Perry’s Scope: Christian sermons, lessons, and resources for teachers

OpenPlease share your response to one of the following with your group:

• What causes you to lose your cool most often?
• In your life, who do you see as an authority in the “gray areas”?

Study

Read Galatians 1.3-7 and discuss the following:

• In what ways does the gospel seem “too good to be true”?
• What do you think is the difference between gospel and tradition?
• How can traditions be good? Bad?
• What additions to the gospel have you seen, heard of, or experienced?
• Why do we have trouble taking the bible as it is and then making our own applications?
• Why are we hesitant to allow others this freedom? (Sunday School vs. Non-Sunday School, etc.)
• In what ways is the gospel NOT a “do your own thing” faith?

Apply

• What is one way that the gospel has changed your life? How does this prove the reality of the gospel to you?
• When have you felt angry/distressed because the truth of the gospel had been distorted? Why did this matter to you? What did you do?
• How do you think we can be disciples of Jesus without being written off as intolerant fanatics?

I live in Oklahoma. Our state and Alaska are the only states in which McCain-Palin carried every county. So, for most residents of Oklahoma, President Obama’s victory was difficult to say the least.

Last night while the inaugural festivities were progressing, our church held a prayer meeting in behalf of our new President. Most of the people who came supported the Republicans. However, ALL were prayerfully supportive of the new administration. There was no “Bush-bashing.” Neither was there “Barack-bashing.” It was respectful.

If we believe that God installs leaders and establishes countries we must believe that his hand is in the life of our country.  If we believe he is please when we ask his guidance on our leaders then we pray for our leaders (1 Timothy 2), then we pray. If early Christians could pray for Caesar, how much more should we be lifting our Federal, State, and local officials in prayer?

There were some serendipitous results of the prayer time. The people who attended the event received a spiritual blessing for their selfless prayers. Individuals who have wanted to start a Prayer Ministry in our church received a “shot in the arm” which will no doubt cause the Prayer Ministry to begin and blossom. Individuals outside our church were surprised by our efforts but once they understood the biblical directives, they responded favorably to what we did.

I joined the Presidential Prayer Team for President George W. Bush. I hope that our new President will desire the prayers on his behalf from Americans as well. I hope we will return to our spiritual roots as a nation.

Pray for America from top to bottom!

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

There is a story of a poor beggar in India.  He lived in the poorest province where the people had no money.  He begged by a busy road and the people would give him grains of rice.  Some days his bowl was full, some days it was empty.

One day he had received eight grains for the whole day.  As he was counting his rice, he heard the sound of a great procession coming down the road.  It was a rich prince riding under a canopy on an elephant.

The man cried out to the prince.  The prince stopped the procession.  The elephant knelt down and the prince climbed down and went to the man.  “Prince, give me some rice,” he said.

The prince looked into the man’s bowl and asked how many grains the man had.  “Eight,” replied the man.  To which the prince said, “Give ME some of your rice.”  The man thought for a moment and gave the prince half of his rice.

As the prince got back on to the elephant, the beggar noticed a small pouch that the prince had left.  In it were four gold nuggets, one for each grain of rice he had given the prince.  “If only I had given everything,” thought the man.

We are beggars before God, asking for rice.  He is the Generous One, wanting to give to us.  We need to give our all to him.  The way we do that is to walk as Jesus walked.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

Open

Please share your response to one of the following:

• What is the greatest regret of your life?
• If you could not fail, what would you like to do?

Study

Read Galatians 1:10-24 and discuss the following:

• What is the origin of Paul’s message? Why do you think he emphasizes it? How do you think it impacted his actions?
• What would you say is Paul’s primary point in this reading?
• Why do you think Paul did not consult anyone after his encounter with Jesus?
• What was the value of solitude (i.e., the desert) to Paul? How does his story reflect his Hebrew roots?
• How do you think Paul benefited by being with Peter and James in Jerusalem? What are some of James’ observations about faith and action?

Apply

• Since our strongest beliefs determine our actions, what would you say your actions indicate about your beliefs?
• How is faith revealed in actions? What are some examples?
• How do you guard against showing “favoritism” in your life?
• How have you experienced the desert in your life? How has it been of benefit to you?
• Who has been your Peter or James? How have they helped you?

I used to think I knew a lot about history. I never thought I was an expert just that I knew stuff. In recent years some of the movies that have come out have been based on true events that I never had heard of. The Great Raid a few years ago was one of these. Valkyrie and Defiance this year are more. Now I don’t feel so enlightened but have enjoyed learning new, motivational stories of sacrifice and patriotism.

This reminds me of my Bible knowledge. For many years I thought I knew a lot of Bible. I never thought I was an expert just that I knew stuff. Fortunately I have not stopped studying. I learn new, motivational things regularly. These things are truths about the sacrifice and encouragement of God.

Maybe this is one of the reasons the Bible is called, “living” (Hebrews 4:12). Maybe this is one of the reasons we “search the scriptures” (John 5:39). Many subjects can be “conquered.” Not the Bible. We can live a lifetime of study and never master it. The word of God is an amazing and challenging gift.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

  Open

• What is a lesson on money that you learned from your parents?
• Tell of a time when you received a generous gift. How did you feel?
• Tell of a time when you gave a generous gift. How did you feel?

Study

Read 2 Corinthians 9.10-15 and discuss the following:

• As you read the text, why do you think Paul reminds them of that God gives our necessities?
• Why does he mention the multiplication factor for their resources?
• How do you think that generous giving is an acknowledgement of the gospel?
• To certain Jews, “righteousness” involved giving to those in need. Jesus said that our righteousness was to exceed theirs (Matthew 5.20). In what ways do you think our righteousness is generous? Where are we lacking?
• What are the real motivations for giving generously to those in need?

Apply

• When have you received something by being generous?
• How does God’s promise in verse 8 help your giving?

Consider these actions of Jesus:”22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed” (1 Peter 2:22-24).

I recently read of how our Adversary uses our reactive nature against us. He wants us to feel sorry for ourselves when we have been “slighted” or “hurt” so that we will lash out to express our pain. To combat him, we need to do the opposite of what our pride tells us to do.

Consider some practical “holy opposites” to do when we are tempted.

• Instead of yelling, we speak softly.
• Instead of cursing, we compliment.
• Instead of taking, we give.
• Instead of worrying, we act in faith.
• Instead of fearing, we summon courage.
• Instead of seeking revenge, we offer forgiveness.
• Instead of blaming, we become accountable.
• Instead of complaining, we start appreciating.
• Instead of criticizing others, we look for the good in them.
• Instead of listing reasons why life is so unfair, we count our blessings.

By no means are these easy things to do. Yet, they follow Jesus’ example and teachings – going the second mile; turning the other cheek; etc. It is right to do them.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene