Please share with all in the church family. While Kelsey is enjoying her time in London and visiting as much of Europe as she can while she is there, she is starting to get a little homesick. It would mean so much if she could get mail from home.
Here is her address:
Kelsey Edelen
200 Pentonville Road
Islington, London N1 9JP
This is her blog for anyone interested in seeing what she is up to across the pond.
www.kelseymedelen.blogspot.com
Shawn K. Currie
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Scripture and Questions for Sunday (3/21/10)
Matthew 16:13-23 (ESV)
Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" [14] And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." [15] He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" [16] Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." [17] And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. [18] And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. [19] I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." [20] Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ. [21] From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. [22] And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, "Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you." [23] But he turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man."
Questions for Reflection
1. What pointed personal question did Christ ask His followers?
2. Why was Peter blessed?
3. In what way is coming to faith and understanding the gospel a supernatural event?
4. What are some common views of Jesus among our generation?
5. What difference does it make what we believe about Jesus?
6. What part in the building of Christ’s Church do you have now?
We continue our journey with the Apostle Peter. In the Scripture passage for today we discover that Jesus is facilitating Peter's use of his mouth. Jesus challenges the disciples to verbally express their conviction about his identity. Peter eagerly answers. And Jesus explains that such a testimony is a gift of divine revelation.
"A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver", Proverbs 25:11
Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" [14] And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." [15] He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" [16] Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." [17] And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. [18] And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. [19] I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." [20] Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ. [21] From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. [22] And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, "Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you." [23] But he turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man."
Questions for Reflection
1. What pointed personal question did Christ ask His followers?
2. Why was Peter blessed?
3. In what way is coming to faith and understanding the gospel a supernatural event?
4. What are some common views of Jesus among our generation?
5. What difference does it make what we believe about Jesus?
6. What part in the building of Christ’s Church do you have now?
We continue our journey with the Apostle Peter. In the Scripture passage for today we discover that Jesus is facilitating Peter's use of his mouth. Jesus challenges the disciples to verbally express their conviction about his identity. Peter eagerly answers. And Jesus explains that such a testimony is a gift of divine revelation.
"A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver", Proverbs 25:11
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Scripture and Questions for Sunday (3/14/10)
Matthew 17:1-13 (ESV)
And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. [2] And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. [3] And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. [4] And Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah." [5] He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." [6] When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. [7] But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Rise, and have no fear." [8] And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. [9] And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, "Tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead." [10] And the disciples asked him, "Then why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?" [11] He answered, "Elijah does come, and he will restore all things. [12] But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands." [13] Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.
Growing with Peter 4, On the Mountain with Jesus
As you come to worship, leave the noise and hurry behind, let the quiet strains of music sing God's peace into your soul, and the powerful light of Christ's presence glow warmly in your heart.
Questions for Reflection
1. What is the most spectacular event you have ever witnessed?
2. What happened to Christ on the mountain?
3. How did the disciples react when God spoke out of the cloud?
4. What did Peter volunteer to do?
5. How would you have reacted if you had been with Christ for the Transfiguration?
6. How might seeing Christ in all His glory prompt us to obey Him more completely?
7. In what ways does God reveal Himself to us today?
8. How can you make an effort to listen to Jesus this week?
And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. [2] And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. [3] And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. [4] And Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah." [5] He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." [6] When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. [7] But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Rise, and have no fear." [8] And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. [9] And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, "Tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead." [10] And the disciples asked him, "Then why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?" [11] He answered, "Elijah does come, and he will restore all things. [12] But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands." [13] Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.
Growing with Peter 4, On the Mountain with Jesus
As you come to worship, leave the noise and hurry behind, let the quiet strains of music sing God's peace into your soul, and the powerful light of Christ's presence glow warmly in your heart.
Questions for Reflection
1. What is the most spectacular event you have ever witnessed?
2. What happened to Christ on the mountain?
3. How did the disciples react when God spoke out of the cloud?
4. What did Peter volunteer to do?
5. How would you have reacted if you had been with Christ for the Transfiguration?
6. How might seeing Christ in all His glory prompt us to obey Him more completely?
7. In what ways does God reveal Himself to us today?
8. How can you make an effort to listen to Jesus this week?
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Scripture and Questions for Sunday (3/7/10)
Matthew 14:22-33 (ESV)
Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. [23] And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, [24] but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. [25] And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. [26] But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, "It is a ghost!" and they cried out in fear. [27] But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid."
[28] And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." [29] He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. [30] But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." [31] Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" [32] And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. [33] And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."
Questions for Reflection
1. What is the most frightening experience you’ve ever had?
2. What situations cause you the most fear in life?
3. What does this passage teach you to do?
4. In what practical way can you demonstrate faith as you go through the coming week?
Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. [23] And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, [24] but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. [25] And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. [26] But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, "It is a ghost!" and they cried out in fear. [27] But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid."
