Jesus’S Radical Teachings: Living the Life-Changing Teachings of Jesus

By Gordon Rogers

It is easy sometimes to push the Lord out of our minds. He is so holy, pristine and powerful; how could Jesus ever be interested in me you think? You have made mistakes. We all have made mistakes. Perhaps you were in trouble with the law. You bounced some checks accidently. You havent prayed for a long time. You lost your job because you lost your temper. Again, you may say, why would God ever want me? All of us have had these thoughts in our most difficult moments.

The Lord created humankind. He is an authority, an expert on humanity. God declares that he loves you with a mighty, magnificent and marvelous love. The topics in this book are very important for us. They come to us from the lips of Jesus.

Jesus teaches us about gratitude, grace, giving, trust, positive influence, helping others, humility, forgiveness and action. God teaches us the value of each of these traits. When we incorporate these actions or traits into our lives, we are blessed.

Some of Jesuss teachings are radical. He tells us to love our enemies, to forgive the unforgivable, to not think of ourselves as great masters but to be lowly servants. He declares that all people are very important. You may say some of his teachings are crazy but they are crazy good. If we can be filled with gratitude, grace, trust, generosity, humility, ministering to those in need and having a pure mind and heart. It is then that we find Gods peace and grace.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Nov 7, 2016
• ISBN: 9781512761368

Gordon Rogers

Gordon Rogers has been honored to serve as the minister for eight churches over a span of thirty-eight years. He retired from his work as a minister in 2015. He is now writing and enjoying himself immensely. He was a licensed clinical professional counselor for thirty years. He was the CEO of EMPAC, employee assistance program for seventeen years. EMPAC provided counseling, consultation, referral, training and coaching. He loves people and loves the Lord greatly.

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Copyright © 2016 Gordon Rogers.

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This book is a work of non-fiction. Unless otherwise noted, the author and the publisher make no explicit guarantees as to the accuracy of the information contained in this book and in some cases, names of people and places have been altered to protect their privacy.

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Scripture quotes marked (NKJV) are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Scripture quotes marked (ASV) are taken from the American Standard Version of the Bible.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

ISBN: 978-1-5127-6135-1 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5127-6137-5 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-5127-6136-8 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2016917314

WestBow Press rev. date: 11/4/2016

CONTENTS

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Chapter 1 – An Attitude of Gratitude

Discussion Questions

Ways to Be Grateful

Chapter 2 – The Power of Gratitude

Discussion Questions

Ways to Become More Grateful

Chapter 3 – Gratitude for Friends

Discussion Questions

Ways to Be a True Friend

Chapter 4 – Give ’Em Grace

Discussion Questions

Ways to Give Grace

Chapter 5 – God’s Astounding Grace

Discussion Questions

Ways to Be Changed by God’s Grace

Chapter 6 – The Impact of Grace

Discussion Questions

Ways to Share Grace

Chapter 7 – Trusting When the Seas Rage

Discussion Questions

Ways to Find Help When the Seas Roar

Chapter 8 – When Life Is Out of Control

Discussion Questions

Ways to Cope When Life Is Out of Control

Chapter 9 – The Impact of Influence

Discussion Questions

Ways to Become More Influential

Chapter 10 – The Gift of Giving

Discussion Questions

Ways to Be More Generous

Chapter 11 – The Wonder of Humility

Discussion Questions

Ways to Become More Humble

Chapter 12 – The Amazing Power of Your Thoughts

Discussion Questions

Ways to Improve Your Thoughts

Chapter 13 – Forgive Others (and Bless Yourself)

Discussion Questions

Ways to Help Us Forgive Others

How You Are Blessed When You Forgive

Overcoming Your Own Anger and Hostility

Talking Out Your Anger

Chapter 14 – Action

Discussion Questions

Ways to Take More Action

Acknowledgments

First of all, I want to express my gratitude and love to my dear wife, Ludean, who has been my rock-solid encourager through the process of authoring this book and throughout our marriage. I have been secluded to my office at times for hours with no end, it seems. When I have been a bit discouraged, she has lifted me up; when I have been frustrated, she has been patient. Lu is my love and my constant supporter. She is always ready to lend a hand in the composition of this project. Lu is a tremendously dedicated Christian woman. Thank you, dear Lu. I see our Lord in you daily.

