Take Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus Luke 9:23-27 - Focus on Christ and Denying Self will be automatic

What you pay attention to get done. Following Christ is about focusing on Christ and the denying of self will be automatic. Focus is also saying no to others that detract. But if we focus on denying ourselves, we will feel the pains and it will be a struggle.  If we focus on not sinning, we will likely succumb to sins. If we focus on doing the right things, we will pay no attention and will not have time for the wrongs.

Lessons:

     Believers and followers of Christ will no longer do as freely as they like. We are to put Christ's will above our own will. The best is to accept Christ's will as our own will.

    When we follow Christ, we automatically deny ourselves. The focus should not be on denying ourselves (which would be a struggle) but on following Christ )which would be a joy).

    The value of Christ is higher than the costs we pay to follow after Christ.

    Be bold to witness and testify for Christ.

Jesus Foretells His Death - Luk 9:21-22 - Right Time Yet?

 Premature announcement of anything will sabotage the original plan. Proclaiming Jesus as Christ prematurely will cause disruption to Jesus' plan. On the other hand, Jesus foretold His death, as a warning not to make a premature announcement, and also as a preparation for His disciples.

Lesson:

    There is a right time for the right thing. A good thing at the wrong time will be a bad thing.

    Suffering may not be a bad thing. It is a path through which good things can happen.

    For the salvation of mankind, Jesus must go through the cross of suffering and death, and resurrected to give eternal to men. Death is the path to Resurrection.

    See the higher purpose and opportunities in any crisis and suffering.

    It is not easy. May the grace and peace of Christ be with us all to walk through the valley of the shadow of death.

    Read Rom 8:28  And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose

    1 Thessalonians 5:18 In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ - Luke 9:18-20 Who is Jesus to You?

Long-time believers need to review this question now and then ---- Who is Jesus to me?

Lessons:

    Don't just blindly follow the crowd. Decide based on seeking the facts and following the evidence.

        Jesus preached the kingdom of heaven, the acceptable years of the Lord, and performed miracles to confirm his messages.

    Who do you say Jesus is?

    What is your response then?

Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand Luke 9:10-17 - Learning from Miracles

 Jesus fed more than 5000 people with 5 loaves and 2 fish. It was a miracle. But what else do you see?

Do you see Jesus as "the bread of life", the life giver as he proclaimed? The people followed Jesus for the food. Do you follow Jesus for His life and yours?

Lessons:

    Our message must not only be clear but also be supported by evidence. So we must share our personal testimonies --- the before and after stories.

    When an event happens, what do we see? Do we just see the surface signs? Do we go deeper and try to understand the why? Do we see from God's perspective and purpose? Do we see the opportunity in crisis and danger in opportunity? Do we see from others' perspectives?

    Need to get organized to make sure all are well taken care of. Need to clean up after a big feast or other celebration. Leave the place as clean as we found them.

    What does Jesus mean to us? How do we relate to Him? Is He God for us to obey or a Genie who answered to all our requests?

Herod Is Perplexed by Jesus Luke 9:7-9 - Personally Verifies It

Perplexed by what you heard? That is a good start. Go and verify it. This is especially important in today's world of scams.

Lesson:

    Don't believe in rumor or hearsay, go and see to validate for yourself. Go by the facts and not people's opinions.

Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Apostles -Luk 9:1-6 Sent Out To Preach & Heal - Living by Faith

We only know something well when we can act on it. We cannot say we know how to swim until we really can swim in the water. “Little children, let us not love in word or speech, but in deed and in truth” (1 Jn 3:18). Here we see Jesus sending out his disciples to preach and heal like him. He is replicating himself in the lives of his disciples. If we are followers of Christ, then do we think and behave like Him?

Lessons:

• Learning is not just by hearing sermons but by putting what is heard into practice
• Leaving by faith is obedience to what we have been commanded.
• Galatians 2:20 NIV  I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
  
• What are our priorities and values in life？ Is Christ first?  Are our values the same as the Bible? Where and who do we give our time and money to?
• How do you reproduce yourself? How do you bring up your successors?
  Send them out. Delegation.

Jesus Raised Jairus's Daughter - Luk 8:49-56 The Most Comforting Words

 What are the most comforting words you have heard? How do you feel?

  “Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well.”

