"I saw something that looked like a large sheet. It was being let down from heaven by four corners. It came down to where I was. I looked into it and saw four-footed animals of the earth. There were also wild animals, reptiles, and birds. Then I heard a voice speaking to me. 'Get up, Peter,' the voice said. 'Kill and eat.'"
Peter's vision happened in Joppa, a city on the coast of Israel.
In the Old Testament, people were either Jews (followers of God), or Gentiles. Among the Gentiles, some were believers in God ("god-fearers"), but they could not become Jewish.
Foods were also divided into "clean" and "unclean" - but the meaning of this was "acceptable, special" vs. "common".
In Acts 10, two men receive messages from God: Cornelius & Peter.
Cornelius - God told him to send some men to Joppa to get Peter and invite him to his house.
Peter's vision was of a sheet being lowered onto a roof, filled with clean and unclean animals. Peter protests: I will not eat what is unclean. The voice answers: do not call anything unclean that God has made clean.
Peter is brought to Cornelius' house. Normally a Jew would not enter the home of a Gentile, but based on Peter's vision, he knows that God does not show favoritism and that salvation is for the Gentiles as well as the Jews.
What does this story teach us about God? In God's eyes - everyone is equal. That is, no one has special status because of their skin color, past, family, money, religious background, or anything like that. What if we really believed that?
This does not mean we are all the same. Rather, that differences don't make people any less.
Think about the people you associate with. Then think about who you don't or wouldn't associate with. We often draw distinctions for pointless reasons.
When Peter takes the story back to Jerusalem, that he has shared the gospel and had fellowship with Gentiles, the disciples believe he's done a bad thing (violated the Law) until Peter explains his vision. How many of us would have that courage if we were confronted about hanging out with the wrong sort of people?
When you can look at all sorts of faces - colors, rich vs. poor, disabled vs. normally able - and see dignity and value in each one, you have the mind of God.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
November 14-15, 2009 - Saul's Conversion
Saul (who would become Paul) stood by at the stoning of Stephen. He was a good Jew, who kept all of the law. In other words, he was an enemy of the early Christians.
This made Saul an unlikely choice to be God’s messenger!
Abraham Lincoln was raised in a log cabin, his mother died when he was 9, he didn’t finish high school or college, he lost 8 of 13 elections in his life. Yet, he was elected President of the United States.
In a similar way, God used someone we wouldn’t expect in a very important way.
Video: “Peter & Paul - Saul’s conversion”
Saul had to overcome his reputation as a man dangerous to Christians and regain their trust: first, with Ananias, then with the disciples in Jerusalem.
At the same time, his own standing among the Jews took a hit: he had to escape from Damascus, and then angered the Jews in Jerusalem. The apostles sent him by ship to Tarsus.
Paul would go on to suffer greatly for standing up for Jesus - see 2 Corinthians 11.
Paul had great knowledge and kept the law - but it was his encounter with the living God that actually changed him.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Nov. 1 - Stephen and Persecution of Christians
In the book of Acts, we see the gospel message spreading - and like a trick birthday candle, whenever attempts are made to extinguish it, it just keeps coming back:
The Jewish leaders told the disciples to stop speaking...Peter refused
They threw the apostles in jail...an angel let them out
They threatened and whipped the apostles...the Holy Spirit made them bolder
Acts 6-7 tell the story of Stephen...Stephen was chosen as one of seven who were to oversee the church's distribution of food to the needy. "The Body is a unit, made up of many parts....so it is with Christ." In the church, we divide responsibilities because no one person can do it all - yet everything that is done is important and necessary.
Stephen was arrested and accused of speaking words against the Jewish religion, specifically teaching against the laws of Moses and the temple.
To the Jews, three things were important:
1. Living in the land God had promised them
2. Following strictly the law God gave through Moses
3. Building and maintaining the temple, the house of the Lord
Stephen, in his defense, says the Jews are missing the point, which is the Messiah - God promised him through the prophets, but the prophets were ignored. He calls them "stiff-necked" (stubborn) people, who rejected and killed the Messiah. This makes them angry and they stone him to kill him.
Stephen becomes the first Christian martyr - someone who is killed for an idea
There are still martyrs today - "closed" countries in which practicing the Christian faith is dangerous or illegal. (See www.kidsofcourage.com for some great information on where persecution is happening)
After Stephen's martyrdom, the believers are spread, but the threat of death doesn't kill the movement, it makes them bolder!
Standing by at Stephen's death is Saul, who will shortly become Paul, the great Christian missionary.
The Jewish leaders told the disciples to stop speaking...Peter refused
They threw the apostles in jail...an angel let them out
They threatened and whipped the apostles...the Holy Spirit made them bolder
Acts 6-7 tell the story of Stephen...Stephen was chosen as one of seven who were to oversee the church's distribution of food to the needy. "The Body is a unit, made up of many parts....so it is with Christ." In the church, we divide responsibilities because no one person can do it all - yet everything that is done is important and necessary.
Stephen was arrested and accused of speaking words against the Jewish religion, specifically teaching against the laws of Moses and the temple.
To the Jews, three things were important:
1. Living in the land God had promised them
2. Following strictly the law God gave through Moses
3. Building and maintaining the temple, the house of the Lord
Stephen, in his defense, says the Jews are missing the point, which is the Messiah - God promised him through the prophets, but the prophets were ignored. He calls them "stiff-necked" (stubborn) people, who rejected and killed the Messiah. This makes them angry and they stone him to kill him.
Stephen becomes the first Christian martyr - someone who is killed for an idea
There are still martyrs today - "closed" countries in which practicing the Christian faith is dangerous or illegal. (See www.kidsofcourage.com for some great information on where persecution is happening)
After Stephen's martyrdom, the believers are spread, but the threat of death doesn't kill the movement, it makes them bolder!
Standing by at Stephen's death is Saul, who will shortly become Paul, the great Christian missionary.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
October 3-4: God Sends the Holy Spirit (Acts 2)
Superheroes have super powers - their purpose? To be used for the benefit of others.
God gives his believers powers as well - in fact, God gives us the power to do anything.
Acts 1:12-22 - a replacement is chosen for Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus. Whoever is chosen is to join the others in being a witness of the things they saw Jesus say and do.
A Witness -
Acts 2:1-13
The Holy Spirit comes on the apostles, and they begin to speak in foreign languages. The people are amazed - kind of like when you meet someone in a foreign country who can speak your own language. People had gathered from all over because it was Pentecost, 50 days after the Passover celebration, and they were all in Jerusalem. The disciples are filled with the Holy Spirit, and Peter begins to speak.
Acts 2:14-40
Peter speaks to the crowd. Since Jews believe in the Old Testament, he used two prophecies from there. (A prophecy is a prediction of a future event.)
Joel predicted that on "The Day of the Lord," God would pour out his holy spirit and people would have dreams and visions and speak in foreign tongues. Peter says this is what they are witnessing.
David predicted that God would raise someone from the grave, not letting the body decay. But, Peter says, it was not David - he is still in his grave. The one raised was Jesus - whom they had crucified. Peter tries to convince the crowd that the one they turned against was God's chosen one.
When the crowd heard this, many were convinced and asked what they should do - Peter told them to repent (turn from sin) and be baptized, and they would be saved and they would also receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
What the Holy Spirit did here: It gave the disciples courage, it protected them from the opposition (this will become really important later in Acts), and it allowed them to speak other languages and be understood.
Why God sent it: This was the beginning of getting the message out. The Bible says after Peter spoke, 3,000 people became believers. The new "church" began to grow, and grow...until the Jewish leaders took notice, which begins chapter 3.
Can a Christian really do anything? Yes - you can do anything God needs you to do. In this case, God needed the apostles to be able to speak in other languages. He has given us the power to do what we can't do on our own - to forgive, to love difficult people, to stand up for him. God will never ask us to do something that he doesn't also, at the same time, help us to do.
