2020 Bible Vision

Kyle Mathas

11.3.2020

John 13-17

What is one key verse?

John 15:12-17- “12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. 17 This is my command: Love each other.”

Why?

I chose this verse because today is election day in one of the most intense and divided political elections that we have ever seen. It is more important now than ever to listen to Jesus’ commandment to love one another. We might not all agree on the same thing politically but if we start fighting each other, we stop listening to Jesus’ commandment: to love each other. Also, if we don’t love each other, we cannot go bear fruit and make disciples like it says at the end of the scripture. 

How does what you read change your vision of God?

This reading changes my vision of God by making me realize that God is more of a friend than a master. God is so much more wise, more powerful, and loving as me and he still wants a friendship with me. God having a friendship with a random college student in Dekalb? It amazes me the relationship God wants to have with all of us and it shows how loving God really is. 

How does what you read change your vision of yourself or others?

This reading changes my vision of myself and others by showing me that we need to be more loving towards each other in a time like this. If we are loving towards each other like Jesus was to his disciples, we could suppress a lot more political fights between disciples in the church during a period like this. 

How will you go with God because of this reading?

I will go with God by loving others like Jesus loved others. This is my first election where I am old enough to vote. It is a really hard time for me and for all of us but if we love like Jesus loved, we can stop fights and arguments and spread the word of the Lord together as a result. 

Where did you see Jesus?

I saw Jesus by the way that Jesus says to love people like he loved people. He says it in the scripture; if we love people like Jesus did, we can go out and make disciples, spreading the word of the Lord and bearing fruit. 

LaShaunte Mitchell

11.2.2020

John 9-12

WOW! There is so much good stuff in these chapters. John Chapters 9-12 holds some key interactions between Jesus, the people and the religious leaders.  In these chapters you find the stories of Jesus healing a blind man in John 9, Jesus’ analogy of the good shepherd and the sheep in John 10, death and resurrection of Lazarus with the shortest vs. “Jesus wept” in John 11, and Jesus’ arrival into Jerusalem in John 12. Tensions are rising, lives are threatened and plots are formed. There is an unrest in the Pharisees as they battle with the validity of their status. They are threatened by Jesus and are blinded by their own pride and arrogance. Though seeing many signs, they plot to kill Jesus and persecute his followers. While the Pharisees struggle with their sin, Jesus is unapologetically healing, serving, and teaching. He is spreading love for the people in this and astonishes everyone with his teachings and breaking of traditions. He calls out the Jews that don’t believe in him making it known that the only way to God is through him.

Again, there is a lot going on in these passages. A key verse that I resonate with is the passage of the Good Shepherd and his Sheep (John 10:1-21). In this passage Jesus addressed the Pharisees with the analogy of a good shepherd and his sheep. Jesus equates the Good shepherd with himself and the sheep as his followers. This passage highlights the love and care that Jesus has for his people. How he protects and cares for his people to the point of willing to put himself in harm’s way despite the consequences. There is no love like the love that God has for his people. Though his people may be put in custody by others, it is only temporary and their care won’t be as great as God’s. 

These chapters really help me to see how gracious God is and how loving and caring he is. Despite the haterade the Pharisees are sipping, he is still warning them, giving them opportunities to repent. He is letting them know the truth and reveals his plans to them and his disciples. He is doing so many great things and though the Pharisees are so hard-headed, He is poise and goes about God’s plan. This just adds more admiration to Jesus and his role in my salvation and the salvation of the world.

In regard to the Good Shepherd and the Sheep, I take it that the sheep who follow and listen to the Good shepherd are disciples of Christ. Naturally sheep stick together. They roam together to protect themselves and each other. This is so much their custom that it is a great accomplishment if a herding dog can split the sheep into two groups. Like a herding dog, there are many things in our society that try to guide us. Get us to move one way or the other and try to divide us. With all the division in our society it is made clear even more so. As disciples of Christ, we have a duty to one another and should do our best to remain together, unified in Christ.

Gabriel Cross

10.31.2020

John 6-8

What is one key verse?

John 7:16-17

Jesus answered, “My teaching is not my own. It comes from the one who sent me. Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. 

Why?

Jesus is showing how the truth is gained only through God.

