent as we explored Christ’s parables and illustrations.
This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet:
“I will open my mouth in parables;
I will utter what has been hidden since the foundation of the world.” Matthew 13:35
We enjoyed lingering over and discussing Jesus’ words with you in our Facebook community group. Lent and Easter 2019 have passed, but God’s Word and Hs resurrection power continue to work in our lives. Here’s a recap of our Lenten study.
40 Days with The Storyteller – A New Reading Plan for Lent (Luke 5:33-38): We began with an introduction to Lent, the reading plan, and DoNotDepart resources. Ali looked at how Jesus fulfilled the law and makes all things new.
Pictures of a Christ Follower. Parables for Lent. (Matthew 5:13-15, Luke 6:46-49, Luke 7:36-47): Jamie asked us to consider how Christians can be influencers in a sin-sick world, to dig deep into faith for a sure foundation, and live with gratitude for redeeming grace.
Why Do You Have So Much Stuff? {Lent Readings} (Luke 12:15-21, Luke 12:35-40, Luke 12:41-48): Lisa encouraged us to make more room for God, make margin in our lives so we can max out on the gifts He gives us, and to the gifts God gives us to bless others.
Field Tested: Lessons on Living in the Kingdom of Heaven (Luke 13:6-9, Matthew 13:3-8, 18-23, Matthew 13: 24-30, 36-43): Cheli shared that those who live in the Kingdom of Heaven repent, allow God’s Word to transform them, and persevere in hope.
Parables of the Kingdom {40 Days With the Storyteller} (Mark 4:26-29, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-50, 51-52): Patti reminded us that God’s Kingdom is capable of growing within us, a place where a little faith can be mighty, that the riches of the kingdom are found in God Himself, and a place where God’s Word continually yields new treasure.
Choosing Best: Love, Mercy, Service, and Forgiveness (John 10:1-18, Luke 17:7-10, Matthew 18:23-25, Luke 10:29-42): Ali challenged us to “choose best” based on God’s priorities: love, mercy, service and forgiveness.
How Do We Respond to the Heart of God? (Luke 11:5-10, Luke 14:7-14, 15-24, Luke 15:8-10): Jamie caused us to consider responding to the heart of God by extending help even when it’s inconvenient, exercising humility, accepting Christ’s invitation, and rejoicing when the lost are found.
Is There Grace in Accounting? (Luke 14:25-33, Matthew 18:10-14, Luke 15:11-19): Lisa pointed out in three parables “how God tilts grace in our favor.” We come up short, and He gives an overflow of grace.
Lessons on Grace and Mercy (Luke 15:20-32, Luke 16:1-13, 19-31): Cheli reflected on God’s desire to restore and extend mercy and challenged us to consider if our values match God’s values.
Our Gracious God Hears (Matthew 20:1-16, Luke 18:1-8, Luke 18:9-14) From this series of parables, Patti reminded us that our sovereign God hears our prayers when life is unfair, to pray with persistence because God is trustworthy, and to bring Him every request, no matter how humble, because He cares for us.
How He Loves Us: God Pursues the Undeserving (Luke 19:12-26, Matthew 21:28-32, 33-46): Ali encouraged us to make use of what God has given, that God wants our yielded heart more than outward obedience, and that despite being rejected by mankind, He pursued the cross to make us His own.
Take Care: the danger of indifference (Matthew 22:1-14, Matthew 25:31-40, Matthew 24:32-34): Jamie urged us to honor our Bridegroom, Jesus; to beware of apathy towards those in need, and to trust God because all of nature takes its cue from Him.
When You Can’t Trust Time, Trust God (Matthew 24:36-44, 45-51, Matthew 25:1-13): Lisa called us to trust God because He is always with us and He always shows up on time. She added, “we walk steadier when we keep our eyes on Jesus, not on the clock.”
We hope you will continue to engage in God’s Word and in discussion with us through your comments here and in our community Facebook page through the rest of the year.
Join the Discussion