God gives his believers powers as well - in fact, God gives us the power to do anything.
Acts 1:12-22 - a replacement is chosen for Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus. Whoever is chosen is to join the others in being a witness of the things they saw Jesus say and do.
A Witness -
- Tells about what they've seen and heard
- Needs to be truthful
- Needs to have courage
- Sometimes needs protection from the people they're testifying against
Acts 2:1-13
The Holy Spirit comes on the apostles, and they begin to speak in foreign languages. The people are amazed - kind of like when you meet someone in a foreign country who can speak your own language. People had gathered from all over because it was Pentecost, 50 days after the Passover celebration, and they were all in Jerusalem. The disciples are filled with the Holy Spirit, and Peter begins to speak.
Acts 2:14-40
Peter speaks to the crowd. Since Jews believe in the Old Testament, he used two prophecies from there. (A prophecy is a prediction of a future event.)
Joel predicted that on "The Day of the Lord," God would pour out his holy spirit and people would have dreams and visions and speak in foreign tongues. Peter says this is what they are witnessing.
David predicted that God would raise someone from the grave, not letting the body decay. But, Peter says, it was not David - he is still in his grave. The one raised was Jesus - whom they had crucified. Peter tries to convince the crowd that the one they turned against was God's chosen one.
When the crowd heard this, many were convinced and asked what they should do - Peter told them to repent (turn from sin) and be baptized, and they would be saved and they would also receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
What the Holy Spirit did here: It gave the disciples courage, it protected them from the opposition (this will become really important later in Acts), and it allowed them to speak other languages and be understood.
Why God sent it: This was the beginning of getting the message out. The Bible says after Peter spoke, 3,000 people became believers. The new "church" began to grow, and grow...until the Jewish leaders took notice, which begins chapter 3.
Can a Christian really do anything? Yes - you can do anything God needs you to do. In this case, God needed the apostles to be able to speak in other languages. He has given us the power to do what we can't do on our own - to forgive, to love difficult people, to stand up for him. God will never ask us to do something that he doesn't also, at the same time, help us to do.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Sept 26-27, 2009: Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit (Acts 1)
What's the most amazing thing you've ever seen? When we've seen something amazing, we can't help but want to tell everyone we see.
That's the situation the disciples were in after Jesus visited them after having risen from the dead. The Book of Acts - tells their story.
The book of Acts (written by Luke) is all about...Acts! Theirs, but also God's through his Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is key in the book of Acts - Jesus told them to wait for it before they did anything else in his name.
2 Questions throughout our study of Acts:
What did the Holy Spirit do?
Why did God send it?
The disciples expected that maybe Jesus himself would return soon and restore the kingdom of Israel - then they would reign with Jesus as king! They did not know how much they were going to suffer for his name. Instead - they waited. And waited. They prayed and met together, and they selected a replacement for Judas, who had hung himself after betraying Jesus.
Important verses: 7 & 8 - it's not for them to know the time God is going to act. Sometimes we want God to act on our timetable, and we get impatient when he doesn't act right away or in the manner we want. But, we can be reassured that God has the time set - he knows - we wait.
As we wait...God is making us ready, and he is also building our faith. "Faith is being sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we do not see." (Hebrews 11:1) How can we be certain of something we do not see? Belief in God and waiting on him to act takes faith.
That's the situation the disciples were in after Jesus visited them after having risen from the dead. The Book of Acts - tells their story.
The book of Acts (written by Luke) is all about...Acts! Theirs, but also God's through his Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is key in the book of Acts - Jesus told them to wait for it before they did anything else in his name.
2 Questions throughout our study of Acts:
What did the Holy Spirit do?
Why did God send it?
The disciples expected that maybe Jesus himself would return soon and restore the kingdom of Israel - then they would reign with Jesus as king! They did not know how much they were going to suffer for his name. Instead - they waited. And waited. They prayed and met together, and they selected a replacement for Judas, who had hung himself after betraying Jesus.
Important verses: 7 & 8 - it's not for them to know the time God is going to act. Sometimes we want God to act on our timetable, and we get impatient when he doesn't act right away or in the manner we want. But, we can be reassured that God has the time set - he knows - we wait.
As we wait...God is making us ready, and he is also building our faith. "Faith is being sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we do not see." (Hebrews 11:1) How can we be certain of something we do not see? Belief in God and waiting on him to act takes faith.
Friday, August 21, 2009
August 22-23: Had a Bad Day?
Movie clip: How to Eat Fried Worms
In this clip, the new kid, Billy, has a bad day, his first day at his new school. He's not accepted. He's late for class. He has to talk in front of everyone. They play a prank on him.
In small groups, discuss these questions:
In this clip, the new kid, Billy, has a bad day, his first day at his new school. He's not accepted. He's late for class. He has to talk in front of everyone. They play a prank on him.
In small groups, discuss these questions:
- Have you ever had a day like Billy? Explain.
- How do you think Billy felt at the end of the day? Explain. How did you feel the last time you had a bad day? Explain.
- What do you do to deal with a bad day? (watch TV, listen to music, pray, ignore it, etc.) Does it make you feel better? Why or why not?
- If you're upset or frustrated, is it better to let it out or just try to ignore it? Why?
- Have you ever been new at school? New at church? New in the neighborhood? How was that for you? How many of you are starting at a new school this fall? What are your feelings about that?
Activity: We stuff balloons into an oversized sweat shirt and pair of sweat pants, then make the person wearing them run around and do exercises. It's difficult. Why? Because the balloons stuffed inside keep us from moving the way we should.
Worries and frustrations are like the balloons. If we stuff them inside and pretend they're not there, they hurt our ability to be at peace with each other, to enjoy our friends, to be positive, to be kind to others...in fact, when we've been hurt or insulted or embarrassed, often we look for someone else to do the same thing to, so we don't have to feel so rotten. This is what bullies do.
Instead, God tells us (1 Peter 5:7) to cast all our cares on him - he cares for us.
1. It's ok to have negative feelings - that's normal to get upset sometimes, or angry, or have hurt feelings.
2. The wrong thing to do is "stuff" them.
3. The right way is to acknowledge when we're hurt, fearful, angry, or whatever, and to give those concerns to God. How? Some people do this by praying - by getting what's on the inside out. Others give it away by journaling - like a prayer, but it's written down, and it's only between you and God. Meditating - in Christianity, meditating is not emptying our mind but filling our mind with thoughts about what is true, and helpful, and reliable (God created me, God is in control of everything, in the midst of rotten days and events, God is working for my good). Solitude - being only with God - and not with TV, computers, homework, toys, other people - reminds us that he's in charge.
Birds were meant to fly. A weight around their neck or a broken wing = a bird is not living like a bird should. You were not meant to be weighed down by worries and disappointments - you were meant to live. Anything that keeps us from having "life to the full" is something God wants to help us handle.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Esther: Right place at the right time
"In the right place at the right time" usually means you were lucky - you were with the right people or caught in a situation that was lucky for you.
In the story of Esther, Esther was put in a position that benefited others. She was a Jew living in exile, that is, away from her homeland, among other conquered peoples.
The story of Esther:
The king, Xerxes, banished the old queen and Esther was chosen as his new queen. She had been warned by her cousin Mordecai not to reveal her Jewish identity. Mordecai is a gatekeeper, and overhears a plot by two of the king's men to assassinate him. Mordecai passes this along to the queen, Esther, and the plan is foiled. The two men are executed and the king is safe.
A man named Haman becomes the king's highest official. Haman hates it, though, that Mordecai will not bow down to him. Knowing that Mordecai is Jewish, he asks the king to issue a decree that all the Jews be killed, since they don't follow the king's orders and are dangerous to his rule.
