Class Lesson January 9, 2011

Hey Gang,

Last Sunday we began a 5-week series on "The Roads Less Traveled" taken from Robert Frost's poem:

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I

I took the one less traveled by,

and that has made all the difference.

This could also be called our "Ventura Highway" series for those of you that remember this epic tune. Anyway our series lists these "roads less traveled" as disciplines in our Christian life to be followed. Chewin' on a piece of grass walkin' down the road, tell me how long you gonna stay here Joe, I'm sorry where was I, OK so, if we will commit to venture down these less traveled roads - our choice will make all the difference in our spiritual growth, our walk with God, and our fruitfulness in God's kingdom. This sounds like a worthy lists of New Year resolutions to me, think about it - I will mature in my faith, grow in a closer walk with God and become more useful in His kingdom ... I'm motivated - how about you?

Last week we began with the road of community. Now the church is a community of Christian faith, hope, and love. The church has some things in common that help bind the group of people together, but there are also differences that exists within the church like spiritual gifts, ages, cultures, and levels of maturity in faith. Paul taught us last week the importance of unity within the church, of oneness amongst the body of believers and that our diversity is one way we grow as Christians - by learning how to love other people that have different gifts, opinions, maturity levels, and perspectives than ours - this is how we learn. You see, we learn lessons from others about making our marriage work, raising kids, working in our jobs with integrity, and how we should handle conflict like Jesus would - all by being together in community! This is how community works.

This week we will attempt to venture down the road of humility as Jesus exemplified when He washed the disciples' feet the night before He was crucified. 

What does your Ventura Highway walk say about you?

 

Which verb best describes the way you walk down the road of life? Some people swagger down life's road expecting others to exclaim, "Wow, look at him go!" or "Isn't she something?" Others skulk down the road hoping nobody will notice them or require anything of them. The swaggers think they own the road. The skulkers don't think they're worthy enough to be on the road. 

There is a better way to walk. God's people can stride confidently down the road less traveled. It's a walk of purpose. It's a walk of humility. It's a walk that will make all the difference in how you get along with people and yourself. So, as you stride (stroll) through your lesson this week, you will notice three road signs to follow: How is humility defined in Philippians 2:1-4? How is humility taught in Luke 14:7-11? And how is humility exemplified in John 13:3-5, 14-15?

Now where are you on this subject right now? Maybe you are thinking, I really don't need this lesson - I'm already humble and quite proud of it! Or maybe you are like this humble fellow below:

Wherever you are - we all can use and need a dose of Christlike humility, so take a walk down this lonely road this week (bet you won't run into anybody) and let's talk about your venture this Sunday.

In His Love,

David & Susan

 







   

Class Lesson January 2, 2011

Hey Gang,

Well, I'm praying that this is going to be a Happy New Year for each one of you in 2011.

This Sunday we begin a 5-week series entitled "The Roads Less Traveled" you remember the poem by Robert Frost - "Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I --- I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference." Our new series introduces 5-Spiritual Roads (Disciplines) less traveled, but if taken and practiced they promise to make all the difference in our spiritual growth, walk with God, and fruitfulness in God's kingdom. The 5-Spiritual Disciplines are: Community, Humility, Service, Sacrifice, and Meditation.

This week's lesson is entitled: A Lifestyle of Community. Paul will explain to us in Ephesians 4 what the foundation, purpose and characteristics of community are all about. Now, give a little thought this week to who your models might be for following Christ? Who are you watching and learning from? Here's a tougher question: Are you an example or model for someone else? 

In today's world, people desperately need examples or models who can show us how to love our spouse and make a marriage last; how to relate to our kids; how to do business with integrity; and how to handle conflict like Jesus would. These are all lessons we learn from others. These are all lessons we learn from community.  Now maybe you feel like your religion is a private matter and you shouldn't have to share it with anyone or maybe you think, "What is the big deal with being with others in church? Why can't I just be a Christian on my own?" Well, we will talk about that because you see, when we come to Christ, we become part of His body - the church. The church is not an afterthought so we'd have something to do on Sundays. It's not an activity to prove what good people we are. The church is vital to people as we interact in loving community.

I hope that you have a blessed rest of the week and year - hope to see you Sunday!

In His Love,

David & Susan 

Class Lesson December 26, 2010

Hey Gang,

Well Christmas is here - are you ready? This question has a little deeper meaning than before, especially after our lesson last week. What level are you living on this Christmas - is it Survival, Success, or Significance...you were created for significance. Remember Mark 8:35 (TLB) "If you insist on saving your life, you will lose it. Only those who throw away their lives for My sake and for the sake of the Good News will ever know what it means to really live." Last week we watched as Jack Baker found out that it's only when you lose everything...that you realize what you really have.

One of the special gifts of Christmas at our age and time in life is that we tend to reflect on life and the roads we've traveled during the past year or so. When the shepherds found Mary and Joseph and the Christ child in Bethlehem, they left and spread the word about what had happened to them that Christmas and people were amazed at what they had to say. And then there was Mary, remember what she did? The Bible says that she treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. I want us to close out this year with reflection on where we are this Christmas. Our question this week on the day after Christmas is this - what am I thankful to God for this year? Or what have I treasured up and pondered in my heart this Christmas? And what am I going to give to Jesus for His Birthday? 