How does what you read change your vision of God?

It shows just how good God is by allowing us to gain insight into the world.  When we follow God and form a relationship with him we learn things that no one else can.

How does what you read change your vision of yourself or others?

It reminds me to stay in the Word and in prayer because I can’t know what the will of God is if I don’t read my bible and reach out to Him.

How will you go with God because of this reading?

I will stay diligent in reading the bible. I will show to others the importance of forming a relationship with God and doing His will instead of our own so that they can know the truth as well.

Where did you see Jesus?

I saw Jesus teaching from the one who sent him.

Jennifer Gonzalez

10.30.2020

John 3-5

Summarize what you read in one paragraph:

In Chapters 3-5 Jesus speaks with a Pharisee named Nicodemus and Jesus discusses the concept of being born again, of water and spirit. John was testifying about Jesus and baptizing many. In chapter 4 Jesus meets the Samaritan woman at the well, and prophesies about her and talks to her about the living water, and eternal life with God, and performs miracles.  In chapter 5, Jesus heals the crippled man at the pool on the Sabbath and argues with the Pharisees about their hard hearts. 

What is one key verse?

Is 5:39 Jesus speaking “”You study the scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life, These are the very scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.”

How does what you read change your vision of God?

This impacted me because the Pharisees read the scripture, but it’s all religion, it’s not heart, it’s formalities and ritual, but not relationship.

How does what you read change your vision of yourself or others?

That Jesus wants a relationship with us, yes, read His word, but also nurture the fellowship with God. 

How will you Go With God because of this reading? (What is an action step?)

To not just read God word, but apply it to my life and relationship with God and others.

Where did you see Jesus in these chapters? (What made you think about Jesus?) 

Jesus was speaking in these Chapters. 

Cassie Bryant

10.29.2020

John 1-2

Summarize what you read in one paragraph:

John starts by introducing Jesus as the Word that comes to save with grace. The narrative quickly jumps to the start of Jesus’ ministry and the calling of the disciples. John was reminding those that this was who he has been talking about and that Jesus is who they should follow. Jesus then goes on to make his first miracle turning water into wine. Also, Jesus prophesied about his own death .

What is one key verse?

“Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”  Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you,  you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” ‘ – John 1:47-51

How does what you read change your vision of God?

God sees us and knows us but that’s not even the beginning of his power. He works constantly in the lives of everyone and is doing miracles constantly. Alone the thought of God truly knowing me and seeing me is amazing in a world full of loneliness but my God is doing even more than I can comprehend.

How does what you read change your vision of yourself or others?

If I’m only focused on whether I am seen or whether God is present with what I “need” them I may not see how he is opening heaven for us to see. I don’t want to miss seeing the ways God is working.

How will you Go With God because of this reading? (What is an action step?)

I need to remind myself regularly of Jesus’ authority and power in which to humble out my own heart. Also, I want to see that tapping into the Word is tapping into Jesus. I want my prayer life to reflect this humble position and to be focused more on seeing God’s work rather than telling God how to work.

Where did you see Jesus in these chapters? (What made you think about Jesus?)

Jesus was beginning his ministry.

Alex Bryant

10.28.31

Luke 22-24

Luke 22-24 is the familiar (but nonetheless always awesome, inspiring, convicting, and heartbreaking) account of Jesus’ arrest, trial, crucifixion, and resurrection.

What is one key verse?

Luke 24:15-16, 21

“While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him.”

“But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel…”

Why?

This verse stuck out to me because for the first time reading it I connected the ideas of the disciples not recognizing Jesus with their unfulfilled hopes for him. I think we often miss Jesus’ presence and action in our life because it looks different from what we hope or expect it to be.

How does what you read change your vision of God?

It reminds me that God is not subject to me or my ideas of what’s right or wrong, and shows me that when I’m stubborn and inflexible with my personal expectations I’m setting myself up to miss the bigger things that God is doing.

How does what you read change your vision of yourself or others?

I think there is (more than) a hint of disappointment in the disciples’ reaction to Jesus’ death. It makes me wonder how often I’ve been disappointed in people simply because I had the wrong expectations for them, rather than because they actually failed in some way.

How will you go with God because of this reading?