Mordecai learns of the decree and goes into mourning. He knows only one person can save them - the king - and that Esther is in a position to make that happen. He reasons with her that if she keeps quiet, even she will lose her life, but the Jews will be saved from some other place (we assume God); and he says, "Who knows? Maybe you were made queen for such a time as this?" Esther agrees to speak to the king, even though she can lose her life for going to him without being asked, and says, "If I die, I die."
Esther goes to the king and he agrees to see her. At a banquet, he promises to give her whatever she wishes, even up to half the kingdom. She tells the king and Haman to come to another banquet the next day, when she will tell him what she wants. That night, the king cannot sleep. He asks for the book telling the story of his reign to be read aloud. They read to him about the plot to take his life that was foiled by Mordecai. The king asks why Mordecai has not been honored. He assigns Haman to parade through the streets with Mordecai, honoring him and drawing attention to what he has done. Now Haman hates Mordecai more than ever.
At the banquet the next day, Esther asks that the king spare the life of her people (he does not know that she is Jewish). She says there is a plot to wipe out her and her people. The king asks who would devise such a terrible plot, and Esther says Haman is responsible. Haman is killed by the king for his evil plan. Then the king promotes Mordecai to Haman's high position and issues a new decree, that the Jews are to defend themselves against anyone who tries to kill them. When the day arrives, the Jews are victorious over those who want to take their lives.
The memory of this event is celebrated in the Jewish holiday called "Purim".
Esther is the only book of the Bible that does not contain the word "God". Yet, it is still a story about God because it is about God's people, the Jews, and how God acted through Mordecai and Esther to save his people. Both Mordecai and Esther took risks - Mordecai by reporting the plot and Esther by daring to go to the king without being summoned, but they had to courage to do it or else the Jews would face destruction.
Esther was put in a position where she could serve God and his people - what positions have you been placed in to serve others?
Sunday, June 7, 2009
June 7-8: Last Words to a 6th Grader
I still remember - 24 years later - what my pastor said when he retired (I was 12) - be very, very careful about false gods.
To our sixth graders, two messages:
1. It really does matter if God is in your life
There's a difference between knowing about God and actually believing in him (trusting him)
Ex: Like the difference between seeing sunlight through a window and breaking through the window to benefit from the light fully. Behind the glass, you get some benefit, but it isn't until you get surrounded by the light that you derive the full benefit. Likewise, it's OK to know there is a God, but best to actually have God. No one can teach you that - it must come by faith, because you are willing!
2. God wants to save every part of your life.
The Woman at the Well (John 4) - initially it was Jesus asking her for a drink; it ended up with her asking him for living water.
We all like receiving gifts, but most of us settle for gifts that will spoil or fade. God wants to give you gift after gift, but - we don't get the choice of keeping certain parts of our life "off limits" to him. If you let him in, you're letting him into all the parts.
"God doesn't want to be a part of your life...he wants to be a part of all of the parts."
Ex: When you clean underneath your bed, you'll usually find lots of things you'd forgotten were there. When we ask God to "search our hearts", we are giving him permission to bust down the doors to every part of our lives.
To our sixth graders, two messages:
1. It really does matter if God is in your life
There's a difference between knowing about God and actually believing in him (trusting him)
Ex: Like the difference between seeing sunlight through a window and breaking through the window to benefit from the light fully. Behind the glass, you get some benefit, but it isn't until you get surrounded by the light that you derive the full benefit. Likewise, it's OK to know there is a God, but best to actually have God. No one can teach you that - it must come by faith, because you are willing!
2. God wants to save every part of your life.
The Woman at the Well (John 4) - initially it was Jesus asking her for a drink; it ended up with her asking him for living water.
We all like receiving gifts, but most of us settle for gifts that will spoil or fade. God wants to give you gift after gift, but - we don't get the choice of keeping certain parts of our life "off limits" to him. If you let him in, you're letting him into all the parts.
"God doesn't want to be a part of your life...he wants to be a part of all of the parts."
Ex: When you clean underneath your bed, you'll usually find lots of things you'd forgotten were there. When we ask God to "search our hearts", we are giving him permission to bust down the doors to every part of our lives.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
May 23-24: We can influence people toward Christ through words and through actions
Consider someone the Bible calls "Lost".
What are some things that person has to do to become a Christian?
1. admit they're a sinner
2. admit their sin keeps them from God
3. want to be with God
4. believe that Jesus died for their sins
5. choose to trust the cross for forgiveness
People will try lots of other things to be forgiven - good works, going to church, praying and reading the Bible; or, they'll "get around" sin by just saying it isn't real and God doesn't exist
Q: Would you share the message about Jesus with someone you didn't know first? Why or why not?
Advantages of knowing who you were sharing with: You might be able to anticipate their questions, they would know you really cared
Advantages of not knowing someone before sharing: It can be less nerve-wracking; what if they think I'm weird??
Jesus commanded: Matt. 28:19-20. How are Christians supposed to spread the gospel message through the whole world? Especially when there are areas of the world with very few Christians living there?
To "Proclaim Christ" - share the story of salvation with someone
To "Practice Christ" - be Christlike to someone
Both are ways of influencing someone toward salvation
But, when is the right time to "proclaim" and the right time to just "be Christ"? Is it ok if I just "Practice Christ" but never speak his name, never tell the other person about him? Is that the same thing??
If I want to influence someone to believe in Jesus…practicing Christ is more likely to do that than proclaiming Christ. Agree or disagree, and why?
You should always practice Christ before proclaiming Christ to someone. Agree or disagree, and why?
Even if you never proclaimed Christ to someone, it's just as good to practice Christ. Agree or disagree, and why?
It's wrong to make friends with someone just so you can proclaim Christ to them. Agree or disagree, and why?
What are some things that person has to do to become a Christian?
1. admit they're a sinner
2. admit their sin keeps them from God
3. want to be with God
4. believe that Jesus died for their sins
5. choose to trust the cross for forgiveness
People will try lots of other things to be forgiven - good works, going to church, praying and reading the Bible; or, they'll "get around" sin by just saying it isn't real and God doesn't exist
Q: Would you share the message about Jesus with someone you didn't know first? Why or why not?
Advantages of knowing who you were sharing with: You might be able to anticipate their questions, they would know you really cared
Advantages of not knowing someone before sharing: It can be less nerve-wracking; what if they think I'm weird??
Jesus commanded: Matt. 28:19-20. How are Christians supposed to spread the gospel message through the whole world? Especially when there are areas of the world with very few Christians living there?
To "Proclaim Christ" - share the story of salvation with someone
To "Practice Christ" - be Christlike to someone
Both are ways of influencing someone toward salvation
But, when is the right time to "proclaim" and the right time to just "be Christ"? Is it ok if I just "Practice Christ" but never speak his name, never tell the other person about him? Is that the same thing??
If I want to influence someone to believe in Jesus…practicing Christ is more likely to do that than proclaiming Christ. Agree or disagree, and why?
You should always practice Christ before proclaiming Christ to someone. Agree or disagree, and why?
Even if you never proclaimed Christ to someone, it's just as good to practice Christ. Agree or disagree, and why?
It's wrong to make friends with someone just so you can proclaim Christ to them. Agree or disagree, and why?
Sunday, May 10, 2009
May 9-10: No one can tame the tongue
Guest Speaker: Brian Day, Pastor of Junior High
James 3:1-12
“That flapping piece of meat”
Boating and flying illustration.
Such small adjustments affect so much (controls and instruments).
James seeks to show us how such a small body part can blow it for us too.
1. Do not use the tongue to do BAD
• Vs. 2 – It’s not if we make a mistake with our tongues, but when we do.
• Vs. 3-5 – Are you going to be like these examples…ruled completely by such a small part of your body?
• Vs. 6 – Just one small thing can contaminate your whole witness.
