Scripture & Questions for Sunday (12/22/13)

• Please be in prayer for the family of LeeAnn Crumbley
• Our Christmas Eve candlelight communion service will be Tuesday at 6:00pm

Scripture Reading

Luke 2:8-20

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. [9] And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. [10] And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. [11] For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. [12] And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." [13] And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, [14] "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!"

[15] When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." [16] And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. [17] And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. [18] And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. [19] But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. [20] And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Questions for Reflection

1. What do you imagine angels look like?
2. What message did the angel tell the shepherds? (2:10, 12)
3. Who did the angel say the newborn child really was? (2:11)
4. By what symbol or sign were the shepherds supposed to identify the Christ child? (2:12)
5. How many angels did the shepherds hear praising God? (2:13)
6. What was the immediate reaction of the shepherds after the angels left? (2:15)
7. What should be our response when we discover what God wants us to do?
8. What does it mean that Mary “treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart”?
9. Of what significance is it that the shepherds went back to their flocks?
10. What is the responsibility of those who “discover” the good news about Jesus?

December 2013 Newsletter

December 2013 Newsletter

Announcements, Scripture & Questions for Sunday (12/8/13)

Announcements

1. No Men's Breakfast Saturday. This is from Ted Sandlin: The outlook for the weather this weekend is poor, according to the NWS conference call this afternoon. Plunging temperatures Thursday night along with freezing rain are projected for our area, with accumulation of 1/4". Temperatures should be in the 20's, so not only will overpasses freeze, but most exposed roadway surfaces will accumulate ice, along with trees and power lines.  Conditions will persist through late Friday/early Saturday, with a break in the weather and slightly warmer temperatures late Saturday. A new round of cold temperatures will occur Sunday and last into early next week. The weather guys said this air mass is the coldest they have seen in several years; much worse conditions than our last round of winter weather.
2. Check Out FPC Shirts, T-shirts and Other Fun Items for Sale!!  We have had catalogs printed that have all sorts of items for sale to raise money for the mission trip this summer. In them your will find, T-shirts, button down shirts – both short and long sleeve, sweat shirts and pants, a fleece jacket, a stadium blanket, iphone cover and a hat. T-shirts and sweatshirts come in youth sizes as well. All items have either FPC Junction and/or the Presbyterian cross on them. If you are interested, there are copies of the catalog in the sanctuary, hallway and in the office. Also, most of the youth will have one as well. Take a look and see if anything interests you. For every individual item we sell, we get to keep $4-$9 depending on how many total items…the more we sell, the more we get to keep. We did this several years ago and the items we received them were of very good quality.  All orders must be received by December 17th (a week later than what is printed on the catalog)! Payment is due at the time you place your order. Unfortunately, they will not be processed in time to arrive before Christmas. Call or come by the office during the week or check out the catalog the next two Sundays. This will be a fun and stylist way to support our Mission Team and spread the news of our congregation to other folks. We thank you for considering to support our work.
3. Advent Bible Study Wednesdays at noon starting today. Laurie will be leading today's lesson. I will be going to make a hospital visit in San Antonio.

Scripture for Sunday

John 1:1-8 (ESV) 

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] He was in the beginning with God. [3] All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. [4] In him was life, and the life was the light of men.  5] The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. [6] There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. [7] He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. [8] He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. 

 

John 1:19-28 (ESV)  

And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?" [20] He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, "I am not the Christ." [21] And they asked him, "What then? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not." "Are you the Prophet?" And he answered, "No." [22] So they said to him, "Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?" [23] He said, "I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way of the Lord,' as the prophet Isaiah said." [24] (Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.) [25] They asked him, "Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?" [26] John answered them, "I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know, [27] even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie." [28] These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing. 

 

Questions for Reflection

1. Why do people enjoy boasting about themselves and their accomplishments?
2. Why is it hard to be humble?
3. What are the characteristics of a humble person?
4. What did John say about who he was? (1:20-22)
5. What does the phrase “make straight the way for the Lord” mean? (1:23)
6. How did John “make straight the way for the Lord”? (1:23)
7. Why did the Pharisees care that John was baptizing people? (1:24)
8. Who did John say was coming after him? (12:27)
9. How can we point others to Christ?
10.  If you had been John how would you have felt about your role?
11.  In what way can you be a voice for Jesus?

