Love God, Serve Others, Tell the Story
Sermons by Jack Abels (Page 10)
LUKE 17:21 The entire message of Jesus was about the coming of the Kingdom (Mark 1:15). Why is the message of redemption incomplete without the concept of kingdom? Why would Jesus be so unassuming and personal if He is a king? Their misunderstanding about the Kingdom missed the point (John 6:14-15). What was wrong with…
JAMES 1:22-25 When we merely listen to the word, we deceive ourselves (v.22). Why is just feeling convicted not enough? How are we deceiving ourselves when we don’t put it into practice? We need to learn a lesson from our mirrors (v.23-24). Why is this one of the all-time great illustrations? What is wrong with…
MATTHEW 25:1-13 We have been chosen to participate in the celebration of the Bridegroom (v.1). What does purity have to do with being in the presence of God? How should we live differently when we consider the kingdom? We need to bring ‘extra oil’ for our lamps (v.2-6). Why is it so important to have…
LUKE 10:25-37 In round one, the lawyer attempts to test Jesus (v.25-28). How does Jesus reshape the discussion by His counter-question? What is missing from the lawyer’s answer to Jesus’ question? How does Jesus answer the lawyer’s impossible question? In round two, the lawyer seeks to justify himself (v.29-37). What is missing from the lawyer’s…
ISAIAH 53:4-6 The larger context clearly shows the wonder of Christ’s sacrifice (52:13-53:12). How does the reading of this passage kindle emotions that can bless us? How much anguish and how much hope do you find in these words? Our chosen text personalizes that amazing sacrifice (53:4). What would move someone to take ownership of…
LUKE 15:11-32 Jesus wanted the sinners to know that the Father loved them (v.11-20). What lessons could Jesus’ dinner guests gain from these parables? Why didn’t someone go looking for the brother like they did for the sheep and coin? How does the Father’s love reconcile the returning son with the whole community? Jesus wanted…
II TIMOTHY 1:4-5; 3:14-15 Timothy was infected with the contagious faith of his family (1:5). How can grandmothers and mothers pass on their faith? How well are we infecting others with our faith? The faith Timothy learned was an emotional faith (1:4). Why is it important that our faith is also emotional (Galatians 5:6)? What…
PSALM 139:7-12 God loves us enough to save us from sin’s separation (Genesis 3:22-24). What would have happened if they had eaten from the tree of life? When they were separated by sin, who looked for them? (Genesis 3:9) God can be with us wherever we are (Psalm 139:7-12). How well does God know you?…
ROMANS 8:31-39 What should be our response to God’s choosing (v.31a)? When we read verses 28-30, ‘what will we say in response?’ Why should the knowledge of God’s choice help to increase our assurance? “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (v.31b) What assurance do you receive from knowing that God is…
JOHN 14:18-24 The resurrection of Jesus is a witnessed, historical reality (John 20:1-9). What was the scene that led up to this most amazing event? What would it have been like to step into that empty tomb? How can we be sure that it really happened? How does this one event elevate Christianity above all…