Stories... we are all captivated by them. I recall sitting on my dad's lap as a young child asking him not to read me a story book but rather to tell me a story. There is something special about a story that is told, from memory, imbued by one's own experience.

I waited eagerly for my father to tell me a tale of his own childhood, of adventures from the past, and I would place myself in the setting imagining the surroundings, the suspense, the unknown, the unresolved tension.

Many stories that children are told contain implicit or explicit lessons. When looking to teach a child a lesson we will tell a story that will explain the lesson or "moral" that the child needs to know. These types of story expose a divide between eastern and western thought.

Throughout my travels in the East I have heard many stories and I have read and studied stories from times past. These stories are powerful tales of peoples lives. Some are long and other short. They captivate your imagination and place you in a different time with different characters. None of these stories end with what we may expect them to end with: "The moral of the story is..."

Eastern culture is comfortable with the hearer coming to their own conclusion about the moral implications of the story. Stories told in the West are often concluded with "The moral of the story is..." Western culture is a uncomfortable with the unresolved tension and uncertainty of whether the hearer has walked away with the "correct" (same as the teller) moral of the story.

As I learn, as a Westerner, to live in this unresolved tension and uncertainty of leaving a story without an explicitly explained "moral" I have realized that the hearers often times see implications that are applicable to their individual circumstance that I could not have foreseen. It is this unforeseen impact that makes the Eastern approach to storytelling powerful and attractive.

In any classroom in the West you can expect to see students seated in rows of desk or perhaps if the teacher is daring and unconventional they will be in clusters of desk. The occasional horseshoe style classroom can also be found. But, in general, the students are all seated and quietly listening to the teacher. In the case that a student has a question to ask or something to say we all know that it is proper protocol for the student to raise his/her hand and wait to be called on.

We experience something far different in the East. To begin with, while some learning occurs in classrooms, it is far more effective in the East to learn with your feet in the setting of something that you are learning. It is for this reason that a teacher will take a group of students out into the natural surroundings of what you are learning. If we are learning about a lake, then we will go and sit beside the lake.

The classroom is then wherever this instruction and learning takes place. As students are learning from the teacher, they are certainly not in uniform, neat rows of seats with hands raised. But rather, they will surround the teachers in a more fluid sense and listen to what the teacher will share with them. In the case that a student doesn't understand a word that the teacher used, the student will repeat that word when the teacher has said it. The teacher will then know that word is unfarmiliar to at least one student. The teacher will spend time expounding upon that word so that the class becomes more familiar with it.

In the course of my travels to Israel with Ray Vander Laan (RVL) last June, we had an interesting experience of this Eastern style of learning colliding with our Western ineptitude. As we were "following the rabbi" (learning in a first Century discipleship context) we would repeat words that were unfamiliar to us. If RVL had a feeling that a word would be unfamiliar to the group he would ask us to say it. It would sound something like this, "Say hazak..." We would say, "Hazak", and then RVL would continue to explain what the word meant or how it was used.

It was seemingly one of these occasions that we found ourselves in when we thought RVL was introducing us to the word "Midea".

In reality, RVL said, "Same idea." We had thought he said, "Say 'midea'." Because we were involved in our own learning by repeating the phrase the teacher had said we immediately repeated, "Midea." RVL broke into laughter because he had intended to explain that the item he was talking about was the "same idea" as another.

This kind of learning only occurs when students are involved and I will say that my experience of learning this way is far more memorable than any of the lectures I attended while studying engineering.

This week we took a look at Paul and Timothy. Paul was like a father to Timothy and it is that father-son language that points us in the direction of rabbi-talmid relationships. Who, in your life, has been a spiritual father/mother, a rabbi, to you? Are you a spiritual father/mother to those around you?

As you consider Paul's choice of a disciple, reflect on these questions:

1. Why did Paul go into the countryside of Galatia to proclaim Jesus?

2. Why did the people of Lystra react as they did to Paul and Barnabas? (See Acts 14:8-20)

3. How did God use the pagan culture to create an opening for the message about Jesus?

4. Were there any disciples with Paul before he arrived at Lystra? How do you explain that? (See Matthew 28:18-20)

5. What happened to Paul and Barnabas after people from Lystra became interested in their message about Jesus? (See Acts 14:19-20) How did Paul and Barnabas respond?