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (12/1/13)

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Youth and children need to be in Sunday School Sunday to prepare for the Christmas program which will be December the 15th.

 

Scripture for Sunday, the First Sunday of Advent

Matthew 24:36-44 (ESV) 

"But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. [37] As were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. [38] For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, [39] and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. [40] Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. [41] Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left. [42] Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. [43] But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. [44] Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

 

Questions for Reflection

1. What is the most surprised you’ve ever been in your life?
2. Who knows when the end times will come? (24:36)
3. When did Jesus say these end time events would occur? (24:36)
4. Who did Jesus say knows the day and hour of the end? (24:36)
5. To what did Jesus liken His coming? Why? (24:43-44)
6. What qualities did Jesus say His servants will need to be ready for His coming? (24:45-47)
7. What did Jesus warn would happen to those who doubt His coming? (24:48-51)
8. What would you do if you hired a house sitter/caretaker to watch your home and children, left for a week-long vacation, and then returned a day early only to find that your caretaker had neglected your kids, destroyed your property, and ignored all your other instructions?
9. What does it mean for us to be watchful?
10. What difference does it make whether we believe in the imminent return of Christ?
11. How would you react if you knew a thief would try to burglarize your home or apartment tonight?
12. How can we have a sense of expectation about the return of Christ?

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (11/24/13)

We will have the Hanging of the Greens Sunday at 5:30, we will have chili and cornbread if you would like please bring a dessert to share.

ESV Psalm 100:1 A PSALM FOR GIVING THANKS.

Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! 2 Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! 3 Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! 5 For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.

 

Thoughts

The superscription states that this psalm (or song) is “for giving thanks.” It was used in the temple with the sacrifices of praise. The expressions in this psalm reflect the preceding enthronement psalms (Ps. 47; 93; 95-99) that celebrate the Lord’s rule.

 

The psalmist exhorted the congregation to serve the Lord with gladness because He is the Creator, and to enter His temple with much thanksgiving because He is good and faithful.

 

God is our Creator; we did not create ourselves. Many people live as though they are the creator and center of their own little world. This mind-set leads to a greedy possessiveness and, if everything should be taken away, a loss of hope itself. But when we realize that God created us and gives us all we have, we will want to give to others as God gave to us (2 Cor. 9:8). Then, if all is lost, we still have God and all he gives us.

 

God is in a relationship with human beings. That is, God is not seen simply as a distant power. He is not an awesome “other.” He is not a watchmaker God, who set the universe in motion and then withdrew, having lost interest in the processes of life which He began. God is a Person who is revealed most clearly in His loving approach to humankind. God is known best as He is seen drawing near to you and me, eager to forgive, filled with parental compassion, continuing always to love those who have turned to rely on Him.

 

Questions for Reflection

1. When do you feel like shouting for joy or singing?
2. When (in what situations or for what acts) do you expect a thank you or acknowledgment of a favor you’ve done?
3. Why should the world acknowledge the Lord through praise? (100:3-5)
4. Where should believers offer their praise to God? (100:4)
5. How should a person enter God’s house? (100:4)
6. How does God demonstrate His goodness to the world? (100:5)
7. What message comes through most clearly to you in this psalm?
8. What does this psalm advise us to do?
9. What should motivate us to worship God?
10. What is sincere worship?
11. What attitude should we have toward worshiping God?
12. What changes do you feel you could make to improve your attitude toward worship and praising God?

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (11/17/13)

Please Read Chapter 31 in the Story The End of Time, and Revelation 1-5; 19-22

Timeless Truth:  The King is coming!

Yes, I am coming soon.—Jesus.  Of the original apostles, only John remained to hear these words.   He had experienced the climax of salvation history, but God was not yet finished.  He had one more message to share with John and the growing churches to show His servants what must soon take place.

 

John was exiled on the island of Patmos for his faith in Jesus.  It was here that the glorified Christ appeared to John with a message of His second coming.  John saw someone “like a son of man” dressed in a priestly robe and ready to judge.  He fell like a dead man at His feet.  This John who had leaned against Jesus’ breast (Jn. 13:25) could not even stand before Christ’s unveiled glory.  Jesus presented Himself as the resurrected One who has authority over life and death.  He stood among seven golden lamp stands which represent the seven churches located in the province of Asia Minor on the mainland close to the island of Patmos. 

