Today we studied Numbers 14. True to form, we saw the Israelites once again complaining about their circumstances instead of trusting in the God who brought them out of Egypt. Here, following a negative report from the men who had explored Canaan, the Israelites lament their "bad fortune"at being brought to the edge of the Promised Land, only to be "unable" to possess it. However, what was reflected here was a lack of faith in God's ability to deliver on his promise. All the spies except for Joshua and Caleb were put to death by plague for their treason against God and the rest of the community was punished with 40 years of wandering in the desert and none of them would be allowed to live to see the promised land.
Numbers 14
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Sunday School: December 7, 2008
Today we studied Numbers 12 & 13 and saw in two cases where the people's faith failed, first in Moses and secondly in God's promise to give them the land of Canaan. In Chapter 12, we see Aaron and Miriam challenging Moses' authority and God's intervention to affirm both his selection of Moses as his spokesman and Moses' authority because of it. In Chapter 13, we see the 12 spies being sent into the land of Canaan and although the land was just as God said it would be, their fear of the land's inhabitants persuaded all but two of them to give a bad report in hopes that the people would not want to take hold of what God had promised them.
Ultimately we're reminded that in our own lives God may bring us to what appears to be an impossible obstacle along the journey as we're following him, but if God has led us there and is leading us through it, then we can trust that he will give us what is needed to succeed. God is not in the business of setting his children up with high expectations just so they can be disappointed. Let us strive to live as men and women who walk in faith with God, even through the difficult times.
Numbers 12 & 13 Outline
Ultimately we're reminded that in our own lives God may bring us to what appears to be an impossible obstacle along the journey as we're following him, but if God has led us there and is leading us through it, then we can trust that he will give us what is needed to succeed. God is not in the business of setting his children up with high expectations just so they can be disappointed. Let us strive to live as men and women who walk in faith with God, even through the difficult times.
Numbers 12 & 13 Outline
Monday, December 1, 2008
Reflections on Numbers 11
So this week's Sunday School lesson on Numbers 11 was pretty convicting for me, and, I must admit, unexpectedly so. We're studying the book of Numbers, probably one of the least-studied books of the Old Testament and yet I found myself really staring right at myself in the mirror as we read Numbers 11 this week. As your leader, I wanted to take this opportunity to share with you what this passage has come to mean for me and, perhaps this insight into my own application of Numbers 11 will serve as a launching point for your own personal reflection.
If you haven't read Numbers 11 yet, I'd recommend taking a moment to read it before you continue reading this post, just for the sake of understanding where I'm coming from. You can read it online here via BibleGateway.com. OK...here goes.
I began class on Sunday by reading an excerpt from a commentary by Ray Stedman (you can read it here via Blue Letter Bible) and one of the things that stuck with me was how the first books of the Old Testament can be seen to portray the life of a person who becomes a believer. If Genesis establishes our depravity and our bondage to sin, and Exodus depicts our being freed from the bondage of sin, then Numbers illustrates our sanctification, the process by which we are shaped into the likeness of Christ by the Master Craftsman. It's a growing-up time, a time where we are refined and stretched as the Holy Spirit does its work within us that we might be made into the likeness of Christ. This is an ongoing process, one that takes time, experience, and faith. This parallel between the sanctification in the life of a believer and the sanctification of the Children of Israel in the book of Numbers is key in understanding the specific application that I am making in this article. Let's continue.
In Numbers 11 we find an account of yet another Israelite pity party. There were some among the people who, being tired of eating manna, began to complain about the lack of meat and other variety in their diet, even going so far as to reminisce of their "free" meals back in Egypt. Here is where Stedman points out a very keen and important observation: Manna was not intended to satisfy them completely, but was meant to sustain them on their journey to the Promised Land, a land that flowed with milk and honey. They were promised so much more than manna, but were not ready to take possession of the land; thus, we see that in addition to God's judgement here in Numbers 11, they also will face delay after delay as they wander in the wilderness, through their time of sanctification in preparation for taking hold of what God had promised them.
Two parallels (among many) worth mentioning here are the tendency for man to be unsatisfied with what they have and the fact that they had to grow into their spiritual readiness prior to entering the Promised Land. First, let's agree that although I'm sure manna gets old after awhile, it sure beats starvation! God provides them food miraculously with the dew each morning, enough to sustain and entire nation of more than a million people, but some have the audacity to complain? Secondly, part of the reason that they're stuck eating manna for so long is their own spiritual immaturity. God is using this time to prepare his Children to receive what he has set aside for them and yet their stubbornness, pride, and disobedience just extend the time needed to prepare them. God had a land that flowed with milk and honey waiting for them not that far away, yet before they can have a life of abundance, they must learn how live without.
So, you say, that was a great recap of what's going on, but how does that affect us today? How is this account of God's methodology for sanctification relevant for us? While I can't speak for you, I will share what I have come to realize from my own life.
Today was my 3 year anniversary at my job. I started working for my company exactly 3 years ago today (Dec 1). Starting about a year or so ago, however, I started to become frustrated and "burnt out" of doing the same thing each day and my attitude changed, seemingly overnight, from optimistic and motivated to frustrated and ungrateful. I was tired of eating manna. So each day got a little worse and a little worse until I found myself very cynical and negative about the people I'm supposed to be helping and serving each day on the other end of the phone. Every "dumb" question became an opportunity for me to criticize privately instead of showing grace publicly. I did a great job of keeping up appearances to customers, but inside I just kept sliding deeper and deeper down into the mire of negativity and cynicism. Day after day I became more and more tired of manna. I tried fixing it a different way, but let's face it: manna is manna, no matter how you dress it up. I found myself in this time really asking God (from a genuine heart, believe it or not) to allow me to have more. In my heart, I felt like that would mean either a better job opportunity with my same company, better-suited for me and my personality, or a change out of the corporate world completely and into some type of full-time ministry. I remember praying and asking God for something different...telling him that I'm so tired of manna and that I could really use a quail or two. Yet despite the occasional quail here or there, satisfaction eluded me and left an ache in my stomach for more and more of something different....just no more manna.
Then Sunday we studied Numbers 11 and after reflecting on it before and after class, I was met head-on with a sobering truth: I have been ungrateful for the manna that God has provided to sustain me on my journey. I'm an Israelite!!! In my yearning for the Promised Land of an abundant life filled with passionate pursuits in ministry, I despised the very thing that God intended to get me there. O wretched man that I am!!! (Rom 7:24) My job, no matter how much I eat of it, is still a blessing of provision from the Lord. Who am I to demand more when I have yet to give thanks for my daily manna? How can I look into the face of my Heavenly Father and say, "I'm so tired of this blessing! Can you please give me something better?" How arrogant I must be to speak so flippantly to the Sovereign God of the Universe who saw fit to show grace and mercy to me by sending manna for me to gather each day so that my family and I may survive another!!!
So, as I hope you can tell, I am right in the middle of my repentance and I have begun the work of putting to death my old habits and attitudes in exchange for a thankful heart. It is not and will not be easy...even just today I found so much gravity pulling back toward my old habits. Yet I am confident that he who began a good work in me will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ. (Phil. 1:6). Pray for me in this, for it is a heart issue and those seem to take an extra measure of perseverance and faith to mend. Finally, I challenge you to look upon your own life through these glasses and ask yourself whether or not you're gathering your manna with a thankful heart. I hope that you will find this transparency from me as your leader motivating to pursue the holiness Christ has called you to in your own life.
If you haven't read Numbers 11 yet, I'd recommend taking a moment to read it before you continue reading this post, just for the sake of understanding where I'm coming from. You can read it online here via BibleGateway.com. OK...here goes.
I began class on Sunday by reading an excerpt from a commentary by Ray Stedman (you can read it here via Blue Letter Bible) and one of the things that stuck with me was how the first books of the Old Testament can be seen to portray the life of a person who becomes a believer. If Genesis establishes our depravity and our bondage to sin, and Exodus depicts our being freed from the bondage of sin, then Numbers illustrates our sanctification, the process by which we are shaped into the likeness of Christ by the Master Craftsman. It's a growing-up time, a time where we are refined and stretched as the Holy Spirit does its work within us that we might be made into the likeness of Christ. This is an ongoing process, one that takes time, experience, and faith. This parallel between the sanctification in the life of a believer and the sanctification of the Children of Israel in the book of Numbers is key in understanding the specific application that I am making in this article. Let's continue.
In Numbers 11 we find an account of yet another Israelite pity party. There were some among the people who, being tired of eating manna, began to complain about the lack of meat and other variety in their diet, even going so far as to reminisce of their "free" meals back in Egypt. Here is where Stedman points out a very keen and important observation: Manna was not intended to satisfy them completely, but was meant to sustain them on their journey to the Promised Land, a land that flowed with milk and honey. They were promised so much more than manna, but were not ready to take possession of the land; thus, we see that in addition to God's judgement here in Numbers 11, they also will face delay after delay as they wander in the wilderness, through their time of sanctification in preparation for taking hold of what God had promised them.