David Swafford has been my editor through this writing. David has a sharp mind and keen eye and has been indispensable in his work with me. He is a writer and has made brilliant suggestions as we have worked together on this book. He also has a great deal of knowledge of and love for God. Thank you David, we have made a great team.

I want to thank my mother, Betty Rogers for her love, support, cheerfulness, joy and her great faith. From my childhood to adulthood, I have been blessed beyond measure by such a sweet and godly woman. She was the first person to teach me about God and his amazing love. I could not have asked for a better mom. You are such a great blessing.

I was also blessed by my father, Grover Rogers. He was fun and had a great sense of humor. I always admired and adored him. He talked common sense to me when I was down, and he helped lift me up. He grew in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and loved the Lord dearly. He was a joy and blessing to me. I love you and still miss you, Dad, but I will see you again.

Ludean and I have five wonderful children: Mike, Denise, Jeff, Jody, and Chris. We are blessed abundantly with a total of eleven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. We love all our children and grandchildren. We are proud of all of them.

I am grateful for all my siblings. Randy, Rick, Pam, Patti, and Paula are all wonderful Christian people, as was my brother Rick, who sadly passed away a few years ago. I love you, Rick, and I miss you. I will see you at another time.

I would also like to acknowledge Dr. Leigh Ann Wheeler, an esteemed professor of history at Binghamton University in Binghamton, New York. She was eight years old when I served as the minister of the Argentine Church of Christ in Kansas City, Kansas. She contacted me a few years ago with some questions about church. Leigh Ann has been a reservoir of knowledge for me. She has answered many questions about the writing process. She is an accomplished author and has written three history books. She specializes in US history and especially in US women’s history. Her books have received wide acclaim. I am pleased to call her my friend.

Gordon

Introduction

Jesus did teach radical teachings in the time he walked on this earth. He taught that we are to be thankful and grateful, even when we are facing very difficult circumstances. When life appears to make no sense, he taught us to trust him. He taught us about grace and the power of God. In fact, some have said that the DNA of Jesus is grace. In other words, that is his very nature. He longs to give us his astounding and glorious grace, love, and goodness. Even though we have gone astray and perhaps have forsaken him, denied him, persecuted his followers, or lived in direct defiance to his plans for us, he still loves each of us with a mighty and powerful love.

He has taught us to do the same. Our Lord has instructed us to love all people and even love our enemies. Jesus not only taught it, but he lived his teachings. He loved and forgave, healed and straightened crooked legs, blessed children, and elevated the status of women in that day. Even in the midst of rebellion and hatred at the cross, he prayed to God for his enemies and the very people who would kill him. He said this: Father, forgive them for they know not what they do! He asked for God to forgive the very people who nailed him to a cross and lashed his back so severely his flesh was like long ribbons hanging from his body.

He cared and loved all people. He forgave those who were the elite in his day, even though they thought he should be stoned. Jesus forgave the sins of prostitutes and people caught up in materialism and self-pride. He even gave a thief, who was positioned next to him as he hung from the cross, a place in paradise. His life was radical, his teachings were amazing and life-changing, and his influence is powerful, incredible, and transformational still today. They are life-changing and radical. He lived to serve instead of living to rule. He washed feet, touched and healed those with leprosy, and told us that it is more blessed to give than to receive. He verbalized it and lived it. He instructed us through his words and his life. He is the Lord of lords and the King of kings. His teachings hopefully will touch your life and bless you beyond measure. Please remember; God loves you and is for you. I hope this book assists you in understanding that you matter greatly to God. You are his creation, and he wishes you to live life to the fullest.

About Gordon

I feel a bit strange in writing about myself in this introduction, but I am told it is important and the right action to take.

This book, Jesus’s Radical Teachings, has simmered, boiled, and percolated in my heart, mind, and soul for years. Through many changing seasons, I have thought about it, prayed over it, and asked God to bless it. Now that it is in your hands, I ask that God bless you and all those who might read it. I have endeavored to make this book an opportunity for both you and I to come to know Jesus more fully and to grow closer to the Lord.