Our prayer requests last Sunday are listed below:


Dewalds - Ryan had his wisdom teeth out on Monday.


Carys - Strength and wisdom.


Scheesers - Allison's surgery was a success. Please continue to pray for healing, decreased swelling and pain.


Dunaways - Justin for healing from a sinus infection. Joshua for wisdom in a relationship. Sheila for wisdom.


Aulers - Praise for Sandy has a new 6-month job assignment back at Carolina First. Traveling mercies for family members.

Merry Christmas to all of you and I hope to see you Sunday!

In His Love,

David & Susan 

Class Lesson December 19, 2010

Hey Gang,

Well, it's hard to believe it, but Christmas is almost here! Are you ready? What does that really mean to you when you're asked, are you ready for Christmas? You know Christmas is a pretty big deal when you think about it. It's the largest celebration around the world each year. Other holidays get a single day, but Christmas is emphasized for an entire month, one twelfth of every year. During the Christmas season, billions of people set aside their normal routines to decorate their homes, send out greeting cards, buy gifts, go to Christmas parties, attend church services, sing Christmas songs, watch Christmas TV specials, and travel long distances to be with their families. Christmas sights and sounds fill the air everywhere. There are stores, and even careers, that are exclusively dedicated to preparing for and celebrating this holiday. When Christmas comes, you can't miss it. It's everywhere.

Have you ever wondered what the real purpose to Christmas might be? In Ecclesiastes 3:1 it says, "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." Could there be more to this holiday than I have ever really considered?  I know it's Jesus' birthday, but do I really even celebrate that? Isn't it ironic that at most Christmas parties the person whose birthday we're suppose to be celebrating is completely ignored. He's never even mentioned. Although Jesus is the reason for the season, He's often overlooked in all the busyness of the holiday.

Our series is entitled, "Change the World" and the lesson this week challenges us to read a familiar story, the Christmas story, and find the three gifts that God gave us when He came into our world. The night Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem, a small group of poor shepherds were quietly tending their flocks of sheep in a nearby field. Looking up at the stars, nothing seemed any different from a thousand other nights. But what was about to happen would transform not only the shepherd's lives but billions of other lives as well. The world changed and would never be the same.

We are going to watch the ending to "Homeless for the Holidays" and see how Jack Baker's world also change one Christmas. Jack is a high-powered, fast track executive who is unexpectedly fired to cover up a mistake in his company. As Jack's family finances worsen, they end up sitting around their fireplace singing Christmas carols and talking. The children are excited about the family togetherness even though there are no presents for Christmas. They give their last amount of cash, $40 - to a homeless man. They end up losing their home, but they learn a valuable lesson about Christmas and it's purpose. Watch the trailer below for a sneak peek!

Homeless for the Holidays 

Click Here

What is the purpose of Christmas? We will read Luke 2:8-16 on Sunday and uncover God's three gifts for you and me this Christmas. Regardless of your background, religion, problems, or circumstances, Christmas really is the best news you're going to hear this season. Beneath all the visible sights and sounds of Christmas are some simple yet profound truths that can transform your life for the better here on earth and for eternity. Right now there's nothing more important for you to understand than the implications of Christmas for your life.

Have a blessed rest of the week as we prepare this Sunday to Focus on Jesus this Christmas.

In His Love,

David & Susan 

Class Lesson December 12, 2010

Hey Gang,

We begin a new series this week that is entitled, "Change the World." We boomers started into adulthood with big dreams and determination to change the world. Too many of us have lost this drive along the way, convinced that little we do makes any real difference. Others continue as eternal optimists, persistently seeking opportunities to fix our world. What are the secrets to continuing to make a difference? To putting our hard-earned experience to work in ways that don't make us feel like we're beating our heads against a wall? To informing our dreams with the wonders of reality rather than letting the few evil ones drag us down.

We are beginning with the December 12th lesson this week that is entitled, "Go and Do." This lesson is based on the parable of the Good Samaritan, and it emphasizes moving beyond merely knowing biblical truth to seeing needs in the world and putting compassion into action. Let me emphasize it another way - it's ordinary people ripping open their shirt like Superman to help someone in need. Wow! That's send chills up my spine just thinking about it, ordinary heroes today charging into action to help someone in need, is it possible, would someone really do that today? What do you think - are you a Superman, that's OK...how about a Clark Kent? Watch this short video below:

Change the World 

Click Here

Imagine ordinary people trying to change the world simply by showing compassion for those in need. Be thinking over the next few days of how you could be one of these ordinary world changers that really care about what Jesus says when He tells us to love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. Oh, and just who is my neighbor?

Take a stroll this week through a familiar biblical story and look for the truths that speak to you about seeing need and showing compassion - Luke 10:25-37.