Two parallels (among many) worth mentioning here are the tendency for man to be unsatisfied with what they have and the fact that they had to grow into their spiritual readiness prior to entering the Promised Land. First, let's agree that although I'm sure manna gets old after awhile, it sure beats starvation! God provides them food miraculously with the dew each morning, enough to sustain and entire nation of more than a million people, but some have the audacity to complain? Secondly, part of the reason that they're stuck eating manna for so long is their own spiritual immaturity. God is using this time to prepare his Children to receive what he has set aside for them and yet their stubbornness, pride, and disobedience just extend the time needed to prepare them. God had a land that flowed with milk and honey waiting for them not that far away, yet before they can have a life of abundance, they must learn how live without.
So, you say, that was a great recap of what's going on, but how does that affect us today? How is this account of God's methodology for sanctification relevant for us? While I can't speak for you, I will share what I have come to realize from my own life.
Today was my 3 year anniversary at my job. I started working for my company exactly 3 years ago today (Dec 1). Starting about a year or so ago, however, I started to become frustrated and "burnt out" of doing the same thing each day and my attitude changed, seemingly overnight, from optimistic and motivated to frustrated and ungrateful. I was tired of eating manna. So each day got a little worse and a little worse until I found myself very cynical and negative about the people I'm supposed to be helping and serving each day on the other end of the phone. Every "dumb" question became an opportunity for me to criticize privately instead of showing grace publicly. I did a great job of keeping up appearances to customers, but inside I just kept sliding deeper and deeper down into the mire of negativity and cynicism. Day after day I became more and more tired of manna. I tried fixing it a different way, but let's face it: manna is manna, no matter how you dress it up. I found myself in this time really asking God (from a genuine heart, believe it or not) to allow me to have more. In my heart, I felt like that would mean either a better job opportunity with my same company, better-suited for me and my personality, or a change out of the corporate world completely and into some type of full-time ministry. I remember praying and asking God for something different...telling him that I'm so tired of manna and that I could really use a quail or two. Yet despite the occasional quail here or there, satisfaction eluded me and left an ache in my stomach for more and more of something different....just no more manna.
Then Sunday we studied Numbers 11 and after reflecting on it before and after class, I was met head-on with a sobering truth: I have been ungrateful for the manna that God has provided to sustain me on my journey. I'm an Israelite!!! In my yearning for the Promised Land of an abundant life filled with passionate pursuits in ministry, I despised the very thing that God intended to get me there. O wretched man that I am!!! (Rom 7:24) My job, no matter how much I eat of it, is still a blessing of provision from the Lord. Who am I to demand more when I have yet to give thanks for my daily manna? How can I look into the face of my Heavenly Father and say, "I'm so tired of this blessing! Can you please give me something better?" How arrogant I must be to speak so flippantly to the Sovereign God of the Universe who saw fit to show grace and mercy to me by sending manna for me to gather each day so that my family and I may survive another!!!
So, as I hope you can tell, I am right in the middle of my repentance and I have begun the work of putting to death my old habits and attitudes in exchange for a thankful heart. It is not and will not be easy...even just today I found so much gravity pulling back toward my old habits. Yet I am confident that he who began a good work in me will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ. (Phil. 1:6). Pray for me in this, for it is a heart issue and those seem to take an extra measure of perseverance and faith to mend. Finally, I challenge you to look upon your own life through these glasses and ask yourself whether or not you're gathering your manna with a thankful heart. I hope that you will find this transparency from me as your leader motivating to pursue the holiness Christ has called you to in your own life.
Father, I see now how much like the Israelites I have been and how ungrateful I have been for the blessings of a family and a job with which to support them, for a home and for the ministry you've allowed me to shepherd. In truth, much of this would be next to impossible without the manna you've provided to sustain me through this journey of sanctification. I press onward, Lord, in faith that this work is not in vain and that you have a Promised Land ahead where I will live in abundance. And whether that abundance comes in my time on earth or not, help me to gather manna each day and to be thankful for what you've provided. Amen.
Sunday School 11/30/2008
This morning we studied Numbers 10:11 through the end of Chapter 11. We saw the Israelites setting out from Sinai towards the promised land and within the first three days, already they began to complain. In this, we see a picture of ourselves in that we often find ourselves dissatisfied with what God has blessed us with and instead seeking the comfort of our flesh over contentment and faith that God will provide all we need. There's an odd familiarity to the push and pull battle between the faith and flesh, yet we see in this passage that God is one who deals justly with the ungrateful, ultimately for the refinement and purification of his people and, in our lives, the process of sanctification as he chips away that which is unlike Christ.
Numbers 10:11-11:35
Numbers 10:11-11:35
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!I just wanted to take a second and let you all know how much I really am thankful for the privilege of serving as your teacher in this ministry. God has been so gracious in his blessing of this class and ministry as a whole. I can remember back about 3 years ago when I was first asked to teach this class with its 3-4 guys each week. We've come a long way from The Monastery, as we jokingly called it, and it is so exciting to not only see all of you young men and women getting excited about Bible study, but also looking for ways to live out your faith on a daily basis. Thanks for being a blessing to me and I'm looking forward to what God has in store for us in the weeks, months, and years to come!!!
~~Johnny
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Sunday School 11/23/2008
This morning we tackled Numbers Ch. 9 and the first part of Ch. 10. We saw how Moses responded to those Israelites who were to be excluded from the Passover because of being ceremonially unclean. As Bethany pointed out, when called upon to decide whether or not these would be able to observe the Passover with their people, he immediately seeks God's counsel instead of making a decision on the spot. We then saw how the Lord's presence in the pillar of cloud by day and pillar of fire by night determined when the nation would camp and when they would set out. This total reliance upon the Spirit of the Lord to lead them reminds us of the importance of always being ready to act upon direction from the Lord. Finally, we saw the creation of the silver trumpets to be used in signaling and coordinating the people of Israel.
Numbers 9-10a
Hope that all of you enjoy a great time of Thanksgiving this week!
~~J
Numbers 9-10a
Hope that all of you enjoy a great time of Thanksgiving this week!
~~J
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Sunday School 11/16/2008
This week we dove into Numbers 7 & 8 and had a great discussion in our group. From a bird's eye view we see the themes of redemption and substitution, both of which foreshadow the coming Messiah in the New Testament, Jesus Christ.
Number 7&8
We also had a great time today at the Singles Thanksgiving fellowship. The food was excellent and the Turkey shoot....let's just say I hope I'm never on the receiving end of a paintball gun from anyone in the class!! (Way to represent, y'all!!)
Yes, I did just bust out a "y'all" on our blog and I'm not even going to apologize (except to Lauren, because I'm not sure if it's kosher to use y'all at all :))
Number 7&8
We also had a great time today at the Singles Thanksgiving fellowship. The food was excellent and the Turkey shoot....let's just say I hope I'm never on the receiving end of a paintball gun from anyone in the class!! (Way to represent, y'all!!)
Yes, I did just bust out a "y'all" on our blog and I'm not even going to apologize (except to Lauren, because I'm not sure if it's kosher to use y'all at all :))
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Sunday School 11/9/2008
Today we studied Numbers Chapter 5, which addresses uncleanliness within the camp, restitution for wrongdoing to others, and the test prescribed for an unfaithful wife. The key theme of this passage is our uncleanliness and God's purity and holiness. All three sections of this passage address the depravity of man and appeal to the holiness of God and his justice. If you missed it and have questions, feel free to post a comment and I'll do my best to address it.
Outline for Numbers 5
Outline for Numbers 5
Friday, November 7, 2008
On the Recent Election
I debated whether or not to post anything at all about the recent Presidential elections. I generally avoid politics as a discussion topic because I know that it is often a very divisive issue and, without going into a lot of my own opinions, I have a hard time clearly articulating my own thoughts on politics without getting into some kind of debate with others that rarely proves beneficial.
However, regardless of whether or not you voted for Obama, I think that we as Christians are naive if we think that non-believers aren't watching our reactions to this chapter in our nation's history to see how we'll respond. Most of the Christians I know were very clear as to their NOT voting for Obama and of the many reasons why, so now that he's been elected, there is a choice to be made: how are Christians to respond, especially if you find the majority of what our next president represents to be threatening or even worse for the Christian agenda (which is probably an entirely different post)?
A friend of mine, Caleb Camp, ran across an article from Charisma magazine (which I had never heard of) that does about as good a job as anything I've read in addressing this question. Here is the link:
10 Ways to Pray for Barak Obama
Regardless of your political views, if you're a Christian you've got to admit that the results of this election was no surprise to God and that, because God is sovereign, all things, good AND bad, must at the very least pass through his hands. Thus, Romans 13:1-7 reminds us that no authority exists except that which God has established and both Titus 3:1 and 1 Peter 2:13 remind us that we are to submit to them.
I believe that this election provides us all with an opportunity to glorify God in how we respond. If you voted for Obama, will you be gracious in victory and recognize the weight of the responsiblity that now rests on this man and his family? If you did not vote for Obama, will you still submit to his authority as the leader of our country? Will you reflect the glory of the God who is sovereign in all things, even elections? Regardless of which group you're in, will you pray for this man, his family, and our country?
