Jeff makes me laugh out loud and then cry. He’s honest and real about pain and disappointment, but keeps us close to Jesus DEBRA GREEN OBE
WITH LUCAS APPLYING GOD’S WORD TODAY
APRIL – JUNE 2024
Hope forever!
A WORD FROM JEFF
WELCOME TO LIFE WITH LUCAS!
VIDEO INTRODUCTION lifewithlucas.co.uk /intros
I know. I’m weird. I’m an avid reader – of church newsletters. I’m privileged to have the opportunity to preach in a variety of different congregations and denominations. One of the best ways of finding out about the church I’m with is to scan their news sheet or online bulletins, especially if there’s a ‘Word from the Minister’ section, which usually reveals a lot about where the church is at in their journey. As we turn to Paul’s two epistles to the Thessalonians (an epistle is simply a message or dispatch), think of them as letters from a minister to their congregation. Paul wrote, not as a local pastor at Thessalonica, but as the apostle who founded the church there, and endured opposition in that city. Resistance came from opponents to the faith, and sadly, some elements within the congregation caused Paul grief too. As we read Paul’s mail, we’ll find instruction that is passionate and immensely practical, as the great apostle writes as a father to his children (1 Thess. 2:7,11). This church, planted in the middle of the first century, lived in a culture very different from our own. But the challenges and opportunities of being human remain the same. Paul urges the Thessalonian believers towards faithfulness to Christ. As we journey together, may we be inspired to stay true to the risen Jesus. He will be faithful to us to the end. God bless you,
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INTRODUCTION
GETTING THE MOST OUT OF LIFE WITH LUCAS! CHOOSE A TIME Find the best time that works for you, ideally the same time, same place every day, when you can concentrate and have the least number of distractions. PAUSE AND TALK TO GOD Take a moment to focus on God and ask Him to speak to you as you read and reflect on His word. READ GOD’S WORD Read the daily passage from your Bible. Don’t be tempted just to skip this part. It’s important: who knows how the Holy Spirit might speak to you as you read the actual text? MAKE NOTES
ONLINE VIDEO INTRODUCTIONS, AND GOING DEEPER When you see the video icon, this points you to a brief Video Introduction to the subject. Make the most of the occasional Going Deeper resources when you see this icon. They will help you delve further into the passage. GIVE YOUR DAY TO GOD Thank God for what you’ve learned and ask for help if the day’s notes brought to light anything especially applicable to your life at the moment.
Writing slows you down and helps you focus. Write in your Bible, a notebook, or in the white space in the devotions. Don’t hesitate to underline, write in the margins, or circle words. 5
MON 01 APR
BEGINNINGS
READ Acts 17:1-2 Romans 9:1-5 FOCUS Paul went into the synagogue as he usually did. For three Sabbath days in a row he talked about the Scriptures with the Jews. Acts 17:2
GOING DEEPER
lifewithlucas. co.uk/goingdeeper
As we trace the beginnings of Paul’s work in Thessalonica, we see him operating totally ‘on mission’. Paul was called to go to his own Jewish people first with the message that their Messiah had come. His heart burned with Holy Spirit-fuelled passion to reach his own people, even saying that he would be willing to give up his own salvation if only his people could respond to the gospel. But Paul was a tactician; he knew that Thessalonica was a strategic city. Located on some important trade routes, it had a bustling harbour, and was a thriving business centre. Let’s also notice that Paul usually launched his pioneer works by speaking in local synagogues (see Acts 14:1, 17:10). When on his way to Thessalonica, he didn’t stop to preach in Amphipolis or Apollonia, probably because those cities had no synagogues. Those who attended the synagogues were already immersed in the big story of Scripture. They worshipped the one God, and had expectations of Messiah’s coming. It was entirely logical to begin with people who already had a grasp of the truth. And so, starting with where they were at, Paul reasoned with the synagogue goers – the word used here means dialogue. Paul didn’t just preach at people, but talked with them. When sharing our faith, let’s follow his example. Let’s work hard to listen as well as talk, and not ignore or discount the spiritual experiences of others. Let’s start where people are. Prayer: Dear Father, when sharing You with others, help me to hear, see and respect them. Amen.
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TUE 02 APR
WHAT REALLY MATTERS
READ Acts 17:3 Luke 24:13-35
FOCUS He explained and proved that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. Acts 17:3
I am terribly forgetful. I mislay my keys, sunglasses, wallet and phone daily. Helpfully, I am married to Kay, who has a remarkable gift of remembering where she last saw those items. But being delayed for a few minutes while something is recovered is a trivial irritation. We can all be forgetful about what really matters in life – that Christ has suffered, been raised, and is alive today and always. Our faith can degrade into a vague habit, a rationale for morality, or a belief system that we declare on Sunday, then forget on Monday. As Paul begins his teaching ministry to the Thessalonians, and while Luke doesn’t report his sermons, he makes sure that we know the heart of Paul’s message – the Jesus who suffered, died and is now raised from the dead. This was entirely consistent with the emphasis Jesus had in His own teaching ministry. Speaking to His disciples, He said, ‘The Son of Man must suffer many things... He must be killed and on the third day rise from the dead’ (Luke 9:22). This was His message when He met the two on the road to Emmaus. And the cross and empty tomb formed the heartbeat of Peter’s and Paul’s teaching. Our faith is not just about embracing the right way to live now – that’s not worth giving everything for. Countless martyrs, however, have been found faithful for the truth that Jesus is alive. Today, let’s remember, whatever our circumstances: Christ lives! Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are greater, stronger and larger than life itself. When faith is low, help me affirm: Jesus is alive. I will never be alone again. Amen.
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