1.Discuss your answers to the last question in the Sunday section. Be brutally honest. What taboos and prejudices exist in your culture that could actually hinder your testimony?

In many cultures, there are taboos and prejudices that make our testimony difficult and hinder the free exchange about faith and spirituality. Here are some common examples that can open up the discussion:

1. Societal Silence About Religion: In some cultures, it is considered inappropriate to discuss religious topics in public or mixed groups. The fear of offending someone or creating tensions can lead us to avoid openly talking about our faith, missing opportunities to inspire others.

2. Prejudices Against Certain Social Groups: In many cultures, there are deeply rooted prejudices against certain ethnic or social groups. These prejudices can prevent us from approaching or addressing certain people because we consciously or unconsciously view them as “outside” our circle.

3. Fear of Rejection and Social Isolation: It is often a societal taboo to behave “differently” or go against the grain. This fear of being socially isolated by sharing faith or bearing testimony keeps many from openly discussing their spiritual experiences.

4. Self-Protection and Reticence: In some cultures, asking overly personal questions or being openly expressive is considered impolite or inappropriate. This can lead to a general reticence, causing us to close ourselves off and deprive others of the chance to hear our testimony.

By becoming aware of these obstacles and reflecting on them honestly, we can learn to overcome them. Jesus shows us in His encounter with the Samaritan woman that an open heart and the willingness to question societal norms often open doors for genuine encounters. The first step is to recognize our own prejudices and cultural barriers and to courageously and respectfully overcome them to authentically live and share the Gospel.

2.Why do you think Jesus was so warmly received by the Samaritans—in contrast to some of His own countrymen?

The Samaritans likely received Jesus warmly because they had fewer prejudices and expectations of the Messiah compared to His own countrymen, the Jews. Here are some possible reasons:

1. Openness to a New Message: The Samaritans may have been more open to Jesus’ words because they did not hold the same religious ideas and expectations of the Messiah as the Jews did. The Jews expected a political savior, while the Samaritans were less influenced by this notion and thus received Jesus’ words more openly and without prejudice.

2. Feeling of Appreciation: The Samaritans were considered outsiders in Jewish society. Jesus consciously traveling through their land and speaking with a Samaritan woman was an expression of appreciation and acceptance that many of them may have never experienced before. This gesture of Jesus made it clear that the Gospel was also intended for them, evoking deep gratitude and openness.

3. The Woman’s Personal Testimony: Jesus’ encounter with the woman at the well had an immediate impact. Her testimony about how Jesus had changed her life made the Samaritans curious and open to getting to know Him themselves. Her trust in Jesus and her joy in the encounter paved the way for His warm welcome.

4. Lack of Religious Prejudices: While many Jewish leaders and some Jews harbored prejudices against Jesus because He challenged their traditions and expectations, the Samaritans had a more distant relationship with Judaism and were therefore less entangled in these religious conflicts. This distance allowed them to respond to Jesus’ message more impartially.

The Samaritans show us that openness and a hunger for the truth can be more important than deeply rooted traditions or social prejudices. Jesus’ warm reception among them reminds us that God’s love and the Gospel are accessible to everyone and that the greatest changes often happen where people are received with open hearts.

3.Put yourself in the position of the Samaritan woman. A complete stranger comes and tells her that he knows her innermost secrets. How could someone, especially a stranger, know that? No wonder she was impressed by Jesus. What should this account tell us about the fact that the Lord knows everything about us, even the innermost, darkest secrets that we do not want anyone to know? What does the way Jesus treated the woman say about how He wants to deal with us, even though He knows our secrets? What comfort do you find in this truth?

The account of Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman reveals a profound truth: God knows our innermost secrets, our mistakes, and struggles, and yet He meets us with acceptance, compassion, and renewal.

1. God Knows Us Fully and Loves Us Anyway: Jesus shows that God knows us better than we know ourselves and approaches us not with condemnation but with understanding and love. He sees our deepest wounds and flaws—even the things we wish to hide—and yet He loves us as we are. This account reminds us that we do not need to hide from God because He already sees everything and still invites us into a relationship with Him.

2. Jesus Meets Us with Compassion Instead of Condemnation: Although Jesus knew about the woman’s difficult life, He did not condemn her. Instead, He offered her the “living water” that would quench her inner thirst. This respectful and loving manner of treatment shows us that God does not reject us but offers us healing and forgiveness through His grace. He invites us to lay down feelings of shame and be renewed by Him.

3. Comfort in Acceptance and Forgiveness: The idea that God knows everything about us can be unsettling because no one likes to reveal their weaknesses openly. However, it also provides deep comfort and assurance knowing that we are fully known and yet unconditionally accepted. We have nothing to hide because we are accepted by God as we are, and He is willing to help and renew us.

This story teaches us that our deepest secrets are not obstacles for God but opportunities for His grace and healing. It invites us to let down our masks and hand over our inner struggles to Him, knowing that He meets us with compassion and redemption. This truth gives us the freedom to be authentic before God and to find comfort and renewal in His love.

