Queen's Road Cell

1. How is the kingdom of God like a. A mustard seed (13:18-19)   The mustard seed is the 'smallest of all the seeds on earth' (Mk 4:31) - an agricultural rather than a botanical description. From insignificance it grows into significance until it becomes a blessing to the nations (Ezek. 17:23; 31:6; Dan. 4:12, 21). The kingdom will be universal. b. Yeast (13:20-21) Yeast/leaven works invisibly and silently to exert its effects. Once it enters within, a small amount carries disproportionate impact and transforming power. "Three measures" is a large amouht.     2. In what sense is the door to the kingdom wide open (13:18-19, 28-30)?  It is open to all peoples of the world, both Jews and Gentiles.     3. In what sense is the door narrow (13:25, 27)?  On what basis will some people try to enter the kingdom after it is too late (13:26)? Explain in your own words what Jesus is geting at.  Not all who think themselves deserving of the Kingdom will be ...

1. Summarize the message Jesus announced in 4:18-21.   "I am the one Scripture talks about who will bring riches, freedom and sight to the world." Jesus will allude to these core aspects of His ministry again in Lk 7:22. Luke puts this sermon as his first description of Jesus' ministry and highlights the pattern that is to follow: the response of wonder at His teachings coupled with persistent unbelief and rejection (vv. 22, 28)  His ministry as the fulfillment of Scripture (v. 21) His concern for the poor and oppressed (vv. 18, 19);  His ultimate aim of including Gentiles among the people of God (vv. 26, 27).   2. In what sense was Isaiah 61:1-2 "fulfilled" in the hearing of Jesus' audience (Luke 4:21) Prophecy was fulfilled in the person of Jesus. He proclaims his identity as Messiah and inaugurates the ultimate Jubilee  (Lev 25:8-54) It was fulfilled 'today' - no longer in the future.   3. a. Who did the Nazarenes think Jesus was? Who was He real...

Selwyn shared about the Rapidly Advancing Discipleship (RAD) programme that Siew Leong is using in China and Bangladesh. This is a method of sharing the gospel, setting up small churches and helping members to be accountable to one another with specific Scripture passages following the principle of 1 Tim 3:16.. The programme seemed so simple that we felt that might work best  in particular cultures with a strong sense of community and where there were not many intellectual reservations regarding the gospel. The programme seems to have strengths in its speed of transmission, in the accountability structure and in the provision of Scripture to guide behaviour. Traditional structures can be simplified to achieve rapid expansion. The programme might be less effective in Singapore, though. We will need to learn more! We spoke about John Allen Chau, the young missionary who was recently killed by North Sentinelese tribesmen when he (illegally) chartered a boat to share the gospel with ...