Jason and Jennifer have offered up their backyard for a BBQ on Sat. June 6th at 4:30pm. We're going to be grilling some yummy hamburgers and hotdogs. If you haven't been to their house before they have a huge backyard with a playground for the kids. So bring your lawn chairs and your kiddos and come on out.
We will be passing around a signup sheet for sides, drinks, condiments and dessert. There will be a cost per family for the meat, but it should be minimal. Also, if anyone has any ideas for kids games and would like to head that up, please email me back and let me know. If it happens to rain that day then we will postpone it until another Saturday. We will need to know a headcount by Thursday, June 4th to be able to buy enough meat for everyone.
Have a great week,
Krista
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Giving
(Brian) I should have the lesson online shortly.
Key verses: Ephesians 2:8-10.
"Freedom From Fear" David M. Kennedy- references to Kristallnacht, the Fortune Magazine poll, SS St. Louis failed attempt at bringing Jews to the US, etc.
"The Hole In Our Gospel" by Richard Stearns, President of World Vision (Shelli Norvell has this book for May, let me know if you want to read it in June or beyond.) http://www.theholeinourgospel.com/
Various comparative information regarding Malawi and the US: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/mi.html
Kurt Warner's new contract
Williamson County 'wealthiest' county in the US when factoring in cost of living: http://www.coli.org/COLIAdjustedMHI.asp
Key verses: Ephesians 2:8-10.
"Freedom From Fear" David M. Kennedy- references to Kristallnacht, the Fortune Magazine poll, SS St. Louis failed attempt at bringing Jews to the US, etc.
"The Hole In Our Gospel" by Richard Stearns, President of World Vision (Shelli Norvell has this book for May, let me know if you want to read it in June or beyond.) http://www.theholeinourgospel.com/
Various comparative information regarding Malawi and the US: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/mi.html
Kurt Warner's new contract
Williamson County 'wealthiest' county in the US when factoring in cost of living: http://www.coli.org/COLIAdjustedMHI.asp
Redemption 'Finale'
(Brian) Since we didn't do a planned lesson, here are some notes and comments from people following class:
After our incredible discussion and time together yesterday, I received this devotion. I thought it was very relevant to the faith issues we discussed yesterday. I hope it impacts you.
Aaron
If you accept that there was a Resurrection that will not necessarily lead to any active or transformative faith. (Of course God could raise up Jesus if he wanted to. Mere belief in miracles does not transform us.) But if you can trust that God would do the same for you, then you also will be changed, and you can begin to change the world. The Resurrection was not a miracle to prove that Jesus was in union with God, although it does have that effect. It is the revelation of how God does things in all of time!
Just saying “Wow!” about Jesus being raised from the dead, does nothing for God, for the world, or for you. It is the same excitement as a magic show. But if you can say “Wow!” about what can and is happening now, then the Mystery of Resurrection has moved into our space and our time—and all time. Resurrection is God’s job description, not a one time magic show.
- From Richard Rohr
After our incredible discussion and time together yesterday, I received this devotion. I thought it was very relevant to the faith issues we discussed yesterday. I hope it impacts you.
Aaron
If you accept that there was a Resurrection that will not necessarily lead to any active or transformative faith. (Of course God could raise up Jesus if he wanted to. Mere belief in miracles does not transform us.) But if you can trust that God would do the same for you, then you also will be changed, and you can begin to change the world. The Resurrection was not a miracle to prove that Jesus was in union with God, although it does have that effect. It is the revelation of how God does things in all of time!
Just saying “Wow!” about Jesus being raised from the dead, does nothing for God, for the world, or for you. It is the same excitement as a magic show. But if you can say “Wow!” about what can and is happening now, then the Mystery of Resurrection has moved into our space and our time—and all time. Resurrection is God’s job description, not a one time magic show.
- From Richard Rohr
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Redemption and the Holy Spirit
Redemption Scriptures:
Psa. 111:9, Psa. 130:7, Matt. 20:28, Mark 10:45, Luke 2:38, Acts 20:28, Rom. 3:24–26, 1Cor. 1:30, 1 Cor. 6:20, 1 Cor. 7:23, Gal. 1:4, Gal. 2:20, Gal. 4:4, 5, Eph. 1:7, Eph. 5:2,
Col. 1:14, 20–22, 1 Tim. 2:6, Tit. 2:14, Heb. 9:12, 15, 1 Pet. 1:18, 19, Rev. 5:9, 10
Redemption of Our Souls
Whether fleeing from oppression, stepping out of a prison, or breaking a bad habit or addiction, freedom means life. There is nothing more exhilarating as knowing that the past is forgotten and that new options await. People yearn to be free.
The book of Galatians is the charter of Christian freedom. In this profound letter, Paul proclaims the reality of our liberty in Christ—freedom from the law and the power of sin, and freedom to serve our living Lord. Faith in Christ means true freedom. This was written in the time of Judaizers—an extreme Jewish faction within the church who taught that Gentile Christians had to submit to Jewish laws and traditions in addition to believing in Christ. Galatians was written, therefore, to refute the Judaizers and to call believers back to the pure gospel.
Main Themes:
1. Freedom—We are not under the jurisdiction of Jewish laws and traditions nor under the authority of Jerusalem. Faith in Jesus brings true freedom from sin and from the futile attempt to be right with God by keeping the law.
a. What does freedom mean to you?
2. Holy Spirit—We become Christians through the work of the Holy Spirit. He brings new life; even our faith to believe is a gift from Him. The Holy Spirit instructs, guides, leads and gives us power. He ends our bondage to evil desires and he creates in us love, joy, peace and many other wonderful changes.
a. What examples to you have of the Holy Spirit working in your life?
Main Importance:
1. We are free in Christ and yet freedom is a privilege. We are not free to disobey Christ or practice immorality, but we are free to serve the risen Christ. Let us use our freedom to love and to serve, not for wrong.
2. The Holy Spirit is at the root of our freedom. When the Holy Spirit leads us, he produces his fruit in us. Just as we are saved by faith, not deeds, we also grow by faith. By believing we can have the Holy Spirit within us helping us live for Jesus. Obey Christ by following the Holy Spirit’s leading.
Please study the Holy Spirit because He:
a. Reveals the things of God. 1Co 2:10,13.
b. Reveals the things of Christ. Joh 16:14.
c. Reveals the future. Lu 2:26; Ac 21:11.
d. Brings the words of Christ to remembrance. Joh 14:26.
e. Directs in the way of godliness. Isa 30:21; Eze 36:27.
f. Teaches saints to answer persecutors. Mr 13:11; Lu 12:12.
g. Enables ministers to teach. 1Co 12:8.
h. Guides into all truth. Joh 14:26; 16:13.
