Family Bible Church weekly message Bob Corbin & Family Bible Church

* In 1 Timothy 2:3-4 we read that God has a desire for "all men (people) to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." In 1 John 2:2 we read that Jesus died to be the propitiation for the sins of the whole world. The question is: Do we really believe that? If so, how do we exemplify it in our lives? How do we treat others?
* After we have received the free gift of salvation through Christ and have had His righteousness applied to our "account," do we become judgmental of others who have not yet received that gift? Do we forget the wonder and awe of our redemption? Were we ever truly overwhelmed with the forgiveness that God extended us - freely?
* In today's passage, we see Jesus' interactions with Simon the Pharisee and a Sinful woman - a man who was self-righteous and a woman who was publicly despised. There is much for us to learn and to be challenged by in this account which is only recorded by Luke.

* The earthly ministry of Jesus was marked by many miraculous events. We have already seen Jesus cast out demons, heal general sicknesses and specific diseases including leprosy, healing a paralytic, and healing a man with withered hand. Last week, we saw Jesus heal the Centurion's servant from a distance and raise the widow of Nain's son from the dead!
* One would think that this would be enough proof to validate His claim as Messiah. However, we know that from the response of many today, that is sadly not the case.
* However, there are times when even we who believe can be confused and have shades of doubt regarding what we have read in God's Word. Today, we will see how Jesus addressed doubt in those who were around Him.

* Over the past three messages we have considered the instruction of Jesus to those who were following Him. Jesus challenged those following Him to change the way they thought - from being worldly-focused to kingdom-focused; and from being self-focused to being other-focused.
* In today's passage, we see Jesus illustrate this mindset in His interaction with Roman Centurion of Capernaum and the Widow of Nain.

* Except for last week, when visiting missionary Bob Schneider delivered the teaching, we've spent the majority of June considering Luke's perspective regarding Jesus's call of His primary messengers and the communication of His primary message. A primary message that was designed to help people to change the way they approached life, by teaching them what having a Messianic mindset was all about. For to be a true follower of Jesus requires us to increasingly adjust and adapt our thinking to match His, so that we can more effectively serve as His ambassadors in this world.
* Pastor Bob summarized this Messianic mindset as one that is kingdom-focused and others-focused, rather than worldly-focused and self-focused.
* So, 2 weeks ago, in verses 21-35, Jesus gave four contrasts in the form of blessings and woes to illustrate the outcomes of those two mindsets, and then seven commands that challenge us to respond to those that mistreat us in ways that cannot help but get their attention.
* And my personal key take-away was this… "People destined for hell do not know what they are doing, or where they are heading. But we do". And one of the best ways we can help them, is for us to embrace and exhibit a Messianic mindset, especially when we are treated poorly or unfairly.
* So this morning, after a quick recap of the seven commands, we'll wrap up Jesus's Messianic mindset teaching by considering five reflections of it, and then three illustrations that teach us how to effectively make it more of a reality in each of our lives.

* If you would die today do know where you are going?
* If God would ask you, "Why should I let you into My heaven?" What would you answer?
* Are you trusting in your good deeds? Do you believe that you will get into heaven because you attend church?
* What about a robber, or a thief? Are they excluded based upon their badness?
* Jesus had an interesting and eternal encounter with the thief hanging on the cross next to Him. This encounter has great relevance for us today.

* Last week, we considered Jesus' call of His Primary Messengers and began to consider the communication of His Primary Message. We considered that the overall theme of Jesus' teaching was for people to change the way they thought - from being worldly-focused to kingdom-focused; and from being self-focused to being other-focused. As we will see, the Kingdom mindset is unlike the mindset of the world
* Lord willing, the message today and then two weeks from now will cover some of the exhortations, applications and implications of this primary message.
* Today, we will be considering Contrasts, Commands, and Conclusions that Jesus presents based upon the Theme of this Primary Message. That theme is revealed throughout these verses.
- THE THEME OF JESUS' MESSAGE ... If you do to others just as you would have them do to you, then your reward will be great and you will be sons of the Most High. For with the same measure you use, it will be measured back to you!