Just a little food for thought...mostly because I'm tired of Christians who somehow are able to justify hatred, disrespect, and insubordination on the basis of politics.
However, regardless of whether or not you voted for Obama, I think that we as Christians are naive if we think that non-believers aren't watching our reactions to this chapter in our nation's history to see how we'll respond. Most of the Christians I know were very clear as to their NOT voting for Obama and of the many reasons why, so now that he's been elected, there is a choice to be made: how are Christians to respond, especially if you find the majority of what our next president represents to be threatening or even worse for the Christian agenda (which is probably an entirely different post)?
A friend of mine, Caleb Camp, ran across an article from Charisma magazine (which I had never heard of) that does about as good a job as anything I've read in addressing this question. Here is the link:
10 Ways to Pray for Barak Obama
Regardless of your political views, if you're a Christian you've got to admit that the results of this election was no surprise to God and that, because God is sovereign, all things, good AND bad, must at the very least pass through his hands. Thus, Romans 13:1-7 reminds us that no authority exists except that which God has established and both Titus 3:1 and 1 Peter 2:13 remind us that we are to submit to them.
I believe that this election provides us all with an opportunity to glorify God in how we respond. If you voted for Obama, will you be gracious in victory and recognize the weight of the responsiblity that now rests on this man and his family? If you did not vote for Obama, will you still submit to his authority as the leader of our country? Will you reflect the glory of the God who is sovereign in all things, even elections? Regardless of which group you're in, will you pray for this man, his family, and our country?
Just a little food for thought...mostly because I'm tired of Christians who somehow are able to justify hatred, disrespect, and insubordination on the basis of politics.
Midweek Bible Study: 11/6/08
We began the 5th video in our 6-video study of Ruth tonight and I am constantly amazed at how actively the Spirit works in our midst during this time each week. The overwhelming majority of the time tonight was spent in recapping the book of Ruth up through Chapter 3, but what brief time we spent in Chapter 4 was very insightful.
One of the "light bulb" moments for me was in the realization that Mr. Whats-his-name, the Kindsman Redeemer ahead of Boaz was likely not an honorable man. Never had I thought of this character revelation until Mark mentioned it in the video, but the reality is that the previous text of Ruth strongly supports the fact that Ruth and Naomi's plight was well-known, yet while they were starving, this man who should have been the one to step in and take care of them is nowhere to be found....or so it would seem. Yet this very same "Kindsman Redeemer" who should have been taking care of Ruth and Naomi was easily found at the City Gates. I find it very hard to support any claim of this man's ignorance about their situation, yet he not only fails to act responsibly on his own, but chooses again NOT to redeem the land along with Naomi and Ruth, because of his own interests. Contrast that with Boaz, a man of action, who seeks this man out to settle the matter immediately, the very next day after Ruth comes to him at the threshing floor. Boaz, a man who was not the one legally obligated to take care of Naomi, constantly shows kindness to her and to Ruth, the Moabite, to whom he owes even less. Yet Boaz's character combined with his pursuit of righteousness and love for Ruth spur him onward towards ultimately stepping up and being the man of action that Ruth and Naomi need in their plight and, ultimately, to be the vessel through which the Lord will answer the prayers of Ruth and Naomi for His providence.
I love this guy!! Yet I find it incredibly humbling because I am confronted with my own shortcomings in being a man of action. So often I find myself leaning so heavily on my analytical nature and "need" to fully think through the options, that I fail to act swiftly. I would not characterize myself as one who is "swift to act." Yet there is something about the character of Boaz and his swiftness to do what the Lord places in front of him that inspires me to be more like him in this respect. However, this is a fine line, as Mark points out in the video, because although Boaz is swift to act, he is not foolish in his actions. To me, this is a sign of wisdom and maturity that I am still pursuing as a young man.
"Lord, may I be a man who wisely descerns your will for my life and who is swift to act in accordance with it. Let me be swift to do good to others when it is in front of me to do so, and may I always point others toward You with my character."
One of the "light bulb" moments for me was in the realization that Mr. Whats-his-name, the Kindsman Redeemer ahead of Boaz was likely not an honorable man. Never had I thought of this character revelation until Mark mentioned it in the video, but the reality is that the previous text of Ruth strongly supports the fact that Ruth and Naomi's plight was well-known, yet while they were starving, this man who should have been the one to step in and take care of them is nowhere to be found....or so it would seem. Yet this very same "Kindsman Redeemer" who should have been taking care of Ruth and Naomi was easily found at the City Gates. I find it very hard to support any claim of this man's ignorance about their situation, yet he not only fails to act responsibly on his own, but chooses again NOT to redeem the land along with Naomi and Ruth, because of his own interests. Contrast that with Boaz, a man of action, who seeks this man out to settle the matter immediately, the very next day after Ruth comes to him at the threshing floor. Boaz, a man who was not the one legally obligated to take care of Naomi, constantly shows kindness to her and to Ruth, the Moabite, to whom he owes even less. Yet Boaz's character combined with his pursuit of righteousness and love for Ruth spur him onward towards ultimately stepping up and being the man of action that Ruth and Naomi need in their plight and, ultimately, to be the vessel through which the Lord will answer the prayers of Ruth and Naomi for His providence.
I love this guy!! Yet I find it incredibly humbling because I am confronted with my own shortcomings in being a man of action. So often I find myself leaning so heavily on my analytical nature and "need" to fully think through the options, that I fail to act swiftly. I would not characterize myself as one who is "swift to act." Yet there is something about the character of Boaz and his swiftness to do what the Lord places in front of him that inspires me to be more like him in this respect. However, this is a fine line, as Mark points out in the video, because although Boaz is swift to act, he is not foolish in his actions. To me, this is a sign of wisdom and maturity that I am still pursuing as a young man.
"Lord, may I be a man who wisely descerns your will for my life and who is swift to act in accordance with it. Let me be swift to do good to others when it is in front of me to do so, and may I always point others toward You with my character."
Friday, October 31, 2008
Midweek Study: 10/30/2008
Happy Halloween!!!!
We had an EXCELLENT Midweek Study/Halloween Party/Birthday Party for Adam last night and I'm still recovering from the sugar overload :)
We finished the third lessson in our series on Ruth which took us through Chapter 3: The Threshing Floor. After a great time of discussion, we ate some more (or at least I did) and then carved some pumpkins and hung out for the rest of the evening...Thanks to everyone who came and to those who brought food for the rest of us to enjoy. I hope that everyone had as much fun as I did! Hope you can all make it back next week when we'll head into the home stretch of our Ruth study. See you there!!!!
We had an EXCELLENT Midweek Study/Halloween Party/Birthday Party for Adam last night and I'm still recovering from the sugar overload :)
We finished the third lessson in our series on Ruth which took us through Chapter 3: The Threshing Floor. After a great time of discussion, we ate some more (or at least I did) and then carved some pumpkins and hung out for the rest of the evening...Thanks to everyone who came and to those who brought food for the rest of us to enjoy. I hope that everyone had as much fun as I did! Hope you can all make it back next week when we'll head into the home stretch of our Ruth study. See you there!!!!
Sunday School: 10/19/08 & 10/26/08
Two weeks ago we kicked off our study of the book of Numbers...that's right....Numbers. Now you may be asking, "Johnny, why Numbers and not Leviticus?" That is an excellent, excellent question, my dear reader, and the answer is, unfortunately, incredibly simple: Exodus ended with the Israelites at Mt. Sinai; Numbers picks up where Exodus left off and follows them from Sinai to just outside the Promised Land. After considering Hebrews, Ephesians, Romans, James, Leviticus, and Ecclesiastes without a strong leading one way or another, I decided to stay the course and continue our analysis of the OT. And I am sure glad that we did!!!
The last few weeks' studies have been surprising to me. Even after preparing to teach the lessons, I'm always amazed at how, through our discussion times, the Spirit really illuminates the truths of scripture and we seem to always come away changed. It is truly a testament to the sovereignty and goodness of our Lord Jesus Christ. I hope your own study of these passages is as rewarding.
Numbers 1-2 Outline
Numbers 1-2 Notes
Numbers 3-4 Outline
Numbers 3-4 Notes
The last few weeks' studies have been surprising to me. Even after preparing to teach the lessons, I'm always amazed at how, through our discussion times, the Spirit really illuminates the truths of scripture and we seem to always come away changed. It is truly a testament to the sovereignty and goodness of our Lord Jesus Christ. I hope your own study of these passages is as rewarding.
Numbers 1-2 Outline
Numbers 1-2 Notes
Numbers 3-4 Outline
Numbers 3-4 Notes
Friday, October 17, 2008
Midweek Study: Ruth Chapter 2
Hey Gang!
We finished up chapter 2 of Ruth last night, so next time we'll be meeting a the threshing floor (peek ahead to Ruth 3 if you don't get that joke).
