ALEX BRYAN

FOCUS TEXT
Jesus answered: “And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray.  For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray." Matthew 24:4-5 (ESV)
RECALIBRATE
1.  Is being politically active at odds with being a Jesus follower?  

2.  How do we love enemies who are working against Jesus and His kingdom?

3.  How do we stand up for political positions we believe in without ending up serving two masters?

SHARE

verb
1. have a portion of (something) with another or others.
MUSIC // Chris Tomlin ft. Pat Barrett — 'Good Good Father'
WATCH // God's Story — 'The Good Samaritan'
WATCH // The Amazing Lyre Bird
The Bible text refers to false Messiahs, or those that come in Jesus name, claiming “I am the Messiah”.  This got me thinking about mimicry in nature. Watch this fantastic video of the Australian lyre bird, a master mimic.



WATCH // Animal Tricksters
What other mimicry in nature are you aware of? Sometimes animals mimic to protect themselves, and sometimes as a predatory behaviour. This video below is great for the kids, looking at how amazing animals pretend to be something else.

MAKE

verb
1. form (something) by putting parts together or combining substances; create.
2. cause (something) to exist or come about; bring about.
MAKE // A Platter of Food
  1. Cut an apple in slices. Place nut butter or nutella next to it.
  2. Cut a kiwi in half and put lemon slices next to it.
  3. Whip some cream, add a little sugar or honey to sweeten it. Toast some almonds or pecans. Top the cream with the nuts.
  4. Can you think of other foods that might be so different that you can instantly tell the difference between them?


Questions to ask while you eat your “snack”, notice the contrast between each:
  • What color is each?
  • What do you taste? Sweet? Sour? Salty? Savory?
  • Is it hot? Cold? Room temperature?
  • How does this smell?
  • What sound does the food make? Crunching? Slurping?
  • What does the food feel like? Kiwi might be fuzzy on the outside.
  • How do you feel when you eat it? Happy?

Jesus is one of a kind. We can tell His way is so different because He asks us to show love to enemies, pray for people who are mean to you, love everyone even people no one else loves.

TRY

verb
1. make an attempt or effort to do something. Use, test, or do (something new or different) in order to see if it is suitable, effective, or pleasant.
“For many will come in my name”
Write as many names for God as you can. Think about names in scripture, as well as phrases used in praise worship you might like. What do all these names mean to you? What do they stand for, and what do they tell you about God and who He really is? How can truly knowing the name of God help us ensure we are truly only following him, and not other false messiahs?

TRY // Connect with Family
Think about a father figure you could reach out to, or another person you consider family. Write a letter, or even just a text, to tell them why their presence in your life is so comforting.

TRY // Same Name, Different Person.
Put your name into Facebook and see how many people around the world, on Facebook alone that have the same name as you. Your names may be the only thing that you have in common. Just like Jesus of Nazareth and Barabbas. Know that no matter what your name is, Jesus knows who you are. He wants you to know him so well that you can tell where he is and who else loves him too. 

PLAY

verb
1. engage in activity for enjoyment and recreation
WATCH // The Human Knot
We are designed to work together, not just when things are easy but most of all when things are messed up and in a tangle. Staying connected with each other has been difficult this year. Don’t give up. This weekend we are holding hands across the globe, connected in love with Jesus and the world. Hold on.