Class Lesson June 12, 2011

Hey Gang,

We had a great start to this month’s series on the biblical perspective towards our possessions. Yes, we live in a materialistic culture, but it's convicting to know that so many people – even Christians – are more concerned with comfort, self-gratification, and wealth than they are with godly pursuits and passions. Christians are not immune to the allure and trap of the rich and famous. And when you are hooked, you'll come up with all kind of excuses and explanations to say that you are not a slave to money.  

Last week we were asked, What do you own? And it was humbling to realize that God owns and gives us everything we have. We learned that money is not what is evil, but the love of it is, so when we consider someone to be materialistic, we are talking about their attitude toward money and its importance. King David in his final prayer and public address gave us a great insight into the doctrine of stewardship. Everything we have is simply on loan to us to take care of while we are here on earth. God gives us everything we need to care for our family, to care for the needy, to serve God, to support the ministry and to pay our taxes. God will hold us accountable for how we manage the blessings He has given each of us in our time, talents and money.

This week we look at priorities and the real measure of wealth. Our lesson asks the question, Where is your treasure? Is there a line to cross before I fall victim to worshiping money as oppose to God? Am I a fool in my preparation for my financial future - is my treasure here on earth or in heaven? Can I be spiritual in regard to money matters and still be practical in financial security?  What is truly valuable and why?

Everyone treasures certain things in his or her life. Write down something you particularly treasure in the following areas:


1. A Material Possession: 


2. A Human Relationship:


3. An Activity:                     


4. A Spiritual Experience: 

I. COLLECT THE RIGHT TREASURE – MATTHEW 6:19-21

A Life of God-Worship

"Don't hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or—worse!—stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it's safe from moth and rust and burglars. It's obvious, isn't it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being.

When is wealth good? When is it bad? What is the difference between greed and preparation for the future?

II. SELECT THE RIGHT MASTER – MATTHEW 6:22-24

"Your eyes are windows into your body. If you open your eyes wide in wonder and belief, your body fills up with light. If you live squinty-eyed in greed and distrust, your body is a dank cellar. If you pull the blinds on your windows, what a dark life you will have! "You can't worship two gods at once. Loving one god, you'll end up hating the other. Adoration of one feeds contempt for the other. You can't worship God and Money both.

What are ways we become enslaved to money? How gradually do possessions come to own us if we are not careful?

 

III. REJECT SINFUL WORRY – MATTHEW 6:25-34

"If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don't fuss about what's on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds. "Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? All this time and money wasted on fashion—do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them. "If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. "Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.

What bit of advice about worry would you give your adult children? What have your adult children shown you about how to put worry aside for something more effective? What successes have you had with managing worry?

Have a blessed rest of the week as we continue in our biblical perspective of our possessions.

See you Sunday!

In His Love,

David & Susan  

Class Lesson June 5, 2011

Hey Gang,

 It Feels Good To Have Money

Click Here

This week we begin a new 4-week series on the biblical perspective of all your stuff, you know your material possessions. Now, here's what you're thinking, this is going to be one of those series that makes you feel guilty about what you have and what you give - well, maybe it will be, or maybe it won't be. But think about this - when God's Word does convict you, don't you think that it does so for a reason? It does for me! The truth of the matter is this - we do live in a materialistic culture where many people, even Christians, are more concerned with comfort, self-gratification, and wealth, than with godly pursuits and passions.  Now, we really don't want to admit to these things, so instead we think - I'm not GREEDY, and no, I don't just think of MYSELF, and WEALTHY, ha - not me, in fact I need more money, not less! After all, I have worked pretty hard for what I have and own - RIGHT... SURE THING!

Our series of lessons asks each of us 4 questions:

1. What do you own?
2. Where is your treasure?
3. How much is enough?
4. Why be generous?

Now, guess what, I'm going to struggle through this series too, so let's just do it together - okay?

Lesson #1

This week we are studying the doctrine of stewardship - the fact that all we have (time, talent, treasure) is entrusted to our stewardship by God.