• Vs. 7,8 – You cannot tame the tongue completely. It will bite you again. Are you trying to stop it and what are you going to do when it does?
2. Do not use the tongue to mix BAD and GOOD
• Vs. 9-12 – How can we use our tongues for such good and such evil at the same time?
• Our tongue shows us what’s really inside. If you have Christ inside, Christ like things will come out.
• This is one reason swearing is not healthy or good.
3. Do not use the tongue to do GOOD
• 2:15,16 - Use your tongue to say good things but not to do good things. We must be people of action, not just words.
Action steps:
• Identify what needs to change in your language.
• Identify where it comes from.
• Ask God to take it away and help you to not be ruled by your tongue.
Boating and flying illustration. Let God be the one steering you, not yourself.
He will steer you right to eternal life.
We will always steer ourselves to destruction.
James 3:1-12
“That flapping piece of meat”
Boating and flying illustration.
Such small adjustments affect so much (controls and instruments).
James seeks to show us how such a small body part can blow it for us too.
1. Do not use the tongue to do BAD
• Vs. 2 – It’s not if we make a mistake with our tongues, but when we do.
• Vs. 3-5 – Are you going to be like these examples…ruled completely by such a small part of your body?
• Vs. 6 – Just one small thing can contaminate your whole witness.
• Vs. 7,8 – You cannot tame the tongue completely. It will bite you again. Are you trying to stop it and what are you going to do when it does?
2. Do not use the tongue to mix BAD and GOOD
• Vs. 9-12 – How can we use our tongues for such good and such evil at the same time?
• Our tongue shows us what’s really inside. If you have Christ inside, Christ like things will come out.
• This is one reason swearing is not healthy or good.
3. Do not use the tongue to do GOOD
• 2:15,16 - Use your tongue to say good things but not to do good things. We must be people of action, not just words.
Action steps:
• Identify what needs to change in your language.
• Identify where it comes from.
• Ask God to take it away and help you to not be ruled by your tongue.
Boating and flying illustration. Let God be the one steering you, not yourself.
He will steer you right to eternal life.
We will always steer ourselves to destruction.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
May 2-3: Lost People Need to Hear God's story
2 Corinthians 5:20 - We are Christ's Ambassadors, or official messengers.
So...what's the message? And how do we share it?
Are the following true, false, or absolutely false?
As the phrase is used in the Bible, a lost person is someone who goes on a hike in the mountains and gets lost for ten days without food or water…absolutely false. "Lost" means they are separated from God.
God doesn't start loving people until they become Christians…absolutely false. If God didn't love sinners, there'd be no way for anyone to be saved.
The best thing to do to Lost People is avoid them, because their beliefs might rub off on you…absolutely false. We are Christ's Ambassadors - God wants us to interact and share the message.
When talking to a lost person, the best thing to do is start arguing with them. Give them the top five reasons you're right and they're wrong, and wait for them to hit back…Absolutely False. They will stop listening if you do that. Be gentle, but be firm.
Most of the lost people in the world can be found in Texas and Hollywood...absolutely false. 97% of the world that is not Christian lives in the 10/40 window, between 10 degrees north latitude and 40 degrees north.
God will almost always appear in a dream to people who don't believe in him...false. While it's true Jesus does appear in dreams to some people, most people need to hear the gospel from someone else.
The Bridge Illustration - a way of sharing what we believe
Start by asking what someone believes. If you listen politely, chances are they'll listen when it's your turn.
Show them a person, separated from God by a canyon.
Explain that the Bible says because of sin, we cannot be with God. In fact, sin leads to death.
We need a way across. That way is Jesus.
When Jesus died, his cross made a way for us to avoid death and be with God.
Sending Jesus was God's choice; our choice is whether or not to accept God's gift and trust the cross for our salvation.
Q: What are some reasons we don't share this with people?
A: KNOWLEDGE LEVEL (I can't explain it clearly)
COMFORT LEVEL (I am not comfortable bringing it up with this person)
FEAR LEVEL (I'm afraid of what they might say to me)
So...what's the message? And how do we share it?
Are the following true, false, or absolutely false?
As the phrase is used in the Bible, a lost person is someone who goes on a hike in the mountains and gets lost for ten days without food or water…absolutely false. "Lost" means they are separated from God.
God doesn't start loving people until they become Christians…absolutely false. If God didn't love sinners, there'd be no way for anyone to be saved.
The best thing to do to Lost People is avoid them, because their beliefs might rub off on you…absolutely false. We are Christ's Ambassadors - God wants us to interact and share the message.
When talking to a lost person, the best thing to do is start arguing with them. Give them the top five reasons you're right and they're wrong, and wait for them to hit back…Absolutely False. They will stop listening if you do that. Be gentle, but be firm.
Most of the lost people in the world can be found in Texas and Hollywood...absolutely false. 97% of the world that is not Christian lives in the 10/40 window, between 10 degrees north latitude and 40 degrees north.
God will almost always appear in a dream to people who don't believe in him...false. While it's true Jesus does appear in dreams to some people, most people need to hear the gospel from someone else.
The Bridge Illustration - a way of sharing what we believe
Start by asking what someone believes. If you listen politely, chances are they'll listen when it's your turn.
Show them a person, separated from God by a canyon.
Explain that the Bible says because of sin, we cannot be with God. In fact, sin leads to death.
We need a way across. That way is Jesus.
When Jesus died, his cross made a way for us to avoid death and be with God.
Sending Jesus was God's choice; our choice is whether or not to accept God's gift and trust the cross for our salvation.
Q: What are some reasons we don't share this with people?
A: KNOWLEDGE LEVEL (I can't explain it clearly)
COMFORT LEVEL (I am not comfortable bringing it up with this person)
FEAR LEVEL (I'm afraid of what they might say to me)
Sunday, April 26, 2009
April 25-26: Lost people can be reached through friendships
We know God cares about lost people - 2 Peter 3:9 says "God is patient...not wanting anyone to perish".
God is like a father, looking for lost kids. He wants people to come back to him.
What's your job? 2 Corinthians 5:20 says "We are Christ's ambassadors".
Ambassador = "someone chosen for an official, special mission"
An ambassador does his or her job when they deliver the message faithfully, and represent the ruler (usually a king) well. Do you do that?
The 10/40 Window: In the world, approximately half of the people are Christians. Half are not. Of the half that is not, about 97% live in an area of the world between 10 degrees north and 40 degrees north latitude, stretching through Southern Europe and Northern Africa, the Middle East, China and India. (Google "10/40 window" and you'll see a map).
Q: If most of the people in the world who don't know Jesus live in the 10/40 Window, what can I, in Carlsbad, CA, do?
A: Plenty! Even though most live "over there", there are people who don't know Jesus right here in our own country...community...and school.
You can reach out to lost people through friendships.
Luke 19 - Jesus befriended Zacchaeus. "I must stay at your house today." Zacchaeus was a despised man. But God's heart changed him. God doesn't want us to shun or avoid people who don't know him, but to share with them.
God is like a father, looking for lost kids. He wants people to come back to him.
What's your job? 2 Corinthians 5:20 says "We are Christ's ambassadors".
Ambassador = "someone chosen for an official, special mission"
An ambassador does his or her job when they deliver the message faithfully, and represent the ruler (usually a king) well. Do you do that?
The 10/40 Window: In the world, approximately half of the people are Christians. Half are not. Of the half that is not, about 97% live in an area of the world between 10 degrees north and 40 degrees north latitude, stretching through Southern Europe and Northern Africa, the Middle East, China and India. (Google "10/40 window" and you'll see a map).
Q: If most of the people in the world who don't know Jesus live in the 10/40 Window, what can I, in Carlsbad, CA, do?
A: Plenty! Even though most live "over there", there are people who don't know Jesus right here in our own country...community...and school.