 

Jesus had messages for each of these seven churches.  From the three churches addressed in this chapter, a pattern emerges.  First, there’s a unique description of Jesus that is related to the message.  Then each message contains both a word of commendation and a rebuke for the congregation.  He then gives an instruction or warning before an encouraging promise to those who listen and overcome the problem.  Jesus who stands among the lamp stands was carefully watching His churches. 

 

John then saw the throne room of heaven where he was shown visions of future events. God sat upon His throne in unimaginable splendor and beauty.  He was surrounded by living creatures and elders who worshiped Him without ceasing.  He held a scroll that no one was found worthy to open, causing John to weep.  But John’s hope was restored when he saw the Lamb standing as if slain.  For the Lamb was worthy to open the scroll and also to receive power and glory and honor and praise!   

 

Shortly thereafter, the bride who symbolizes all faithful believers was ready, wearing clean linen and prepared for the marriage supper of the Lamb.  Then John saw heaven opened, and Jesus descended in full glory on a white horse ready to wage war and judge mankind.  The King of Kings was ready to rule with blazing eyes and a blood drenched robe, a sharp sword and filled with the fury of God’s wrath.  He was accompanied by the armies of heaven. His appearance is a dramatic reminder of the awfulness of God’s coming judgment upon those who reject the Lord.  God’s final judgment from His great white throne is the final event of human history as we know it.  The dead stand before Him in judgment. Those not found in the book of life are cast into the lake of fire. 

 

Then John saw the New Heaven and New Earth and the New Jerusalem.  In this future re-creation, God dwells among His people where He wipes away every tear.  Many themes from His redemptive Story find their culmination in this place where all things are made new.  The majestic and glorious New Jerusalem will be home to all the redeemed.  Nothing impure will ever enter it.  The water of life flows from the throne of God, the tree of life bears much fruit, and all are invited to partake.  This place is the hope of every believer, for it is where God’s Upper Story and His Lower Story finally merge into one.  It is here that the redeemed will enjoy the presence of God and of the Lamb forever.  As Jesus concluded His message to John, three times He said, “Look, I am coming soon!”  No wonder we are called blessed!  Our King is coming!  Come, Lord Jesus, come!

 

Questions

1. Why might Christians resist studying this book? According to this chapter, what are the benefits connected to studying Revelation?  (Hint:  p. 379, 387; Rev. 1:3, 22:7)
2. Make a list of the various ways God the Father and God the Son are described throughout this chapter of The Story.  For example, on page 379, the Father is him who is, and who was and who is to come; Jesus Christ is the faithful witness.  After completing your list, discuss what one or two of these descriptions mean.
3. Jesus’ messages to the seven churches usually follow a general pattern:  a description of Himself, a commendation, a rebuke, a warning or instruction, and a promise. Compose a letter to your church using this format.
4. Notice the description of the throne room of heaven (p. 382, Rev. 4:1-6).  Look up Ezekiel 1:26-28, Exodus 19:16 and 20:18, Job 37:4 and John 12:27-28.  What do these images communicate about God?  
5. What four-fold reason makes the Lamb worthy to open the scroll and receive praise (p. 383)?
6. Read Matthew 24:29-44, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 and Titus 2:11-14.  How should you live in anticipation of Christ’s return?
7. From what you have learned in this chapter about the great white throne judgment and the lake of fire, how might you respond to the person who does not believe that a loving God could ever sentence anyone to hell (p. 385-386, Rev. 20:11-15, 21:8)?  See also Revelation 20:10 and Matthew 25:41 for further insight.
8. Find at least three similarities between the original creation (Genesis 1-2) and the new heaven and new earth (p. 385-387; Rev. 21-22).  How do these sections of Scripture contribute to our understanding of God’s Upper Story and what would we be missing without them?

November 2013 Newsletter

Click on the link to open the November 2013 Newsletter PDF. 

November 2013 Newsletter

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (11/10/13)

Scripture
Timeless Truth:  Suffering and perseverance are part of the Christian journey

If one could earn frequent traveler miles two thousand years ago, Paul might hold a record. After spending nearly three years in Ephesus, he retraced his steps through Greece and Macedonia before docking in Miletus.  There he summoned the Ephesian elders for a tearful and final farewell.  He charged them with shepherding the church of God.  After a brief stay with Philip in Caesarea, Paul headed for Jerusalem, knowing that chains awaited him there.  