Where do you want or need the Holy Spirit to work in your life? Will you share?
Psa. 111:9, Psa. 130:7, Matt. 20:28, Mark 10:45, Luke 2:38, Acts 20:28, Rom. 3:24–26, 1Cor. 1:30, 1 Cor. 6:20, 1 Cor. 7:23, Gal. 1:4, Gal. 2:20, Gal. 4:4, 5, Eph. 1:7, Eph. 5:2,
Col. 1:14, 20–22, 1 Tim. 2:6, Tit. 2:14, Heb. 9:12, 15, 1 Pet. 1:18, 19, Rev. 5:9, 10
Redemption of Our Souls
Whether fleeing from oppression, stepping out of a prison, or breaking a bad habit or addiction, freedom means life. There is nothing more exhilarating as knowing that the past is forgotten and that new options await. People yearn to be free.
The book of Galatians is the charter of Christian freedom. In this profound letter, Paul proclaims the reality of our liberty in Christ—freedom from the law and the power of sin, and freedom to serve our living Lord. Faith in Christ means true freedom. This was written in the time of Judaizers—an extreme Jewish faction within the church who taught that Gentile Christians had to submit to Jewish laws and traditions in addition to believing in Christ. Galatians was written, therefore, to refute the Judaizers and to call believers back to the pure gospel.
Main Themes:
1. Freedom—We are not under the jurisdiction of Jewish laws and traditions nor under the authority of Jerusalem. Faith in Jesus brings true freedom from sin and from the futile attempt to be right with God by keeping the law.
a. What does freedom mean to you?
2. Holy Spirit—We become Christians through the work of the Holy Spirit. He brings new life; even our faith to believe is a gift from Him. The Holy Spirit instructs, guides, leads and gives us power. He ends our bondage to evil desires and he creates in us love, joy, peace and many other wonderful changes.
a. What examples to you have of the Holy Spirit working in your life?
Main Importance:
1. We are free in Christ and yet freedom is a privilege. We are not free to disobey Christ or practice immorality, but we are free to serve the risen Christ. Let us use our freedom to love and to serve, not for wrong.
2. The Holy Spirit is at the root of our freedom. When the Holy Spirit leads us, he produces his fruit in us. Just as we are saved by faith, not deeds, we also grow by faith. By believing we can have the Holy Spirit within us helping us live for Jesus. Obey Christ by following the Holy Spirit’s leading.
Please study the Holy Spirit because He:
a. Reveals the things of God. 1Co 2:10,13.
b. Reveals the things of Christ. Joh 16:14.
c. Reveals the future. Lu 2:26; Ac 21:11.
d. Brings the words of Christ to remembrance. Joh 14:26.
e. Directs in the way of godliness. Isa 30:21; Eze 36:27.
f. Teaches saints to answer persecutors. Mr 13:11; Lu 12:12.
g. Enables ministers to teach. 1Co 12:8.
h. Guides into all truth. Joh 14:26; 16:13.
Where do you want or need the Holy Spirit to work in your life? Will you share?
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
How Much Does It Cost
How Much Does it Cost
Focus Verse: Romans 3:23-24 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus
Part 1: Definitions
What is the definition of Redeem?
-To clear by payment
-Offset
-To buy back
Redeem is derived from the Latin word redimere which means to purchase.
What is the opposite, or antonym, of redeem? Abandon
What does it mean to be redeemable? Capable of being redeemed
How Much is it Worth?
If I offer a car for sale, which I think is worth 7K, and offers are made ranging from 2K to 9K, how much is the car worth? The 7K that I think it's worth? The "low-ball" offer of 2K?
Think about this question, we'll get back to it later in the lesson.
Part 2: Biblical Text
Read John 4:1-9
Palestine was 120 miles in length and was comprised of 3 regions- North=Gallilee
Middle=Samaria, South=Judea
To get from Judea to Gallilee took 3 days, going around takes twice as long
Jacob’s well held many memories for the Jewish people. Interesting to read about in your free time.
This woman walked 1 ½ miles to get water when she could have gotten it in Ssychar. What does that tell you? How high a price do you think that this woman would put on herself?
What was the basis for the relational barrier between Jews and Samaritans? It centered around racial purity. Assyrians conquered the Samaritans and the assimilated into their culture and intermarried which was considered an unforgiveable sin to the jews. When Babylon conquered the Jews they held to their cultural identity. When Jesus and this woman had their conversation the feud was over 400 years old.
Not only was Jesus breaking custom by talking to this Samaritan, but rabbis were forbidden to talk to women in public, even their own wives and daughters.
Here was Jesus breaking all cultural barriers to meet this woman at her point of need.
Read John 4:10-15
What do we learn from this series of verses? Jesus knows that this womans problems run deep and Jesus knows that this will not be an easy fix. She needs his help.
Jews referred to the thirst of the soul for God and they often spoke of quenching that thirst with living water
Read Isaiah 49:10
What is Jesus telling this woman? That he is the Messiah
Does this woman understand what Jesus is telling her?
Read John 16-21
What does this woman come face to face with? her sin
William Barclay states, “ Christianity begins with the realization that life as we are living it will not do. We awake to ourselves and to our need of God.”
Read John 4:22-26
What does Jesus tell her?
Read John 4:27-30
How do the disciples react when they return? Very surprised but didn’t voice their objections at this time.
Small Group Questions
Do you think that Jesus was in this place, at this time by accident?
Did this woman need redemption?
Did she know that she needed redemption?
Do you think this woman was redeemed? She left her pot to return to lead others to Jesus
Why do you think that the disciples did not speak up when they returned and found Jesus talking to this woman?
How do you determine in your own life whether something needs to be redeemed? If the value is high enough. Is it worth it.
What in your life needs to be redeemed? Do you need redemption and if so how can that happen?
Is there a relationship that needs to be redeemed in your life? Your marriage, friendships, or another relationship that has fallen by the wayside because initially you did not find enough value in that relationship or you were not willing to pay the price? Did Christ worry about the price, social status, that it cost to redeem this woman.
Conclusion:
How much is the car we spoke of at the beginning of the lesson worth? The answer is that the car is worth the highest price that somebody is willing to pay.
How much are we worth?
Read focal verse.
Romans 3:23-24
We are so valuable to God that he paid the highest price possible. The price was his son.
We are so valuable to God that he paid the price of his son to redeem us and bring ourselves into a right relationship with him.
Focus Verse: Romans 3:23-24 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus
Part 1: Definitions
What is the definition of Redeem?
-To clear by payment
-Offset
-To buy back
Redeem is derived from the Latin word redimere which means to purchase.
What is the opposite, or antonym, of redeem? Abandon
What does it mean to be redeemable? Capable of being redeemed
How Much is it Worth?
