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The Gospel of Luke Introduction to Luke Luke provides an orderly account of the life and teachings of Jesus, explaining the significance of Jesus for all nations. His Gospel places a special emphasis on the lowly, outcast, and marginalized, and God's concern for them. Luke 1:1-4 Prologue to Luke's Gospel: Why is he writing and for whom? Luke 1:5-24 A righteous man, Zechariah, has a supernatural experience that begins the story of Jesus. Please Join the Conversation! If you are a member and would like to react to or ask a question about any topic here, please post a question in the forum below. You are also encouraged to continue the conversation in any post by posting a response. Join the conversation here: Forum Page Become a Member

Introduction to Mark Mark presents Jesus as the Messiah (the Christ) and the Son of God. Tom Faletti 2024-03-28 This article will provide an introduction to the Gospel of Mark, including what we think we know about its author, when it was written, who the intended audience was, Mark's purposes/goals, etc. (to be continued) Copyright © 2024, Tom Faletti (Faith Explored, www.faithexplored.com ). This material may be reproduced in whole or in part without alteration, for nonprofit use, provided such reproductions are not sold and include this copyright notice or a similar acknowledgement that includes a reference to Faith Explored and www.faithexplored.com . See www.faithexplored.com for more materials like this. Previous Next Please Join the Conversation! If you are a member and would like to react to or ask a question about any topic here, please post a question in the forum below. You are also encouraged to continue the conversation in any post by posting a response. Join the conversation here: Forum Page Become a Member

The Gospel of John Introduction to John The Gospel of John provides deep insights into the nature of the Trinity and what it means to share in the life of Jesus. John's Gospel fills in spiritual insights the other Gospels don't have. John 1:1-18 In the beginning, Jesus was God, with God, but he chose to come and live with us. John 1:19-34 The authorities wanted to know who John the Baptist was. John was more concerned with the identity of Jesus. ​ Please Join the Conversation! If you are a member and would like to react to or ask a question about any topic here, please post a question in the forum below. You are also encouraged to continue the conversation in any post by posting a response. Join the conversation here: Forum Page Become a Member

Mark 1:9-16 Jesus is baptized, subjected to temptation, and starts preaching. Tom Faletti ​ Mark 1:9-15 Why do you think Jesus chose to be baptized by John? (to be continued) Copyright © 2024, Tom Faletti (Faith Explored, www.faithexplored.com ). This material may be reproduced in whole or in part without alteration, for nonprofit use, provided such reproductions are not sold and include this copyright notice or a similar acknowledgement that includes a reference to Faith Explored and www.faithexplored.com . See www.faithexplored.com for more materials like this. Previous Next Please Join the Conversation! If you are a member and would like to react to or ask a question about any topic here, please post a question in the forum below. You are also encouraged to continue the conversation in any post by posting a response. Join the conversation here: Forum Page Become a Member

Mark 1:1-8 John the Baptist comes to prepare the way for one greater than him. Tom Faletti ​ Mark 1:1-8 In verse 1, how does Mark describe this book he is writing? Leaving aside the religious meaning for a moment, what does it mean to you when you have "good news"? In the context of our faith, what is "the good news of Jesus Christ"? Mark describes Jesus using two titles in verse 1. What are those titles and what do they mean? "Christ" is Greek for the same word that is "Messiah" in Hebrew – both meaning "anointed one." Why did it matter to the Jews whether Jesus was the "Messiah"? What did that word mean to them? What does "the Son of God" mean to you? (to be continued) Copyright © 2024, Tom Faletti (Faith Explored, www.faithexplored.com ). This material may be reproduced in whole or in part without alteration, for nonprofit use, provided such reproductions are not sold and include this copyright notice or a similar acknowledgement that includes a reference to Faith Explored and www.faithexplored.com . See www.faithexplored.com for more materials like this. Previous Next Please Join the Conversation! If you are a member and would like to react to or ask a question about any topic here, please post a question in the forum below. You are also encouraged to continue the conversation in any post by posting a response. Join the conversation here: Forum Page Become a Member

