Disciples Discussion Den

  The Unfruitful Fig Tree                                                                                                        Luke 13:1-9 Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices.   Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way?   I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any. So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soi

  Can Iron Float? Introduce myself. Retired pastor. Now a substitute teacher. Today I want to study a miracle performed by the prophet Elisha. These miracles are true historical events, but they are also symbolic of the plan of salvation. They are very relevant today to help us understand how we can be set free from sin in our own lives. 2 Kings 6:1-7 Now the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, “See, the place where we dwell under your charge is too small for us. 2 Let us go to the Jordan and each of us get there a log and let us make a place for us to dwell there.” And he answered, “Go.” 3 Then one of them said, “Be pleased to go with your servants.” And he answered, “I will go.” 4 So he went with them. And when they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees. 5 But as one was felling a log, his ax head fell into the water, and he cried out, “Alas, my master! It was borrowed.” 6 Then the man of God said, “Where did it fall?” When he showed him the place, he cut off a stick and threw

  Erie Mission Devotional No one likes paying taxes, or paying someone lots of money to do your taxes because they are so complicated. Tax collectors are not the most popular people today as in Jesus’s day. But when Jesus lived it was even worse. Tax collectors were hired by the Roman government to collect as much as they could. They could take Roman soldiers with them and take away money, food, and land, from the poorest people, even widows who had no one to take care of them. The common people hated the tax collectors, not only because they were cruel and greedy, but because they worked with their Roman oppressors. The religious leaders hated them because they had an openly sinful lifestyle, as they hung around with thieves, prostitutes, and drunkards. There was one word that summed them up. They were “sinners”. But Jesus did not reject the tax collectors and sinners. In fact, he ate and drank with them. He did not condone their lifestyle, but he loved them and forgave them,, and