Before we begin, stewardship is undoubtedly one of the subjects that people are often least enthusiastic to study. Yet, Jesus devoted roughly 25% of his words in the Gospels to our resources and our stewardship of them. This includes some 28 passages in the Gospels. And, in the Old and New Testaments combined there are over 800 verses on the subject on topics ranging from planning and budgeting, saving and investing, debt and tithing. Furthermore, money and wealth and possessions are the greatest idols in our culture and there is simply no way to be a disciple of Jesus who does not learn to worship God with our stewardship.

What is stewardship?

A steward is a person, who by God’s grace, belongs to God. And, because they belong to God they recognize that ultimately everything they are and have belongs to God and has been given to them as a gift. Therefore, they then seek to both enjoy the gifts God has given them as well as invest those gifts in others and the future by distributing them wisely. We have 3 categories that we must steward: our time, our talents and our treasure or wealth. The fact that God owns everything and we are to steward it faithfully also explains why when people fail to do so God charges them with robbing or stealing from Him (Malachi 3:8-10).

 

Defining what is meant by wealth is important. Everything we have, given to us by God, including our finances, jobs, houses, products of our land, businesses, automobiles and personal items is part of our wealth.

 What does the New Testament teach about wealth?

1. Well, it warns us against the desire to be rich (1 Tim 6:9, 18, 19; Hebrews 13:5-6). 
2. It gives some general guidelines for what the rich should do (1 Tim 6:17-19; Matt 6:19-21; Luke 12:32-34; Luke 14:13-14). 
3. And it explains why God has given us so much: Ephesians 4:28 says, “The thief no longer steals, but rather let him work, doing honest work with hands, so that he may be able to give to those in need.” 

In other words, there are three levels of how to live with things: 1) steal to get, 2) work to get, or 3) work to get in order to give.

Too many Christians live on level two. Almost all the forces of our culture urge them to live on level two. But God pushes us to level three and critiques level two.

Who owns everything?

Essential to the doctrine of stewardship is that everything ultimately belongs to God. The great myths are that we own anything, that we deserve anything, that we can do anything good apart from God and that we are sovereign over our own lives. Nothing good that we have or do originates with us, it all comes from the hand of God as the Scriptures repeatedly and emphatically declare (Deuteronomy 8:17-18;Psalm 50:10; Haggai 2:8; James 1:16-18).


This week we hear from King David near the end of his life, he has two major concerns. One had to do with his successor. He wanted the people to receive Solomon as his heir to the throne, and his second concern was to prepare for the building of the temple. The final two chapters of 1 Chronicles contain David's last address and last public prayer.  I think what people have to say before they die are pretty important things to consider.

1 Chronicles 29:1-20

What This Lesson Is About - Recognizing God's ownership of everything we have.  Ask yourself this - In what ways do you acknowledge God as owner of all things?

Prepare your hearts this week, for God does test the heart, as we journey into the very mind of God and what He has to say to each one of us about our stewardship of His great gifts.

See you on Sunday!

In His Love,

David & Susan

Class Lesson May 29, 2011

Hey Gang,

This Sunday, May 29th we will not be having our regular Sunday school time. Instead, we will all gather at Heritage Park for our Freedom Weekend Aloft Worship! Church in its technical meaning "refers to the gathering of the faithful rather than to the building in which it takes place." So we are looking forward to gathering with you, our church, and any friends that you bring along with you.


Here are some details to help as you make plans to come.

• Heritage Park Amphitheater - 10:30am - Rain or Shine

• Gates open at 9:00am. Parking & Admission are FREE until 10:45am.

• Park in the large, grass lot at the Main Street Entrance to Heritage Park. Shuttles will be available, but it is a pleasant walk to the amphitheater.

• Bring a lawn chair.

• Sit with your family & friends. No childcare is provided.

• No outside food or drinks are allowed into the park.

• Bring CASH to purchase your tickets for food and drinks. Vendors only accept CASH.

• An offering will be collected during the worship time. Envelopes and checks will be handled as normal. Any cash and coins collected will go to disaster relief.

• Aaron Keyes Concert will begin at 1:00pm (Note change).

In two weeks we will resume our normal class period and begin a new 4-week series entitled “Put Possessions in Perspective.”