You can reach out to lost people through friendships.
Luke 19 - Jesus befriended Zacchaeus. "I must stay at your house today." Zacchaeus was a despised man. But God's heart changed him. God doesn't want us to shun or avoid people who don't know him, but to share with them.
Friday, April 17, 2009
April 18-19: Lost People Matter to God
What is it like to be LOST?
Is it more dangerous for someone to be lost and know they're lost, or lost and not know they're lost? Why? Actually can be more dangerous to be lost and not know it; you can be away from safety but think you're just fine.
When we're lost, often the people looking for us are more concerned than we are. We know where we are! And we don't have any idea of the danger we're in.
Today we start series on "The Lost World"
a. "lost" means they don't have a relationship with God; Jesus is not in their life
b. Not a word the church made up; "lost" is the word Jesus used
c. Lost people don't always know they're lost
If we believe that God is necessary to a person's survival...then we have a job to do! Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life...no one comes to the Father but through me."
God uses people to get his message out...because he cares very deeply about people who are lost - whether they know it or not.
Luke 15 - the Parable of the Lost Son - the Father rejoiced when the son came back.
Is it more dangerous for someone to be lost and know they're lost, or lost and not know they're lost? Why? Actually can be more dangerous to be lost and not know it; you can be away from safety but think you're just fine.
When we're lost, often the people looking for us are more concerned than we are. We know where we are! And we don't have any idea of the danger we're in.
Today we start series on "The Lost World"
a. "lost" means they don't have a relationship with God; Jesus is not in their life
b. Not a word the church made up; "lost" is the word Jesus used
c. Lost people don't always know they're lost
If we believe that God is necessary to a person's survival...then we have a job to do! Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life...no one comes to the Father but through me."
God uses people to get his message out...because he cares very deeply about people who are lost - whether they know it or not.
Luke 15 - the Parable of the Lost Son - the Father rejoiced when the son came back.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
April 11-12: The Meaning of the Resurrection of Jesus
John 20 - on the morning of the third day, the women went to the tomb to anoint Jesus' body and...it was missing! Some disciples thought it had been stolen, while others believed he'd risen from the dead.
But...if Jesus' body had still been in the tomb -
What would this have done to his disciples?
What would it have done to Christianity?
When someone makes a promise, you know they've delivered when they actually act on it.
My 9th grade English teacher forgave some work I didn't do. Without those points, I would have gotten a "C" for the quarter. Instead, by changing my score, I got an "A".
Q: When did I escape the penalty? When she adjusted my grade - kept her promise.
The resurrection matters because without it, we'd still be in our sins. God promised - and then he delivered
1 Corinthians 15:12-19 - some people believed that there was no resurrection. If they died before Jesus came back, there was no hope. Paul says - it's not that way. If we only think Jesus can benefit us while alive, because we don't believe we'll be raised to life, we have no faith at all!
Jesus brought benefits to people during his life -he befriended them, he healed their diseases, he raised the dead
He brings benefits to us while we're alive - he comforts us, he leads us, he teaches us
He will bring benefits to us after we die - we'll be raised back to life, just as he was
Sin caused death/God undid the power of sin by raising Jesus from the grave, the "firstfruits" (1 Cor. 15:20) of those who had died, and others will follow the same pattern.
This is what's called good news!
Three things we know because God raised Jesus from the dead:
1. Good and evil are not equally matched. Even death couldn't hold Jesus!
2. God has the power to raise the dead.
3. We have the hope of eternal life - that what God did in Jesus will be repeated in us!
But...if Jesus' body had still been in the tomb -
What would this have done to his disciples?
What would it have done to Christianity?
When someone makes a promise, you know they've delivered when they actually act on it.
My 9th grade English teacher forgave some work I didn't do. Without those points, I would have gotten a "C" for the quarter. Instead, by changing my score, I got an "A".
Q: When did I escape the penalty? When she adjusted my grade - kept her promise.
The resurrection matters because without it, we'd still be in our sins. God promised - and then he delivered
1 Corinthians 15:12-19 - some people believed that there was no resurrection. If they died before Jesus came back, there was no hope. Paul says - it's not that way. If we only think Jesus can benefit us while alive, because we don't believe we'll be raised to life, we have no faith at all!
Jesus brought benefits to people during his life -he befriended them, he healed their diseases, he raised the dead
He brings benefits to us while we're alive - he comforts us, he leads us, he teaches us
He will bring benefits to us after we die - we'll be raised back to life, just as he was
Sin caused death/God undid the power of sin by raising Jesus from the grave, the "firstfruits" (1 Cor. 15:20) of those who had died, and others will follow the same pattern.
This is what's called good news!
Three things we know because God raised Jesus from the dead:
1. Good and evil are not equally matched. Even death couldn't hold Jesus!
2. God has the power to raise the dead.
3. We have the hope of eternal life - that what God did in Jesus will be repeated in us!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
March 28-29: Forgiveness and the Story of Corrie ten Boom
Everyone has been mistreated. Most of us have held a grudge. Some of us have forgiven, but didn't really want to.
Forgiveness: story of Corrie ten Boom
Lived with her family in the Netherlands
Watchmaker
In 1942, family agreed to hide Jews in their home from the Nazis
Discovered in 1944 and sent to concentration camps
Father and sister, whom she was imprisoned with, died in captivity
Corrie released on Christmas Day, 1944. A week later, women prisoners her age in her camp were killed.
Story:
“No Fishing Allowed” from "Hero Tales: Volume II" by Dave & Neta Jackson.
When the former Nazi guard approached Corrie -
+ What should she do?
+ What did she do?
Corrie ten Boom offered her forgiveness to the man, even though it was very hard.
Read Parable of the Unmerciful Servant -- Matthew 18:21-35
+ Explain this story
+ Do you think God expects us to forgive if we’ve been forgiven?
+ Do you think we are obligated to forgive if we’ve been forgiven?
+ What did the first servant do to deserve having his debt cancelled? (Nothing; God’s forgiveness is a free gift, and it is unconditional & total)
- Why is it hard to forgive others? Sometimes we think, “If I forgive him/her, they’ll think they can do it again”. Or, “If I tell them I forgive them, they’ll think they were right”?
It's not the same thing to say "It's ok to mistreat me" and "I forgive you"!
So, we need to be careful with our words -
When asking for forgiveness: always apologize - say, "I know what I did was wrong".
When offering forgiveness: say, "I didn't like what you did/you hurt me, but I accept your apology, and I forgive you." If we say "it's no big deal" or "don't worry about it" we can send the message we don't want to - that it's ok to be mistreated.
+ If we don't forgive, it hurts me worse than the person who wronged me.
Ex: being wronged is like a bruise. It heals in time. But the memory is like a brick I have to hold. Bricks need to be unloaded. Otherwise we stay weighed down.
Forgiveness: story of Corrie ten Boom
Lived with her family in the Netherlands
Watchmaker
In 1942, family agreed to hide Jews in their home from the Nazis
Discovered in 1944 and sent to concentration camps
Father and sister, whom she was imprisoned with, died in captivity
Corrie released on Christmas Day, 1944. A week later, women prisoners her age in her camp were killed.
Story:
“No Fishing Allowed” from "Hero Tales: Volume II" by Dave & Neta Jackson.
When the former Nazi guard approached Corrie -
+ What should she do?
+ What did she do?
Corrie ten Boom offered her forgiveness to the man, even though it was very hard.
Read Parable of the Unmerciful Servant -- Matthew 18:21-35
+ Explain this story
+ Do you think God expects us to forgive if we’ve been forgiven?
+ Do you think we are obligated to forgive if we’ve been forgiven?
