Isn't it ironic?

During the season of Lent we will be using the Messianic Psalms to follow Jesus under the theme The Psalms Portray Our Savior's Passion.  Sunday's sermon considers the irony of Jesus' life based on Psalm 110:1-3.  Jesus was accused in two different trials of many things.  None of the accusations were true with the exception of two of them.  Before the Sanhedrin Jesus admitted that he was, in fact, God.  The Jews accused him of being a King before the Roman Governor Pontius Pilate.  Jesus the "criminal" was a King.  Consider these discussion questions as you read or listen to the sermon.

• What are other proofs besides his testimony before the Sanhedrin that Jesus is God?
• How would the world be different if Jesus went through his passion, but was NOT God?
• How does the devil pull you into his camp.  Isn't it a "no brainer" for Christians to avoid sin?
• The first lesson for the first Sunday in Lent was taken from Genesis 3:1-15.  What did Eve do wrong, right away, when Satan asked her an innocent question, "Did God really say..." 
• How can you sound the warning to love ones in your life who don't see the danger in being in Satan's camp?  ...or even not being in Jesus camp?
• My favorite picture of Jesus as King in the Bible is from Revelation 19:11-21.  What is yours?

People have come to tell their stories on talk shows for years. Sunday Jesus uses the inspired words from the Gospel of Matthew 17:1-9 to tell his story on the Mount of Glory.  Transfiguration Sunday marks the end of Epiphany, the season where we see Jesus revealed as God.  Consider these questions as you read through the sermon...

• What was the other occasion (Matthew 3:17) that we heard God the Father proclaim how he feels about his son Jesus?
• What does this account say about life after death?
• What is your favorite image of Jesus in all his glory?  Revelation 19:11-16 is mine.  There are many pictures of Jesus suffering for our sin, but far less showing him glorified.  Post your link in the comments.
• Does the reaction of Peter, James and John cowering in terror make sense or strike you as odd?
• Why is the transfiguration so important as we head into the season of Lent?

Turn the Other Cheek

Please click here for Sunday's sermon from Matthew 5:38-48.  This is our last in the series from the Sermon on the Mount.  March 6th is Transfiguration Sunday.  The following Wednesday, Ash Wednesday, starts our forty day walk with Jesus to Jerusalem during the season of Lent.  Consider these discussion questions as you read the sermon.

• What are the limits to the love we should show to others?  Did Jesus have limits as he showed love?
• Can you think of examples of Pharisaical slugs (like 'love your neighbor and hate your enemy') that would fit today's society? 
• Who is your favorite "evil person" to compare yourself to?  Osama bin Laden maybe?
• Romans 12:17-21 speaks of heaping burning coals on your enemy.  How can kindness act like a burning coal?
• What are some wonderful ways that God isn't fair with you?
• What would be the consequence for your life of thanks to God if he lowered the bar and demanded less than sanctification?