Author: Bryan Gibson

Weekly Bulletin
September 11, 2022

Jesus, the Master Teacher (Part 2)
by Bryan Gibson (with help from John Gibson)
We continue our look at the things which characterized the teaching of Jesus, the things which made Him the best teacher who ever lived.
Jesus considered truth to be exclusive. He didn’t present His teachings as if there were available alternatives (see Matthew 7:13-14; 7:21-23). Men were free to choose something else, but He made it clear that there would be eternal consequences if they did.
Jesus did not make class distinctions in His teaching. Jesus looked for humble hearts who would receive His teaching. It didn’t matter to Him where they came from, what they looked like, what job they had, what their political leanings were, what terrible things they had done in the past, etc. Among His disciples we find a rich, prominent council member (Mark 15:43; John 19:38), several fishermen (Matthew 4:18-22), a Zealot (Luke 6:15), tax collectors (Matthew 9:9; Luke 19:1-10), and a host of others from various walks of life.
Jesus did not disguise the “cross” behind the “crown.” “If they persecute Me, they will persecute you...” (John 15:20). “I did not come to bring peace, but a sword...” (Matthew 10:34). “Let him deny himself, and take up his cross...” (Matthew 16:24).
Jesus did not change His teaching to suit the wants of His hearers. He knew that some would never be satisfied (Luke 7:30-35). When some who had been following Him turned away (John 6:66), He let them go. He didn’t change His message to lure them back.
Jesus sometimes shocked people to get their attention. “Let the dead bury their own dead” (Luke 9:60). “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God” (Matthew 19:24). “It would have been good for that man if he had not been born” (Matthew 26:24). “You are of your father, the devil” (John 8:44).
Jesus challenged the religious establishment of His day—the Pharisees and Sadducees, the scribes and lawyers. He challenged their hypocrisy (Matthew 23:2-4), their loyalty to tradition over the word of God (Matthew 15:1-9), and of course their doctrines, when they were not in agreement with His doctrine (Matthew 16:12).
Jesus challenged people to make a commitment. “Seek FIRST the kingdom” (Matthew 6:33). “He who loves father and mother more than Me is not worthy of Me” (Matthew 10:37). “Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor” (Luke 18:22). Lukewarmness and half-heartedness do not sit well with Jesus.
Jesus constantly held out the hope of a reward before His hearers. “Great is your reward in heaven” (Matthew 5:12). “Your Father...will reward you openly” (Matthew 6:4, 6, 18). “Though he may die, he shall live” (John 11:25). “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:3). He constantly spoke of “everlasting” or “eternal” life.
But Jesus also warned people about the danger of being lost in hell (Matthew 5:22, 29-30; 7:13; 10:28; 18:9; 23:33).

Contact Information
	P.O. Box 680872 / Prattville, AL 36067
	(334) 365-5887 / (334) 868-0801
	prattmont@gmail.com / prattmontchurchofchrist.org

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The Prattmont Church of Christ is just what the name suggests, a church that belongs to Christ. We are not a denomination; we are simply a group of Christians trying very hard to practice the teachings of our Head, Jesus Christ. The New Testament offers a complete pattern for what each local church should be like—its organization, its worship, its work, etc. We are committed to following that pattern. We cordially invite you to attend our services. We would also welcome any comments or questions about this bulletin.

TIMES OF SERVICES:
Sunday
Bible Classes………...9 A.M.
Worship 10:00 A.M.
Worship/Bible Study..5 P.M.
Wednesday:
Bible Study 7:00 P.M.