 

Paul seemed to always be able to stir up a controversy. Just walking into the temple court stirred up trouble.  The Jews tried to kill him in Jerusalem so the Roman authorities stepped in to arrest him.  While being taken into custody, Paul gave his testimony before an angry crowd.  The Roman commander brought him before the Sanhedrin to get some answers, but that only made the problem worse.  Paul remained in protective custody and was transferred to Caesarea’s higher court where he remained for two years before appealing to Caesar.

 

When Paul wrote to the church in Rome while still on his missionary journeys, he told them that he planned to visit them. He probably did not anticipate his “fourth missionary journey” to be under these circumstances.  Luke joined him on this cruise to Rome with Julius, a kind Imperial centurion, as Paul’s personal escort.  Paul warned the crew that sailing on in bad weather would be disastrous, but they continued anyway.  Conditions worsened to hurricane force winds off the coast of Crete driving their ship every which way.  Weeks later the storm had not weakened, but all thoughts of survival surely had.  Food was low; gear was gone; hope was gone.  What seemed like a bad episode of Gilligan’s Island became unlikely opportunities for Paul to talk about God.  The next morning they arrived safely ashore on Malta where the islanders showed exceptional hospitality. When Paul was bitten by a poisonous snake without incident, the people thought he was either a criminal or a god.  Paul healed many of the locals during their winter stay there. Three months later they were finally able to set sail for Rome. 

 

Paul was greeted by believers at the port of Puteoli, modern day Pozzuoli, about 150 miles south of Rome. They encouraged him, and he spent a week there before traveling on.  When the Roman Christians heard he was coming, they joined him for the final forty miles of his trek to Rome where Paul was confined to house arrest under the supervision of a soldier.  Paul invited the Jewish leaders to come to his house.  There he told them about his conflict with the Jerusalem Jews and the fulfillment of the Scriptures by Jesus.  Some believed, but others rejected his message.  So once again Paul pronounced his mission to the Gentiles. He spent the next two years boldly teaching anyone about Jesus who would stop by (60-62 A.D).  In his spare time, Paul corresponded with some old friends. 

 

Paul had a special place in his heart for the church in Ephesus. He had spent three years there developing the new church (Acts 20:31).  He wrote to remind them of the high calling in Christ that is the basis of God’s plan to unite all believers—Jews and Gentiles alike—in one body, the Church. Therefore, those who are called are to conduct themselves in the highest of ethical standards. Although the world is hostile, believers are to preserve unity in the Spirit. During his final Roman imprisonment (67-68 A.D.), Paul wrote to Timothy to encourage him to be faithful in preserving the gospel in the midst of persecution and false teachers. Timothy faced hardship in Ephesus.  So knowing he was probably facing execution soon, Paul penned a heartfelt letter to strengthen this son even from a damp, cold dungeon in Rome.

 

Questions

1. From his farewell speech, describe Paul’s ministry in Ephesus (p. 363-364).  Look up 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9.  What did he teach about the responsibility of elders from his personal life, his farewell address and his letters?  
2. In 1 Corinthians 4:16 and 11:1, and 1 Thessalonians 1:6, how was Paul an imitator of Christ throughout his ordeals and what are the implications for believers today?  
3. Paul was a Jewish Pharisee and a Roman citizen (p. 366) who exercised his rights as either at various times in his life.  Discuss as a group the appropriate exercise of our civil rights in the light of our “heavenly citizenship”.  
4. What evidence of God’s grace and sovereignty can you find in Paul’s arrests, trials and travels?
5. Look up Acts 28:30-31, Eph. 6:20, Phil. 1:7, Col. 4:10, 4:18 and Philemon 1.  How did Paul spend his two years while under house arrest in Rome (p. 373). What lessons can you learn about dealing with disagreeable and difficult circumstances?  
6. Ephesians 1:1-10 (p. 373-374) teaches that as Christians we are “in Christ.”  What benefits and blessings does this status bring us?
7. Paul urged the believers in Ephesus to “live a life worthy of the calling” that they had received (Ephesians 4:1, p. 375).  According to Paul’s letter, what does that mean?
8. What makes the marriage relationship a good metaphor for the church’s relationship to Christ?  What does Christ do for the church (p. 376, Ephesians 5:21-33)?
9. Look up Romans 5:3-5 and 2 Timothy 3:10-17 (p. 378).  What has Paul’s life taught you about perseverance? What might perseverance look like for us today?
10. Paul reminded Timothy of his need to persevere in the work of preparing a future generation of Christian servants using the three illustrations of a soldier, athlete and farmer (2 Timothy 2:1-7, p. 377).  How does each one help Timothy fulfill his call while facing hardships?  Which of these traits do all believers need to fulfill their service to the Lord, even today?