If I offer a car for sale, which I think is worth 7K, and offers are made ranging from 2K to 9K, how much is the car worth? The 7K that I think it's worth? The "low-ball" offer of 2K?
Think about this question, we'll get back to it later in the lesson.
Part 2: Biblical Text
Read John 4:1-9
Palestine was 120 miles in length and was comprised of 3 regions- North=Gallilee
Middle=Samaria, South=Judea
To get from Judea to Gallilee took 3 days, going around takes twice as long
Jacob’s well held many memories for the Jewish people. Interesting to read about in your free time.
This woman walked 1 ½ miles to get water when she could have gotten it in Ssychar. What does that tell you? How high a price do you think that this woman would put on herself?
What was the basis for the relational barrier between Jews and Samaritans? It centered around racial purity. Assyrians conquered the Samaritans and the assimilated into their culture and intermarried which was considered an unforgiveable sin to the jews. When Babylon conquered the Jews they held to their cultural identity. When Jesus and this woman had their conversation the feud was over 400 years old.
Not only was Jesus breaking custom by talking to this Samaritan, but rabbis were forbidden to talk to women in public, even their own wives and daughters.
Here was Jesus breaking all cultural barriers to meet this woman at her point of need.
Read John 4:10-15
What do we learn from this series of verses? Jesus knows that this womans problems run deep and Jesus knows that this will not be an easy fix. She needs his help.
Jews referred to the thirst of the soul for God and they often spoke of quenching that thirst with living water
Read Isaiah 49:10
What is Jesus telling this woman? That he is the Messiah
Does this woman understand what Jesus is telling her?
Read John 16-21
What does this woman come face to face with? her sin
William Barclay states, “ Christianity begins with the realization that life as we are living it will not do. We awake to ourselves and to our need of God.”
Read John 4:22-26
What does Jesus tell her?
Read John 4:27-30
How do the disciples react when they return? Very surprised but didn’t voice their objections at this time.
Small Group Questions
Do you think that Jesus was in this place, at this time by accident?
Did this woman need redemption?
Did she know that she needed redemption?
Do you think this woman was redeemed? She left her pot to return to lead others to Jesus
Why do you think that the disciples did not speak up when they returned and found Jesus talking to this woman?
How do you determine in your own life whether something needs to be redeemed? If the value is high enough. Is it worth it.
What in your life needs to be redeemed? Do you need redemption and if so how can that happen?
Is there a relationship that needs to be redeemed in your life? Your marriage, friendships, or another relationship that has fallen by the wayside because initially you did not find enough value in that relationship or you were not willing to pay the price? Did Christ worry about the price, social status, that it cost to redeem this woman.
Conclusion:
How much is the car we spoke of at the beginning of the lesson worth? The answer is that the car is worth the highest price that somebody is willing to pay.
How much are we worth?
Read focal verse.
Romans 3:23-24
We are so valuable to God that he paid the highest price possible. The price was his son.
We are so valuable to God that he paid the price of his son to redeem us and bring ourselves into a right relationship with him.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Breakfast Sign-Ups
April 19-Mok
April 26-Hudson
May 3-???
May 10-McCutchans
May 17-Hutchinson
May 24- Memorial Day
May 31-Norvell
June 7-Fielder
June 14-Lords
June 21-Chambers
June 28-Lamperts
April 26-Hudson
May 3-???
May 10-McCutchans
May 17-Hutchinson
May 24- Memorial Day
May 31-Norvell
June 7-Fielder
June 14-Lords
June 21-Chambers
June 28-Lamperts
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Grace
Grace
Whatever you're reading right now put it down. Get yourself a copy of TrueFaced and make it the very next book you read. Dallas Willard says, "TrueFaced is one of the best books on practical theology I have ever seen."
TrueFaced addresses basic motives faced by every follower of Jesus: the distinction between our determination to please God or to trust Him. The authors draw on the metaphor of two rooms in our pursuit of God—The Room of Good Intentions and The Room of Grace.
The First Room—Good Intentions (Effort)
Eph 2:1-3—Sin deadens us, sin controls us, do the devils will, pain, shame, brokenness.
Psalm 73—based on human instincts, slaves to flesh (not exactly body) more of a desire for self apart form God.
The first, at the end of a well-traveled road, is the Room of Good Intentions, entered by turning the knob of Effort. This room is filled to capacity with:
• Tired Christians
• Cynical Christians
• Well-intended Christians wearing various masks
• Christians determined to work on their sin to achieve an intimate relationship with God.
These folks are sincerely determined to be godly. No one in this room is interested in hearing about your struggles, trials or failures. To be welcome here, one must hold their cards pretty close to their chest and give the appearance of sufficiency and that everything is fine. I'm fine; you're fine, we're all fine, fine, fine all the time, time, time.
The Second Room—Grace (Humility)
Eph 2:4-6
-God loves us
-Rich in mercy
-By grace we are saved through faith
2 Cor 8:9—generous grace of our Lord
The second room lies at the end of life's path with the motive of Trusting God. In this room, inhabitants have embraced the concept of Living out of Who God Says I Am. To enter the Room of Grace, one only needs turn the doorknob of Humility. In this room, people have cried out:
• I'm not fine! I haven't been fine for a long time
• I feel guilty, lonely and depressed
• I'm sad most of the time and I can't make my life work.
• If any of you knew half of my daily thoughts, you'd want me out of your little club I'm not doing fine
Instead of working on one's own sin to achieve intimacy with God, in this room, people stand with God, with their sin in front of them, working on it together with Him. We must discover the freedom that lies in allowing ourselves to be real before God and others and we must trust the people around you
“We've all been part of a community, a church, or a small group where we've felt the pressure of presenting a strong, fine front. One where we don't have the freedom to share sin or failures; where we have to put on appearances and pretend we've got it all together. The effect is subtle, but grossly counterproductive to introducing people to the Kingdom of God. For reasons too numerous to count, Christians have fallen prey to the lie that we must appear fine, strong, good and often, productive. We don't want people to know we're flawed. My flaws and imperfections serve only to draw attention to the fact that I NEED a perfect father. Those that appear flawless, often draw perceptions that something's not entirely right, and make genuine, authentic connection near impossible.” -Pastor Williams
Do you have any of those books where you've worn a highlighter or underlined something on nearly every page? This is one for me.
This is the kind of book that I could read over and over again. I want to so thoroughly grasp the concept of a truly trusting, grace-filled relationship with the Father and this book can assist.