I know I'm the teacher and I'm obligated to say good things about the class, but I'm being completely honest when I say that this series on Ruth is amazing...every week I'm challenged in some new and specific way. Whether in the way that I treat Heather or my kids, or even just other brothers and sisters in Christ as well.......good stuff, I'm telling you, good stuff...
It's not too late to get plugged into this study with us. We meet on Thursday nights at 7:30p at my house (let me know if you need directions). If you want to catch up on the videos we've already watched, head on over to www.marshillchurch.org and search for "Ruth" in the video series search in the upper right of the page.
Trust me: do yourself a favor and make plans to attend next week.....
We finished up chapter 2 of Ruth last night, so next time we'll be meeting a the threshing floor (peek ahead to Ruth 3 if you don't get that joke).
I know I'm the teacher and I'm obligated to say good things about the class, but I'm being completely honest when I say that this series on Ruth is amazing...every week I'm challenged in some new and specific way. Whether in the way that I treat Heather or my kids, or even just other brothers and sisters in Christ as well.......good stuff, I'm telling you, good stuff...
It's not too late to get plugged into this study with us. We meet on Thursday nights at 7:30p at my house (let me know if you need directions). If you want to catch up on the videos we've already watched, head on over to www.marshillchurch.org and search for "Ruth" in the video series search in the upper right of the page.
Trust me: do yourself a favor and make plans to attend next week.....
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Reflections from the Retreat
Well, as you all know, we had the Singles' Retreat this weekend and let me just say that if you didn't go, you really missed out!
There was so much packed into that 30 hours that when I left after our final session Sunday morning, I was on cloud nine all the way home. Sean, our speaker, was such a tremendous blessing to me and I'm sure the rest of the group. He challenged us to realize who we are in Christ and to connect with other believers as we grow together as one body in our individual walks with Christ. As we do this, we're challenged to take our walk to the next level and pursue what God has placed inside each one of us to do while we're here on this earth.
My attempts to do this message justice in a short post like this is weak, but I can honestly say that we were all reassured, built up, and challenged in that 30 hours...for me, it really reaffirmed my current path in ministry and I found that both comforting and humbling. I can only hope that the others there were equally blessed by this great weekend!
We'll be getting back to normal this week (hopefully) and I'm looking forward to seeing everyone at the Midweek Study and at church/Sunday School on Sunday.
Johnny
There was so much packed into that 30 hours that when I left after our final session Sunday morning, I was on cloud nine all the way home. Sean, our speaker, was such a tremendous blessing to me and I'm sure the rest of the group. He challenged us to realize who we are in Christ and to connect with other believers as we grow together as one body in our individual walks with Christ. As we do this, we're challenged to take our walk to the next level and pursue what God has placed inside each one of us to do while we're here on this earth.
My attempts to do this message justice in a short post like this is weak, but I can honestly say that we were all reassured, built up, and challenged in that 30 hours...for me, it really reaffirmed my current path in ministry and I found that both comforting and humbling. I can only hope that the others there were equally blessed by this great weekend!
We'll be getting back to normal this week (hopefully) and I'm looking forward to seeing everyone at the Midweek Study and at church/Sunday School on Sunday.
Johnny
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Reminder: Midweek Study resumes this week!
Hey Everyone!
Just a quick reminder that the Midweek Study starts back this evening (Thursday) at 7:30p. Let me know if you need more information.
Thanks for sticking with us during the last few weeks as the Missions Festival was taking place...now we should be back in our normal grove.
See you tonight!!
Johnny
Just a quick reminder that the Midweek Study starts back this evening (Thursday) at 7:30p. Let me know if you need more information.
Thanks for sticking with us during the last few weeks as the Missions Festival was taking place...now we should be back in our normal grove.
See you tonight!!
Johnny
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Keeping up to speed....
Hey Everyone,
Just a quick post to let everyone know about the changes in our meeting schedules for the last few and next few weeks.
Last Sunday, 9/21, we had a stand-alone lesson from Luke in preparation for the annual MBC Missions Festival, which started this week, 9/28. Today, 9/28 and next Sunday, 10/5 we will have a little different format during the Sunday School hour as we will be hearing from one of our visiting missionaries. This morning, we heard from Mark and Diane Vanderkoii, who are missionaries to the Kwong people of Chad, Africa. Among other things, their ministry includes translation of Bible passages into the Kwong language, a radio ministry, and teaching Kwong men, women, & children about the savior, Christ, who loves them very much.
We'll not be having the midweek study this week due to the Missions Festival, but will be starting it up again after the Festival.
Just a quick post to let everyone know about the changes in our meeting schedules for the last few and next few weeks.
Last Sunday, 9/21, we had a stand-alone lesson from Luke in preparation for the annual MBC Missions Festival, which started this week, 9/28. Today, 9/28 and next Sunday, 10/5 we will have a little different format during the Sunday School hour as we will be hearing from one of our visiting missionaries. This morning, we heard from Mark and Diane Vanderkoii, who are missionaries to the Kwong people of Chad, Africa. Among other things, their ministry includes translation of Bible passages into the Kwong language, a radio ministry, and teaching Kwong men, women, & children about the savior, Christ, who loves them very much.
We'll not be having the midweek study this week due to the Missions Festival, but will be starting it up again after the Festival.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Sunday School: 9/7/08 & 9/14/08
We made it!!! Today we finished the book of Exodus after 7 short months and discussed the overall themes and applications of the book as a whole. Of the many things we discussed, one of the things that stuck out to me was how Exodus demonstrates God's purposeful redemption in a small dose of what would come through Christ. Just as Genesis makes the case for man's depravity, Exodus concludes with the beautiful picture of God's redemption and the establishment of a specific method for approaching God.
Fast forward to the New Testament and we see Christ demonstrating eternal redemption in his death, burial, and resurrection. He ascends to Heaven where he is our Eternal High Priest, forever pleading his own blood as payment for our sin.
Here are the outlines. For bonus credit, leave a comment on your thoughts regarding the similarities and differences between God's covenant with Abraham and with Moses (see the last interpretation question on the Exodus 39-40 outline). See you next week!!
9/7/2008: Exodus 37-38
9/14/2008: Exodus 39-40
Fast forward to the New Testament and we see Christ demonstrating eternal redemption in his death, burial, and resurrection. He ascends to Heaven where he is our Eternal High Priest, forever pleading his own blood as payment for our sin.
Here are the outlines. For bonus credit, leave a comment on your thoughts regarding the similarities and differences between God's covenant with Abraham and with Moses (see the last interpretation question on the Exodus 39-40 outline). See you next week!!
9/7/2008: Exodus 37-38
9/14/2008: Exodus 39-40
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Sunday School: 8/17/2008
This week we read about the beginning of the construction of the Tabernacle as God had instructed Moses to build it. The daunting task would only be possible with God's involvement, and indeed God promised that he would be involved in the project through his indwelling of Bezalel as the foreman. The specificity of instruction give us insight not only into the detailed nature of our Creator, but also of His demand of excellence.
Exodus 35-36
Exodus 35-36
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Sunday School: 8/10/2008
Sunday we studied Exodus 33-34, where Moses intercedes for the people's sin with the golden calf and is granted the privilege of seeing God's glory...an experience that resulted in his face glowing radiantly afterward.
Exodus 33-34
Exodus 33-34
Midweek Study: Outline and Links
Hey Everyone!!!
As promised, here is the outline from our study.
Why We Believe the Bible (Outline)
The original resources are at http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Seminars/1722_Why_We_Believe_the_Bible_Part_1/
Here are the video links (we did half a session a week)
Session 1
Session 2
Session 3
Session 4
Session 5
As promised, here is the outline from our study.
Why We Believe the Bible (Outline)
The original resources are at http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Seminars/1722_Why_We_Believe_the_Bible_Part_1/
Here are the video links (we did half a session a week)
Session 1
Session 2
Session 3
Session 4
Session 5
Sunday, August 3, 2008
No, I was NOT abducted by aliens!!
Well, you know how it is....you blink and two months have passed and you realize that among all the other things that HAVE happened, there's one thing that hasn't: updating the Sunday School class blog.
After trying to think of some very creative excuses (alien abduction, called up for a secret mission by the FBI, took a break to pursue a career as a hip-hop dance instructor for "So You Think You Can Dance", etc.), I figured the truth was the best policy: I have just not taken the time to update the blog and with getting ready for and having another child in the house, I haven't exactly been great at focusing on things. I hope that all of you can accept my apologies for letting this go for so long. I'll do my best to keep up with it better in the future.
So, what has happened in the last few months? Well, we've studied about 10 chapters of Exodus and had about 5 lessons in our Midweek study. Oh, and I now have a baby girl at my house...our daughter was born earlier this month. Here are links to the resources I've neglected to post...I hope that you will find them helpful!
Sunday School: Exodus
Exodus 22-24
Exodus 25-27
Exodus 28
Exodus 29
Exodus 30-31
Exodus 32
See you all soon!!