The Gospel of Mark Introduction to Mark Mark presents Jesus as the Messiah (the Christ) and the Son of God. Mark 1:1-8 John the Baptist comes to prepare the way for one greater than him. Mark 1:9-16 Jesus is baptized, subjected to temptation, and starts preaching. Please Join the Conversation! If you are a member and would like to react to or ask a question about any topic here, please post a question in the forum below. You are also encouraged to continue the conversation in any post by posting a response. Join the conversation here: Forum Page Become a Member

John 1:1-18 In the beginning, Jesus was God, with God, but he chose to come and live with us. Tom Faletti ​ This article will explore the passage named above. Copyright © 2024, Tom Faletti (Faith Explored, www.faithexplored.com). This material may be reproduced in whole or in part without alteration, for nonprofit use, provided such reproductions are not sold and include this copyright notice or a similar acknowledgement that includes a reference to Faith Explored and www.faithexplored.com. See www.faithexplored.com for more materials like this. Previous Next Please Join the Conversation! If you are a member and would like to react to or ask a question about any topic here, please post a question in the forum below. You are also encouraged to continue the conversation in any post by posting a response. Join the conversation here: Forum Page Become a Member

The Gospel of Matthew Introduction to Matthew Matthew shows the universal relevance of Jesus – to all people of all nations. Jesus cared about all people and offered a gospel for all people, while demonstrating His authority over all nations. Matthew Bibliography Bibliography of major sources used in this study of the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 1:1-17 Who is Jesus? – Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus. Matthew 1:18-25 Mary’s pregnancy, from Joseph’s perspective: What is God doing? Matthew 2:1-12 Wise men come to see the newborn king – and still do today! Matthew 2:13-23 Herod seeks to kill Jesus, which is why Jesus ends up as a refugee in Egypt, and then in Nazareth. Matthew 3:1-12 John the Baptist: Repentance is not comfortable but is part of our calling. Matthew 3:13-17 The baptism of Jesus, and how it relates to you. Matthew 4:1-11 The temptation of Jesus shows how to respond to our own temptations. Matthew 4:12-17 Jesus chooses a particular place to begin his ministry. Matthew 4:18-25 Jesus gathers disciples and followers. Matthew 19:1-12 Divorce: What does it mean for two to become one? Matthew 19:13-15 Welcoming children as God does – you never know the impact you have. Matthew 19:16-22 The danger of riches: What kind of grip do they have on you? Matthew 19:23-26 Who can be saved? Your wealth won’t save you, but what will? Matthew 19:27-30 What will those who give up earthly goods for Jesus receive? Join the Conversation! If you are a member and would like to react to or ask a question about any topic here, please post a question in the forum below. You are also encouraged to continue the conversation in any post by posting a response. Join the conversation here: Forum Page Become a Member

Leading a Small-Group Bible Study Almost anyone can lead a small-group Bible Study if they believe in Jesus, are willing to prepare in advance, have an open heart, and have an awareness of social dynamics. Good leaders work to accomplish at least three important goals: Increase people’s understanding of the Bible, Foster spiritual growth through the application of God’s Word, and Provide a place to experience Christian community. Although leaders have different styles, every group benefits if the leaders seek these goals. Here are some handouts I have used in parish Leadership Training programs to help prepare people to lead well. Preparing to Lead a Small-Group Bible Study Meeting How do you prepare a small-group Bible Study meeting? Leadership Techniques for Good Bible Study Discussions How do you manage what goes on in your meeting? Important Functions of Leaders What are your goals as a small-group Bible Study leader, and what do you need to do to fulfill the role you have taken on? Join the Conversation! If you are a member and would like to react to or ask a question about any topic here, please post a question in the forum below. You are also encouraged to continue the conversation in any post by posting a response. Join the conversation here: Forum Page Become a Member