[28] And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." [29] He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. [30] But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." [31] Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" [32] And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. [33] And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."
Questions for Reflection
1. What is the most frightening experience you’ve ever had?
2. What situations cause you the most fear in life?
3. What does this passage teach you to do?
4. In what practical way can you demonstrate faith as you go through the coming week?
Monday, March 1, 2010
March 2010 Dates & Events
Tuesday, March 2nd
- Lenten Bible Study – noon
- Elementary After School Program – 3:30-5pm
Wednesday, March 3rd
- Lenten Luncheons – 11:45am
- God and Church Program – 3:30-5pm
- Youth Group – 5:30-7pm
Saturday, March 6th
Sunday, March 7th
Tuesday, March 9th
- PW Circle – 9:45 am
- Lenten Bible Study – noon
- Elementary After School Program – 3:30-5pm
- Session – 6pm
Wednesday, March 10th
- Lenten Luncheons – 11:45am
- God and Church Program – 3:30-5pm
- Youth Group – 5:30-7pm
SPRING BREAK ~ March 15th-19th ~ SPRING BREAK
Wednesday, March 17th
Tuesday, March 23rd
Wednesday, March 24th
Tuesday, March 30th
- Lenten Bible Study – noon
- Elementary After School Program – 3:30-5pm
Wednesday, March 31st
- Our Lenten Luncheon, 11:45am
- God and Church Program – 3:30-5pm
- Youth Group – 5:30-7pm
Friday, February 19, 2010
Scripture & Questions for Sunday (2/21/10)
John 1:35-42 (ESV)
The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, [36] and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God!" [37] The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. [38] Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, "What are you seeking?" And they said to him, "Rabbi" (which means Teacher), "where are you staying?" [39] He said to them, "Come and you will see." So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour. [40] One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. [41] He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which means Christ). [42] He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, "So you are Simon the son of John? You shall be called Cephas" (which means Peter).
Questions for Reflection
1. What gets you excited or enthusiastic?
2. What did John’s disciples do when John identified Jesus?
3. What was the first thing Andrew did after he had followed Jesus?
4. What does it mean to follow Jesus?
5. What must we leave to follow Jesus?
6. What change in your daily routine would enable you to follow Jesus better?
The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, [36] and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God!" [37] The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. [38] Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, "What are you seeking?" And they said to him, "Rabbi" (which means Teacher), "where are you staying?" [39] He said to them, "Come and you will see." So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour. [40] One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. [41] He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which means Christ). [42] He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, "So you are Simon the son of John? You shall be called Cephas" (which means Peter).
Questions for Reflection
1. What gets you excited or enthusiastic?
2. What did John’s disciples do when John identified Jesus?
3. What was the first thing Andrew did after he had followed Jesus?
4. What does it mean to follow Jesus?
5. What must we leave to follow Jesus?
6. What change in your daily routine would enable you to follow Jesus better?
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Prayer Concern, Scriptures and Questions for Sunday (2/14/10)
Prayer Concern: Please keep the family of Earl Albrecht in your prayers. His wife Charlotte is the sister of Donnette Dickerson and Zee Wootan.
Scripture:
Luke 4:1-13 (ESV)
And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness [2] for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry. [3] The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread." [4] And Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone.' " [5] And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, [6] and said to him, "To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. [7] If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours." [8] And Jesus answered him, "It is written, " 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.' " [9] And he took him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, [10] for it is written " 'He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,' [11] and " 'On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.' " [12] And Jesus answered him, "It is said, 'You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.' " [13] And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.
Questions for Reflection:
1. Why do people laugh when they hear someone say, “I can resist anything except temptation”? 2. Where did Jesus get the answers He gave the devil?
3. How did Jesus and the devil use the Bible differently?
4. In what areas of life can we expect to be tempted?
5. What physical needs or desires make us vulnerable to temptation?
6. How can a person become skillful at using the Bible as Jesus did?
7. What frequent temptation can you fight this week by memorizing Scripture?
Scripture:
Luke 4:1-13 (ESV)
And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness [2] for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry. [3] The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread." [4] And Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone.' " [5] And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, [6] and said to him, "To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. [7] If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours." [8] And Jesus answered him, "It is written, " 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.' " [9] And he took him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, [10] for it is written " 'He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,' [11] and " 'On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.' " [12] And Jesus answered him, "It is said, 'You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.' " [13] And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.
Questions for Reflection:
1. Why do people laugh when they hear someone say, “I can resist anything except temptation”? 2. Where did Jesus get the answers He gave the devil?
3. How did Jesus and the devil use the Bible differently?
4. In what areas of life can we expect to be tempted?
5. What physical needs or desires make us vulnerable to temptation?
6. How can a person become skillful at using the Bible as Jesus did?
7. What frequent temptation can you fight this week by memorizing Scripture?
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