After trying to think of some very creative excuses (alien abduction, called up for a secret mission by the FBI, took a break to pursue a career as a hip-hop dance instructor for "So You Think You Can Dance", etc.), I figured the truth was the best policy: I have just not taken the time to update the blog and with getting ready for and having another child in the house, I haven't exactly been great at focusing on things. I hope that all of you can accept my apologies for letting this go for so long. I'll do my best to keep up with it better in the future.
So, what has happened in the last few months? Well, we've studied about 10 chapters of Exodus and had about 5 lessons in our Midweek study. Oh, and I now have a baby girl at my house...our daughter was born earlier this month. Here are links to the resources I've neglected to post...I hope that you will find them helpful!
Sunday School: Exodus
Exodus 22-24
Exodus 25-27
Exodus 28
Exodus 29
Exodus 30-31
Exodus 32
See you all soon!!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Midweek Bible Study: 5/29/2008
First off, thanks to all of you for such a great Bible study this evening. We had a great time of discussion (sorry if I talked too much, but I get really excited about this stuff :)) and you all had a lot of great questions and thoughts about tonight's topic. Here's a link to the video, in case you missed it: Why We Believe the Bible, Lesson 1 at DesiringGod.org
In closing, I just want to share a little of what's on my heart....
We live in a society that is constantly seeking...the next diet fad, the "in" spiritual belief system, etc. I have to think that there's a part of each of us that's noticeably empty without Christ and many times it's this same longing for wholeness that the Holy Spirit uses to draw people into a relationship with Christ, who is the only true filling for that hole. The deception that's at work is that this void can be filled by anything a person wants or desires...so many people spend their whole lives "trying to fit a square peg into a round hole" as the saying goes. Everything that is placed in that hole other than Christ leaves at least part of it still empty. The pursuit of wholeness that so many people are searching for IS the search for Christ, whether or not we believe/accept/acknowledge it or not.
As Christians, we have a duty to reflect Christ to those around us...not that we would be seen as holy, but that Christ would be seen as holy and us just a mirror. We have all been created for one ultimate purpose: to glorify God. To me, glorifying God means being a mirror that when people look into it, they see how amazing and wonderful God is. The question that I wrestle with each day is, "How clean am I keeping my mirror?" As we allow sin to be a part of our lives, the reflection of God's glory from our "mirror" is obscured...at first, maybe by just a few specks of dust that we barely notice, but soon specks become smudges and smudges become blotches and soon the reflection that people see is not God, but us. It's no wonder that the unbelieving world has such a hard time believing in Christ when the ones holding the mirrors are reflecting something other than God's glory.
Maybe you find yourself at a crossroads like I have recently, realizing that your walk with Christ will not improve itself...you can't just expect deeper intimacy with someone whom you don't take the time or make the priority to get to know. A piece of advice that was given to me about dating/marriage applies to this: Relationships take time. To enjoy the fruits of a deeper walk with Christ we must put in the time and have the discipline to make it a priority. This work is not so that Christ will love you more (his love is unconditionally perfect), but that we might love him more and express it as an act of worship.
So, here's the question for the week: How clean is your mirror?
In closing, I just want to share a little of what's on my heart....
We live in a society that is constantly seeking...the next diet fad, the "in" spiritual belief system, etc. I have to think that there's a part of each of us that's noticeably empty without Christ and many times it's this same longing for wholeness that the Holy Spirit uses to draw people into a relationship with Christ, who is the only true filling for that hole. The deception that's at work is that this void can be filled by anything a person wants or desires...so many people spend their whole lives "trying to fit a square peg into a round hole" as the saying goes. Everything that is placed in that hole other than Christ leaves at least part of it still empty. The pursuit of wholeness that so many people are searching for IS the search for Christ, whether or not we believe/accept/acknowledge it or not.
As Christians, we have a duty to reflect Christ to those around us...not that we would be seen as holy, but that Christ would be seen as holy and us just a mirror. We have all been created for one ultimate purpose: to glorify God. To me, glorifying God means being a mirror that when people look into it, they see how amazing and wonderful God is. The question that I wrestle with each day is, "How clean am I keeping my mirror?" As we allow sin to be a part of our lives, the reflection of God's glory from our "mirror" is obscured...at first, maybe by just a few specks of dust that we barely notice, but soon specks become smudges and smudges become blotches and soon the reflection that people see is not God, but us. It's no wonder that the unbelieving world has such a hard time believing in Christ when the ones holding the mirrors are reflecting something other than God's glory.
Maybe you find yourself at a crossroads like I have recently, realizing that your walk with Christ will not improve itself...you can't just expect deeper intimacy with someone whom you don't take the time or make the priority to get to know. A piece of advice that was given to me about dating/marriage applies to this: Relationships take time. To enjoy the fruits of a deeper walk with Christ we must put in the time and have the discipline to make it a priority. This work is not so that Christ will love you more (his love is unconditionally perfect), but that we might love him more and express it as an act of worship.
So, here's the question for the week: How clean is your mirror?
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
AudioCast Player is Up and Running
Hey Everyone!
Just a quick note to let you know that I've just added an integrated player for the AudioCasts, so now you can listen to our AudioCasts right from the site!!!
Take a look and let me know what you think!!
http://www.mbc20something.blogspot.com
~J
Just a quick note to let you know that I've just added an integrated player for the AudioCasts, so now you can listen to our AudioCasts right from the site!!!
Take a look and let me know what you think!!
http://www.mbc20something.blogspot.com
~J
Monday, May 19, 2008
(Finally) Sunday School 5/11/08 & 5/18/08
Hey, remember me? I'm the guy who updates the blog. Just thought I should re-introduce myself since it's been a stretch without posting. My apologies.
I have two outlines to post this week...one from 5/11/2008 and one from this week, 5/18/2008. Now, although we did have Sunday School on 5/11, as many of you will remember, we did not have outlines because I fell asleep typing them out on Saturday night. Well, a week and a day later, I finally finished it. You're welcome :)
5/11/2008: The Ten Commandments (Exodus 19-20)
5/18/2008: The Book of the Covenant, Part 1 (Exodus 21-22)
Also, since the last post, we've had 2 Midweek Bible Studies. On 5/8/2008, we had a stand alone study where we read and discussed Louie Giglio's video, Indescribable, which was an amazing video with an even more awesome message. Unfortunately, it's not one I got from the web, so I don't have a link for it, but I'm sure that with everything else that's on YouTube, there's bound to be a bootleg of it out there somewhere (not that I'm approving of bootlegging).
We also started our new series by John Piper entitled, "Why We Believe the Bible," a very pertinent, yet overlooked question by many Christians today. Even in the short 30 minutes we watched, we were faced with some really great nuggets that made for great discussion. Thanks to all of you who participated and made that discussion so valuable. Keep it up!!!
OK, so I'm all posted out now, but there's one last thing. Some of you may have noticed the AudioPosts section at the top of the blog. Well, be patient, because I'm still working out some of the bugs, but my goal is to provide some supplemental content via phone/voice that will allow just be a few minutes of my thoughts as I try to live out what we're learning. This is not intended to be a "look at me" type of feature, but more a real, open, and honest sharing of my life with you. Hopefully it will be something that you (and maybe others who frequent our blog) will find thought-provoking or at least encouraging. More on that to come...just bear with me while I work our the bugs....
See you all next time!!!
I have two outlines to post this week...one from 5/11/2008 and one from this week, 5/18/2008. Now, although we did have Sunday School on 5/11, as many of you will remember, we did not have outlines because I fell asleep typing them out on Saturday night. Well, a week and a day later, I finally finished it. You're welcome :)
5/11/2008: The Ten Commandments (Exodus 19-20)
5/18/2008: The Book of the Covenant, Part 1 (Exodus 21-22)
Also, since the last post, we've had 2 Midweek Bible Studies. On 5/8/2008, we had a stand alone study where we read and discussed Louie Giglio's video, Indescribable, which was an amazing video with an even more awesome message. Unfortunately, it's not one I got from the web, so I don't have a link for it, but I'm sure that with everything else that's on YouTube, there's bound to be a bootleg of it out there somewhere (not that I'm approving of bootlegging).
We also started our new series by John Piper entitled, "Why We Believe the Bible," a very pertinent, yet overlooked question by many Christians today. Even in the short 30 minutes we watched, we were faced with some really great nuggets that made for great discussion. Thanks to all of you who participated and made that discussion so valuable. Keep it up!!!
OK, so I'm all posted out now, but there's one last thing. Some of you may have noticed the AudioPosts section at the top of the blog. Well, be patient, because I'm still working out some of the bugs, but my goal is to provide some supplemental content via phone/voice that will allow just be a few minutes of my thoughts as I try to live out what we're learning. This is not intended to be a "look at me" type of feature, but more a real, open, and honest sharing of my life with you. Hopefully it will be something that you (and maybe others who frequent our blog) will find thought-provoking or at least encouraging. More on that to come...just bear with me while I work our the bugs....
See you all next time!!!