Lessons:

•  Jesus is the life giver - the source and the authority of life
•   “Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well.”  - It is the Statement of faith & encouragement
•   If you have any problems or needs, please come to Jesus and ask.
•   2 Corinthians 1:20 [EASY]  Christ says ‘Yes’ to all of God's promises, so that they become true. So when we pray, we say ‘Yes, amen!,’ because we know that Christ has done it. And when we do that, we are saying that God is great.

Jesus Heals a Woman with Issue of Blood - Luke 8:40-48

 The way to answer prayer is shown by the woman suffering from an issue of blood.

Lessons:

    How did the woman get her healing?

        Know her problem and need - healing of a sickness

        Know about Jesus' healing power and love.

        Confession of Faith: For she said, “If I touch even his garments, I will be made well.”

        Act on her faith to torch Jesus despite the crowd following Jesus. Overcome the hindrance.

        Torch Jesus and Receive the healing.

    What can we follow to receive our healing?

        know, believe, say, do, and receive.

        Only Jesus and not any other person or method.

Jesus Heals a Man with a Demon - Luke 8:26-39 Same Event but Different Actions

For the same event, people may see it differently and take different actions.

How can we be sure that we keep calm and see the truth and thereby make the right decisions?

Lessons:

1 How do you perceive or interpret an event?

        The delivered man knew Jesus as God. The people of the city saw Jesus as a disaster. They focused on their loss and not the well-being of the delivered.

2 How can you be sure that your interpretation is correct?

        Be calm and look at the evidence.  Seek different perspectives and opinions

            For the delivered man, it was obvious. He was possessed and now he was freed.
for the people, they saw the power of Jesus but also saw the great loss of herds because of Jesus.

            They feared that Jesus could bring them greater harm, from pigs to men?

            If they had calmed down and discussed among themselves about who Jesus was, they might have made a different decision.

3 Are we a good disciple?

        Know and Obey

            The delivered man wanted to follow Jesus. Do we want to?

            He listened and obeyed Jesus' instruction - go home and preach the gospel throughout the whole city.

Jesus Calms a Storm Luke - 8:22-25 Jesus is training His disciples

How do you train your students or cadres? 

Teach them first and then give them tests --- i.e. give them challenging tasks.

'Bad' things are meant for you to overcome and grow up stronger and better.

Lessons:

    When in a storm of life, go to the source of life, Jesus, for help

    Have faith in Jesus - Focus on the ability and power of Jesus to help us and not just on the storm

    With every trial and storm, our faith in and knowledge of Jesus should grow to overcome the challenges.

    The storms of life are meant for us to be stronger and better. Have faith and courage to overcome them.

    to have faith, trust in Jesus' power, and find peace in his presence, even in the midst of life's storms.

    故天将降大任于是人也，必先苦其心志，劳其筋骨，饿其体肤，空乏其身，行拂乱其所为 -《 孟子·告子 》

        "Therefore, when Heaven is about to confer a great responsibility on any man, it will exercise his mind with suffering, subject his sinews and bones to hard work, expose his body to hunger, and subject him to extreme poverty. So by these means, it will stimulate his spirit and enhance his ability." - Mencius

    大丈夫者“富贵不能淫，贫贱不能移，威武不能屈”，大丈夫“穷则独善其身，达则兼济天下”。- 孟子

        "A great man is not swayed by wealth and honor, nor is he moved by poverty and lowliness; he cannot be coerced even by force and power. When he is poor, he remains virtuous and self-reliant; when he is prosperous, he benefits the world." - Mencius

Jesus' Mother and Brothers - Luke 8:19-21 - The Church Family

 The church is our extended family. It is the family of God with Christ as the head.

Lessons:

    The church is a family of God's members. We are to treat each other as family members.

        1 Timothy 5:1-3 5 Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.

        John 1:12 says, “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

A Lamp Under a Jar Luke - 8:16-18 Shine the Light to Know and Practice to Grow

We must exercise discernment in what we choose to hear, allowing the light of truth to illuminate the distinction between what is good and what is not. As truth triumphs over deception, it is imperative that we actively apply the valuable lessons we learn. Through consistent practice, we achieve mastery, but neglecting to practice leads to forgetfulness and stagnation.

Lessons:

    Knowing the purpose of a product or tool and using it correctly will be useful. Misuse or abuse will result in uselessness.

    Light is used to show the way and reveal the hidden. All things will eventually be brought to light

       --- truth and righteousness prevail over darkness and deception.

    The more we hear and practice accordingly, the better we get. If we don't use what we learn, we will soon forget them.