Here are a few thoughts from the book:
• “Many of us remain so wounded and preoccupied with our own stuff that we concoct our own tepid, cheap dreams and call them God’s.” (pg 15)
• “One of the really good gifts we could receive would be the ability to see where we are and how we got here. We need to see ourselves in our story, to see what causes and drives the responses that trip us up.” (pg 23)
• “Nothing in us can absorb sin. Nothing. Even when we are the one being sinned against, we still cannot handle sin, because sin done to us will always ignite the nature of the sin already in us.” (pg 25)
• “Worse yet, I never experience the love of others because when I wear a mask, only my mask receives love! I sense I’m still not loved and self-diagnose that maybe my mask wasn’t good or tight enough.” (pg 30)
• “So, if a relationship or community lacks grace, that relationship or community is low on trust. One simply cannot nurture a realm of grace without trust.” (pg 62)
• “The degree to which I let you love me is the degree to which you can love me, no matter how much love you have for me.” (pg 90)
Final Thoughts:
1. Grace is stronger than sin
2. We must be humble
3. Titus 3:4-7
4. In our most quite place—do we really know God is for us?
5. “The Great Disconnect—the gap between who we say we are and who we actually believe we are.”
6. “No matter how much we draw from it, the river of divine grace is always full of water.” Elwell
7. “If you ask me what is the first precept of Christian religion I will answer, first, second, an third, Humility” Augustine
Whatever you're reading right now put it down. Get yourself a copy of TrueFaced and make it the very next book you read. Dallas Willard says, "TrueFaced is one of the best books on practical theology I have ever seen."
TrueFaced addresses basic motives faced by every follower of Jesus: the distinction between our determination to please God or to trust Him. The authors draw on the metaphor of two rooms in our pursuit of God—The Room of Good Intentions and The Room of Grace.
The First Room—Good Intentions (Effort)
Eph 2:1-3—Sin deadens us, sin controls us, do the devils will, pain, shame, brokenness.
Psalm 73—based on human instincts, slaves to flesh (not exactly body) more of a desire for self apart form God.
The first, at the end of a well-traveled road, is the Room of Good Intentions, entered by turning the knob of Effort. This room is filled to capacity with:
• Tired Christians
• Cynical Christians
• Well-intended Christians wearing various masks
• Christians determined to work on their sin to achieve an intimate relationship with God.
These folks are sincerely determined to be godly. No one in this room is interested in hearing about your struggles, trials or failures. To be welcome here, one must hold their cards pretty close to their chest and give the appearance of sufficiency and that everything is fine. I'm fine; you're fine, we're all fine, fine, fine all the time, time, time.
The Second Room—Grace (Humility)
Eph 2:4-6
-God loves us
-Rich in mercy
-By grace we are saved through faith
2 Cor 8:9—generous grace of our Lord
The second room lies at the end of life's path with the motive of Trusting God. In this room, inhabitants have embraced the concept of Living out of Who God Says I Am. To enter the Room of Grace, one only needs turn the doorknob of Humility. In this room, people have cried out:
• I'm not fine! I haven't been fine for a long time
• I feel guilty, lonely and depressed
• I'm sad most of the time and I can't make my life work.
• If any of you knew half of my daily thoughts, you'd want me out of your little club I'm not doing fine
Instead of working on one's own sin to achieve intimacy with God, in this room, people stand with God, with their sin in front of them, working on it together with Him. We must discover the freedom that lies in allowing ourselves to be real before God and others and we must trust the people around you
“We've all been part of a community, a church, or a small group where we've felt the pressure of presenting a strong, fine front. One where we don't have the freedom to share sin or failures; where we have to put on appearances and pretend we've got it all together. The effect is subtle, but grossly counterproductive to introducing people to the Kingdom of God. For reasons too numerous to count, Christians have fallen prey to the lie that we must appear fine, strong, good and often, productive. We don't want people to know we're flawed. My flaws and imperfections serve only to draw attention to the fact that I NEED a perfect father. Those that appear flawless, often draw perceptions that something's not entirely right, and make genuine, authentic connection near impossible.” -Pastor Williams
Do you have any of those books where you've worn a highlighter or underlined something on nearly every page? This is one for me.
This is the kind of book that I could read over and over again. I want to so thoroughly grasp the concept of a truly trusting, grace-filled relationship with the Father and this book can assist.
Here are a few thoughts from the book:
• “Many of us remain so wounded and preoccupied with our own stuff that we concoct our own tepid, cheap dreams and call them God’s.” (pg 15)
• “One of the really good gifts we could receive would be the ability to see where we are and how we got here. We need to see ourselves in our story, to see what causes and drives the responses that trip us up.” (pg 23)
• “Nothing in us can absorb sin. Nothing. Even when we are the one being sinned against, we still cannot handle sin, because sin done to us will always ignite the nature of the sin already in us.” (pg 25)
• “Worse yet, I never experience the love of others because when I wear a mask, only my mask receives love! I sense I’m still not loved and self-diagnose that maybe my mask wasn’t good or tight enough.” (pg 30)
• “So, if a relationship or community lacks grace, that relationship or community is low on trust. One simply cannot nurture a realm of grace without trust.” (pg 62)
• “The degree to which I let you love me is the degree to which you can love me, no matter how much love you have for me.” (pg 90)
Final Thoughts:
1. Grace is stronger than sin
2. We must be humble
3. Titus 3:4-7
4. In our most quite place—do we really know God is for us?
5. “The Great Disconnect—the gap between who we say we are and who we actually believe we are.”
6. “No matter how much we draw from it, the river of divine grace is always full of water.” Elwell
7. “If you ask me what is the first precept of Christian religion I will answer, first, second, an third, Humility” Augustine
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Financial Basics
GIVING: Its important to give to God first before anything else.
Think of the Widow who gave her last penny, Mark 12:38.
Proverbs 3:9 "Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine."
Financial Pyramid
Step 1: Foundation: Term Life Insurance, Emergency Fund
Money Market- best rates at: http://www.bankrate.com/kip/ (much better rates than savings accounts)
Example: www.GMACBank.com, 2.71% interest, no minimum investment
Basic: Get $1,000 for emergencies only. Recommended- 3 to 6 month of expenses.
Also: Life Happens Fund- for helping family, car repairs, etc.
Joseph- 7 years of plenty, 7 years of famine
Step 2: Stronger footing:
Proverbs 22:7- "The poor are always ruled over by the rich, so don't borrow and put yourself under their power"
(not anti-credit- but I’d much better to be making interest than paying it)
Lowering or getting out of debt- Krista
Know what you owe; Make a list of outstanding debts
Step 3: Planting seeds for the future:
Proverbs 13:22- "A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children."
