Search Results

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 and additional 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 – Galilee – to begin his ministry. Matthew 4:18-25 Jesus gathers disciples and followers. Matthew 5:1-5 Blessed are the poor, the grieving, the meek. Matthew 5:6-12 Blessed are those who are focused on what God cares about. Matthew 5:13-16 You provide the salt and light of Jesus to the world. Matthew 5:17-20 Jesus fulfills the Old Testament: the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 5:21-26 Murder, anger, insulting others – how are they related, and what can we do about them? Matthew 5:27-32 Adultery, lust, and divorce start in the heart. Matthew 5:33-37 Integrity means your words line up with your actions. Matthew 5:38-42 Jesus takes retaliation in a new direction. Matthew 5:43-48 Why does Jesus tell us to love our enemies? Matthew 6:1-18 Who needs to know about your almsgiving, prayer, and fasting? Matthew 6:9-15 How to pray: The Lord’s Prayer shows the way. Matthew 6:19-24 What is a healthy view of wealth? Matthew 6:25-34 Worry – how to deal with it. Matthew 7:1-6 You will be judged in the same way you judge others. Matthew 7:7-11 Pray with confidence that God will respond as your Father. Matthew 7:12-23 The Golden Rule is part of the fundamental choice Jesus is calling us to make. Matthew 7:24-29 Is your faith built on rock? Is the Sermon on the Mount a central part of your faith? Matthew 8:1-17 Jesus cares about our afflictions. Matthew 8:18-34 To follow Jesus, we need to make some choices. Matthew 9:1-17 Who are you willing to befriend? Matthew 9:18-34 Allow Jesus to heal you, open your eyes, loosen your tongue. Matthew 9:35-10:15 Compassion compels Jesus and us to proclaim the good news. Matthew 10:16-42 Make the choice to follow Christ and do not be afraid of the consequences. Matthew 11:1-19 What is the evidence that Jesus is the Messiah? Matthew 11:20-30 Will we accept the direction of the Lord or resist? Matthew 12:1-37 What matters the most? What do your words reveal? Matthew 12:38-50 Two reactions to Jesus: disingenuous skepticism and genuine commitment. 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 might 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? Matthew 27:57-66 Jesus is buried: Some people take action; others wait and watch. Matthew 28:1-10 The empty tomb means that Jesus is alive – and still alive today! Matthew 28:11-20 Everyone can participate: Sharing and living the good news. Join Faith Explored and Join the Conversation! If you are a member of Faith Explored (click here to join) and would like to react to or ask a question about any material here, please post a question in the forum or send an email using the Contact form at the bottom of the page. Use these links to become a member and join the conversation: Become a Member Forum Page Blog Page

We can’t find the page you’re looking for This page doesn’t exist. Go to Home and keep exploring. Go to Home

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 to explore what it means for Christians to do justice in our time. Justice Resources Justice and the Bible God wants Christians to work for justice. Groups That Work for Justice We are not alone. We can work with groups that speak out for justice. The Bible and Catholic Social Teaching Examples of how the Bible supports Catholic social teaching. Stations of the Cross on Overcoming Racism What do the final hours in the life of Jesus say to us about racism in America today? 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 using the contact form below 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 and would like to start a conversation by posting a question in the forum , please do so. Join Faith Explored and Join the Conversation! If you are a member of Faith Explored (click here to join) and would like to react to or ask a question about any material here, please post a question in the forum or send an email using the Contact form at the bottom of the page. Use these links to become a member and join the conversation: Become a Member Forum Page Blog Page

1 Thessalonians Introduction Coming in January 2025. Bibliography Bibliography of major sources and additional sources used in this study of Paul's First Letter to the Thessalonians (1 Thess.). Join Faith Explored and Join the Conversation! If you are a member of Faith Explored (click here to join) and would like to react to or ask a question about any material here, please post a question in the forum or send an email using the Contact form at the bottom of the page. Use these links to become a member and join the conversation: Become a Member Forum Page Blog Page