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Sunday School: 5/4/2008
Happy May to everyone!!!
Well, it's hard to believe that it's already May! We had our class fellowship on Thursday night and it was a great time of food and fellowship...even though there were some minor challenges with the grill (thanks for your patience...I hope that the food was worth the wait). We had a lot of fun and plan to have more fellowships like this in the future.
This morning in Sunday School, we continued our study of Exodus with Chapters 17-18, the attack of the Amalekites and Moses' delegation of his judging duties to other worthy men of Israel. We realized that, just like Moses, we can often get to a point where we're in danger of burning out and in those times, God often provides help with what he has given us to do. Ultimately, it is a walk of faith that enables us to hold what God has entrusted to us with open hands and trust God to provide the means for accomplishing his will.
Outline: Exodus 17-18
Well, it's hard to believe that it's already May! We had our class fellowship on Thursday night and it was a great time of food and fellowship...even though there were some minor challenges with the grill (thanks for your patience...I hope that the food was worth the wait). We had a lot of fun and plan to have more fellowships like this in the future.
This morning in Sunday School, we continued our study of Exodus with Chapters 17-18, the attack of the Amalekites and Moses' delegation of his judging duties to other worthy men of Israel. We realized that, just like Moses, we can often get to a point where we're in danger of burning out and in those times, God often provides help with what he has given us to do. Ultimately, it is a walk of faith that enables us to hold what God has entrusted to us with open hands and trust God to provide the means for accomplishing his will.
Outline: Exodus 17-18
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Sunday School: 4/27/2008
Hey Everyone!
Well, as you all know, the last few weeks have been a little crazy. Two weeks ago, we didn't have Sunday School due to the Spring Bible Conference and last week we didn't have our regular Sunday School class, but instead enjoyed a time of fellowship with our Quarterly Young Adult Fellowship. So, this week we jumped back into Exodus with a study of the Israelites' journey from the Red Sea to Mt. Horeb, in the southwestern part of the Sinai Peninsula. As you will remember, it was at Mt. Horeb where God originally called Moses and sent him to Egypt, so now Moses has come full-circle.
It's probably easy for many of us to see the complaining and grumbling of the Israelites and realize how foolish it was and become critical of them. However, this is not much different than where many of us find ourselves when we complain about our jobs or finances or relationships, etc. Here, as well as countless other times in the first two books of the Bible, we see God's grace and mercy displayed clearly. Not only did God patiently endure the petty whining of his children, but he also provided for them in spite of it. What an amazing God we serve!!
Outline: Exodus 15:22-17:7
By the way, I also wanted to remind everyone of our class fellowship this Thursday night at my house. We will have a cookout starting around 6pm and then we'll hang out, play some games, and enjoy the evening together. I'll be providing the burgers and hot dogs, but we need you to sign up to help with other things. Follow this link to sign up to bring something. If you can't bring something, please don't let that stop you from coming. We're going to have a great time and don't want you to miss it!! Email me at living2serve@gmail.com if you need directions to the house.
See you then!!!
~~Johnny
Well, as you all know, the last few weeks have been a little crazy. Two weeks ago, we didn't have Sunday School due to the Spring Bible Conference and last week we didn't have our regular Sunday School class, but instead enjoyed a time of fellowship with our Quarterly Young Adult Fellowship. So, this week we jumped back into Exodus with a study of the Israelites' journey from the Red Sea to Mt. Horeb, in the southwestern part of the Sinai Peninsula. As you will remember, it was at Mt. Horeb where God originally called Moses and sent him to Egypt, so now Moses has come full-circle.
It's probably easy for many of us to see the complaining and grumbling of the Israelites and realize how foolish it was and become critical of them. However, this is not much different than where many of us find ourselves when we complain about our jobs or finances or relationships, etc. Here, as well as countless other times in the first two books of the Bible, we see God's grace and mercy displayed clearly. Not only did God patiently endure the petty whining of his children, but he also provided for them in spite of it. What an amazing God we serve!!
Outline: Exodus 15:22-17:7
By the way, I also wanted to remind everyone of our class fellowship this Thursday night at my house. We will have a cookout starting around 6pm and then we'll hang out, play some games, and enjoy the evening together. I'll be providing the burgers and hot dogs, but we need you to sign up to help with other things. Follow this link to sign up to bring something. If you can't bring something, please don't let that stop you from coming. We're going to have a great time and don't want you to miss it!! Email me at living2serve@gmail.com if you need directions to the house.
See you then!!!
~~Johnny
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Several Make-up Posts...Sorry!
Well, I have to start by apologizing...for some reason I thought that I had posted last week's outline, but it appears that I saved it as a draft instead of actually posting it, so this post will be a make up post for the last few weeks...now, where to begin...
The last post was after Sunday school on 3/23, so I guess the next thing would have been the Midweek Bible Study on 3/27, The Rebel's Guide to Joy in Exhaustion. What we found is that the hard work in the life of a believer comes in the form of sanctification, the process by which God works in and through us to mold us into the likeness of Christ. This means that our circumstances, both good and bad, ultimately become opportunities for God to work in and through us...and that can be exhausting!!!
Then last Sunday (3/30), we continued our study of Exodus with the Israelites' departure from Egypt, the regulations for observing passover given, and the consecration of the Israelites' firstborn. This happened in Exodus 12-13 and we understood from all the specificity given that we come to God on his terms, not ours.
Last Thursday, 4/3, we finished the next-to-last study in our series, The Rebel's Guide to Joy in Anxiety, and we were challenged by the idea that the sin in anxiety comes from placing our fears, concerns, and stress ahead of Christ and his ability to overcome them. In a sense, when we place our fears and worries as the focus of our life, we remove our focus from God and then anxiety becomes our god. This was a very challenging study for most of us and we found that we all struggle with this from time to time...some of us more than others. In addition, when we allow anxiety to come between us and our relationship with Christ, we suffer not only the strain of that relationship and the stress of anxiety, but we are also resisting the work of God in our lives as he seeks to sanctify us through our challenges.
Finally, today we studied Exodus 14-15, the well-known miracle of the parting of the Red Sea and the song of Moses and the Israelites after they were delivered from the pursuing Egyptian army. We saw how the Lord's hand was with his people and in protecting them from the Egyptians, He ultimately demonstrates his sovereignty and power as the only One who is worthy of glory.
The last post was after Sunday school on 3/23, so I guess the next thing would have been the Midweek Bible Study on 3/27, The Rebel's Guide to Joy in Exhaustion. What we found is that the hard work in the life of a believer comes in the form of sanctification, the process by which God works in and through us to mold us into the likeness of Christ. This means that our circumstances, both good and bad, ultimately become opportunities for God to work in and through us...and that can be exhausting!!!
Then last Sunday (3/30), we continued our study of Exodus with the Israelites' departure from Egypt, the regulations for observing passover given, and the consecration of the Israelites' firstborn. This happened in Exodus 12-13 and we understood from all the specificity given that we come to God on his terms, not ours.
Last Thursday, 4/3, we finished the next-to-last study in our series, The Rebel's Guide to Joy in Anxiety, and we were challenged by the idea that the sin in anxiety comes from placing our fears, concerns, and stress ahead of Christ and his ability to overcome them. In a sense, when we place our fears and worries as the focus of our life, we remove our focus from God and then anxiety becomes our god. This was a very challenging study for most of us and we found that we all struggle with this from time to time...some of us more than others. In addition, when we allow anxiety to come between us and our relationship with Christ, we suffer not only the strain of that relationship and the stress of anxiety, but we are also resisting the work of God in our lives as he seeks to sanctify us through our challenges.
Finally, today we studied Exodus 14-15, the well-known miracle of the parting of the Red Sea and the song of Moses and the Israelites after they were delivered from the pursuing Egyptian army. We saw how the Lord's hand was with his people and in protecting them from the Egyptians, He ultimately demonstrates his sovereignty and power as the only One who is worthy of glory.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Sunday School: 3/23/2008
Sorry it took me so long to post the outline from Sunday. In case you missed it, we talked about the final two plagues God sent upon the Egyptians in response to Pharaoh's hard-heartedness. Coincidentally enough, we spend most of our discussion on the similarities between Passover and Easter and how Christ was the final needed Passover lamb. Here's the outline in case you didn't get one.
Genesis 10-12 -- Passover instituted and the Israelites freed
Genesis 10-12 -- Passover instituted and the Israelites freed
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Sunday School: A Plague on Both Your Houses
This morning we studied Exodus 8:20 through 10:20, the continuance of God's plagues on the Egyptians in response to Pharaoh's hardened heart. Last week we saw the Nile turned to blood, frogs, and swarms of gnats/lice. This week, we saw swarms of flies, disease upon livestock, boils on man and animals, a massive hailstorm, and swarms of locusts. Sounds like fun, huh? Throughout all the land of Egypt, the people were in misery...everyone except for the Israelites, God's chosen people, whose region was spared. What we see here is not only a testimony of God's sovereignty, but also a clear demonstration of his favor and faithfulness to the Israelites, just as he promised.
