Locate the Fire - Bob Turner - Lectureship 10_15_2022
Teachers
Lesson Summary
In the “Locate the Fire” class, the teacher opened by thanking the elders and sharing a personal anecdote about helping a small congregation in East Tennessee improve their fellowship. He introduced the concept of greeting visitors in the parking lot and getting their feet under your table as a concrete illustration of true community, comparing it to the traditional potluck model. The lesson then shifted to a survey of 150 members that asked which of the four Gospels was their favorite. Six‑to‑one chose John, and the teacher explained that John repeatedly invites people to “come and see,” allowing believers to view Jesus as God (John 1:14; John 20:28). He contrasted this with Matthew’s emphasis on Jesus as the master teacher, especially through the Sermon on the Mount and the parables in chapter 13 (Matt 13:13). Mark was presented as a Gospel divided between miracles and teaching, culminating in the prediction of suffering in chapter 8 (Mark 8:31). Throughout, the teacher urged the congregation to stay engaged, promising that the fire of fellowship would become clearer as the class progressed. By the end of the session, participants were encouraged to apply the principles of genuine hospitality, to explore the distinct emphases of each Gospel, and to seek the spirit‑filled fire that emerges when believers gather in authentic, Christ‑centered fellowship.
Key Scriptures
Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, 'We have seen the Lord.' But Thomas said to them, 'Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the wound of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will not believe.' Eight days later, Jesus' disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were locked, yet Jesus came and stood among them, and said, 'Peace be with you.' Then he said to Thomas, 'Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.' Thomas answered him, 'My Lord and my God!' Jesus said to him, 'Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.'