Announcements, Scripture & Questions for Sunday (11/3/13)

Announcements

• Men's Breakfast is Saturday at 8:00am, Hilario will be doing his potatoes again and we will have the usual eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits, grits and gravy. If you would like to help cook or just come socialize we arrive around 6:45am.
• Hotdog Social: Sunday evening at 6:00 we will have a hotdog social in the fellowship hall. Luke Levien and Jim will be grilling hotdogs so bring a topping to share. We will have buns, mayo, mustard, and ketchup on hand.

Scripture

In the Story this week please read Chapter 29 Paul’s Mission, and Acts 13-14; 16-20; Romans 1; 3-6; 8; 12; 15; 1 Corinthians 1;3;5-6; 10; 12-13; 15;16; Galatians 1; 3; 5-6; 1 Thessalonians 1-5

Timeless Truth:  The gospel spreads to the civilized world.   

Saul began his career as a radical Jewish scholar who was so convinced the Christians were wrong that he had them imprisoned and stoned.  After an encounter with the resurrected Jesus he became a Christ-follower.  Saul became Paul (his Greek name) who proclaimed Christ to the Jews first and also to the Gentiles.  Led by the Holy Spirit, the believers in their home base of Antioch in Syria commissioned Paul and Barnabas and sent them out as missionaries to spread the news that Jesus the Messiah is raised from the dead.  Their first missionary journey took them to the island of Cyprus where they encountered a Jewish sorcerer who opposed them, and a Roman proconsul who embraced the gospel.  They set sail for the region of Galatia (present south-central Turkey).  They were invited to preach in the synagogue in Antioch, and after an initial favorable reception, they faced persecution so they turned their sights toward the Gentiles.

 

Paul was joined by Timothy, Silas, and eventually Luke for his second missionary journey.  They visited many cities in Macedonia, including Philippi where a church was begun in Lydia’s home.  The evangelists were beaten and thrown in jail where their faith convicted not only their jailer, but apparently the other prisoners as well.  Many Jews and Greeks from Thessalonica believed before Paul and Silas were sent away for their own protection.  Paul then met Priscilla and Aquila in Corinth where he was again opposed by the Jews.  But Gentiles believed, so Paul stayed and ministered there for about a year and a half.  He also wrote letters to these churches to teach and encourage them.  He wrote the Thessalonians to encourage them to continue to be the model of Christianity that they had become in expectation of the Lord’s return. 

 

After returning to his base of operations in Antioch, Paul set out on his third journey.  As he strengthened the churches in the Galatian region, Apollos showed up in Ephesus where he met Priscilla and Aquila. He was a powerful speaker and strong disciple, but needed further teaching.  Paul arrived in Ephesus, a hotbed of pagan idolatry, and as he began teaching in the synagogue, most Jews rejected his message.  He stayed more than two years teaching both Jews and Greeks.  Many people from the region came to hear him as the word spread.  Some of the Ephesians believed and left their idols and witchcraft in exchange for a new life in Christ.  This did not set well with the idol artisans who staged a riot to drive Paul out of town.  While in Ephesus, he penned letters to churches in Corinth, Galatia and Rome, though he had not yet visited there.

 

The Corinthian church had enjoyed a who’s who of early church leaders.  This privilege should have prodded them onto Christian maturity but instead they chose sides like children on a playground.  Paul chastised them for their divisiveness, corrected their immorality and answered questions that they had about spiritual gifts.  They needed to practice sacrificial love for one another.  Some were even denying the resurrection so Paul gave them a remedial lesson on the essentials of the gospel and the hope of a future resurrection.  The Galatian churches were confused by Jewish Christians who insisted they practice the Jewish ceremonial rites.  Paul’s letter is a masterpiece on Christian liberty as he defended justification by faith alone.  Paul’s pastoral desire to minister to the believers in Rome prompted him to write a letter to convey the foundations of the Christian faith.   In spite of every form of opposition, the word of God could not be contained.  God sovereignly saw to it that obstacles became opportunities for Paul and others to take the gospel “even to the ends of the earth.”

