Thursday Bible Study

  {PARABLE} of the rich fool_   Luke 12:13-21   It’s been said that the last parts of us to be converted are our pockets and purses.   Many of us are so secretive about our feelings on the subject of money, that we have concealed them even from ourselves in our unconscious m inds. Unconsciously, we yearn for more material things, while consciously, we think we want Chris t’s Kingdom.     [Group discussion starter] As a group, make a list of as many fears as you can, that keep people focused on making and having “enough” money.     The parable in this study illustrates a tension in the heart of every Christian, a tension affecting poor and rich alike. How do we resolve the conflict between our des ires for earthly and heavenly treasure, earthly and heavenly security, Kingdom values and values of the world?...     [Read Luke 12: 13-21]     If you were to give this story a newspaper headline, what would it be?     ...

  {PARABLE} the Pharisee and the Tax Collector_   Luke 18:9-14     Prayer is a kind of litmus test of our relationship with God. Our prayers reveal who and what is most important to us. They expose our inner-most feelings ab out ourselves and about God.     [Group discussion starter] Think of times when you have been tempted to see yourself as superior to someone else. What dangers do you see in giving in to this temptation?     In this parable we overhear the prayers of two men. Jesus told this story to people “who looked down on everyone else.” It is a parable which speaks against spiritual pride and judgmentalism...     [Read Luke 18:9-14]     How would you retell the story of the two men, using modern characters?     Put yourself in the Pharisee’s place. What would this experience of seeing yourself as superior feel like?     The Pharisee addresses God, but to what extent does God occupy his attention? ...