4.Which themes from the Gospel of John that we have studied so far are reflected in Jesus’ ministry to the Samaritan woman at the well?

In Jesus’ ministry to the Samaritan woman at the well, several central themes of the Gospel of John that we have already studied are reflected:

1. The “Living Water” and the Theme of Spiritual Fulfillment: In His conversation with Nicodemus (John 3) and now with the Samaritan woman, Jesus emphasizes the need for spiritual renewal. The “living water” He offers the woman represents the gift of the Holy Spirit and eternal life that can only be attained through Him. As with Nicodemus, Jesus indicates that worldly fulfillment is transient and only God can quench the soul’s inner thirst.

2. The Necessity of Inner Change or Rebirth: Like in His conversation with Nicodemus, Jesus speaks here of a transformation that takes place deep within a person. Both encounters illustrate that true discipleship does not consist of external rituals but of a spiritual rebirth that renews the heart and enables a personal relationship with God.

3. The Universal Expansion of the Gospel: In John 1 and 3, Jesus is portrayed as the “Light of the World” and the “Savior for all.” This encounter with the Samaritan woman underscores the universal orientation of the Gospel. By meeting someone from a different, often despised culture and revealing the same truth as to a Jewish teacher (Nicodemus), Jesus shows that salvation is open to all people, regardless of cultural and social differences.

4. The Role of Personal Testimony: In the Gospel of John, testimony plays an important role. John the Baptist, Nicodemus, and now the Samaritan woman are witnesses who point people to Jesus. The Samaritan woman becomes the first missionary among the Samaritans by enthusiastically sharing her encounter with Jesus and inviting her fellow citizens to experience Him themselves.

5. Jesus as the Messiah and Savior: A central theme in the Gospel of John is the revelation of Jesus as the Messiah. Jesus directly tells the woman that He is the promised Messiah, and this is one of the clearest revelations of His identity in the entire Gospel. This self-declaration, which had not been so clearly given to any of His Jewish countrymen before, underscores His mission to bring salvation to all people—including outsiders.

These themes together show that Jesus’ encounter with the woman at the well is a living example of His comprehensive mission to bring God’s love to all people and to fulfill the deepest longings of the soul.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-5-the-testimony-of-the-samaritans-5-7-questions-themes-in-the-gospel-of-john-living-faith/

November 2, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Acts Chapter 6

¹ And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

² Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

³ Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

⁴ But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

⁵ And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:

⁶ Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

⁷ And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

⁸ And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

⁹ Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.

¹⁰ And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.

¹¹ Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.

¹² And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council,

¹³ And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:

¹⁴ For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.

¹⁵ And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction:

Acts Chapter 6 describes two important events in the development of the early church: the selection of the seven deacons and the ministry of Stephen. As the community of believers grows, challenges arise in the daily provision for the widows, especially those from Greek-speaking circles. To address this task, the apostles choose seven trustworthy men to take on the care of the poor. Stephen, one of the seven, soon becomes involved in a conflict with the Jewish leadership due to his faith and wisdom, ultimately bringing him before the High Council.

Commentary:

This chapter highlights two central aspects of early Christianity: practical organization and the courage to stand up for the faith. The apostles recognize the necessity of structuring the distribution of tasks so they can focus on prayer and the proclamation of the Gospel. By selecting deacons like Stephen, they demonstrate the importance of a well-organized system led by spiritually and wisely gifted individuals. Stephen himself becomes a symbol of steadfastness in faith and extraordinary wisdom. His calm and angelic appearance before the High Council underscores the inner strength and conviction that distinguish him, even in the face of false accusations.

Summary:

In Acts Chapter 6, the early community makes a crucial decision regarding the administration of their social responsibilities by choosing seven deacons to oversee the provision for the poor. This structuring allows the apostles to concentrate on prayer and the dissemination of God’s Word. Stephen, one of these deacons, soon proves to be particularly charismatic and wise, performing miracles and boldly proclaiming his faith. However, his popularity and persuasive power lead him into conflict with some Jewish groups who accuse him of blasphemy and bring him before the High Council. There, Stephen remains calm and is perceived by his accusers as having an angelic face, reflecting his deep connection with God and foreshadowing the events to come.

 

 

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/2-11-2024-acts-chapter-6-believe-his-prophets/



David and Sam interview Erton Köhler, the Executive Secretary of the General Conference, about his history in ministry, and about his vision for worldwide mission. In particular, they talk about the GC’s “Mission Refocus” initiative, which aims to revitalize mission and involve more of the world Church in mission to difficult territories and people groups.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/mission-150-episode-50-mission-refocused/

5.6 Summary
The Testimony of the Samaritans: How a Personal Testimony Spreads the Gospel

In this lesson, we experience the transformative encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well, which imparts profound lessons about the Gospel and its impact. Jesus overcomes cultural and social barriers to reach a woman who is considered an outsider in society. He reveals her own life story and invites her to receive the “living water” that can quench her inner emptiness. This encounter changes the woman so fundamentally that, filled with joy and new faith, she returns to her town and tells her fellow citizens about Jesus.