There’s Nothing Here... We can’t find the page you’re looking for. Check the URL, or head back home. Go Home

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. Join Faith Explored and Join the Conversation! If you are a member of Faith Explored (click here to join) and would like to react to or ask a question about any material here, please post a question in the forum or send an email using the Contact form at the bottom of the page. Use these links to become a member and join the conversation: Become a Member Forum Page Blog Page

2 Thessalonians Introduction Coming in early 2025. Join Faith Explored and Join the Conversation! If you are a member of Faith Explored (click here to join) and would like to react to or ask a question about any material here, please post a question in the forum or send an email using the Contact form at the bottom of the page. Use these links to become a member and join the conversation: Become a Member Forum Page Blog Page

Mary, the Mother of Jesus – her story in the Bible Introduction Coming in 2025. Background image: Lambert Lombard (1506-1566), artist; Ferdinand Piloty (1785-1844), engraver. “Die Kreuzabnahme (The deposition from the cross).” Print. The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Art & Architecture Collection, The New York Public Library. The New York Public Library Digital Collections. 1837 - 1842. https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47e3-3e73-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99 . Join Faith Explored and Join the Conversation! If you are a member of Faith Explored (click here to join) and would like to react to or ask a question about any material here, please post a question in the forum or send an email using the Contact form at the bottom of the page. Use these links to become a member and join the conversation: Become a Member Forum Page Blog Page

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. Join Faith Explored and Join the Conversation! If you are a member of Faith Explored (click here to join) and would like to react to or ask a question about any material here, please post a question in the forum or send an email using the Contact form at the bottom of the page. Use these links to become a member and join the conversation: Become a Member Forum Page Blog Page

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 a Bible Study meeting that you are leading? 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 Faith Explored and Join the Conversation! If you are a member of Faith Explored (click here to join) and would like to react to or ask a question about any material here, please post a question in the forum or send an email using the Contact form at the bottom of the page. Use these links to become a member and join the conversation: Become a Member Forum Page Blog Page

God's Purposes What is God’s purpose for making the world the way he did? Why does God allow bad things to happen? What in the world is God trying to do, and what is our role? These questions trouble people. Agnostics argue that we can’t find answers to these questions. Atheists argue that a good God wouldn’t allow bad things to happen, so there can’t really be a God. Some believers argue that God is so far beyond us that we can’t understand His ways. Some Christians even think we shouldn’t try to answer these questions – that it’s not our place to ask what God is trying to do. The Bible gives us a different way of looking at it. Jesus told us He would send us the Spirit of truth to guide us to the truth (John 16:13-15). Jesus also told us to love God with “all your mind” as well as all your heart and soul (Matt. 22:37; Mark 12:30; Luke 10:27). After the resurrection, Jesus “opened their minds” to understand the Scriptures (Luke 24:45). Paul urges us to have the mind of Christ (Phil. 2:5; 1 Cor. 2:16). Paul also urges us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Rom. 12:2). God has given us minds to explore His purposes, which He has revealed to us clearly enough that we don’t need to be afraid of tough questions. He has shown us the way to understand His purposes. The evidence is in His Word, His work in the world, and the insights He has given to his people. We must earnestly use the minds God has given us. Please join me in a deep dive into: God’s Purposes: What in the World is God Doing? This “book” is a work in progress. Use the links below to read sections of the book as they are written. Members can also use the forum to ask or answer questions and provide feedback as the book is developed and revised. Chapters You Have a Purpose You Can Choose To Have the Mind of Christ Where is God? - Part 1 Where is God? - Part 2 Join Faith Explored and Join the Conversation! If you are a member of Faith Explored (click here to join) and would like to react to or ask a question about any material here, please post a question in the forum or send an email using the Contact form at the bottom of the page. Use these links to become a member and join the conversation: Become a Member Forum Page Blog Page

Previous Next Bibliography Subtitle. Image by David Tomaseti, provided by Unsplash via Wix. Tom Faletti Text. 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