October 27 Review: The BIBLE

On October 27, Maude Dawson was with us to teach about the Bible, God's Word.
Read each scripture passage slowly and ask yourself, "What does this verse tell me about God's Word?"

2 Timothy 3:16 (The Message)
¹⁶Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another--showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way.

Colossians 3:16 (NLT)
Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use his words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.

Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Psalm 119:103 (NIV)
How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

Psalm 119:105 (NIV)
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

Psalm 119:11 (NIV)
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

How is God inviting you to spend more time reading your Bible? Read through the scriptures again and make a list of all the benefits you will receive as you continue to learn God's Word.

You are invited to leave thoughts in a comment below.

October 20 Review: Who is the Holy Spirit?

 

 

Linda Withers led our lesson on the Holy Spirit. I can't give that Sunday morning experience here, but I can share God's word and a few thoughts about the Holy Spirit.

 

Read what Jesus says about the Holy Spirit in the Gospel of John:

 

"But the Helper, [1] the Holy Spirit, whom [2] the Father will send in My name, He [3] will teach you all things, and bring [4] to your remembrance all that I said to you. John 14:26, NAS

 

The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. John 14:26, The Message

 

The Holy Spirit is God's presence in our world and in our hearts.

 

Here is an image that shows God in "three persons": Father, Son and Spirit.

 

The Holy Spirit's work is expansive and personal. That means God's spirit works for God all around the world, but also very personally in our hearts and lives.

Read what Paul wrote about the Holy Spirit in the letter to the church in Rome:
²⁶And the Holy Spirit helps us in our distress. For we don't even know what we should pray for, nor how we should pray. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. ²⁷And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will. Romans 8:27-27, NLT

Something to do at home:
Pray in your own words and ask God to send his Holy Spirit as your helper to teach you and help you remember the words and character of Jesus.

You are invited to leave your thoughts in a comment.

October 13 Review: Balancing Sports with Faith

Mark Houser was our leader as we explored the connection between our faith and our sports and other extra curricular activities. 

 

Do you ever feel this way?

• My friends are playing all the sports all the time. How can I miss out?
• If I don't play sports all the time I'll be behind and may not be good enough to make the next team. How can I afford to miss?
• But I love sports and want to be out playing all the time. Besides, I think I'm really good. How do I get better if I'm not playing all of the time?
• Church just isn't as fun as going and playing sports.
• Sometimes I feel guilty missing church. I hate feeling guilty!
• My parents tell me that Church is important, but so is my commitment to my team. What do I do? 

Here is the Good News from Matthew 6:33

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

 

More Good News from John 14:26

All of this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 

 

Need Inspiration?

Look to professional athletes, dancers, musicians, actors, who are practicing Christians and speak out about their faith. They are role models who excel in their talents and excel in using their talent to shine for God. How can YOU shine for God?

 

Parting Thoughts from Mark

• God knows your talents and has a plan for you. Your gifts will be developed. You don't need to "juggle" too many things.
• God is joyful when you honor him with what you do and wants you to be out there in life shining for him, including on the sports field or stage. Always give it your all!
• Some of the same things you learn through teamwork will help you be a better Christian.
• All of the things you learn as you study God's word will help you be a better person and teammate.
• You need teammates and practice in Christ!
• Keep God at the center of everything. Take time to study his word. Make time to spend with other people who want to learn more about God.
• Keep active in Church, Sunday School, Youth Group, Life Group!

You are invited to share your thoughts by leaving a comment.