Hope to see you Sunday, have a blessed rest of the week!

In His Love,

David & Susan

Class Lesson December 5, 2010

Hey Gang,

Last week was another challenging lesson on the importance of the church and the Christian life. The disturbing question from last week was whether or not we are "doing" church the way God intended us to. Think about it, have we forgotten what makes our faith so radical and replaced it with something that's simply comfortable? Why do we go to church? Do we go because we are hungry to learn and grow in our relationship with Christ? Do we go because we want to worship a Holy God and be with other believers that love us as God does? What do you think is most important to God about how we do church? I asked you this question last week, how do we as the church compare the celebration of a $23 million dollar new building to raising $5,000 dollars to help 350,000 Sudanese refugees dying of malnutrition? Something just isn't right about this, anyway, I'm still thinking about it and I hope you are too.

This Sunday we will complete our 13-week series on Apologetics and the Christian Hope,  Faith, and Life - it's been quite a journey. Our lesson is entitled "Life Worth Sharing" and yes it's on sharing your faith.  At this time of year we all are making lists of some sorts whether it's for gifts or just things we need to get done. When was the last time you made a list of the people you know that need to know the Lord? 


Our lesson says that the single greatest cause of atheism in the world today is Christians, who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, then walk out the door, and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable. Now that sounds a little strong, but did you know that God is going to hold you responsible for the unbelievers that live around you? Here's what a lot of Christians say about sharing their faith, "I'm sometimes timid about my faith, feeling like I don't have the right to push it on others." And then there are those that question this, what if I just don't often feel a burden for the lost, and I don't know why? And then there's always those that wonder why we need to go on mission trips when there are people here in Simpsonville or at our place of work that need Jesus too? Something to think about this week as we explore Paul's reasons for sharing the gospel in Romans 1:14-17; 9:1-3; 10:1; 14-15; 15:17-20. Imagine you were charged with walking into a faculty meeting at a prestigious secular university and telling the story of a Jewish carpenter who rose from the dead and claimed to be God. This is the cultural context of Paul's proclamation - that he was not ashamed of the gospel and he was eager to share it.

The image at the top of the page is from the movie Schindler's List - we'll be watching a segment from the movie this week as we consider those on or not on "Our List." This part of the movie has always made me wonder if this is the way I will feel when I go to heaven and God shows me those I could have saved, but didn't while I was here on earth. You know  something, witnessing is often a series of encounters - maybe one in the series is a conversation you have with someone, maybe one is someone observing your behavior,  and maybe another is  someone seeing how you handle a difficult situation in life. Everybody needs Jesus - give some thought this week to who you will put on your list this season. Click below for a preview of the clip we'll see Sunday.

Schindler's List 

Click Here

Have a blessed rest of the week and I hope to see you on Sunday.

In His Love,

David & Susan   

Class Lesson November 28, 2010

Hey Gang,

Last week's lesson on Living Life in Light of Eternity opened some eyes, mine especially, to seeing and watching out for the problem of $-Greed-$. Gordan Gekko told us that greed is is a good thing. 

 Greed is Good

 Click Here

But very quickly we saw from our lesson that greed and the Christian life cannot coexist. It was interesting to learn how greed could be influencing my understanding of retirement and my planning for it. We learned that if your plans for the future focus on self and not on God and others - then you are no different than the rich fool Jesus spoke of in His parable. The most effective way to overcome greed is to begin using what we have for the benefit of others. How does one live life in light of eternity? By making the kingdom of God the focus of our life - if we do, He promises to do two things:

1. Provide all things necessary for life and body. (Luke 12:31)
2. Give us the kingdom or all things necessary for the soul. (Luke 12:32)

This week we explore the importance of the church to the Christian Life. Now, did you know that the number of Americans that don't go to church has mushroomed from 39 million to 75 million since 1991? It raises a question, could people be interested in the Christian faith but get turned off by Christianity? How could that happen? A lot of people confuse religion with God and  end up walking away from them both. Listen, the point isn't Christianity. The point is being a Christian. What are we missing about this? And what about the people that do attend church? Many times people that attend church do so out of a sense of duty or simply because they think that they are supposed to. When it comes to church what do you think God has in mind? These are just some of the questions we'll explore this week.

This weeks lesson is entitled Life Together and it focuses on the true and vital importance of the church and the fact that when it's done right, peoples lives are changed. How can we be a part of this amazing process. There are 3-progressive points this week: Identify - Experience - and Commit to the Church! We will go back to the very beginning of the church in Acts 2:41-47 and see a real alter call! Then we'll look at Hebrews 10:23-25 to see the importance of our commitment to our church. Something we might need to consider this week is whether we are really "doing church" as God intended or have we simply reshaped the whole experience to fit our comfortable lifestyles? There are people throughout the world today that are risking their very lives to attend a bible study in secret because they are desperate and hungry to know and worship God! Why will you attend this week?

Guess what? It's beginning to look a lot like - Happy Thanksgiving!

Hope to see you on Sunday.

In His Love,

David & Susan