Exodus 8:20-10:20
Exodus 8:20-10:20
Friday, March 14, 2008
Midweek Bible Study 3/13/08
We had a great group last night for The Rebel's Guide to Joy in Conflict. Despite a few controversial comments by Mark, we were left with a very fruitful discussion on the dangers of religion over relationship. There was so much meat in this lesson with regards to the differences between religiosity and true Christ-centered living. To summarize, here's Mark's closing thought...(my paraphrase)
Religious People are Dogs,
Religion is Rubbish,
Jesus is the SOURCE of gift righteousness
which results in eternal, unending, unfathomable
JOY
and that is always worth fighting for
Religion is Rubbish,
Jesus is the SOURCE of gift righteousness
which results in eternal, unending, unfathomable
JOY
and that is always worth fighting for
Monday, March 3, 2008
Sunday School 3/2/2008
It's already March???? What happened to February? I thought perhaps we might start to see signs of Spring; that is, until I woke up to snow flurries this morning! We'll I've lived here long enough to know better than to try to play weatherman...guess we'll just have to take it a day at a time...
This week, we started with the end of Exodus 6, which contains the list of Israelite clan leaders and continued through the first 3 plagues on Egypt, the consequence of Pharaoh's disobedience. Thanks to all who participated in the discussion...it was certainly full of great insight and thoughts (as always). In case you missed it, be sure to check out the outline below. See you next week.
Exodus 6b through 8a
This week, we started with the end of Exodus 6, which contains the list of Israelite clan leaders and continued through the first 3 plagues on Egypt, the consequence of Pharaoh's disobedience. Thanks to all who participated in the discussion...it was certainly full of great insight and thoughts (as always). In case you missed it, be sure to check out the outline below. See you next week.
Exodus 6b through 8a
Friday, February 29, 2008
Midweek Bible Study: 2/28/2008
Wow! What a great evening in Philippians!!! I hope that all of you who came to the Midweek Bible Study tonight enjoyed this week's message and discussion as much as I did. For those of you who were unable to make it, we covered the next lesson in our "The Rebel's Guide to Joy" series with "The Rebel's Guide to Joy in Humility." What a powerful lesson on the pursuit of humility and the obstacle of pride! You all had such great comments and insights during the discussion time that you made my job very easy (thanks, by the way :)). At any rate, the question we left with was this: "What specifically in your life has become an obstacle to your pursuit of humility?" (more specific than "Pride," Bethany....j/k) Have you been hurt before and now find the vulnerability that humility can bring too painful or fearsome? Have you always held a weak view of humility and find that hard to break through that view to find true humility? I'd be really interested to hear your thoughts, even "in general" if you'd rather not share from your personal life. Let me know in the coments.
Link to video: The Rebel's Guide to Joy in Humility
Link to video: The Rebel's Guide to Joy in Humility
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Sunday School 2/24/08: Moses and Aaron before Pharoah
We did not have Bible Study on Thursday night due to a combination of busy schedules and bad weather, so we will continue this week, Lord willing.
This morning, we studied Exodus 5-6:13, where Moses and Aaron appear before Pharaoh to relay God's command to let the Israelites go free. Of course, Pharaoh refuses and responds by increasing the toil of the Israelites by withholding straw for their bricks, making them gather it themselves with no reduction in quota. In this, Pharaoh not only succeeded in declaring his non-submission to God, but also in turning the people against Moses and Aaron. Discouraged, Moses offers an honest prayer of frustration to God, who, in response, assures Moses of his plan to redeem his people and reveals himself to them as LORD, a level of intimacy not previously offered to mankind.
Exodus 5-6
This morning, we studied Exodus 5-6:13, where Moses and Aaron appear before Pharaoh to relay God's command to let the Israelites go free. Of course, Pharaoh refuses and responds by increasing the toil of the Israelites by withholding straw for their bricks, making them gather it themselves with no reduction in quota. In this, Pharaoh not only succeeded in declaring his non-submission to God, but also in turning the people against Moses and Aaron. Discouraged, Moses offers an honest prayer of frustration to God, who, in response, assures Moses of his plan to redeem his people and reveals himself to them as LORD, a level of intimacy not previously offered to mankind.
Exodus 5-6
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Sunday School: 2/17/08
Today we studied the "Call of Moses" as it is often referred to. We saw how God appeared to Moses in the Burning Bush and how even though God spoke directly to Moses, he was still reluctant to obey wholeheartedly. However, even though many might be quick to criticize Moses for his reluctance, we see within him the very same tendency that many of us face on a daily basis: the conflict between doing what is comfortable and doing what is right. God was asking Moses to step out of his comfort zone...Go to a people who don't know you and speak my truth to them, even though you dislike public speaking. Oh, and by the way, Pharaoh's heart will be hardened, so he will require some convincing. But here's the great part: I will go with you and make sure that you're successful; in fact, you and the people will worship me on this very mountain.
Moses eventually obeyed, and yet we're often quick to point the finger at him, criticizing his lack of trust that God knew what he was doing...after all, God actually spoke to him, right? But here's the truth: we have God's written word right in front of us, yet we often hesitate in our obedience, as if God's written word somehow carries less authority than his spoken word.
Well, as I said this morning, I am thankful that God chose to work through average, ordinary people, just like you and me, so that we can relate to their humanity...after all, I'd be willing to bet that if we all were honest with ourselves we've all faced a situation where obedience to God was uncomfortable... How did you respond?
Exodus 3-4
Moses eventually obeyed, and yet we're often quick to point the finger at him, criticizing his lack of trust that God knew what he was doing...after all, God actually spoke to him, right? But here's the truth: we have God's written word right in front of us, yet we often hesitate in our obedience, as if God's written word somehow carries less authority than his spoken word.
Well, as I said this morning, I am thankful that God chose to work through average, ordinary people, just like you and me, so that we can relate to their humanity...after all, I'd be willing to bet that if we all were honest with ourselves we've all faced a situation where obedience to God was uncomfortable... How did you respond?
Exodus 3-4
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Midweek Bible Study 2/14/2008 (V-day Edition)
Happy Valentine's Day to everyone!
We had our 4th installation of our Rebel's Guide to Joy series this evening with The Rebel's Guide to Joy in Death. We had a great group this evening and, although the topic was a pretty heavy one, we had a really fruitful discussion time and even enjoyed a little Guitar Hero III afterwards.
Since I've had some problems with the site displaying the embedded videos, I'll just link you to the actual Mars Hill site for the video, but NO PEEKING!!! Don't look ahead and ruin your appetite for next week!
It's an honor and privilege to share this journey called life with each of you and, God willing, I look forward to many more exciting times with you all! See you on Sunday! Bring a friend! Let's get this party started!!!!
We had our 4th installation of our Rebel's Guide to Joy series this evening with The Rebel's Guide to Joy in Death. We had a great group this evening and, although the topic was a pretty heavy one, we had a really fruitful discussion time and even enjoyed a little Guitar Hero III afterwards.
Since I've had some problems with the site displaying the embedded videos, I'll just link you to the actual Mars Hill site for the video, but NO PEEKING!!! Don't look ahead and ruin your appetite for next week!
It's an honor and privilege to share this journey called life with each of you and, God willing, I look forward to many more exciting times with you all! See you on Sunday! Bring a friend! Let's get this party started!!!!
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Sunday School 2/10/2008: Exodus 1 & 2
As I said this morning, either you guys really like the Old Testament or else you are gluttons for punishment! After your feedback as to where to go after Genesis, the overwhelming consensus was Exodus, the next book of the Old Testament Books of Law. In all seriousness, though, I am very excited to teach Exodus with you all and I hope that we enjoy it as much as, if not more than, Genesis. Exodus is an amazing book that centers around faithfulness. It is in Exodus that God demonstrates his faithfulness to his people, the Israelites in delivering them from bondage in Egypt. This theme, among others, connects the books of Genesis and Exodus as a cohesive account of God's promise and sovereign ability to accomplish what he has promised.
This morning, we opened with a brief discussion of the connecting context between Genesis and Exodus and were introduced to Moses, God's appointed man to lead the Israelites from bondage...Moses just didn't know it yet. We saw how the divine hand of God was at work to connect events and circumstances for the furthering of his plan to save his people.
Here's the outline to this week's study in case you lost it or didn't get to join us today.I hope that you will join us next week as we see God's calling on Abraham's life...it promises to be a great time in fellowship and study of the Word.
Exodus 1 & 2
This morning, we opened with a brief discussion of the connecting context between Genesis and Exodus and were introduced to Moses, God's appointed man to lead the Israelites from bondage...Moses just didn't know it yet. We saw how the divine hand of God was at work to connect events and circumstances for the furthering of his plan to save his people.
Here's the outline to this week's study in case you lost it or didn't get to join us today.I hope that you will join us next week as we see God's calling on Abraham's life...it promises to be a great time in fellowship and study of the Word.