JACOB & TRISTAN STORY- A Tale of Two College Kids
Kids college funds: www.collegesavingsiowa.com $25 minimum investment
www.upromise.com A percentage of purchases goes into your kids college fund- Publix, Krogers, online shopping, etc
Retirement: Basics- Index Funds track the market- Vanguard, Fidelity, etc. IRA/401k
Big Purchases- Pay for your car before you buy it:
Luke 14:28 "For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it?"
$15,000 car, paying 10% interest rate, over 48 months. With interest, the car will cost you $18,261.06
$15,000 car, saving at 2.5% interest rate, over 48 months. Subtract interest, the car will cost you $14,221.90
Exact same car, $4,039.16 less.
Once you pay for your car, keep making payments into a money market fund.
Recommended books: Ron Blue: Mastering Your Money
Dave Ramsey: Financial Peace
Classes: Crown Financial, Financial Peace
Proverbs 3:9 "Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine."
Financial Pyramid
Step 1: Foundation: Term Life Insurance, Emergency Fund
Money Market- best rates at: http://www.bankrate.com/kip/ (much better rates than savings accounts)
Example: www.GMACBank.com, 2.71% interest, no minimum investment
Basic: Get $1,000 for emergencies only. Recommended- 3 to 6 month of expenses.
Also: Life Happens Fund- for helping family, car repairs, etc.
Joseph- 7 years of plenty, 7 years of famine
Step 2: Stronger footing:
Proverbs 22:7- "The poor are always ruled over by the rich, so don't borrow and put yourself under their power"
(not anti-credit- but I’d much better to be making interest than paying it)
Lowering or getting out of debt- Krista
Know what you owe; Make a list of outstanding debts
Step 3: Planting seeds for the future:
Proverbs 13:22- "A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children."
JACOB & TRISTAN STORY- A Tale of Two College Kids
Kids college funds: www.collegesavingsiowa.com $25 minimum investment
www.upromise.com A percentage of purchases goes into your kids college fund- Publix, Krogers, online shopping, etc
Retirement: Basics- Index Funds track the market- Vanguard, Fidelity, etc. IRA/401k
Big Purchases- Pay for your car before you buy it:
Luke 14:28 "For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it?"
$15,000 car, paying 10% interest rate, over 48 months. With interest, the car will cost you $18,261.06
$15,000 car, saving at 2.5% interest rate, over 48 months. Subtract interest, the car will cost you $14,221.90
Exact same car, $4,039.16 less.
Once you pay for your car, keep making payments into a money market fund.
Recommended books: Ron Blue: Mastering Your Money
Dave Ramsey: Financial Peace
Classes: Crown Financial, Financial Peace
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
February/March schedule
Teaching schedule:
Feb 8- Veer, Thessalonians 2
Feb 15- Ken Davis
Feb 22- Brian, Thessalonians 3
March 1- Rob, Thessalonians 4
March 8- Michael, Thessalonians 5
March 15- Rob, Redemption
March 22- Brian, Money Basics Through Biblical Principles
Feb 8- Veer, Thessalonians 2
Feb 15- Ken Davis
Feb 22- Brian, Thessalonians 3
March 1- Rob, Thessalonians 4
March 8- Michael, Thessalonians 5
March 15- Rob, Redemption
March 22- Brian, Money Basics Through Biblical Principles
Louis Kathman's Visit and Lesson
Notes from Louis' visit to our class and their ministry:
Louis' website is: www.myspace.com/allforjesusmusic Some key points:
God is in sovereign control of the recession. He expects us to be faithful in our giving of tithes and offerings EVEN during a recession Malachi 3:6-11. He alone gives us the ability to create and sustain wealth. He alone can take that away and give it at his discretion. God has blessed us financially primarily to advance His kingdom. True believers are driven to advance the Kingdom of God. False believers are not. We live in a world where if you make 5,000 per year you are wealthier than 86% of the world's population. If you make 50,000 per year, you make more money than 99% of the world's population. Key verses: Matthew 6:19-20 Luke 12:32-34 Matthew 25:31-46 Matthew 7:21-23
A $5 Chinese Bible distributed through www.worldhelp.net impacts as many as 300 people with the Gospel. An $1800 deep bore water well through Operation Blessing's Living Water Well program gives water to thousands of people the rest of their lives in continents like Africa and countries like India (www.cbn.com). A group of Christians like your Sunday school class CAN change the world! One more thought Jesus is referred in John and Revelation as the Word of God. Jesus and the Bible(Word of God) are inextractable. You can guage your love for Jesus by your love and use of the Bible. Blessings!
Louis' website is: www.myspace.com/allforjesusmusic Some key points:
God is in sovereign control of the recession. He expects us to be faithful in our giving of tithes and offerings EVEN during a recession Malachi 3:6-11. He alone gives us the ability to create and sustain wealth. He alone can take that away and give it at his discretion. God has blessed us financially primarily to advance His kingdom. True believers are driven to advance the Kingdom of God. False believers are not. We live in a world where if you make 5,000 per year you are wealthier than 86% of the world's population. If you make 50,000 per year, you make more money than 99% of the world's population. Key verses: Matthew 6:19-20 Luke 12:32-34 Matthew 25:31-46 Matthew 7:21-23
A $5 Chinese Bible distributed through www.worldhelp.net impacts as many as 300 people with the Gospel. An $1800 deep bore water well through Operation Blessing's Living Water Well program gives water to thousands of people the rest of their lives in continents like Africa and countries like India (www.cbn.com). A group of Christians like your Sunday school class CAN change the world! One more thought Jesus is referred in John and Revelation as the Word of God. Jesus and the Bible(Word of God) are inextractable. You can guage your love for Jesus by your love and use of the Bible. Blessings!
A New, New Year’s Resolution
clip from The Bucket List
Who finds it easy to tell other people about Jesus?
II. Follow-up from last week’s lesson.
a. What was special about Thessalonica?
i. It was a prosperous city.
ii. Geographically it was located in the NW corner of the Aegean Sea. It was the harbour where Xerxes had his naval base when he invaded Europe.
iii. It was a free city and there were no Roman troops housed in this city.
iv. For a time there was a question of whether Thessalonica or Constantinople would be recognized as the capital of the world.
v. The main street of Thessalonica lay astride the Egnatian Road which linked Rome with the East. East and West converged on Thessalonica
vi. Lap of the Roman Empire
vii. Trade came to the city from the East and the West and if Christianity got a foothold here it would spread East to Asia and to the West to Rome which would make Christianity a world religion.
iii. It was part of Macedonia which was the kingdom of Alexander the Great.
Alexander the Great dreamed of one world dominated by Greece in culture and Philosophy. He wanted to marry the East and West. Macedonia included Thessalonica which was named after Alexander’s father and Philippi which was named after Alexander’s father. Paul embraced the philosophy of Alexander the Great but as a world for Christ rather than for Greece.
b. Why did Paul go to Macedonia?