6. How many times did Paul return to Lystra? (See Acts 14:20-23) Who is the disciple Paul chose there? What do you know about him? (See Acts 16:1-3; 2 Timothy 1:5; 3:14-15) If Paul had chosen you instead, would you have gone? Why or why not?

To follow up on this week's lesson please read the following:

From Galilee to Asia
Lord of Lords
The Rabbi and His Talmidim
Gods of this World

Hide these verses in your heart:

“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” – II Timothy 3:14-15

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.” – John 15:13-16

To prepare for next week's lesson please read:

1 Peter 1-5

Paul chose a mamzer to be his disciple. Will you also follow in the footsteps of Jesus like Paul did and look for mamzers around you?

I was greatly encouraged and challenged by your renewed committments that you made to God with repentant hearts. I echo your cry to God for forgiveness and committed myself to walk in the footsteps of Jesus with all my heart, all my soul and all my might!

We looked at how Paul repented and turned to God. He learned a new way to interpret the Hebrew Bible and then he went to the ends of the earth.

As you consider Paul's renewed committment and the steps that he took, reflect on these questions:

1. How would you describe Galatia? Does it seem a likely locale for Paul’s first mission tour?

2. Who was Paul (Saul) before he met Jesus? Would you call him a God-fearing person? Why or why not? How did his encounter with Jesus change him?

3. What was Saul’s first experience as a missionary? (See Acts 13:4-12) What’s the connection between that experience and his decision to go to Antioch? To change his name?

4. How was Antioch like Rome? What was Paul hoping for concerning Rome? Why?

5. Where did Paul go first in Antioch? Why? (See Acts 13:14-16)

6. What did Paul emphasize in his teaching? (See Acts 13:14-42) Who heard him speak? (See Acts 13:16, 43-44, 48-49) What was their reaction? (See Acts 13:42-45, 48-51)

7. What challenges did Paul face in following Jesus? Why? (See Romans 1:11-15, 15:19-23; Acts 19:21, 23:11) How does Paul’s experience help you in your walk with Christ?

To follow up on this week's lesson please read the following:

From Galilee to Asia
Lord of Lords
The Rabbi and His Talmidim

Hide these verses in your heart:

“To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.” – Ephesians 6:18-20

To prepare for next week's lesson please read:

II Timothy 1-3

Paul loved God with all of his heart, soul, and might and walked in the footsteps of Jesus. Prepare your hearts and minds to see how Paul followed Jesus next week!

This week we looked at the stadium games that the Greek and Roman culture knew. The familiarity with the games was used by the apostles to communicate the zeal that God has as well as the zeal that He wnts us to have.

As you consider the passion that great men of faith had, reflect on these questions:

1. What was your impression of the stadium of Aphrodisias? What was the games’ purpose in the world of the New Testament?

2. How did the emperors use the games? Why did the athletes perform?

3. What are some similarities between the games and the book of Revelation?

4. How did the Jewish people of Jesus’ day think of Elijah? (See 1 Kings 19:10,14.)

5. What can you learn from the fact that some thought Jesus was Elijah? (See Matthew 16:14; Mark 6:14-15.) What does that mean for those who follow Jesus today? (See 1 John 2:6.)

6. What metaphor does the Bible use to describe the passion and zeal that a disciple of Jesus should have? (See 1 Corinthians 9:24; Galatians 5:7; Philippians 2:1-16; 2 Timothy 2:1-5; 2 Timothy 4:6-7; Hebrews 12:1-2.) Who might be viewed as the “fans”—the encouragers—in that metaphor? (See Hebrews 11 - 12:2)

7. Who are the “fans” that encourage your “run” for Jesus? How can we be better “fans” or encouragers for one another?

To follow up on this week's lesson please read the following:

From Galilee to Asia
The Gods of This World
Lord of Lords
People of the Palm Branch

Hide these verses in your heart:

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” - Hebrews 12:1-2

To prepare for next week's lesson please read:

Romans 1:11-15
Romans 15:19-23
Acts 13
Acts 19

Passion or zeal is one of the greatest barriers that we face to living as disciples in the 21st century. Remember Elijah and the zeal he had for God and obedience to God. May you have the passion of Elijah as you live for God today!