+ What did the first servant do to deserve having his debt cancelled? (Nothing; God’s forgiveness is a free gift, and it is unconditional & total)
- Why is it hard to forgive others? Sometimes we think, “If I forgive him/her, they’ll think they can do it again”. Or, “If I tell them I forgive them, they’ll think they were right”?
It's not the same thing to say "It's ok to mistreat me" and "I forgive you"!
So, we need to be careful with our words -
When asking for forgiveness: always apologize - say, "I know what I did was wrong".
When offering forgiveness: say, "I didn't like what you did/you hurt me, but I accept your apology, and I forgive you." If we say "it's no big deal" or "don't worry about it" we can send the message we don't want to - that it's ok to be mistreated.
+ If we don't forgive, it hurts me worse than the person who wronged me.
Ex: being wronged is like a bruise. It heals in time. But the memory is like a brick I have to hold. Bricks need to be unloaded. Otherwise we stay weighed down.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
March 14-15: Join the Revolution: What happens when we band together for God's sake
"Revolution" means "great change". What would happen if a great many people all began to live with God inside of them, living his way?
Can one person really change things? If they influence others -
Ex: dominoes - one knocks over the other, which knocks over the next, which knocks over the next
If we were to build a revolution for God:
1. A Revolution only works when we know God's plan for us - what does he want each of us to do
Ex: Otherwise, if we don't know, it's like playing a game where the rules aren't explained
Most kids - and adults - if asked, would not know or would get it wrong!
2. A Revolution only works when we are with others who are working for the same goal
So...I need to know who's with me. I need to spend time around people who are also living for God.
Ex: Humming Game - you have to closely listen to what people say and watch what they do to know if they're on your team
3. A Revolution only works when everyone agrees they'll do the same thing
If I'm surrounded by people who are going to influence me away from God and who will discourage me, I won't get very far.
1 Peter has guidance on what we should do. 1 Peter was written to Christians under persecution - opposition to what they believed and their way of life. 1 Peter 2:11-12 - "I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us." Peter is saying that even if people around you don't support what you're doing, if you do no wrong, what they're saying can't stick - it will actually reflect well on God.
This Revolution - that people would acknowledge him and start to care - is what God wants. Christians can do it, but as at the time Peter wrote, they have to stick together.
Can one person really change things? If they influence others -
Ex: dominoes - one knocks over the other, which knocks over the next, which knocks over the next
If we were to build a revolution for God:
1. A Revolution only works when we know God's plan for us - what does he want each of us to do
Ex: Otherwise, if we don't know, it's like playing a game where the rules aren't explained
Most kids - and adults - if asked, would not know or would get it wrong!
2. A Revolution only works when we are with others who are working for the same goal
So...I need to know who's with me. I need to spend time around people who are also living for God.
Ex: Humming Game - you have to closely listen to what people say and watch what they do to know if they're on your team
3. A Revolution only works when everyone agrees they'll do the same thing
If I'm surrounded by people who are going to influence me away from God and who will discourage me, I won't get very far.
1 Peter has guidance on what we should do. 1 Peter was written to Christians under persecution - opposition to what they believed and their way of life. 1 Peter 2:11-12 - "I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us." Peter is saying that even if people around you don't support what you're doing, if you do no wrong, what they're saying can't stick - it will actually reflect well on God.
This Revolution - that people would acknowledge him and start to care - is what God wants. Christians can do it, but as at the time Peter wrote, they have to stick together.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
March 7-8: The Spirit helps us live the life God wants
Q: If I let God come into my castle (my life)…and then I let him into a room…will I change?
A: I still need to obey what is said.
Q: What is the difference, then, between one castle (one life) that has God inside, and another that doesn't? Does the difference depend all on me?
A: No! When God comes in, he brings forgiveness…not by anything we've done, but as his gift. He also brings his Holy Spirit.
**A huge difference between Christianity and other religions:
* Others will give you rules to live by, and then it's up to you to do it.
* Christianity - starts with God doing something for us - the forgiveness of our sins.
We celebrate that!
Then God gives you his way to live
BUT - he also gives you his help to do it
Ex: Difference between your teacher assigning math homework, or assigning it and then sitting down and guiding you, individually, through each problem
Ex: My mom and her new Mac. New programs, systems are great…as long as she's shown how to use them.
Ex: Changing the oil in a car: it must be done. Would you rather: be told you have to do it (you don't know how, so you'll probably do it wrong), pay for someone else to do it ($30), or have someone teach you how to do it (least cost, best option)
God doesn't just give us "The Rules"; he also gives us his help to live the way he wants us to
Think of something you know God wants you to do, but you don't want to or it's hard…the Spirit is there for us.
What the Bible says about the Holy Spirit (partial list):
John 16:7-8 - the Spirit will tell the world when it's done wrong
John 14:26 - the Spirit will teach us things and remind us about who Jesus was
Romans 8:26 - the Spirit helps us pray, especially when we don't know what to pray for
1 Corinthians 12:7-11 - the Spirit gives gifts
A motto: On my own, I can't; but with God's help, I can
How would we live differently if we followed that?
Like being towed behind a boat with a rope, or up a hill on skis - you have to hang on, keep your skis straight, but also let the power (the rope) do its work
In Matthew 14, Peter was able to walk on the water, until he doubted - then he sank.
A: I still need to obey what is said.
Q: What is the difference, then, between one castle (one life) that has God inside, and another that doesn't? Does the difference depend all on me?
A: No! When God comes in, he brings forgiveness…not by anything we've done, but as his gift. He also brings his Holy Spirit.
**A huge difference between Christianity and other religions:
* Others will give you rules to live by, and then it's up to you to do it.
* Christianity - starts with God doing something for us - the forgiveness of our sins.
We celebrate that!
Then God gives you his way to live
BUT - he also gives you his help to do it
Ex: Difference between your teacher assigning math homework, or assigning it and then sitting down and guiding you, individually, through each problem
Ex: My mom and her new Mac. New programs, systems are great…as long as she's shown how to use them.
Ex: Changing the oil in a car: it must be done. Would you rather: be told you have to do it (you don't know how, so you'll probably do it wrong), pay for someone else to do it ($30), or have someone teach you how to do it (least cost, best option)
God doesn't just give us "The Rules"; he also gives us his help to live the way he wants us to
Think of something you know God wants you to do, but you don't want to or it's hard…the Spirit is there for us.
What the Bible says about the Holy Spirit (partial list):
John 16:7-8 - the Spirit will tell the world when it's done wrong
John 14:26 - the Spirit will teach us things and remind us about who Jesus was
Romans 8:26 - the Spirit helps us pray, especially when we don't know what to pray for
1 Corinthians 12:7-11 - the Spirit gives gifts
A motto: On my own, I can't; but with God's help, I can
How would we live differently if we followed that?
Like being towed behind a boat with a rope, or up a hill on skis - you have to hang on, keep your skis straight, but also let the power (the rope) do its work
In Matthew 14, Peter was able to walk on the water, until he doubted - then he sank.
Friday, February 27, 2009
February 28-March 1: Take Up Your Cross and Follow
Q: If you could spend a week with somebody, what are all the ways you could know if they were a follower of Jesus?
Our answers would mostly involve their deeds and religious practices. But, none of those things makes you a Christian.
To follow Jesus, there is something on the inside that happens.
Review:
A. Your life is like a castle - many rooms
B. Some people invite God into the castle, but keep him in a separate room
C. God wants to come into all the rooms of the castle – not just to be a part, but to be a part of all of the parts.
D. Once God comes in, he brings light…
E. He looks around…
F. And then he speaks truth through the Bible
G. After he speaks the truth - we have to listen & obey (the difference between listening and hearing)
Ex: God speaks into relationships, maybe with a brother or sister: As much as it depends on you, live at peace with other people (Rom. 12:18). If I obeyed that...not as many fights would start, I’d probably just walk away when my siblings tried to start things.