Through her simple yet honest testimony, many townspeople become curious and also seek to encounter Jesus. His stay in their town deepens the faith of many and demonstrates that the Gospel is spread through authentic testimonies and often bears fruit far beyond one’s own expectations. Jesus’ focus on the “spiritual harvest” shows us how urgent and significant it is to bring the message of salvation to all people, regardless of cultural or social prejudices.

The lesson teaches us how powerful an individual’s testimony can be and how the Gospel is passed on through personal encounters and experiences. It challenges us to courageously and honestly share our own testimonies and invite others to experience Jesus for themselves.

The lesson on the testimony of the Samaritans shows a deep connection to our everyday life and faith. It reminds us that each of us has a unique story that has the potential to influence the lives of others—regardless of our background or weaknesses.

1. Courage for Openness and Honesty: The woman at the well, who was previously isolated and ashamed, is encouraged by her encounter with Jesus to share her story without reservation. We are also invited to openly discuss how God has met us and changed us. Our personal testimony—no matter how small it may seem—can give others hope and faith.

2. Overcoming Prejudices: Jesus shows us that the Gospel knows no barriers. He overcomes the deep cultural and religious boundaries between Jews and Samaritans and sees every person as a beloved, valuable part of God’s creation. In everyday life, we can follow this example by treating all people with respect, empathy, and openness, regardless of their background, faith, or social status.

3. Spreading the Gospel Through Personal Encounters: The story shows that the Gospel is most powerful when shared through personal experiences and genuine encounters. We can encourage people in our environment to get to know Jesus by sharing our own encounter with God and helping them build a personal relationship with Him.

4. A Life from the “Living Water”: Jesus offered the woman at the well “living water” that would quench her inner thirst. For us, this means that true fulfillment and joy come only from a living relationship with God. When we nourish our lives from this source, we will be able to serve others and naturally share God’s love.

In everyday life, this lesson challenges us to live courageously and authentically, to share our faith honestly, and to carry the power of encountering God into the world. It invites us to present the Gospel not just as teaching but as a living, transformative experience—a experience that can change the lives of others just as it has changed our own.

Every encounter can be an opportunity to make God’s love visible.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-5-the-testimony-of-the-samaritans-5-6-summary-themes-in-the-gospel-of-john-living-faith/

November 1, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Acts Chapter 5

¹ But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

² And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

³ But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?

⁴ Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.

⁵ And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.

⁶ And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.

⁷ And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in.

⁸ And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.

⁹ Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.

¹⁰ Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.

¹¹ And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.

¹² And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch.

¹³ And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.

¹⁴ And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)

¹⁵ Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.

¹⁶ There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.

¹⁷ Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,

¹⁸ And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.

¹⁹ But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,

²⁰ Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.

²¹ And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.

²² But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned and told,

²³ Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within.

²⁴ Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow.

²⁵ Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.

²⁶ Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.

²⁷ And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,

²⁸ Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.

²⁹ Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

³⁰ The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.

³¹ Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

³² And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

³³ When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.

³⁴ Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;

³⁵ And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.

³⁶ For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.

³⁷ After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.

³⁸ And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:

³⁹ But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.

⁴⁰ And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

⁴¹ And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

⁴² And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction:

Acts Chapter 5 highlights three essential events that depict early Christianity and the reactions to the spread of the message of Jesus Christ. The story begins with the deceitful actions of Ananias and Sapphira, who face severe consequences due to their dishonesty in handling financial contributions to the community. As the narrative progresses, the growing power and reputation of the apostles are emphasized through miracles and healings, which strengthen the trust and faith of the people. Finally, the apostles stand before the High Council, where, despite threats and punishments, they courageously and unwaveringly proclaim their faith in Jesus.

Commentary:

The events in this chapter serve as a profound testament to the understanding of loyalty, faith, and obedience to God in the lives of early Christians. Ananias and Sapphira illustrate the critical importance of honesty and integrity within the community and demonstrate that God does not tolerate dishonesty, especially when it concerns the sanctity of the Spirit. Concurrently, the apostles, through signs and wonders, show that God’s power and favor are working through them, thereby strengthening faith among the populace. The reaction of the religious leadership reveals the increasing tension between the Jewish leaders and the burgeoning Christian movement. However, Gamaliel’s counsel provides a valuable insight: if this work is from God, it cannot be stopped by humans. This emphasizes the idea that faith will steadfastly continue regardless of human threats.

Summary:

Acts Chapter 5 underscores the importance of honesty within the early Christian community through the story of Ananias and Sapphira and the seriousness of God’s judgment. The apostles, who perform miracles in Jesus’ name and spread the Gospel, experience both support and threats. Despite being arrested and subsequently questioned by the High Council, the apostles remain steadfast in their faith. Gamaliel’s wise words shift the perspective of the accusers: if the Christian faith truly comes from God, it will endure. Thus, although the apostles are beaten and warned, they rejoice in suffering for the name of Jesus and boldly continue preaching the Gospel.

 

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/1-11-2024-acts-chapter-5-believe-his-prophets/