Read Acts 16:6-10
Paul was driven to the Aegean Sea by the Holy Spirit
c. How long was Paul in Thessalonica?
Read Acts 17:2
About 3 weeks
d. Why did Paul leave Thessalonica?
Read Acts 17:10
Paul was driven out of Thessalonica to Berea which was 50 miles west
Read Acts 17:13-15
He was driven out of Berea to Athens which was 200 miles to the south, leaving Silas and Timothy behind.
Read Acts 17:14-15
He called for Silas and Timothy to come to Thessalonica
He then sent Timothy to Thessalonica for an update.
Read Acts 18
Timothy met Paul in Corinth to report on the church at Thessalonica. He told Paul that they were “enduring bravely” and their efforts were not for nothing.
e. What significance do we learn from Paul’s mission in Thessalonica?
More on that to come.
III. Read 1 Thessalonians 1:1-2
How does Paul start this letter and why?
It’s always good to start off positive and not put people on the defensive. The best way to eradicate a man’s faults is to praise his virtues.
Read 1 Thessalonians 1:3
What does Paul state that are the 3 main ingredients of the Christian Life
a. Work-inspired by faith. What are the reasons you work. This refers to your job, your marriage, and your children.
b. Labour prompted by Love. What is the difference between work and labour. Work is towards a goal. Labour is the energy put into to working towards a goal.
c. Endurance founded on hope. Endurance keeps you going
Read 1 Thessalonians 1:4
It’s very easy to overlook a phrase in this as just biblical language. That phrase is “beloved by God.” This phrase was reserved in Jewish culture for only great men which included Moses and Solomon and the nation of Israel itself.
Read 1 Thessalonians 1:5
God is present and is in the message.
Miracles took place. What are some modern miracles?
Read 1 Thessalonians 1:6
There were imitators. We need models. Who do you model your life or your walk after?
I think that this is another mention that should lead us to consider having a mentor. More on that to come.
Read 1 Thessalonians 1:7
You can be an example to the world of fortitude under persecution.
Read 1 Thessalonians 1:8
Sounding forth like a trumpet.
What kind of picture does this put in your mind. Is this a society of timid folks? No. This was a brave announcement that something had changed. I think that we need a change in this city, this church, and this Sunday school class. I think we need some trumpet blowers and I put myself at the head of the line.
Read 1 Thessalonians 1:9
This message that Paul is preaching should turn people from idols and towards God to serve. Anybody willing to admit they have an idol problem that takes them away from God’s work? What about work, bible study, television, fitness, etc.
Read 1 Thessalonians 1:10
Paul could not wait for Christ’s return
IV. How many of you are happy with the world as it is now?
Back to the significance of Paul’s mission in Thessalonica.
As we have already discussed:
We can draw a parallel with Thessalonica and Franklin.
We can view opposition in our world today as was present then. One could argue in our nation that it was worse in Thessalonica than it is in the US. Look at the situation in China.
To Paul, Thessalonica was a test case. That is why he so desperately awaited Timothy’s report on the status of the church. Could he accomplish what he wanted on his mission in 3 weeks or would it take months or years.
Read Acts 17:4-6
Read 1 Thessalonians 1:8-9
Was Paul’s mission in Thessalonica successful?
Without a doubt. Their work was heralded all over Greece.
Are you ready to “turn the world upside down?”
Conclusion:
If all this is similar, I would put forth that we can be successful and we can turn the world upside down. You just have to decide if this is what you want to do. Does this appeal to anybody? Who wants this?
It’s a good time of year for resolutions.
I need to tell ____________________ about Jesus.
How would you fill in this blank?
Challenge: I challenge you to talk to that person about Jesus. It may be a friend. It may be a co-worker. It could even be a relative. This could be an easy or difficult conversation. The only thing that I know is that you won’t be alone. Be prayerful. I bet that if we can start this, it will be something that becomes easier and something that becomes integral in our lives.
Who finds it easy to tell other people about Jesus?
II. Follow-up from last week’s lesson.
a. What was special about Thessalonica?
i. It was a prosperous city.
ii. Geographically it was located in the NW corner of the Aegean Sea. It was the harbour where Xerxes had his naval base when he invaded Europe.
iii. It was a free city and there were no Roman troops housed in this city.
iv. For a time there was a question of whether Thessalonica or Constantinople would be recognized as the capital of the world.
v. The main street of Thessalonica lay astride the Egnatian Road which linked Rome with the East. East and West converged on Thessalonica
vi. Lap of the Roman Empire
vii. Trade came to the city from the East and the West and if Christianity got a foothold here it would spread East to Asia and to the West to Rome which would make Christianity a world religion.
iii. It was part of Macedonia which was the kingdom of Alexander the Great.
Alexander the Great dreamed of one world dominated by Greece in culture and Philosophy. He wanted to marry the East and West. Macedonia included Thessalonica which was named after Alexander’s father and Philippi which was named after Alexander’s father. Paul embraced the philosophy of Alexander the Great but as a world for Christ rather than for Greece.
b. Why did Paul go to Macedonia?
Read Acts 16:6-10
Paul was driven to the Aegean Sea by the Holy Spirit
c. How long was Paul in Thessalonica?
Read Acts 17:2
About 3 weeks
d. Why did Paul leave Thessalonica?
Read Acts 17:10
Paul was driven out of Thessalonica to Berea which was 50 miles west
Read Acts 17:13-15
He was driven out of Berea to Athens which was 200 miles to the south, leaving Silas and Timothy behind.
Read Acts 17:14-15
He called for Silas and Timothy to come to Thessalonica
He then sent Timothy to Thessalonica for an update.
Read Acts 18
Timothy met Paul in Corinth to report on the church at Thessalonica. He told Paul that they were “enduring bravely” and their efforts were not for nothing.
e. What significance do we learn from Paul’s mission in Thessalonica?
More on that to come.
III. Read 1 Thessalonians 1:1-2
How does Paul start this letter and why?
It’s always good to start off positive and not put people on the defensive. The best way to eradicate a man’s faults is to praise his virtues.
Read 1 Thessalonians 1:3
What does Paul state that are the 3 main ingredients of the Christian Life
a. Work-inspired by faith. What are the reasons you work. This refers to your job, your marriage, and your children.
b. Labour prompted by Love. What is the difference between work and labour. Work is towards a goal. Labour is the energy put into to working towards a goal.
c. Endurance founded on hope. Endurance keeps you going
Read 1 Thessalonians 1:4
It’s very easy to overlook a phrase in this as just biblical language. That phrase is “beloved by God.” This phrase was reserved in Jewish culture for only great men which included Moses and Solomon and the nation of Israel itself.