May 30th Memorial Day Weekend 2011, for some, is the perfect time for friends and family to honor loved ones who have served their country. Below is a beautiful tribute for your remembrance of those who have fallen in service to our country.

Happy Memorial Day

Click Here

Hope you have a blessed rest of the week!


In His Love,

David & Susan

Class Lesson May 22, 2011

Hey Gang,

This is our final lesson on our Leadership series. I am combining the last two lessons into one since we won't be having Sunday school class next week. This week we are looking at two names in the Bible that our series has identified as leaders we should learn by.

Have you ever thought of your name as a reflection of who you are?

In the ancient Near East your name was more than just words. Your name was your identity, in fact it was reflective of your character, your substance, the very fiber that made you, you. Your name told who you were.

Does Your Name Say Anything About You?

If you click below, there is an introduction to the video we will be watching on Sunday regarding your name and just who you are?

YOUR NAME

Click Here

 


Now, see if you can match the names below with the description of who they are to the right:

 What is your name?          Who are you?

We each have this unique path, a calling, a life that God has given us; and Jesus invites us to be our true selves and yet we get sidetracked, and we get distracted, we get hung up on how we’re different from her or we aren’t like him and we end up asking the wrong questions.

Do you have the sense of a unique path in your life?

If so, what is it?

Are there ways in which you tend to get distracted from "your path" because of what others do, say, or think?

You and I have pasts, families we come from, things we've done, mistakes we've made, and where we've been and what we've done has shaped us into who we are today. So we have to embrace our story, our history. You don't have to be proud of it, but you must claim it because it's yours.

What do you think it means for people to claim their own history?

Have you claimed yours?

Paul & Barnabas have done this very thing in our lesson this week - let's see. 

Names have incredible power. They represent who we are. Often God changed the names of His people to align with their destiny. He changed Abram (father of the exalted) to Abraham (father of multitudes). Jacob (deceiver) became Israel (God strives). Cephas (a reed) became Peter (the rock), Saul (asked) became Paul (little) and Joseph ( Jehovah increases ) became Barnabas (Son of Encouragement).


Let's see what we can learn from Paul and Barnabas' name about who they were.

I. BE UNWAVERINGLY FAITHFUL – 1 CORINTHIANS 4:1-5

The Faithful Manager

1 A person should consider us in this way: as servants of Christ and managers of God's mysteries. 2 In this regard, it is expected of managers that each one be found faithful. 3 It is of little importance that I should be evaluated by you or by a human court. In fact, I don't even evaluate myself. 4 For I am not conscious of anything against myself, but I am not justified by this. The One who evaluates me is the Lord. 5 Therefore don't judge anything prematurely, before the Lord comes, who will both bring to light what is hidden in darkness and reveal the intentions of the hearts. And then praise will come to each one from God.


How does Paul want to be known by name?



Two problems the Corinthians faced and we face that keep us from pursuing God’s agenda:

1. __________________________________________________

2. __________________________________________________

Why doesn’t Paul seem to care if other people evaluate him? How do you handle criticism?



II. REFUSE TO COMPROMISE – GALATIANS 1:6-10

6 I am amazed that you are so quickly turning away from Him who called you by the grace of Christ, [and are turning] to a different gospel— 7 not that there is another [gospel], but there are some who are troubling you and want to change the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel other than what we have preached to you, a curse be on him! 9 As we have said before, I now say again: if anyone preaches to you a gospel contrary to what you received, a curse be on him! 10 For am I now trying to win the favor of people, or God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a slave of Christ.


Why was Paul amazed?



What does Paul want you to refuse to compromise? 

What does it mean to be saved by grace?



From Paul we can learn two lessons:

1. Ultimately, the only _________________ that will matter will be God’s.

2. Don’t ________________ the true gospel.

III. TAKE A RISK INVESTING IN OTHERS – ACTS 9:26-27

Saul in Jerusalem

26 When he arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to associate with the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, since they did not believe he was a disciple. 27 Barnabas, however, took him and brought him to the apostles and explained to them how, on the road, Saul had seen the Lord, and that He had talked to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus.