I will strive to be more intentional about seeing Jesus in all things, even in ways I wouldn’t ordinarily expect. I will also look to notice and appreciate the ways God is moving in my life even if it isn’t how I would like it or hope for it to be.

Where did you see Jesus?

The question is where can you be seeing Jesus where you currently aren’t? *drops mic*

Melissa Brewer

10.27.2020

Luke 19-21

Summarize what you read in one paragraph: 

Luke 19 starts off with Zacchaeus, the tax collector, trying to see Jesus by climbing a tree. Jesus stays at the sinners house and Zacchaeus repents by giving up half his possessions. Jesus then rides a donkey down the mount of olives and the whole crowd praises God. Jesus weeps for Jerusalem. In Luke 20, Jesus is teaching in the temple and continues to be questioned on His authority and the resurrection. In Luke 21, The widow gives two coins out of her poverty and Jesus reminds the people that the temple will be destroyed. Jesus talks about the end of the age and warns the people to be on their guard and to be alert at all times.

What is one key verse?

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.” Luke 21: 33

How does what you read change your vision of God?

Jesus repeatedly states his authority, like in the scripture above, but this authority is shown through his humility and love of the people around him. He stays with sinners, like Zaccheus the tax collector. He rides a donkey into town. He cries for Jerusalem. He praises the poor widow who gave all she had. And he continues to warn his followers to be alert and to not be caught up in the worries of life.

How does what you read change your vision of yourself or others?

I want to be a leader of my faith like Jesus. Loving the sinners around me, diligently repenting, having empathy for the lost and giving all I have so I don’t store up treasure that will just pass away.

How will you Go With God because of this reading? (What is an action step?)

Be on my guard so that my mind is not dulled from the worries of life by reading my bible and praying for strength to endure this life.

Ryan Brewer

10.26.2020

Luke 16-18

Summarize what you read in one paragraph:

Luke 16-18 is one of the most jam packed sections of scripture when it comes to rich, deep teachings of Jesus. Every few verses contains a new parable, theme, or event. Each of these episodes is self contained, usually with an overt spiritual message and several, more nuanced, undertones or subthemes. Equally impressive in this composition is the masterful arrangement of the passages. The theme of each passage usually weaves into the next section in a way that should inspire contemplation and awe. For example, the disciples ask for increased faith. Jesus tells them they can move mountains with their prayers. But he then teaches them to serve like unworthy servants–juxtaposing the idea of powerful prayers with a servant’s heart–encouraging faith while balancing with humility.

What is one key verse?

But they understood none of these things. This saying was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what was said.

-Luke 16:34

How does what you read change your vision of God?

After a long slew of teachings, Jesus foretells of his death. The disciples didn’t understand what he was saying. Then, Luke tells a story of a blind beggar. God teaches us amazing things, yet his ways are so far beyond ours, there is always so much more to learn from him.

How does what you read change your vision of yourself or others?

We are blind beggars. We cannot fully understand God’s ways. But we must cry out to him to let us see.

How will you Go With God because of this reading? (What is an action step?)

I will approach scriptures with even more excitement and (hopefully) humility. I must recognize that every passage of the Bible has so much to be gleaned. But study is more than an intellectual pursuit. The lessons must translate into action–service towards God and the people around me.

Where did you see Jesus in these chapters? (What made you think about Jesus?)

Jesus was speaking for the vast majority of this passage, so there is that. But even more than that, we can see how Jesus is not just the teacher of these lessons, he is the fulfillment of the lessons. Many people can teach and preach, but only Jesus was the perfect embodiment of these teachings.

Tatiana Reinbrecht

10.24.2020

Luke 13 – 15

Summary

In these chapters, Jesus is talking in parables about the Kingdom of God. We are seeing many different ways of how to look at the Kingdom and how we should be responding to it. Jesus is speaking to those who believe in Him, the Pharisees, and His apostles – teaching them a new perspective on what God’s Kingdom is!

Key Verse:

Luke 14:35

“… Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”

Vision of Myself and Others and God

I love reflecting in Luke 15 about who we are to God. Our position, stance, and relationship to Him is explained in three different ways. As a lost sheep, a lost coin, and the Parable Son – these help shift my thinking to a humble position, remembering I was once this “lost” person but now, I am found! Amen! Now to help those who I reach out to and interact with to see this same vision.