Exodus 1 & 2
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Midweek Bible Study: 2/7/2008
Sorry for the late post. This week, despite a last minute change of venue, we had our third study in our series, The Rebel's Guide to Joy. This week's topic? The Rebel's Guide to Joy in Suffering. The question is not if you will suffer, but how and when. While that certainly doesn't, at first glance, inspire a lot of hope, the real joy in suffering is found not in the suffering itself, but in how God works in you and through you. Despite his circumstances, Paul, who knew all too well of suffering, found joy in his own suffering because he knew that even though he was miserable, God was using his suffering to refine his own life and to impact the lives of those around him. His joy was not in the fact that he was suffering, but in the fact that his suffering was not without purpose: namely, the furthering of the Gospel.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
No Sunday School 2/3/08--Budget Meeting
Hey Everyone!
We did not have Sunday School this morning, due to the annual Budget Meeting held in the FLC. I am a bit under the weather and have spend much of today in bed, so I missed the meeting this morning.
Weather permitting, we plan to continue our study of Philippians on Thursday with the Rebel's Guide to Joy in Suffering, Part 3 of our study.
Hope to see you then!!
~~J
We did not have Sunday School this morning, due to the annual Budget Meeting held in the FLC. I am a bit under the weather and have spend much of today in bed, so I missed the meeting this morning.
Weather permitting, we plan to continue our study of Philippians on Thursday with the Rebel's Guide to Joy in Suffering, Part 3 of our study.
Hope to see you then!!
~~J
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Sunday School 1/27/2008: Conclusion to Genesis
This morning we concluded our study of Genesis with the death and burial of Jacob and the final days of Joseph in Egypt. This conclusion, after more than a year of study in this book, took a brief look back and the whole book and examined the major themes and principles of the contained within. What a great end to a book of beginnings!
Genesis 49b-50
Genesis Recap
No Sunday School next week, as we will all meet in the Family Life Center for the annual budget meeting. ~~J
Genesis 49b-50
Genesis Recap
No Sunday School next week, as we will all meet in the Family Life Center for the annual budget meeting. ~~J
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Midweek Bible Study: 1/24/2008
Great group tonight!! Although tonight's video on The Rebel's Guide to Joy in Loneliness was a little on the long side (thanks for sticking it out :)), we had a really great discussion time and ultimately I think it made for a really awesome time of fellowship. See below for the video, in case you missed it. Hope you can join us on Sunday as we finish up Genesis and then next Thursday when we study The Rebel's Guide to Joy in Suffering.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Sunday School 1/20/08: Genesis 48-49a
This week we read about the end of Jacob's life as he blesses Joseph and his sons as his own and then blesses all of his sons, each receiving a unique blessing that was specific and customized just for them. Can you picture the gravity of the moment when the man whom God renamed "Israel," the father of the men whose descendants would become God's chosen people, was at the end of his life and, with his last bit of strength, utters out his prophetic blessings on his sons...the good, the bad, and the ugly. After he breathed his last, what remained was the legacy of a nation from whom would one day come the Messaiah, Christ Jesus, Savior of the World!
Genesis 48-49a
Genesis 48-49a
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Midweek Bible Study Kickoff!!
Woo-hoo!!! I'm super excited right now! We just finished up our first Midweek Bible Study night and it was AWESOME!!! Thanks so much to those of you who braved the cold to join us for such a great time of fellowship and discussion...hope to see everyone next week for Part 2: The Rebel's Guide to Joy in Loneliness. If you missed out this week...WE MISSED YOU!!! I hope you will consider dropping by next week a little before 7:00p to join in the study...it promises to be a good one (I've watched it twice already and can't wait for next week!!!)...Plus, the study is not one that will leave you completely lost if you miss a night...each week has something unique to offer. Hope to see you there!!!
If you missed tonight, here's the video for you to watch, in case you want to get caught up! Have a great rest of the week! See you Sunday!!!
If you missed tonight, here's the video for you to watch, in case you want to get caught up! Have a great rest of the week! See you Sunday!!!
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Sunday School 1/13/2008--Young Adult Fellowship
Greetings!
We did not have a Genesis study this morning, since we had our quarterly Young Adult Fellowship, but we had a great time getting to know the other young adults at MBC. One of the themes that came from our discussion was "Relationships"--specifically cross-generational relationships and unity between generations. Whether in mentoring relationships or in small group studies, it's clear that young adults are looking for meaningful relationships that lead to unity with both older and younger generations. What are your thoughts? Let me know in the comments.
Don't forget about our Midweek Bible Study that starts this week on Thursday night at 7:00pm. Email me or use the "Call Me" feature to leave me a message if you are interested and need directions to the study.
~~J
We did not have a Genesis study this morning, since we had our quarterly Young Adult Fellowship, but we had a great time getting to know the other young adults at MBC. One of the themes that came from our discussion was "Relationships"--specifically cross-generational relationships and unity between generations. Whether in mentoring relationships or in small group studies, it's clear that young adults are looking for meaningful relationships that lead to unity with both older and younger generations. What are your thoughts? Let me know in the comments.
Don't forget about our Midweek Bible Study that starts this week on Thursday night at 7:00pm. Email me or use the "Call Me" feature to leave me a message if you are interested and need directions to the study.
~~J
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Sunday School 1/6/2007--Genesis 46-47
Happy 2008!!!
I hope that you had an exciting and worshipful holiday season and are looking forward to an awesome year in 2008. We have several awesome things coming up this month and I am excited to share them with you! (Sorry for the length of this post, but there's a lot to share)...
Next Sunday, January 13th, we will have our quarterly young adult fellowship during the Sunday School hour, so be prepared for an AWESOME time with our fellow young adult classes and, from what I hear, some really great food!
Speaking of the "Call Me" link, I wanted to point out this new feature and some cool uses. Obviously, it's a quick way to leave a message for me and a good way for visitors to leave comments or questions about our class. But I also would like it to be used as a discussion tool as well. Whenever you have a great thought about our lesson or something else in your day you want to share with the class, I can post the audio file to the blog for everyone else to hear and respond to (I'll always get your permission before I do, so don't worry). YOU can have direct impact in the lives of your fellow 20somethings as well as visitors to our site who may be looking for an encouraging word!!!
We are almost through the book of Genesis!!!! (Yippee!!) After about a year of studying this book, we are nearing the end and so I'm looking for your input and suggestions on where to go next. Do you want to stay in the Old Testament or switch it up with a New Testament study? Do you want to stick with a chapter-by-chapter study or perhaps a topical study? Your ideas and comments/thoughts will help to decide what's up next for the class....After all, it's YOUR class and I want to teach what YOU want to study! Please let me know your thoughts ASAP!
Also, on that note, I have posted the last 2 outlines, from 12/23 and from today (I missed last week due to sickness). The links are below for you. I hope that you find them useful in future studies as well.
Genesis 44-45 (12/23/2007)
Genesis 46-47 (1/6/2008)
Hope you all have a great week!!!!
~Johnny
I hope that you had an exciting and worshipful holiday season and are looking forward to an awesome year in 2008. We have several awesome things coming up this month and I am excited to share them with you! (Sorry for the length of this post, but there's a lot to share)...
Next Sunday, January 13th, we will have our quarterly young adult fellowship during the Sunday School hour, so be prepared for an AWESOME time with our fellow young adult classes and, from what I hear, some really great food!
We will begin our midweek Bible Study on Thursday, January 17th from 7:00pm-8:30pm (-ish). We will be studying the book of Philippians using a video series from Mars Hill Church in Seattle, WA. I am very excited about this study and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I have. Here is a link to the Promo for the study (no peeking on the rest of the series, though...don't ruin your appetite :)).
We will be meeting at my house, so if you need directions, send me an email (living2serve@gmail.com) or, leave me a voice mail using the new "Call Me" feature on the site.
Speaking of the "Call Me" link, I wanted to point out this new feature and some cool uses. Obviously, it's a quick way to leave a message for me and a good way for visitors to leave comments or questions about our class. But I also would like it to be used as a discussion tool as well. Whenever you have a great thought about our lesson or something else in your day you want to share with the class, I can post the audio file to the blog for everyone else to hear and respond to (I'll always get your permission before I do, so don't worry). YOU can have direct impact in the lives of your fellow 20somethings as well as visitors to our site who may be looking for an encouraging word!!!
We are almost through the book of Genesis!!!! (Yippee!!) After about a year of studying this book, we are nearing the end and so I'm looking for your input and suggestions on where to go next. Do you want to stay in the Old Testament or switch it up with a New Testament study? Do you want to stick with a chapter-by-chapter study or perhaps a topical study? Your ideas and comments/thoughts will help to decide what's up next for the class....After all, it's YOUR class and I want to teach what YOU want to study! Please let me know your thoughts ASAP!
Also, on that note, I have posted the last 2 outlines, from 12/23 and from today (I missed last week due to sickness). The links are below for you. I hope that you find them useful in future studies as well.
Genesis 44-45 (12/23/2007)
Genesis 46-47 (1/6/2008)
Hope you all have a great week!!!!
~Johnny
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