Why was the risk for Barnabas in investing in Saul? Why were the disciples afraid of Saul?



What do you think Barnabas saw in Saul that led him to intercede?



How do we know if someone is worth the risks associated with their past?




IV. RECOGNIZE TRUE POTENTIAL – ACTS 15:36-41

Paul and Barnabas Part Company

36 After some time had passed, Paul said to Barnabas, "Let's go back and visit the brothers in every town where we have preached the message of the Lord, and see how they're doing." 37 Barnabas wanted to take along John Mark. 38 But Paul did not think it appropriate to take along this man who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone on with them to the work. 39 There was such a sharp disagreement that they parted company, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed off to Cyprus. 40 Then Paul chose Silas and departed, after being commended to the grace of the Lord by the brothers. 41 He traveled through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.


What is significant about Paul’s name change and role now in chapter 15?



What was the disagreement between Paul and Barnabas?



What do you think Paul’s position on John Mark was and how would you explain it? Was he right?



What do you think Barnabas’ position on John Mark was and how would you explain it? Was he right?





From Barnabas we can learn two lessons:

1. Investing in others calls for ___________ __________ for the sake of helping to accomplish God’s will in the lives of other people. Barnabas’ plea on behalf of Saul to the disciples is such an example.

2. People ___________________________________.



How would you describe Paul and Barnabas’ leadership styles?

I hope that everyone has had a blessed week and that you are in preparation for what God has to tell us on Sunday through two of his finest leaders in the Bible - Paul and Barnabas.

See you Sunday!

In His Love,

David & Susan 

Class Lesson May 15, 2011

Hey Gang,

Rank the following qualities of good leadership from most important (1) to least (11):

____ Communication

____ Age

____ Vision / Strategy

____ Planning

____ Organization

____ Teamwork

____ Integrity

____ Adaptability

____ People Skills

____ Persuasion

____ Character



Write in the blank the most important quality you believe is central to the wholeness of the Mind, Spirit, and Body. 

After Nebuchadnezzar's death, Babylon declined in power and Persia became predominant. The restoration began when the new Persian king, Cyrus, issued a decree in 538 B.C., allowing the Jews and other exiles to return to their homelands. The decree is found in Ezra 1:1-4. During the first phase of the restoration, the Jews rebuilt their temple. The second phase of the restoration came under Ezra in 458 B.C. Ezra's role was to renew religious devotion among the Jews who had returned to their homeland of Jerusalem. The third phase involved the coming of Nehemiah in 445 B.C. His mission was to see that the walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt.

Ezra led the second group of Jewish exiles back to Jerusalem. He was a skilled scribe of the Scriptures. He studied them, he applied them to how he lived, and he taught them to others.

This is the Story of Ezra

Lesson Goal: People lead from the essence of who they are. Leading successfully involves walking with God in such a way that both unbelievers and believers recognize your integrity and trust you to lead. 

I. HAVE A HEART FOR GOD – EZRA 7:1a, 6-10
1 After these events, during the reign of King Artaxerxes of Persia, Ezra—


6 —came up from Babylon. He was a scribe skilled in the law of Moses, which the LORD, the God of Israel, had given. The king had granted him everything he requested because the hand of the LORD his God was on him. 7 Some of the Israelites, priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, and temple servants accompanied [him] to Jerusalem in the seventh year of King Artaxerxes. 8 Ezra came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, during the seventh year of the king. 9 He began the journey from Babylon on the first day of the first month and arrived in Jerusalem on the first day of the fifth month. The gracious hand of his God was on him, 10 because Ezra had determined in his heart to study the law of the LORD, obey [it], and teach [its] statutes and ordinances in Israel.



Who were King Ataxerxes’ father and mother?



From this passage, what can we know about Ezra’s person, position, and priorities? Which do you think most qualified him to be a spiritual leader? How can you tell Ezra practiced what he preached?



Ezra could have just chosen to go home with his people, but he appeared to have a larger purpose – what was it? What makes a person choose a bigger purpose than the obvious?