Above all, this is a consultative and devotional book about successfully making needed changes in your life. If you are feeling stuck or down on yourself, this book offers a means to break free and reach your full potential. The material is simple enough, covering such universal concepts as gratitude, grace, trust, influence, the power of thought, the gift of giving, and, of course, forgiving others. But it may not be easy to earnestly and forthrightly apply these principles to your everyday circumstances.

You may be asking, who is this Gordon Rogers? It is a legitimate question. I am a retired minister, having led a number of churches in Texas and Kansas for thirty-eight years of my life. I have a wonderful wife and children and grandchildren. I also have two master’s degrees—one in counseling; the other in human resources and management.

The Lord has blessed me through a multifaceted career that in very distinct ways brought me to witness human frailty, human weakness, and human suffering. I have also seen great examples of human strength, human greatness, and human triumph. I have witnessed people from all walks of life struggling to overcome Herculean obstacles and achieving success!

Having worked as a minister, a licensed clinical professional counselor, and as CEO of a nonprofit counseling, consultation, and training services agency, my perspective into human emotions, motivations, and responses is as wide-ranging as it is unique. This book underscores the fact that there comes a point when the boardroom chair, the counseling sofa, and the church pew all intersect.

This book is Christian in its slant and treatment. I could never have written it any other way. Scriptures are quoted throughout the pages. I have inserted spaces for prayer as well. Yet even if the reader is not a Christian, I believe there still is something to gain from working through the questions at the end of each chapter and reviewing the suggested ways to begin making positive change. This book also is relevant for non-Christians, in that it discusses how to make the workplace more harmonious, functional, and encouraging. There are examples of counseling that help save marriages, change lives, and assist people find direction and purpose in their lives. It is a practical and, I hope, helpful book.

For every dark side of life, there is also a side of great light. For every moment of personal failure, there are more personal victories. Becoming fully conscious of ourselves is key to knowing ourselves completely and finding ultimate success. Sometimes the worst experiences serve to shake us up, open our eyes, and ultimately make us into better human beings.

Our dark sides come to the surface when we concentrate on the taking and receiving—the What’s in it for me? Conversely, when we channel our constructive energies into the myriad forms of giving to others, that’s when we prosper. That’s when life as a whole shines.

Jesus knew that when he said, Love your neighbor as yourself. The focus of his words was not just on your neighbors. It was also on you. Do not harm yourself. Treat yourself well. Love yourself. Do the same toward your neighbor. We don’t always know when our behaviors and intentions can do harm to ourselves or our neighbors, but the consequences become apparent every time. In harming ourselves, we harm our neighbors. In harming our neighbors, we harm ourselves.

For seventeen years I was CEO of an employee assistance program (EAP) in Wichita, Kansas, named Employee Assistance Consultants (EMPAC). When I became CEO, EMPAC was working with sixty companies. At the point I retired, we were privileged to be partnering with more than 150 companies and working with some of the largest companies in Wichita. I often told the staff that we were doing God’s work. We were helping people. We were helping those in sick marriages work together and eventually build a strong marriage. We were assisting the depressed to find purpose in life again. We were helping those with anxiety find peace and relaxation. We were giving hope to the hopeless, strength to the weak, encouragement to the defeated, and purpose to those who were thinking about ending it all.

At EMPAC, my first four years of employment was as a counselor. I had the opportunity to work with couples about parenting, rebellious teens, depression, anxiety, sexual issues, anger management, suicidal clients, and those hurting from deep grief and divorce. These are just a sampling of issues which brought people into our agency. I worked with people fighting addictions of all kinds. I especially enjoyed assisting those whose work performance was so poor that supervisors were close to terminating their employment. Often employees from the companies we served were experiencing personal issues that rendered them ineffective in the workplace. When they received counseling services, they oftentimes became effective employees again. It was a win-win situation for the company and the employee. The employee returned to work, and the company now had a functioning, caring, and dedicated employee.

I have also counseled delinquent males. The first organization where I worked with delinquent males was at Judge James V Riddel Boys Ranch in Goddard, Kansas. When I worked there, fifty-four young men were in that program. It was difficult at times, but I loved those boys. They needed support, guidance, love, empathy, and direction. I wanted the best for the young men who had been removed from their homes because of their antisocial and delinquent behavior. I found that the best way for a youth to calm down was to listen to him and let him know that he really was cared for and being listened to. If we can form relationships with people who have experienced trauma in their lives,