This week in the In the Dust of the Rabbi series you saw how the Apollo Temple had an oracle that claimed to speak on God's behalf and give the people the Very Words of God. We also have been given an oracle but we know this oracle to be the acutual words of God and not the ramblings of a hallucinating woman.

As you consider how fortunate we are that we have been given God's very words, reflect upon these questions week:

1. What was your impression of the Temple of Apollo at Didyma? How would you describe its purpose?

2. In the pagan world, what was an oracle? What did people do to receive the “word” from an oracle?

3. Did God want His people to consult oracles? Why or why not? (See Leviticus 19:31; 20:6; Hosea 4:12; Jeremiah 23:25—40.)

4. Did God provide anything that might be seen as an oracle? (See Isaiah 16:3,13; 17:1; Malachi 1:1—5.)

5. In what sense is the Bible God’s oracle? (See Romans 3:1—2.) How is it unlike the oracles of the pagan world?

6. What sources of “wisdom” do people consult today? Where can they go to receive God’s wisdom? (See 1 Peter 4:10—11; 2 Timothy 3:16.)

7. Do you have a passion for God’s Word? What does that mean? Where does such a passion come from? (See Jeremiah 20:9; 1 Timothy 4:13; 2 Timothy 3:14—17.)

To follow up on this week's lesson please read the following:

From Galilee to Asia
The Gods of This World

Hide these verses in your heart:

“I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. ” – Psalm 119:11

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies--in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” – 1 Peter 4:10 – 11

To prepare for next week's lesson please read:

1 Kings 17-19

I look forward to seeing you all very soon. Remember, God has spoken and given us His very Word. We have God's oracle and we would be wise to follow the example of Jesus as we learn, live, teach, pray, and die the Text.

Shalom from Israel! I have been thinking of you often as I walk in the footsteps of Jesus and the disciples. I have had many hours of reflection as I hike in the hot sun and I am convicted by the Spirit because of my lack of zeal for God.

This week in the In the Dust of the Rabbi series you saw how Jesus, our master stone craftsman, is chisselling away at you as well as so many other living stones. You are being built into a house from the presence of God.

Look back on your life and see how God has been at work chisselling away all these years to shape you into who you are today. Do not be dismayed, His work is not complete (Phillipians 1:6). Reflect upon these questions below this week:

1. What does it mean to be in the world but not of the world? How does your life demonstrate obedience to this commandment?

2. Are you involved in the community that God indwells by His Spirit?

3. What are some specific actions you can take to be a stronger support for other believers who face difficult situations because they seek to live out their faith?

To follow up on this week's lesson please read the following:

From Galilee to Asia
The Ark of God
He Went to the Synagogue
Temple of the Spirit
The Gods of This World

Hide these verses in your heart:

“Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple.” – 1 Corinthians 3:16 – 17

“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.” – Ephesians 2:19 – 22

“As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” – 1 Peter 2:4-5

To prepare for next week's lesson please read:

Psalm 119

Be sure to bring your Bible to next weeks class. Everyone will need their own copy of the Text for an activity we will do.

I look forward to seeing you all very soon. You are all living stones being built up into a spiritual house.

Grace and Peace from Israel! I miss you all and long for the time when we can be together again. God has been faithful and I look forward to sharing what God has been teaching me. You can view pictures from my trip if you are interested in seeing more.

This week in the In the Dust of the Rabbi series you looked at one of the building blocks of discipleship, community. As you journeyed with the disciples in Asia Minor where they lived as a community, much like they did in Galilee, you were able to see some of the challenges they faced. I hope that you entered into their story to encounter the difficult everyday decisions they had to make as they lived for God.

As you consider these questions think about your own community and what actions you could take together to live for God and become His witnesses:

1. What does it mean to be in the world but not of the world? How does your life demonstrate obedience to this commandment?

2. Are you involved in the community that God indwells by His Spirit?

3. What are some specific actions you can take to be a stronger support for other believers who face difficult situations because they seek to live out their faith?

To follow up on this week's lesson please read the following:

From Galilee to Asia
The Ark of God
He Went to the Synagogue
Temple of the Spirit
The Gods of This World

Hide these verses in your heart:

“And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” – Acts 2:42 – 47

“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” – John 13:35

To prepare for next week's lesson please read:

1 Peter 2

Love one another! By this the world will know you are disciples of Jesus!