II. BUILD A REPUTATION OF INTEGRITY – EZRA 7:25-28

25 And you, Ezra, according to God's wisdom that you possess, appoint magistrates and judges to judge all the people in the region west of the Euphrates who know the laws of your God and to teach anyone who does not know [them]. 26 Anyone who does not keep the law of your God and the law of the king, let a fair judgment be executed against him, whether death, banishment, confiscation of property, or imprisonment. 27 Praise the LORD God of our fathers, who has put it into the king's mind to glorify the house of the LORD in Jerusalem, 28 and who has shown favor to me before the king, his counselors, and all his powerful officers. So I took courage because I was strengthened by the LORD my God, and I gathered Israelite leaders to return with me.


Why was King Artaxerxes so generous to Ezra? What would make an unbeliever able to trust a believer today?



On a scale of 1 to 10, how important is it, really, for your private life to match your public life?



III. START LIVING RIGHTLY – EZRA 9:4-6; 10:10-12


Ezra's Confession

4 Everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel gathered around me, because of the unfaithfulness of the exiles, while I sat devastated until the evening offering. 5 At the evening offering, I got up from my humiliation, with my tunic and robe torn. Then I fell on my knees and spread out my hands to the LORD my God. 6 And I said: My God, I am ashamed and embarrassed to lift my face toward You, my God, because our iniquities are higher than [our] heads and our guilt is as high as the heavens.


10 Then Ezra the priest stood up and said to them, "You have been unfaithful by marrying foreign women, adding to Israel's guilt. 11 Therefore, make a confession to the LORD God of your fathers and do His will. Separate yourselves from the surrounding peoples and [your] foreign wives." 12 Then all the assembly responded with a loud voice: "Yes, we will do as you say!



What major problem had the people created?




What do you tend to do when Christians do wrong things: give up, get angry, ignore it, try talking, grieve, pray, get them to think it through, or what?



When practices seem contrary to Christian teachings, they often are. How can you tell what is of God and what is not?



How can you keep from convincing yourself that certain behavior is okay when it’s not?




What does it mean to walk with God?

1. To ______________ Him.

2. To be __________________ by Him.

3. To _______________ in Him.

4. To see Him as the ___________ and __________________ of my journey.

The Bible says of Enoch that he "walked with God" (Genesis 5:24). This particular wording is not used of Ezra, but it would have been fitting of how he lived. His life - like that of any true believer - was lived in fellowship with God and in obedience to Him.

Many of you remember this Rob Bell video below called Rhythm. It asks the question, "Are you in tune with God?" It is a great video - click below and watch.

Are You In Tune With God?

Click Here 

Prayer this Week

Lord, help me be a more diligent student of Your Word, more obedient to You, and a more effective teacher of Your truth. Amen

See you Sunday!

In His Love,

David & Susan

Class Lesson May 8, 2011

Hey Gang,

Guess what this Sunday is? Be sure to give a BIG hug of thanks to your mom!

Mothers are the most influential people in the entire world. If you are a mother, it's important  that  you see that this is the role God has assigned you in life and it must never be diminished. It was through the woman that God chose to shape us, give us form and substance and life! Read below what some in history and even today have said about their mom's influence.

A Mother’s Influence

"All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother." - Abraham Lincoln



"The mother's heart is the child's schoolroom."- Henry Ward Beecher



"The future destiny of a child is always the work of the mother."- Napoleon Bonaparte



"To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power."  - Maya Angelou



"My mother never gave up on me. I messed up in school so much they were sending me home, but my mother sent me right back."- Denzel Washington



"My mother said to me, "If you become a soldier you'll be a general; if you become a monk you'll end up as the pope." Instead, I became a painter and wound up as Picasso."  - Pablo Picasso

The highest calling on earth is that of a Mother - Recognize your influence and determine to use it in timely ways.



Below is the second lesson in our series of five on Leadership. Last week we looked at Joshua and how he overcame his fear of leading the Israelites into the Promise Land - it was quiet an undertaking for him. The important emphasis for Joshua was God's promise to him of his success as long as he obeyed God's instructions. In this week's lesson there is no promise of success or even safety as Esther must choose to use her influence to save the Jewish nation.  