    Like the one who uses the light to see clearly, those who heed the teachings of Jesus and put them into practice will receive more understanding and insight. Conversely, if we ignore or neglect what we have been given, even what we think we have will be taken away.

To learn more, we can use Chatgpt.
“how to shine the light to discover the truth?"

ChatGPT:

Shining the light to discover the truth involves several key steps:

1. Seek Knowledge: Actively seek out information and perspectives from reliable and diverse sources. This might involve reading books, articles, and credible news sources, as well as engaging in discussions with knowledgeable individuals.
   Question and Analyze: Develop critical thinking skills by questioning what you hear or read. Evaluate the evidence provided and consider alternative viewpoints. Look for logical inconsistencies or biases that may indicate misinformation.
   Verify Information: Verify the accuracy of information before accepting it as truth. Cross-reference claims with reputable sources, fact-checking organizations, or experts in the field.
   Follow the Evidence: Base your conclusions on evidence rather than speculation or hearsay. Look for empirical data, research studies, or firsthand accounts that support the truth claims being made.
   Stay Open-Minded: Remain open to revising your beliefs in light of new evidence or perspectives. Avoid clinging to preconceived notions or biases that may cloud your judgment.
   Consider Intentions: Consider the intentions behind the information being presented. Be wary of propaganda, misinformation, or agendas that may distort the truth for personal or ideological gain.
   Trust Reliable Sources: Rely on sources that have a reputation for accuracy, integrity, and transparency. Look for institutions, publications, or individuals with a track record of providing trustworthy information.

   By following these steps, you can shine the light of inquiry and critical thinking to uncover the truth amidst a sea of misinformation and deception.

 See also the Chinese DaXue way of knowing the truth in:

Understanding The Great Learning DaXue in One Minute

The Parable of the Sower Luke 8:4-15 Four Types of Response to the Word

When you hear or read the words of God, what are your response?
This parable listed four. Only one produces the fruits. Which one best describes your response?
We can use this as a checklist to find out why our spiritual growth is obstructed.

Lessons:

    The four types of responses to God's Words

        1. Ear-in and Ear-out; no result

        2. Give up because of persecution

        3. Give up to pursue riches and pleasures

        4. Stay on to bear fruit with sincerity, patience, and persistence amid persecutions and temptations.

    How can we bear fruit from the Word?

        Hear + Do/Obey + Hold Fast - not changed by persecution or tempted by riches, power, lusts.

            https://petrabthg.blogspot.com/2024/02/build-your-house-on-rock-luke-646-49.html

 

Women Accompanying Jesus - Luke 8:1-3 The women who supported Jesus Ministry

Why Jesus' ministry was gaining support, even from women?

What attracts people's support? You give them what they most desire or give them a vision of what they wish they could become. Speak and touch their heart.

Who are the people who supported Jesus' Ministry?

How do they support the ministry?

Lessons:

• Why do people want to support Jesus?
• The real good news of the Kingdom of God on earth supported by healing, the casting of demons, the raising of death, and other signs.
Are we supporting any ministry?
• The first ministry we should support is where you get your spiritual foods, fellowship, and service, which is usually the church we attend.
• How do you support this?
• By tithes, by serving in a ministry that you are called for.
• See also:
• Discovering Your Calling
• Discovering-your-spiritual-gifts: 
       the three elements to discerning a call: affinity, ability, and opportunity.
• Gui-gu-zi Art of Strategic Alliances
  
  
  
  
  

A Sinful Woman Forgiven - Luke 7:36-50 He who realized he has been forgiven much loves much

 How much do we love Jesus? How can we tell? How can we love Jesus more then?

Jesus gave us the formula - He who realized he has been forgiven much loves much.

Lessons:

• The Pharisee Simon did not give Jesus much respect - no water and no kiss whereas the woman gave her ointment, tears, hair, and kisses.
• How much does Jesus mean to us?
• The degree depends on how much we feel we are forgiven.
• It also depends on how much we see and feel Jesus' love for us? John the Disciple always said he was the one that Jesus loved. It resulted in John following Jesus even at the crucifixion. Whereas the one who said he loved Jesus denied Jesus three times.

Messengers from John the Baptist - Luke 7:18-35 Evidences-based Faith, not blind faith.

Our faith should not be blind but be built on facts and evidence, i.e. the truth. Else our faith is superstition and will bring us harm. Let's examine the historical evidence and discover who should we believe and what are the benefits when we believe rightly. Our right beliefs will also bring us people who will be against us. Nevertheless, we must stay on the path of truth.