 

Questions

1. God set apart Saul (Paul) and Barnabas for foreign mission work (p. 337) to help fulfill the mandate to be witnesses “to the ends of the earth,” (Acts 1:8).  Review the list of missionaries supported by our church.  Read about each and pray for the needs that are listed for each one.  (Bring photos and ministry descriptions of missionaries supported by your church.)
2. What differences do you find in Paul’s message to the Jews in the synagogue (p. 338, 339) as compared to his message to the Gentiles (p. 340, 342)?   Discuss applications we might make today for reaching different people groups with the same gospel.  
3. Compare the conversions of Lydia and the jailer at Philippi (p. 341-342).  What differences do you find?  What similarities? 
4. What makes the Church in Thessalonica “a model to all the believers,” (p. 344-345; 1 Thess. 1:1-2:8) and what application can we make for our church if we want to be known as a model church?
5. What problem seems to be at the root of the divisions and quarrels in the Church at Corinth? (p. 351, 1 Cor. 1:10-13, 3:1-11) Do you see any lessons here for our church?
6. Read 1 Cor. 12, Rom. 12:3-8, and Eph. 4:1-7, 11-16.  Why is the human body a good metaphor for the church and how does it relate to spiritual gifts?
7. According to Paul’s letter to the Galatians, does freedom from the law grant freedom to sin (p. 355-357, Gal. 5:13-26)?  What are some results of living by the Spirit?
8. What is the relationship between righteousness and faith and why do you suppose Paul used Abraham to prove his point?  (Hint: The Jews placed their trust in keeping the Law and the fact that they had been circumcised.) 
9. Of all the books in the Bible, Paul’s letter to the Romans most clearly outlines a pattern we can follow to lead a person to Christ.  It shows man’s lost condition and makes clear what we must do to receive what God has done to correct our sad condition. This collection of verses has often been called “the Romans Road to salvation.” Trace the following verses, perhaps even marking them in your Bible.  Romans 3:23à 3:10-11à 6:23 à 5:8 à 10:9-13 à 5:1, 8:1, 8:38-39.  In 25 words or less, what are the essentials of the gospel?  (Hint:  Review 1 Cor. 15:3-4)  How do you think the Romans Road could help you share your faith in the future?

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (10/27/13)

Scripture

Timeless Truth:  He is risen—spread the news! 

 

What could turn a group of gutless deserters into courageous, outspoken evangelists willing to be imprisoned and even die for their cause?  They had witnessed the resurrected Christ. He had proved Himself alive for forty days to various people in a variety of circumstances and places.  Just before His ascension, Jesus told the disciples to wait for the promised power of the Holy Spirit so that they could be witnesses to His resurrection in Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.  Ten days later on the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit stormed in like tongues of fire.  He empowered each disciple to declare the gospel.  Peter became the first mega-church preacher and that day three thousand new believers were baptized.  This new community of believers embraced teaching and fellowship and enjoyed the favor of nearly all the people.  All but the powerful Jewish rulers, that is.   

 

The new church continued to grow rapidly.  The apostles were even able to perform miracles similar to those Jesus had done!  As the apostles spread the word of the resurrection in Jerusalem, they incited outrage and opposition from the Jewish rulers.  Peter refused to be silenced and continued to speak in spite of orders to stop.  Even a severe flogging could not curb his zealous proclamation that Jesus was the Messiah. Stephen’s scathing sermon before the Sanhedrin showed how the Jews had repeatedly rejected God’s prophets and resisted God’s Spirit.  The Sanhedrin dragged him outside of Jerusalem to stone him.  He saw a vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God and entrusted himself to the Lord.   