So what's the inside change that has to happen?
Luke 9:22-24 - none of Jesus' disciples believed he was going to be put to death. And they believed following him would not be difficult. Jesus corrects that - if anyone is to come after him, they must deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow.
"Take up your cross": When a criminal had been condemned, the "beginning of the end" so to speak was the walk to the execution, and criminals carried their own crosses. So when you took up your cross, it meant you were on the road to death - this was a certainty.
For us to "take up our cross" means we say goodbye to our old life. It does not mean we are putting our lives in danger, necessarily.
Even though our lives are full of sin, it takes faith to leave an old way of life behind...you don't know what that new life will hold.
Ex: people not willing to move out of unsafe neighborhoods, bad housing, etc.
Story: Festo Kivengere, the African Billy Graham. You can read the story of this man who came to Christ in Uganda and the repentance he saw all around him in his village here.
You can read about Festo Kivengere and other Christian heroes in the "Hero Tales" series.
Our answers would mostly involve their deeds and religious practices. But, none of those things makes you a Christian.
To follow Jesus, there is something on the inside that happens.
Review:
A. Your life is like a castle - many rooms
B. Some people invite God into the castle, but keep him in a separate room
C. God wants to come into all the rooms of the castle – not just to be a part, but to be a part of all of the parts.
D. Once God comes in, he brings light…
E. He looks around…
F. And then he speaks truth through the Bible
G. After he speaks the truth - we have to listen & obey (the difference between listening and hearing)
Ex: God speaks into relationships, maybe with a brother or sister: As much as it depends on you, live at peace with other people (Rom. 12:18). If I obeyed that...not as many fights would start, I’d probably just walk away when my siblings tried to start things.
So what's the inside change that has to happen?
Luke 9:22-24 - none of Jesus' disciples believed he was going to be put to death. And they believed following him would not be difficult. Jesus corrects that - if anyone is to come after him, they must deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow.
"Take up your cross": When a criminal had been condemned, the "beginning of the end" so to speak was the walk to the execution, and criminals carried their own crosses. So when you took up your cross, it meant you were on the road to death - this was a certainty.
For us to "take up our cross" means we say goodbye to our old life. It does not mean we are putting our lives in danger, necessarily.
Even though our lives are full of sin, it takes faith to leave an old way of life behind...you don't know what that new life will hold.
Ex: people not willing to move out of unsafe neighborhoods, bad housing, etc.
Story: Festo Kivengere, the African Billy Graham. You can read the story of this man who came to Christ in Uganda and the repentance he saw all around him in his village here.
You can read about Festo Kivengere and other Christian heroes in the "Hero Tales" series.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
February 21-22: God speaks to us through the Bible
Last week: Your life is like a castle - many rooms. Some people let God into the castle, but keep him in a separate room. God doesn't want to be a part of your life; he wants to be a part of all of the parts.
1. What does God do once he comes into a room? He shines his light. And God is able to see things we can't easily see.
Ex: Hidden pictures game. Once you see the answers (where the hidden objects are shaded differently), it's easy. Prior to that, we miss things that are hidden. God, when he searches our hearts, is able to see things that we can't.
Psalm 139:23-24: Search me, O God, and know my heart. Test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
It's a different thing to ask God to search your heart and for you to search your own heart - you might miss what God can easily see!
2. God brings truth. How? He speaks through the Holy Spirit through the words of the Bible.
Scripture is useful for teaching, for rebuking (telling us when we've done wrong), correcting us, and training us in doing right.
Hebrews 4:12 - The word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating to divide joints and marrow, soul and spirit - it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
3. God's goal in bringing truth into your "rooms" is to REDEEM everything. When we were created, God called it "very good". But sin produced something broken - God wants to put that back together, to restore things, to make you like Jesus.
My own castle at 11 years old: many rooms, not many that had God as a part of them. The Bible has a message about redemption for each room. BUT >>> I have to listen - it's not enough to just hear it.
How to meditate on scripture: "Meditation" in Christianity means something different than in other religions, where the goal is to think about nothing. To meditate is to take words or an idea and concentrate on that, to learn and understand deeply how it is true. Choose a short passage and spend time with it - what is God saying here? What is he saying to me?
1. What does God do once he comes into a room? He shines his light. And God is able to see things we can't easily see.
Ex: Hidden pictures game. Once you see the answers (where the hidden objects are shaded differently), it's easy. Prior to that, we miss things that are hidden. God, when he searches our hearts, is able to see things that we can't.
Psalm 139:23-24: Search me, O God, and know my heart. Test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
It's a different thing to ask God to search your heart and for you to search your own heart - you might miss what God can easily see!
2. God brings truth. How? He speaks through the Holy Spirit through the words of the Bible.
Scripture is useful for teaching, for rebuking (telling us when we've done wrong), correcting us, and training us in doing right.
Hebrews 4:12 - The word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating to divide joints and marrow, soul and spirit - it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
3. God's goal in bringing truth into your "rooms" is to REDEEM everything. When we were created, God called it "very good". But sin produced something broken - God wants to put that back together, to restore things, to make you like Jesus.
My own castle at 11 years old: many rooms, not many that had God as a part of them. The Bible has a message about redemption for each room. BUT >>> I have to listen - it's not enough to just hear it.
How to meditate on scripture: "Meditation" in Christianity means something different than in other religions, where the goal is to think about nothing. To meditate is to take words or an idea and concentrate on that, to learn and understand deeply how it is true. Choose a short passage and spend time with it - what is God saying here? What is he saying to me?
Sunday, February 15, 2009
February 14-15: God, a part of all the parts
1 John 1:5-7 - If we claim to have fellowship with God, yet walk in darkness, we are not living the truth! In a contest between light and dark, light always wins.
Therefore, to have God in our lives means we have him in all the parts. He is not just a part, he is part of all of the parts.
Kids were read a parable about a prince who brought a beggar home to live in his father's castle. As the prince grew up and became king himself, he limited the beggar to his own room and to the courtyard. The beggar became a great friend and help to the king's court, but the king himself had little to do with him. Near the end of the king's life, he revisits the beggar and discovers that, strangely, the beggar has not aged since the day he met him as a boy. The beggar expresses his wish that he could have been fully part of the king's life for all these years.
In this parable, the castle represents our lives. We might let the drawbridge down and bring God in, but sometimes we keep him confined to certain "rooms" or limited parts of our lives. God is able and willing to fill the rest of our lives, but we have to allow him to be part of our family life, our thoughts, our attitudes, our friendships, our hobbies, etc. in order to realize his full blessing.
Therefore, to have God in our lives means we have him in all the parts. He is not just a part, he is part of all of the parts.
Kids were read a parable about a prince who brought a beggar home to live in his father's castle. As the prince grew up and became king himself, he limited the beggar to his own room and to the courtyard. The beggar became a great friend and help to the king's court, but the king himself had little to do with him. Near the end of the king's life, he revisits the beggar and discovers that, strangely, the beggar has not aged since the day he met him as a boy. The beggar expresses his wish that he could have been fully part of the king's life for all these years.
In this parable, the castle represents our lives. We might let the drawbridge down and bring God in, but sometimes we keep him confined to certain "rooms" or limited parts of our lives. God is able and willing to fill the rest of our lives, but we have to allow him to be part of our family life, our thoughts, our attitudes, our friendships, our hobbies, etc. in order to realize his full blessing.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
February 7-8: The Light of the World
Light is useful for many things: safety, helping people see what's real and what's false, helping things grow, guiding, warming, etc.
In a contest between darkness and light, light always wins! As soon as the smallest light is turned on, the darkness is gone. The difference is how much light is present - some rooms/places are lighter than others and you get more of the benefits of light because of that.