Lessons：

• Faith should not be blind. It must be derived from facts and evidence. Not by our like-to-believe or closed-minded opinions. Jesus asked John to look at the evidence of healing, demon casting, good news, etc that he was doing to confirm that he was indeed the Messiah.
• Find out who we should be following. Who is the one with the message from God and speaks with authority with actions corresponding to his words, such as John the Baptist.
• Be glad that we who are born of the Holy Spirit into the family of God is greater than John the Baptist, the greatest of the Old Testament prophets.
• For the good work that we do, just like in Jesus' day, there will be people who will be touched and support us and there will be people who will be against us. Even so, continue in our good works.

Jesus Raises a Widow's Son - Luke 7:11-17

Our God is watching over us all the time and is fulfilling our needs. The widow did not even ask Jesus and yet her inner wish was fulfilled when Jesus raised her dead son. In the same way, we can live confidently and joyfully that God is taking care of us.

Lesson：

• God is watching over our lives and seeing our needs all the time. The widow did not even ask Jesus and yet Jesus saw her sadness and raised his son up. The resurrected Lord Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life, is with us.
• Matthew 6:8, “Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” This is the precedence that leads to the Lord's Prayer - Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will be done on earth...
• Because God is taking care of us, we can pray to know what God wants us to do. But if we are worried, we can ask God again. John 16:24 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
• Live securely and confidently that God is watching and taking care of you. Have joy and cheer up!

Jesus Remotely Heals a Centurion's Servant - Luke 7:1-10

How can we have a high level of faith? The centurion shew us.

We must understand how authority works and by faith give the command according to our faith.

However, a gracious God does not demand we have such high faith in order to work. God will meet us according to our level of faith --- even the lowest level appeal of "help my unbelief"!

Lessons:

    Be humble and don't pull rank. The centurion, despite his position and his contributions, yet treat the Jewish elders and especially Jesus with great respect. He went through a long way to ask Jesus for help.

    Yet, know your authority and exercise it rightly even though you are not to abuse them.

    He knew Jesus' authority and power and got a most miraculous healing - remote healing without contact.

    How real and faithful is our belief？

        Nevertheless, God will answer us according to our faith.

    Levels of Faith

        1. If You can ... help my unbelief   如果你能... 帮助我的不信

            Mark 9:23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. 24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

        2. If You will You can 如果你能够

            "And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, 'I will; be clean.'" - Matthew 8:3

        3. If You know,  You will 只要你知道 你必会

            Mark 10:46–52 The blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.”

        4. If You Touch Me 只要你触摸我

            5:23 Come and lay Your hands on her,  that she may be healed, 

        5. If I may touch Him 只要我触摸他

            Mark 5:28 For she said,  "If only I may touch His clothes,  I shall be made well."

        6. Just say the Word 只要你说一句话

            Luk 7:7 But only speak a word,  and my servant will be healed

        7. Jesus know,  just ask Me... 耶稣知道, 只要求

            Mt 7:7 ASK and it shall be GIVEN you; seek,  and ye shall find; knock,  and it shall be opened unto you: John 11:42  And I know that You(Father) always hear Me

Build Your House on the Rock - luke 6:46-49

When do you know if we have learned? By putting it into practice. Without the practice and achieving the desired result, we surely don't know yet. So we can see that failing is part of the necessary learning process. We can have the sequence know -> do -> fail -> correct -> attain -> do again & again -> master.

Relating it to our faith:

What is the difference between a baby Christian and a mature Christian?

Baby Christians hear the words only and do not do it. They may not have the time to practice it yet.

Mature Christians put the words into practice again and again and their faith grows to overcome challenges on the way. They do not give in to temptations or threats.

How does one become mature? Simply hear + do.

Lessons:

• Doing what you learned is laying the foundation for your acquired knowledge. Learning without doing is only 50% of learning. You need to do it to fully understand and acquire it, In fact, you need to practice it often to master it.
• 
  

  论语：学而时习之，不亦说乎 "Is it not delightful to learn and constantly practice?"