Read 1 Thessalonians 1:5
God is present and is in the message.
Miracles took place. What are some modern miracles?
Read 1 Thessalonians 1:6
There were imitators. We need models. Who do you model your life or your walk after?
I think that this is another mention that should lead us to consider having a mentor. More on that to come.
Read 1 Thessalonians 1:7
You can be an example to the world of fortitude under persecution.
Read 1 Thessalonians 1:8
Sounding forth like a trumpet.
What kind of picture does this put in your mind. Is this a society of timid folks? No. This was a brave announcement that something had changed. I think that we need a change in this city, this church, and this Sunday school class. I think we need some trumpet blowers and I put myself at the head of the line.
Read 1 Thessalonians 1:9
This message that Paul is preaching should turn people from idols and towards God to serve. Anybody willing to admit they have an idol problem that takes them away from God’s work? What about work, bible study, television, fitness, etc.
Read 1 Thessalonians 1:10
Paul could not wait for Christ’s return
IV. How many of you are happy with the world as it is now?
Back to the significance of Paul’s mission in Thessalonica.
As we have already discussed:
We can draw a parallel with Thessalonica and Franklin.
We can view opposition in our world today as was present then. One could argue in our nation that it was worse in Thessalonica than it is in the US. Look at the situation in China.
To Paul, Thessalonica was a test case. That is why he so desperately awaited Timothy’s report on the status of the church. Could he accomplish what he wanted on his mission in 3 weeks or would it take months or years.
Read Acts 17:4-6
Read 1 Thessalonians 1:8-9
Was Paul’s mission in Thessalonica successful?
Without a doubt. Their work was heralded all over Greece.
Are you ready to “turn the world upside down?”
Conclusion:
If all this is similar, I would put forth that we can be successful and we can turn the world upside down. You just have to decide if this is what you want to do. Does this appeal to anybody? Who wants this?
It’s a good time of year for resolutions.
I need to tell ____________________ about Jesus.
How would you fill in this blank?
Challenge: I challenge you to talk to that person about Jesus. It may be a friend. It may be a co-worker. It could even be a relative. This could be an easy or difficult conversation. The only thing that I know is that you won’t be alone. Be prayerful. I bet that if we can start this, it will be something that becomes easier and something that becomes integral in our lives.
The Gift that Keeps on Giving
Focus Verse: Galatians 3:9- So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.
I. What is Faith?
Read Romans 4:13-25
Abraham held a special place in the hearts of the Jews. He was the founder of their nation. He was the man to whom God had first spoken and he obeyed.
Read Genesis 12:1-5
Read Genesis 13:14-17
God is asking Abraham to take him at his work. He is telling him that if he makes this leap of faith, he will become the father of a great nation and people.
At the crux of this event is the manifest difference between Jewish law or works and Christian Faith. What is it?
Abraham acted in faith before the Law came into being
Jews felt they had to earn God’s favour. Christians felt they could never earn God’s favour. All they can do is take God at his word that his promises are true.
There are 2 Greek words for promise. Huposchesis means I promise to do this and you promise to do that. Epaggelia means a promise made out of the goodness of someone’s heart and made unconditionally. This is the one that was used by Paul in romans.
II. Now that we realize how we can be in a right relationship with God, how can we give that as a gift to our children.
Read James 2:14-26
Whereas some argue that this passage represents a dichotomy between James and Paul, that is not the case.
Read 1 Corinthians 3:8
Read Matthew 5:14-16
William Barclay states that the twin truths of the Christian Church are “we are not saved by deeds, we are saved for deeds.”
We give our faith as a gift through our actions. We live our lives in such a manner that what we claim to believe is evident.
When in your life have you been the best example of your faith to your children?
How did your parents best demonstrate their faith for you as a child?
III. What does this gift provide.
As our children grow and inch closer to adulthood and independence, we have to come to the realization that we will not always be to teach and protect. We will really want to. Has anybody ever taken their kids to school and want to go in so be there to support them for that test they aren’t sure if they did enough for or to stand up for that kid that is saying mean things about them. I have. However I know that I can’t. Somebody can though.
A. Source of Comfort and Strength
Read Psalm 23:4
The verse says I, not we.
Has anybody ever faced down a fearful situation, one they may just as well have not faced, but experienced the comfort of God and this got them trough it?
B. Source of Protection
Read 1 Peter 5:8-9
C. Source of Healing
Most of us have been up in the middle of the night with sick kids, gotten sneezed and snotted on (sometimes worse), and we would do it again. While we never physically healed our kids, we were there to see them through it. One day we will have to send our kids out and they will be alone as they face all kinds of illness from colds to addictions to accidents and sometimes worse. The great thing is that God has dominion over all illness and frequently it was Faith that resulted in healing.
Read Mark 5:25-34
Read Mark 5: 35-43
Read Mark 10:46-52
D. Source of Justification
Read Romans 3:21-25
Even though it is our sin that separates us from God, because of Jesus, we are able to approach God and he can see us through his loving eyes, as innocent.
E. Source of Eternal Life
Read John 3:16
IV. Marriage
Read 1 Peter 3:1-7
Christianity broke all of the social barriers that were in place for women.
In Roman civilization there was the Patria potestas- daughters were under the rule of their father until they married and then they fell under the rule of the husband.
In Greek civilization, a husband could divorce his wife on a whim as long as he returned the dowry.
Christianity introduced the concept of reciprocal ethic. Christianity believes that a marriage is based on reciprocal obligation. For each privilege there is a reciprocal obligation.
If your Christian faith is brought into your marriage and embraced, verses like Matthew 19:26 will take on new meaning.
Divorce statistics- began to rise in the late’60s, skyrocketed in the ‘70s and ‘80s.
-rate peaked in 1981 at 5.3 divorces per 1000 people.
-dropped by 1/3 to 3.6 in 2007.
-Why has the drop occurred.
I believe that if you bring your faith into your marriage, and live it, you will give your children the gift of family that they can take with them into their own children and pass on to their children.
Challenge- Live your faith this week and this Christmas so that your children see it and make note of it and then continue this into the new year.
I. What is Faith?
Read Romans 4:13-25
Abraham held a special place in the hearts of the Jews. He was the founder of their nation. He was the man to whom God had first spoken and he obeyed.
Read Genesis 12:1-5
Read Genesis 13:14-17
God is asking Abraham to take him at his work. He is telling him that if he makes this leap of faith, he will become the father of a great nation and people.
At the crux of this event is the manifest difference between Jewish law or works and Christian Faith. What is it?
Abraham acted in faith before the Law came into being
Jews felt they had to earn God’s favour. Christians felt they could never earn God’s favour. All they can do is take God at his word that his promises are true.