The Story of Esther

Main Characters: King Xerxes, Queen Vashti, Mordecai, Esther, and Haman.

Questions: Why did the King divorce Queen Vashti? Who was Mordecai? What was Esther’s real name? How did Esther become Queen? Why did Haman order the genocide of all the Jews? Why was Esther’s position of influence believed to be part of God’s providence? What Jewish Feast is still celebrated today because of Esther?

Esther

Lesson's Life Goal: Recognize your influence and determine to use it in timely ways.

I. GOD GAVE YOU INFLUENCE – ESTHER 4:12-14

When Hathach told Mordecai what Esther had said, Mordecai sent her this message: "Don't think that just because you live in the king's house you're the one Jew who will get out of this alive. If you persist in staying silent at a time like this, help and deliverance will arrive for the Jews from someplace else; but you and your family will be wiped out. Who knows? Maybe you were made queen for just such a time as this."

Why would Esther have persisted in staying silent?



Why are we as Christians many times tempted to remain silent? How can we know when to be silent and when to speak up?

Why do you suppose Mordecai used “Maybe” and “such a time as this”?



How did Mordecai convey to Esther that she mattered and yet her life wasn’t all about her?



Where might God have placed you for “such a time as this”? How does potential for influence become influence?

II. WORK AS A TEAM – ESTHER 4:15-17

Esther sent back her answer to Mordecai: "Go and get all the Jews living in Susa together. Fast for me. Don't eat or drink for three days, either day or night. I and my maids will fast with you. If you will do this, I'll go to the king, even though it's forbidden. If I die, I die." Mordecai left and carried out Esther's instructions.


Are you more likely to think you have no influence and do nothing or jump into action without asking God to be the ultimate influencer?



Who are we declaring matters the most when we try to influence a situation without first seeking God’s favor?



God’s name is not mentioned in Esther, but His influence is evident throughout. How?





III. INFLUENCE FOR GOD’S SAKE – ESTHER 8:3-8

Then Esther again spoke to the king, falling at his feet, begging with tears to counter the evil of Haman the Agagite and revoke the plan that he had plotted against the Jews. The king extended his gold scepter to Esther. She got to her feet and stood before the king. She said, "If it please the king and he regards me with favor and thinks this is right, and if he has any affection for me at all, let an order be written that cancels the bulletins authorizing the plan of Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite to annihilate the Jews in all the king's provinces. How can I stand to see this catastrophe wipe out my people? How can I bear to stand by and watch the massacre of my own relatives?" King Xerxes said to Queen Esther and Mordecai the Jew: "I've given Haman's estate to Esther and he's been hanged on the gallows because he attacked the Jews. So go ahead now and write whatever you decide on behalf of the Jews; then seal it with the signet ring." (An order written in the king's name and sealed with his signet ring is irrevocable.)


Why is this understanding key to godly influence? It’s not all about me.



Do you think Esther considered herself a leader?

On Mother’s Day – remember your mom’s influence and thank God for her. If your mother is still living – do something special for her!

I hope that everyone enjoys a blessed rest of the week as we prepare to celebrate our mothers this Sunday and their profound influence on our lives! The story of Esther is a fitting lesson for Mother's Day as we examine the powerful influence Esther made in history.

See you Sunday!

In His Love,

David & Susan

Class Lesson May 1, 2011

Hey Gang,

This Sunday we begin a whole new 5 week series entitled, “Taking the Lead.” When God gives someone an opportunity to lead, He also encourages and empowers that person to accomplish the task. However, we must accept and embrace the responsibility. 

One of the greatest needs of our time is leadership – the right kind of leadership. This is true in politics, business, the church, and the home. A person does not become a leader by filling a position, and many who lead have no official position. This study is to help you embrace that you can – and must – exercise leadership in some situation or area of your life. We will examine 5 biblical characters to show actions through which we as Christians can exercise spiritual leadership.

5 Lessons in This Series

Overcome Your Fears – What can I do to overcome my fears about leading?

Use Your Influence – What influence do I have and how can I use it for God’s purposes?