• 
  
• Putting God's words into practice builds your faith and gives you the strength to overcome life challenges. Without practice, we don't really follow and obey them. John 14:15 If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.
• 
  
• Our faith must result in corresponding action - James 2:18 But someone may well say, 'You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
• 
  
• Wang Yangming's theory of "unity of knowledge and action": First, knowledge and action are just one effort and cannot be separated. The so-called "effort" refers to the process of cognition and practice. Second, the relationship between knowledge and action is interdependent: knowledge is the starting point of action, guiding it, and true knowledge not only can be practiced but is already in action; action is the destination of knowledge, realizing it, and truly sincere action already involves a clear and insightful knowledge. Third, the fundamental purpose of "action" in the effort of knowledge and action is to thoroughly overcome the "unwholesome thoughts" and attain the ultimate goodness, which essentially is a process of moral cultivation and practice. -Quote from the internet.

Judging Others & The Law of multiplied Returns - Luke 6:37-45

We are very quick to pre-judge others, wanting to show how someone is wrong and we are right. So Jesus gave us a good teaching and emphasized the law of reciprocity to remind us that what we give out to others we will receive back in multiplied. If we want respect, we need to give it to others. So, be humble and look at things from multiple perspectives first.

The issue is not about judging but about pre-judging without understanding the truth. Without judging how can we be responsible for our brothers and sisters. Jesus wants us to judge fairly as Him. But we are only a student and need time to be trained and grow up like Jesus. Then we can judge fairly.

Lessons:

• Before making a judgement it is important to be humble, curious, and open-minded in seeking understanding and truth
• 
  
• See from multiple perspectives, seek knowledge, and pray for guidance and understanding.
• 
  
• Pre-judge Not because of our bias and limited knowledge.
• 
  
• A good way is to judge by its fruit - Judge by his words and deeds. We may have to wait for fruits
• 
  

Know the Law of Reciprocity

Hence give respect and give good and never give the bad.
Do better - even return evil with good(Romans 12:21) as our Heavenly Father 

(Matthew 5:45-47 that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

Be patience. 不是不报 而是时间未到 It's not that there is no retribution, but that the time has not yet arrived.

Love Your Enemies - Luke 6:27-36

Being a conqueror is not good enough --- because your conquered enemy is still seeking for opportunity to rise up and beat you. In ancient China, during the warring period, we had the defeated and captured Yue king(Gou Qian) scheming all he could and later defeated his conqueror the King of Wu (Fu-Chai). What then is the better way? Be more than a conqueror. What is that? That is to convert an enemy to a friend. In China's three-kingdom period, we had the famous story of 诸葛亮7擒孟达 Zhuge Liang captured and released Meng Da seven times. Finally, he accepted the rulership of Zhuge Liang and they had peace for a long time allowing Zhu to focus his attack on Wei.

How to convert an enemy to a friend? The answer is love and doing things that surprised him such as going the extra mile, blessing for a curse, giving when asked, etc. Jesus shows us.

Lessons:

• Proactive: Changing others begins with us changing our attitudes and behavior towards them.
• 
  
• The way to impress them is to do the unexpected, going beyond the standard requirements. Typically is doing the opposite, blessing in return for curses, giving more than requested.
• 
  

3 Ways of Respond when people are bad to you:

• 1. react as their actions
  • Matthew 5:38b 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. '

    This will result in endless conflicts

• 2. Act according to the demands of the Laws or Rightful practice
  • Confucius Analect 14:34 或曰‘以德報怨、何如,’ Someone asked, "What about repaying injury with kindness?"子曰‘何以報德、以直報怨、以德報德’ Confucius said, "Then how do you repay kindness? Repay injury with straightness (justice) and kindness for kindness".:
• 3. respond with love
  • Mat 5:39 But I say to you, Do not resist one who is evil. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also"
  • Loa Zi DaoDeJing 79：和大怨，必有余怨；报怨以德，安可以为善； "When dealing with great resentment, there will inevitably be residual resentment; to repay resentment with kindness, how can one not be virtuous?"
  • Romans 8:37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

    What is more than conquerors? It is to convert the enemy to become a friend. How is it done? By love as shown by Jesus!

Who do you Live for? Luke 6:20-26

What is the meaning of life? The present is so real and needful, how not to care for the well-being of present moments? We need to live with a perspective of the present and eternal, for this body is just our temporary dwelling. 2 Cor 5:1 NLT For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands.