 

Sparked by the martyring of Stephen, persecution drove Christians like Philip out of Jerusalem and into outlying areas like Samaria. While the opposition grew, so did the spread of the gospel message.  A Pharisee named Saul made it his personal mission to defeat this movement once and for all, but his blinding come-to-Jesus moment on the road to Damascus really “opened his eyes.”  Meanwhile, God prepared Ananias to deliver God’s marching orders to Saul: he had a mission to be God’s witness to the Gentiles.  As Ananias laid his hands upon him, Saul’s sight was restored, and he was filled with the Holy Spirit.  Within a few short days, this persecutor of Christ became a preacher of Christ.  Needless to say, his turnaround was met with suspicion and doubt, but trusted Barnabas vouched for him to the apostles in Jerusalem.  Saul soon found himself on the receiving end of death threats, so he too was sent away from Jerusalem.  The church spread throughout Judea and Samaria as God used even persecution to achieve His Upper Story purpose of spreading the news that Jesus is the risen Messiah.

 

God’s next move was so radical that He had to prepare both Peter and Cornelius for this new revelation.  While an angel told Roman centurion Cornelius to send for Peter, Peter was given a vision of unclean animals on a sheet. A heavenly voice instructed him to eat this meat that was definitely not kosher. What Peter called impure, God now called clean.  As Peter was trying to interpret the meaning of this vision, Cornelius’ servants arrived and summoned him to their master’s home.  When he explained the gospel to a full house, the Holy Spirit was poured out on these Gentiles too!  The Holy Spirit was now available to all who believed!  Peter now knew his vision was not about food but about God’s plan to declare all people “kosher” who would believe in Christ. Peter’s ministry continued in Jerusalem where Herod Agrippa’s persecution grew deadly.  Peter was imprisoned but even prison bars could not stop God’s plan.  As his friends earnestly prayed for him, an angel miraculously freed him.  Kings, rulers and prison guards all found themselves fighting against God and helpless to stop His plan.  While the Lower Story of persecution drove believers away from Jerusalem, the Upper Story of resurrection drove many to God.  He alone can redeem even the worst of circumstances.  After all, He alone is the God who raised the dead!

 

Questions

1. Look up Ex. 3:2, 3:21, and 19:18. Why do you suppose the Holy Spirit was portrayed as tongues of fire that came to rest on each believer at Pentecost and how does His relationship to believers change after this event?
2. According to Peter’s Pentecost sermon (p. 325 or Acts 2:22-24, 36), who was responsible for Jesus death?  As a group, discuss the tension we experience between God’s sovereignty and man’s free will.  
3. What marked the community life of the believers (p. 326, 328)?  Discuss ways your church and small group help foster a similar community.  Share what is most meaningful to you personally.
4. The church grew rapidly from the beginning even in spite of growing opposition and persecution.  What factors might account for such growth then? 
5. God the Father was the most visible person of the Trinity in the Old Testament.  Jesus, God the Son, was most visible in the gospels and now God the Holy Spirit becomes prominent in Acts.  For most Christians, the Holy Spirit is the least understood person of the Trinity.   List all you learned about the Holy Spirit from this chapter. What did you learn about the empowerment of the Holy Spirit for your own life?
6. How did Stephen’s martyrdom help fulfill God’s mandate of Acts 1:8 (p. 323) beginning with Philip?  If you are comfortable, share an example from your own life of God fulfilling an Upper Story work out of a Lower Story tragedy. 
7. What accounts for the dramatic change in Saul of Tarsus from persecutor to preacher?  Do you know anyone personally who has gone from being a Christ-hater to a Christ-follower?  
8. God intended to teach Peter something even more profound than a lesson about foods through the vision of unclean animals (p. 333-334).  What was it and why was Cornelius’ conversion such a big turning point in the life of the early church?  (See Acts 11:1-3, Acts 11:15-18, Rom. 10:12-13 and Eph. 2:11-13 for further insight.)
9. What did you learn about suffering from Peter’s flogging (p. 329-330) and imprisonment (p. 334-336), and Stephen’s martyrdom (p. 330-331) that you could apply personally?

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (10/20/13)

Scripture

For this week please read chapter 27 in the Story, The Resurrection. From the Bible please read Matthew 27-28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 19-21

Timeless Truth:  He is risen!

Ashamed.  Afraid.  Absent. Mere hours after they pledged never to leave Jesus—even to die with Jesus—the Eleven were nowhere near the cross as the sun began to set.  The Roman soldiers were still there though and pierced his side to prove Jesus was very, very dead.  Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, an unlikely duo, show up at the cross. These two members of the Sanhedrin shed their secret discipleship and took responsibility for burying Jesus’ body. Wrapping Him in enough spices for a king, they laid him in a nearby tomb. Remembering Jesus’ words, the Jewish authorities and Pilate secured the tomb and posted a guard there to keep the three-day resurrection story from gaining any traction.    