John 8:12 - Jesus says whoever follows him will never live in darkness. By this he means surrounded by evil, untruth, or injustice - whether the person themselves is responsible for it (by committing acts of sin), or the victim of it.
John 3:19-21 - Darkness and sin are related: men loved darkness more than light because their deeds were evil. We're more likely to do wrong, and get away with it, when what we're doing can't be seen..
If a person has "the light of the world" in them, does that mean they will sin less? In a way - light exposes evil, makes you more aware of your sin. But it doesn't guarantee you'll act on that knowledge, and it might not happen right away. Old, bad habits might not seem wrong if you've grown accustomed to them; even after you know they're wrong, it can take a long time for you to stop.
Matthew 5:14-16 - You have the light, so shine the light, don't hide it.
So if light will chase away darkness, why is that so hard?
Sometimes we don't want others to know we have the light, sometimes we're not confident in the power of the light. Other Christians need to be together to maximize the impact.
Example: if trying to turn on 12 flashlights, only one at a time, in silence, it's not likely to be successful - unless - you coordinate efforts. In the same way, Christians need to know other Christians and combine their lights to fill the world with light.
In a contest between darkness and light, light always wins! As soon as the smallest light is turned on, the darkness is gone. The difference is how much light is present - some rooms/places are lighter than others and you get more of the benefits of light because of that.
John 8:12 - Jesus says whoever follows him will never live in darkness. By this he means surrounded by evil, untruth, or injustice - whether the person themselves is responsible for it (by committing acts of sin), or the victim of it.
John 3:19-21 - Darkness and sin are related: men loved darkness more than light because their deeds were evil. We're more likely to do wrong, and get away with it, when what we're doing can't be seen..
If a person has "the light of the world" in them, does that mean they will sin less? In a way - light exposes evil, makes you more aware of your sin. But it doesn't guarantee you'll act on that knowledge, and it might not happen right away. Old, bad habits might not seem wrong if you've grown accustomed to them; even after you know they're wrong, it can take a long time for you to stop.
Matthew 5:14-16 - You have the light, so shine the light, don't hide it.
So if light will chase away darkness, why is that so hard?
Sometimes we don't want others to know we have the light, sometimes we're not confident in the power of the light. Other Christians need to be together to maximize the impact.
Example: if trying to turn on 12 flashlights, only one at a time, in silence, it's not likely to be successful - unless - you coordinate efforts. In the same way, Christians need to know other Christians and combine their lights to fill the world with light.
Friday, January 9, 2009
January 10-11: The Most Important Decision You'll Make This Year
We make lots of little decisions - the video showed kids choosing between sports activities, snacks, which subject to study first...but the most important decision you'll make is "Am I going to stand up for what is JUST?"
Justice = other words are "fairness", "being treated right"
The story of Micah: Lived in the Southern Kingdom (Judah), a time when people said they worshiped God (they kept up the sacrifices) but they treated the poor unfairly. Micah brought two complaints against the people:
1. The land of the poor was being seized and those people had nowhere to go
2. The prophets who should have warned against this were not true prophets - sometimes they said what they were paid to say
As a prophet, Micah brought a message from the Lord. To Israel - who asked "how religious are we supposed to be so that God isn't mad at us?" he answered - "God's already shown you what is good and he's been good to you! Just act justly, love mercy with your hearts, and walk humbly with him."
Micah 6:8 - "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." (NIV)
What does it mean? Sometimes we can get an idea by looking at other Bible translations:
Other translations: "No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." (NLT)
"The Lord has shown you what is good. He has told you what he requires of you. You must treat people fairly. You must love others faithfully. And you must be very careful to live the way your God wants you to." (NIrV)
In the world - in our country - in our towns - in your neighborhoods and schools - there is injustice. That's where you come in.
The decisions we make:
+ We can decide to do right
+ We can decide to do wrong
+ We can decide not to do wrong
+ We can decide not to do right
James 4:17 says if you know the good you ought to do and don't do it, it's sin.
Morgan's Story: Morgan McKeown of our church, preparing for another overseas missions project, this one to make a documentary about people who are slaves in Thailand. Hopefully later this year she will be over there.
What is a kid supposed to do? Use the "season" of your life to decide how you feel about injustice, just as Morgan is using this "season" to prepare to go overseas.
Important ?s for a 10-12 year old:
* Whose side am I on? Am I on the side of justice?
* What's important to me?
* How do I feel when I see people mistreated?
One way injustice/unfair treatment shows up among kids is teasing and bullying. Many of us have been teased. Some have done the teasing. But EVERYONE has known someone who's been in it. So everyone is part of the solution (or the problem).
If you're a teaser - know that this is not pleasing to God. You can do all the religious stuff you want, but God knows your heart by the way you live. Teasing is not justice. Especially if you're teasing someone you don't know. Friendly teasing among friends can be ok, but watch it - sometimes we go too far and are hurting feelings at the "friend"'s expense.
If you're the one being teased - know that God is on your side. He is for justice...but not revenge. The way we get justice is to appeal to the adults who are in authority.
If you're a witness to teasing - be a help to both sides. Discourage the teaser; encourage the one being teased. And use the adults who are in authority. Don't stay silent.
What if you decided in 2009 that you were going to stand up for justice?
What if we ALL decided in 2009 that we were going to stand up for justice?
Justice = other words are "fairness", "being treated right"
The story of Micah: Lived in the Southern Kingdom (Judah), a time when people said they worshiped God (they kept up the sacrifices) but they treated the poor unfairly. Micah brought two complaints against the people:
1. The land of the poor was being seized and those people had nowhere to go
2. The prophets who should have warned against this were not true prophets - sometimes they said what they were paid to say
As a prophet, Micah brought a message from the Lord. To Israel - who asked "how religious are we supposed to be so that God isn't mad at us?" he answered - "God's already shown you what is good and he's been good to you! Just act justly, love mercy with your hearts, and walk humbly with him."
Micah 6:8 - "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." (NIV)
What does it mean? Sometimes we can get an idea by looking at other Bible translations:
Other translations: "No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." (NLT)
"The Lord has shown you what is good. He has told you what he requires of you. You must treat people fairly. You must love others faithfully. And you must be very careful to live the way your God wants you to." (NIrV)
In the world - in our country - in our towns - in your neighborhoods and schools - there is injustice. That's where you come in.
The decisions we make:
+ We can decide to do right
+ We can decide to do wrong
+ We can decide not to do wrong
+ We can decide not to do right
James 4:17 says if you know the good you ought to do and don't do it, it's sin.
Morgan's Story: Morgan McKeown of our church, preparing for another overseas missions project, this one to make a documentary about people who are slaves in Thailand. Hopefully later this year she will be over there.
What is a kid supposed to do? Use the "season" of your life to decide how you feel about injustice, just as Morgan is using this "season" to prepare to go overseas.
Important ?s for a 10-12 year old:
* Whose side am I on? Am I on the side of justice?
* What's important to me?
* How do I feel when I see people mistreated?
One way injustice/unfair treatment shows up among kids is teasing and bullying. Many of us have been teased. Some have done the teasing. But EVERYONE has known someone who's been in it. So everyone is part of the solution (or the problem).
If you're a teaser - know that this is not pleasing to God. You can do all the religious stuff you want, but God knows your heart by the way you live. Teasing is not justice. Especially if you're teasing someone you don't know. Friendly teasing among friends can be ok, but watch it - sometimes we go too far and are hurting feelings at the "friend"'s expense.
If you're the one being teased - know that God is on your side. He is for justice...but not revenge. The way we get justice is to appeal to the adults who are in authority.
If you're a witness to teasing - be a help to both sides. Discourage the teaser; encourage the one being teased. And use the adults who are in authority. Don't stay silent.
What if you decided in 2009 that you were going to stand up for justice?
What if we ALL decided in 2009 that we were going to stand up for justice?
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