Lesson:

• The real cost of living for self - present enjoyment for eternal doom
• Mark 8:34-38 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

• 子曰：“富与贵，是人之所欲也；不以其道得之，不处也。贫与贱，是人之所恶也；不以其道得之，不去也。君子去仁，恶乎成名？君子无终食之间违仁，造次必于是，颠沛必于是。

  • The Master said, "Wealth and honor are what people desire. If they cannot be obtained through proper means, one should not seek them. Poverty and low status are what people detest. If they cannot be avoided through proper means, one should not discard them. If a noble person abandons benevolence, how can they achieve renown? A noble person never strays from benevolence, not even for the duration of a meal. In moments of haste, they uphold it; in times of urgency and disorder, they adhere to it. "

Live righteously with consideration for others and eternal perspective. Have you prepared for the eternal?

Jesus Ministers to a Great Multitude - Luke 6:17-19

Jesus preached with authority, unlike the other rabi. He demonstrated with healing of the sick and the casting out of devils. He has great influence and the crowd follows Him. Let's reflect on our image and our influence on others...

Remember, we are saved for good work (Eph 2:10) and Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven"

Lessons:

• Jesus was attracting a large crowd with His teachings and demonstration of His power of healing and casting out of devils. What are our influences? Are people blessed by being with us? What do you want to be known for?
• 
  
• 君子有三立 - Aspiration of Noble: 3 establishments
• 古人云君子三立：立德、立功（行）、立言。立德，如果是一棵树，那他就是主干。 立功，如果是一棵树，他就是花和果实。立言，如果是一棵树那他就是种子，传下去。

  As the ancients said, a noble person establishes three things: the establishment of virtue, the establishment of achievements (actions), and the establishment of words. The establishment of virtue is like the trunk of a tree; it forms the core. The establishment of achievements is like the flowers and fruits of a tree; it represents the visible results. The establishment of words is like the seeds of a tree; it is passed down and propagated.

• 三字经：人遗子，金满嬴。我教子，惟一经。勤有功，戏无益。戒之哉，宜勉力。

  The Three-Character Classic: "Parents pass on to their children gold and wealth. I teach my child only one classic. Diligence leads to success while fooling around is of no benefit. Beware, and strive diligently."

Selection of The Twelve Apostles - Luke 6:12-16

 What is leadership? How and who do you pick as your members? Let Jesus show you.

Lesson:

• Spend more time praying when making an important decision
• 
  
• Everyone has a different calling. 

• There is no need to compare whose is more important. The most important thing is that we find out and fulfill our calling. Matthew 23:11 The greatest among you will be your servant. But even the least will be honored. Matthew 10:42 And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward."

  Who do you pick to join your team? What criteria do you use?

• • diversities - fishermen, tax collectors, political party members, doubting, and even traitor
    • potential for growth - from fishermen to fisher of men; doubts to faith
      • shared mission - dedication to the cause; 孔子：道不同 不可与相为谋 Confucius: When beliefs and values diverge, one should not plan together.
• Helping them to be the best they can be -  Acts 4:13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.     

Jesus Healed A Man with a Withered Hand on a Sabbath - Luke 6:6-11

Will you still stick to your principles when under threats?
What makes for a mature person?

Lessons:

• Our actions are being watched all the time. The more popular you are, the more people are watching you. Some to catch and accuse you and some to support you.
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• Will you stick to your principles in the face of threats or temptations? Despite the pressure, Jesus boldly did the right thing - healing on the Sabbath. People's health and life are more important than self-righteous people man made rules that violate the real spirit of the Sabbath - A time to worship and honor God. We love God by loving others because God is love.
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• The Sabbath is a day that we break from our daily routine of making a living for ourselves to spend time with God. It is a God-ordained rest day for us. It is a day to do good to others too as part of our worship.
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What makes a mature person？

• Proverbs 25:26 Like a muddied spring or a polluted well are the righteous who give way to the wicked.
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• 孟子：居天下之廣居，立天下之正位，行天下之大道。得志與民由之，不得志獨行其道。 富貴不能淫，貧賤不能移，威武不能屈。此之謂大丈夫。 
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• A great man will dwell in the broadest mansion of "benevolence" under the heavens, stand in the most correct position of "propriety", and walk on the widest path of "righteousness" in the sky. When ideals can be realized, a great man will walk on the right path with all the people of the world. When ideals cannot be realized, a great man will adhere to his principles and remain untainted by the wrongdoings of others. A great man, when faced with the temptation of money, always remains unmoved; even in poverty, he will not waver in his will. Even when faced with great threats and oppression, he will not bow his head. This is what a great man is.