 

Early Sunday morning, a small band of faithful women approached His tomb wondering who could remove the rock that sealed the entrance.  Imagine their shock as an angel announced to them that Jesus was not there, “He is risen, just as He said!”  Hearing the news, Peter and John sprinted to the tomb.  They, too, found it empty.  As Mary Magdalene remained weeping, Jesus appeared to her. Later the same day, an unrecognized Jesus approached two downcast disciples on the road to Emmaus.  Evidently all of Jerusalem was abuzz with the events of the last three days.  The One whom they had trusted to redeem all of Israel had been crucified, and they were disappointed.  Some silly women even had an unbelievable angelic vision, and the tomb was empty.  But what’s a guy to do except head home to Emmaus?  Jesus admonished the two for their unbelief.  Then He used Moses and the Prophets to teach them about the Messiah.  Jesus dined with them that evening.  When their eyes were opened and they recognized Him, He disappeared from their sight, but they finally got it!  So they headed back to Jerusalem at full speed and full of joy to report their experience to the Eleven.  They were interrupted there by yet another Jesus appearance.  An empty tomb and two appearance reports later, the disciples still cowered and mistook Jesus for a ghost when He spoke to them. “Touch me and see,” He said as He showed them His hands and feet. When Jesus re-explained the Old Testament in light of all that had happened, He opened their minds so they too finally understood.    

 

Thomas was not about to believe these second-hand stories. He wouldn’t believe it until he saw the nail marks for himself. A week later, Jesus graciously appeared to Thomas and the others just so he could touch the scars for himself.  Thomas confessed, “My Lord and My God!”  Yes, now he believed that Jesus was the God-man and that He was risen indeed.  

 

Sometime later, Jesus appeared to the disciples by the Sea of Galilee. Having caught nothing all night, Jesus told these fishermen to cast their nets on the other side of the boat. The miraculous catch was so great that they could hardly get the fish into the boat.  It prompted Peter to bail out and head to the Lord.  Over a beach breakfast, Jesus three times asked Peter if he loved Him.  Then He told Peter three times to care for His sheep. The Eleven met Jesus on a Galilean mountain where He commissioned them to continue to carry out His mission by saying, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”  

 

As God, Jesus had all authority to now commission His disciples to carry out the building up of His new community of believers who would be identified with the Triune God.  They in turn could accomplish their mission because, as Emmanuel (Matt. 1:23), He would be with them to do so.  The Resurrection of Jesus Christ vindicated Him as the Son of God.  It is the cornerstone of the Christian faith and the climax of God’s great story of redemption.  The redemptive work was finished, but now there was more work to do to spread the good news, and this ragtag group of disciples were just the ones to do it, armed with the supernatural power headed their way.  

 

Questions

1. People have always had difficulty believing that Jesus was God in the flesh.   (Read 1 John 1:1, 2:22 and 4:2-3)   What details did John include in the crucifixion story for his readers to know for certain that Jesus, fully human, had truly died?  How does knowing that God came to live among us affect your daily life? 
2. For whose sake did the angel roll away the stone (p. 316)?  What other major events have been announced by angels?
3. List everything you have learned about Jesus’ resurrection body from this chapter.  Why is Jesus’ literal, physical resurrection a non-negotiable teaching of the Christian faith?  (See Romans 1:4, 4:25 and 1 Corinthians 15:17 )
4. Read 1 Corinthians 15:12-23, 42-49.  What does Jesus’ resurrection mean for you personally and for all believers?  
5. Thomas is frequently referred to as “doubting Thomas” because he refused to believe his fellow disciples’ testimony.  Then, a week after the resurrection, he confessed, “My Lord and My God!”  Do you think Thomas’ reputation is justified or do you think he has been labeled unjustly?  Why or why not?
6. What parallels can you find between Peter’s denial story (John 18:17-27) and His restoration story (p. 320, John 21:15-23)?  What does Peter’s restoration reveal about Jesus’ heart and how does it apply to you personally?
7. What does Jesus’ Great Commission on the mountain in Galilee require of all His disciples (p. 320)?  Discuss what is involved in “making disciples.”