Justice God demands that we work for justice Does God care what goes on in our societies, or does he care only about our individual souls? The Bible has a very clear answer. Justice is one of God’s major priorities, and he wants us to pursue justice in our societies. He wants to transform not only our personal lives but also our governments, businesses, societies, and cultures. Read Justice and the Bible to see a short summary of the many Bible passages where God calls us to work for justice. This section of Faith Explored is a place explore what it means for Christians to do justice in our time. Justice Resources Jesus's Call to Care for the Least Among Us Justice and the Bible Stations of the Cross on Overcoming Racism Please Join the Conversation! If you are a member and would like to react to or ask a question about any topic here, please post a question in the forum below. You are also encouraged to continue the conversation in any post by posting a response. Join the conversation here: Forum Page Become a Member Upcoming Topics Basic Principles Common Good Subsidiarity SEVEN THEMES OF CST HUMAN DIGNITY Life War Nonviolence PARTICIPATION Family RIGHTS Health Government RESPONSIBILITIES Racial Justice OPTION FOR THE POOR Poverty Immigration WORK Economy Business Practices SOLIDARITY Advocacy God's Downside-Up View CARE FOR CREATION Climate Change Want more? If there is nothing posted on a topic listed above, it means my explorations are not yet ready for publication. If you would like to encourage a higher priority for a topic, or would like to see a topic explored further, send me a note [hyperlink to contact form] explaining what you are interested in and why it should be a priority. If you would like to encourage the development of specific material or express your gratitude for what is here, please feel free to make a financial contribution to support the development of the website, but a contribution is not required. The main thing is to offer a convincing case that the topic you are interested in should be a priority as material is added to the website. If you are a member [hyperlink] and would like to start a conversation by posting a question in the forum [hyperlink], please do so.

Latest News Mar 29, 2024 ​ ​ Read More Mar 29, 2024 ​ ​ Read More Feb 3, 2024 Justice God wants Christians seek justice Read More Please Join the Conversation! If you are a member and would like to react to or ask a question about any topic here, please post a question in the forum below. You are also encouraged to continue the conversation in any post by posting a response. Join the conversation here: Forum Page Become a Member

Topics Thinking Like Jesus and Putting Our Faith into Action The life of a follower of Christ is an adventure. Each of us has a unique mind, body, and spirit , character, abilities, and circumstances , and Jesus embraces us in the fullness of who we are. Through the working of the Holy Spirit in us, God wants to help each of us, individually and together – every day, all the time – to become more fully like Jesus and to participate in his work to transform the world. Where do you need to grow? In what ways can you take a step closer to God? Pick a topic and dive in! Topics God Reveals Himself in Scripture and in the Natural World, through Faith and Science Reconciliation Can Start with a Gesture Look for the Perspective that Allows You to See Joy Please Join the Conversation! If you are a member and would like to react to or ask a question about any topic here, please post a question in the forum below. You are also encouraged to continue the conversation in any post by posting a response. Join the conversation here: Forum Page Become a Member Upcoming Topics Christian Living Christian Faith Issues Action Attitude Death Encouraging Others Humor Integrity Joy Money Prayer Suffering Thanks Words You Speak Bible Church Following Jesus God's Love God's Will Holy Spirit Art Creation Evolution Justice Science Truth Want more? If there is nothing posted on a topic listed above, it means my explorations are not yet ready for publication. If you would like to encourage a higher priority for a topic, or would like to see a topic explored further, send me a note [hyperlink to contact form] explaining what you are interested in and why it should be a priority. If you would like to encourage the development of specific material or express your gratitude for what is here, please feel free to make a financial contribution to support the development of the website, but a contribution is not required. The main thing is to offer a convincing case that the topic you are interested in should be a priority as material is added to the website. If you are a member [hyperlink] and would like to start a conversation by posting a question in the forum [hyperlink], please do so.