Go With God

Meditation – let me say that one more time — MEDITATION. Taking time outside of the day to think about my relationship to the Lord and how he sees me. Even reflecting in this same way about other people too.

Jesus

ALL OVER – he’s the speaker. 

Kyle Perkins

10.23.2020

Luke 10-12

Summarize what you read in one paragraph:

Luke 10 – In this chapter, there are three different accounts that are presented. In the first account, Jesus gives instructions to seventy-two of his disciples. Jesus informs them of what they should bring, how they should act toward hosts, and how they should respond to the towns that they preach in. The second section is a story that Jesus shares to an expert in the law. The story includes an individual who shows mercy to a complete stranger. Jesus uses this as an example to show how we should treat one another. The last section portrays an interaction between Jesus, Mary, and Martha. Mary is learning at Jesus’ feet, while Martha is focused on the chores of the house. 

Luke 11 – This chapter is broken up into five sections. In the beginning of the chapter Jesus explains to his disciples how they should pray. He continues by also giving different examples of how we should be persistent in what we ask God for, or in the way we work for anything. In the next section Jesus is accused of driving out demons by the power of Satan or Beelzebub. Jesus responds by asking how an evil force of power can be forced out by itself. He explains that evil spirits are driven out by the power of God and not by the power of Satan. The last few sections cover other teachings from Jesus as well as an interaction between Jesus and the Pharisees. Jesus parallels a story from the Old Testament to his own mission on Earth. Jesus gives a teaching about watching what we expose ourselves to. At the end of the chapter Jesus rebukes the pharisees, and experts in the law, as it relates to their own hypocrisy and lack of heart for others.   

Luke 12 – Chapter 12 entails a hodgepodge of teachings from Jesus. Jesus challenges his audience/disciples on what they should be fearing, but he also sends words of encouragement as it relates to God’s concern for His children. Jesus then goes on to discuss the things that we may treasure or worry about in this life. His challenge here is to be more concerned about what God has in store for us as opposed to what the world has to offer. The middle of the chapter includes being prepared during the uncertainty of Jesus’ return for us in the future. The chapter concludes with a few minor topics. Jesus discusses the division he will cause on the Earth. Jesus challenges his audience on their lack of awareness with the purpose of Jesus’ arrival. Finally Jesus calls people to resolve issues with those they have wronged.  

What is one key verse?

“And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.” – Luke 11:9-10 ESV

This passage should remind us that God calls us to be persistent in how we live faithfully for Him. I think this should challenge us to work hard in growing with God or in any aspect of our lives. There should never be an excuse with our efforts in accomplishments or exercising our discipleship. If we work hard at whatever goal we strive for, God will reward our efforts. We have to trust that God will fulfill his promises, even if it feels like a lifetime. 

How does what you read change your vision of God?

God is merciful and forgiving, but as followers of Him, he still expects us to give our best efforts in our spiritual walks. This message is presented consistently throughout these chapters. Jesus was God in the flesh, and he made many points about how we should follow God wholeheartedly. If we want the label of God’s children, then we have to live to the standards that Jesus calls us to. Jesus challenges us on subjects such as loving each other, making every effort, being mindful of what we treasure in our hearts, and more. 

How does what you read change your vision of yourself or others?

This definitely reminds me that discipleship is hard. There are always mistakes that I will make on my journey with God. I do not think I have to beat myself up with those mistakes. However, I can continue to learn how I can improve as a follower of Him. 

How will you Go With God because of this reading? (What is an action step?)

Because I have no excuse to improve in my spiritual walk, I have to seize every opportunity that God gives me to become more like Jesus. I want to work on setting more spiritual goals for myself. For example, I think I want to start scheduling specific days to pray longer than I usually do. I think prior to beginning these extended times of prayer, I want to have premeditated topics to discuss with God so that my prayer time is a little more fluid and intentional.    

Where did you see Jesus in these chapters? (What made you think about Jesus?)

Everything written in these three chapters are almost entirely Jesus’ words. It is clear that Jesus wants our full hearts and efforts if we want to continually follow him. He does not want us to be half-hearted or fake in the way we go about living for him.