There are 2 Greek words for promise. Huposchesis means I promise to do this and you promise to do that. Epaggelia means a promise made out of the goodness of someone’s heart and made unconditionally. This is the one that was used by Paul in romans.
II. Now that we realize how we can be in a right relationship with God, how can we give that as a gift to our children.
Read James 2:14-26
Whereas some argue that this passage represents a dichotomy between James and Paul, that is not the case.
Read 1 Corinthians 3:8
Read Matthew 5:14-16
William Barclay states that the twin truths of the Christian Church are “we are not saved by deeds, we are saved for deeds.”
We give our faith as a gift through our actions. We live our lives in such a manner that what we claim to believe is evident.
When in your life have you been the best example of your faith to your children?
How did your parents best demonstrate their faith for you as a child?
III. What does this gift provide.
As our children grow and inch closer to adulthood and independence, we have to come to the realization that we will not always be to teach and protect. We will really want to. Has anybody ever taken their kids to school and want to go in so be there to support them for that test they aren’t sure if they did enough for or to stand up for that kid that is saying mean things about them. I have. However I know that I can’t. Somebody can though.
A. Source of Comfort and Strength
Read Psalm 23:4
The verse says I, not we.
Has anybody ever faced down a fearful situation, one they may just as well have not faced, but experienced the comfort of God and this got them trough it?
B. Source of Protection
Read 1 Peter 5:8-9
C. Source of Healing
Most of us have been up in the middle of the night with sick kids, gotten sneezed and snotted on (sometimes worse), and we would do it again. While we never physically healed our kids, we were there to see them through it. One day we will have to send our kids out and they will be alone as they face all kinds of illness from colds to addictions to accidents and sometimes worse. The great thing is that God has dominion over all illness and frequently it was Faith that resulted in healing.
Read Mark 5:25-34
Read Mark 5: 35-43
Read Mark 10:46-52
D. Source of Justification
Read Romans 3:21-25
Even though it is our sin that separates us from God, because of Jesus, we are able to approach God and he can see us through his loving eyes, as innocent.
E. Source of Eternal Life
Read John 3:16
IV. Marriage
Read 1 Peter 3:1-7
Christianity broke all of the social barriers that were in place for women.
In Roman civilization there was the Patria potestas- daughters were under the rule of their father until they married and then they fell under the rule of the husband.
In Greek civilization, a husband could divorce his wife on a whim as long as he returned the dowry.
Christianity introduced the concept of reciprocal ethic. Christianity believes that a marriage is based on reciprocal obligation. For each privilege there is a reciprocal obligation.
If your Christian faith is brought into your marriage and embraced, verses like Matthew 19:26 will take on new meaning.
Divorce statistics- began to rise in the late’60s, skyrocketed in the ‘70s and ‘80s.
-rate peaked in 1981 at 5.3 divorces per 1000 people.
-dropped by 1/3 to 3.6 in 2007.
-Why has the drop occurred.
I believe that if you bring your faith into your marriage, and live it, you will give your children the gift of family that they can take with them into their own children and pass on to their children.
Challenge- Live your faith this week and this Christmas so that your children see it and make note of it and then continue this into the new year.
Monday, January 12, 2009
The First Letter of Paul to the Thessalonians
(Just click on the map to see the full version)
The First Letter of Paul to the Thessalonians, the thirteenth book of the NT. Most scholars are agreed that 1 Thessalonians is the first Pauline Letter, written about A.D. 50. The amanuensis (scribe) was Luke.
Outline of Content
I. Greeting (1:1)
II. Thanksgiving (1:2-10)
III. Apostolic behavior (2:1-12)
IV. Reception of the Gospel (2:13-16)
V. The apostle’s continuing concern for the church (2:17-3:13)
VI. Ethical exhortations (4:1-12)
VII. Instructions about the Parousia (4:13-5:11)
VIII.Exhortations about life in the church (5:12-24)
IX. Letter closing (5:25-28)
Paul, Timothy, and Silas are co-authors of this letter to the Christian community at Thessalonica, a fact supported by the predominant use of the first person plural (‘we’). Paul and his co-workers arrived there after having experienced much conflict in Philippi (Acts 16:11-40; 1 Thess. 2:2).
Thessalonica, so named by Cassander (one of Alexander’s generals) after his wife who was the daughter of Philip and the sister of Alexander the Great, was founded about 316 B.C. When Macedonia became a Roman province in 148 B.C., Thessalonica became the most important city of the province and the center of Roman administration.
Background
Both 1 Thessalonians (1:9-10) and Acts (17:4) suggest that the Thessalonian church was composed of Jews and Gentiles. Further, according to the account in Acts, Paul and his co-workers (Timothy and Silas), encountered sharp opposition instigated by the Jews and were eventually forced to leave Thessalonica because of this conflict.
In addition to a strong Jewish presence in Thessalonica, we know that several religious cults of the Greco-Roman world were active in this leading city of the province and seat of Roman administration, including the cult of Serapis and the cult of the Cabiri. Paul’s description of his apostolic practice in 2:1-12, his ethical advice in 4:1-8, as well as his teaching about the return of Christ (Gk. parousia) in 4:13-5:11 may be better understood with this background in mind, a background in which Paul’s missionary style and teaching would have differed enormously from that of his competitors, with their sexual immorality and their varied expectations of the afterlife.
Content
Paul’s affectionate letter to the church of the Thessalonians begins with his remembering their ‘work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ’ (1:3). This same trilogy occurs again in 5:8: ‘…put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.’ In chap. 3 we learn that Paul, who is probably writing this letter from Corinth, is anxious about the current status of the Thessalonian church.
The overall context of the Letter is that hope is precisely the element that is deficient and needs to be strengthened.
Despite Paul’s affection and high regard for these Christians whose faith served as ‘an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia’ (1:7), he must correct and clarify one major area of misunderstanding: the status of those who have already died in Christ since the end has not yet come.
The Thessalonian Christian should not grieve as others do who have no hope ‘concerning those who are asleep.’ This problem surfaced when some in the community died prior to the eagerly expected imminent Parousia and this anxiety may well have been fueled by those outside the church who mocked what seemed to them the absurdity of Christian claims.
Two final observations: first, it is noteworthy that ‘justification language,’ used predominately in Galatians and Romans, is absent in 1 Thessalonians, although Paul does use here, as in Romans, the terms ‘sanctification’ and ‘salvation.’ In 1 Thess. 4:3, 4, 7 and 5:23, sanctification refers to the quality of new life in Christ, which will culminate in salvation (5:8, 9). Second, it is significant for the study of the development of the structure in the NT that already in 1 Thessalonians there is a reference to an organizational pattern: ‘But we beseech you, brethren, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work’ (5:12-13).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