Walk With God – How important is my private and public walk with the Lord?

Pursue God’s Agenda – As a spiritual leader, what should be my agenda?

Invest In Others – What do I need to do to invest in others? 

The Marine Corps is always a good place to start when looking for examples of leadership.

Marine Corps - Leadership 

Click Here

People can have fears of almost anything, especially having to lead! This lesson is about identifying and overcoming the fears that prevent us from being the spiritual leaders God wants us to be.

What can I do to overcome my fears about leading?

Do you think God expects all of us to be leaders in some way like the home, church, the workplace, and even the government?

Our biblical character this week is Joshua. We pick-up in Joshua chapter one where the death of Moses has presented a new challenge to the people of Israel. They are positioned beyond the Jordan River in the plains of Moab, where the 12 tribes are observing the land God had promised them. To claim their inheritance would be no easy task. People already living in the land would not yield their land easily or willingly. As Joshua assumed leadership from Moses, he knew only the power of God could grant fulfillment of the ancient promise.

The Books of Joshua and Judges tell the story of conquest and settlement. Joshua concentrates on the initial phase of the process, while Judges tells of the struggles of the tribes to possess and settle the land. The conquest was a process that extended over many generations and was not fully completed until the time of David and Solomon (1000 - 922 B.C.).

           I. ACCEPT YOUR RESPONSIBILITY – JOSHUA 1:1-5

Encouragement of Joshua

 ¹ After the death of Moses the LORD's servant, the LORD spoke to Joshua son of Nun, who had served Moses: ² "Moses My servant is dead. Now you and all the people prepare to cross over the Jordan to the land I am giving the Israelites. ³ I have given you every place where the sole of your foot treads, just as I promised Moses. ⁴ Your territory will be from the wilderness and Lebanon to the great Euphrates River—all the land of the Hittites —and west to the Mediterranean Sea. ⁵ No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. I will be with you, just as I was with Moses. I will not leave you or forsake you.

How ready do you think Joshua felt about leading at this time and why? What mixed feeling might he have had?

What’s the advantage of leading from an official position? How about from an unofficial position?

The Hebrew people were poised at the edge of the Promised Land. Why do you think God gave this leadership to Joshua?

What did God give Joshua besides responsibility? What’s the relationship between God-given responsibilities and God-given promises?

According to these verses, what are God’s ways to overcome fears of leadership and accept our responsibilities?

           II. HEAR GOD’S COMMAND – JOSHUA 1:6-9

⁶ "Be strong and courageous, for you will distribute the land I swore to their fathers to give them as an inheritance. ⁷ Above all, be strong and very courageous to carefully observe the whole instruction My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or the left, so that you will have success wherever you go. ⁸ This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to recite it day and night, so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do. ⁹ Haven't I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

What is the relationship between the commands God gave Joshua and the promises? Which command do you think rang over and over in Joshua’s ears throughout his years as a leader?

          III. ACT COURAGEOUSLY – JOSHUA 1:10-11, 16-18

Joshua Prepares the People

 ¹⁰ Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people: ¹¹ "Go through the camp and tell the people, 'Get provisions ready for yourselves, for within three days you will be crossing the Jordan to go in and take possession of the land the LORD your God is giving you to inherit.

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¹⁶ They answered Joshua, "Everything you have commanded us we will do, and everywhere you send us we will go. ¹⁷ We will obey you, just as we obeyed Moses in everything. And may the LORD your God be with you, as He was with Moses. ¹⁸ Anyone who rebels against your order and does not obey your words in all that you command him, will be put to death. Above all, be strong and courageous!"

When you know you need to step up and lead in a situation, do you usually act immediately or wait awhile? What did Joshua do?

In what areas of your life are you a spiritual leader? What do you consider the most important qualities of godly leaders?

Have a blessed rest of the week as we prepare to hear from God's Word this Sunday on leadership!

Look what I found and we all thought Thomas was a Carolina Fan!

Come on Thomas, give me a hug!

That's my boy!

Don't forget to mark your calendars for May 13, 2011 - it's our PROGRESSIVE DINNER night!

See you on Sunday!

In His Love,

David & Susan