Wednesday Night Recap [Feb. 17 and 24]

ch. 1:19- The second coming brings blessings for believers.  The future should motivate.
ch. 1:20-2:1 – Stars=messengers; give light, the glorious Gospel shines (in right hand=authority)
– Lampstands=churches make known Christ

Letter to Church at Ephesus (ch. 2:1-7)
– vs. 2- works (activities); toil (hardship of work); patient endurance (steadfast); rejects false doctrine
– vs. 3-4- Their problem was that they were sound in doctrine, but short in love.
– vs. 5- These things are motivated by love
– vs. 6- Pure love hates what God hates.
– vs. 7- Promised blessings motivate. (ch. 1:19)

Letter to Church at Smyrna (ch. 2:8-11)
– vs. 8- Smyrna (comes from Greek word for myrrh, which is bitter, but very fragrant when crushed)
– Suffering may be disciplinary, preventative, to learn obedience, or to provide a better testimony.
– vs. 10- Don’t fear about what you are going to suffer.  Be faithful unto death.
– vs. 11- Future rewards to motivate. (ch. 1:19)

Scripture at Sunrise 6.4.09

Wednesday Night Recap (6.3.09)

“Consequently, He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.”  -Hebrews 7:25

-Ask any Christian, “Are you saved?” and their reply would be Yes.
-Ask, “Who saved you?”  God in Christ.
-Ask, “Does He save everyone?”  No.
-Ask, “Did He save you accidentally or did He do it on purpose?”  God saves some people and He does it on purpose. 
-It is the power of God that saves and keeps us.  It is not the power of human choice or decision, or work or fleshly action that results in salvation.  John 1:12-13
-It’s His purpose.  2 Timothy 1:9, Ephesians 1:9, Ephesians 1:1-11; What God does, He does for His glory. 
-John 10:27-30.  Eternal life is given.  Eternal must always be.  This life deposited in the believer is the life that has always existed and which is for all eternity.  God’s Name and His glory is at stake. 
-Romans 8:29 speaks of whom He foreknew…doesn’t talk about anything anybody did but He foreknows us, nothing outside of God that caused Him to love you.  Who He foreknew, He predestinated (predetermined) to be conformed to His Son.  Why conformed?  That He might be firstborn (Christ is ultimately glorified)…called…justifcation…glorified.  All for the glory of His Son.  Philippians 2:9-11; Revelation 5:11-14
-We are completely dependant upon Him for our salvation.  If dependant upon our works to live up to His standard, we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God.  Where is boasting?  Romans 3:27; Ephesians 2:9
-1 Corinthians 3:11 “for” links verse 11 with previous.  Foundation was laid (Jesus Christ, Solid Rock not shifting sands_ and the responsibility of others to build upon it.  Use materials worhty of the foundation.  (relates to our service). 
vs. 13- service will be tested in that day; 1 Corinthians 4:5 (fire=judgment)  Only He can judge the motives; Rewards: 2 Timothy 4:8, James 1:12, Revelation 2:10, 1 Peter 5:4, Revelation 3:11, 1 Corinthians 9:25, 2 Corinthians 5:10, 1 Corinthians 3:8
-1 Corinthians 3:15- the fire shows the quality of work.  Corinth had many problems
-1 Corinthians 6:11- sin in life, but saved.  Not talking about loss of salvation, but loss of reward.  One doesn’t gain salvation by good works nor does he lose it by bad works. 
-Salvation is secure because of Who God is and not who we are.  Jeremiah 31:3, Malachi 3:6
-He that hath begun a good work in you shall perform it unto the day of Christ Jesus. 

T-Total Depravity
U-Unconditional Election
L-Limited Atonement
I-Irresistible Grace
P-Perserverance of the Saints

Hebrews 7:25

Wednesday Night Recap 5.27.09

Eternal Security:
-If one could lose his salvation, no one could be saved.  (Psalm 130:3)
-We have forgiveness of sins and the imputed righteousness of Christ, seen 34 times in Romans (Romans 4; 2 Corinthians 5:21)
-We are not righteous because we are declared righteous.  We are righteous because we are righteous–because we have been made righteous in Christ. 
-We are not under law but under grace! 
-Assurance: has to do with the believer’s understanding and sense that he does indeed possess eternal life.
-Eternal Security: This doesn’t refer to one who just attends church or has changed his life in such a way that he conforms to Christian standards.
-Justified: Romans 8:29-30 The completion of one act necessitates the next.  Sanctification is omitted because it would have to be after justification and sanctification cannot necessitate glorification.  It is God’s work from start to finish.  Romans 8:31-39.  Who could condemn?  Only God.  But He is the One Who justifies.  (John 6:37-39; John 10:27-29; John 17:6-7; Romans 11:29)
-False professions: Matthew 7:21-23 What believer would point to his owrks that he has done?  We point to our Savior! 
-1 John 5:11-12- past tense: “has given eternal life”
-Hebrews 10:14- perfected; forever; that are being sanctified (vs. 17-18- “no more sacrifice for sins because there are no more sins to be atoned for)
-Hebrews 13:5; 1 Peter 1:2-4
-Ephesians 1:13-14- A seal was used a symbol of ownership and security.  For example, Pilate placed a seal on the tomb of Jesus.  Only Pilate or someone greater than Pilate could legally break the seal.  The Holy Spirit is seen as both the seal and the One who does the sealing.  You are owned and kept by God.  The only one who can break that seal is God or someone greater than God.  The believer is sealed until the day of redemption. 
-If someone believed they could lose their salvation by some sin, who are they depending upon for salvation? 
-Does your salvation depend on you or on God?  If on you, you will ever have assurance.  (Romans 3:20, Philippians 1:6, 2 Timothy 1:12)
-Psalm 23- Security is not an issue here for the sheep (vs.1- total provision; vs. 2a- He controls and directs; vs. 2b- He provides rest and refreshment; vs. 3a- He maintains life; vs. 3b- straight paths; vs. 4- through the deep dark valleys, the staff protects and prods)

Kids Map

I’ve had a request to post the map we have been working with in the kids’ class on Wednesday night.  I’m no cartographer, but I hope it will suffice for my 4-year-olds!  🙂

A brief overview of what has happened in all these places solely during our study of Mark. 

Jordan River– John the Baptist baptized Jesus (Mark 1)
Sea of Galilee- Jesus called Simon, Andrew, James & John as disciples (Mark 1:16-20); Jesus called Levi=”Matthew” as a disciple (Mark 2:13-17); Jesus told the Parable of the Sower beside the sea (Mark 4:1-9); Jesus calmed the storm (Mark 4:35-41); Jesus walked on the water (Mark 6:45-52)
Capernaum– Jesus healed Simon Peter’s mother-in-law (Mark 1:29-34); Jesus healed a paralytic (Mark 2:1-12);
Galilean side of sea (not a specific city)- Jesus heals Jairus’ daughter (Mark 5:21-43)
Decapolis– Jesus healed a man with unclean spirits, whom they called “Legion” (Mark 5:1-20); Jesus healed a deaf and mute man (Mark 7:31-37); Jesus feeds the 4,000 (Mark 8:1-21)
Bethsaida– Jesus fed the 5,000 (Mark 6:30-44)
Gennesaret– Jesus healed and talked to the Pharisees (Mark 6:53-7:23)
Tyre & Sidon, Phoenicia– Jesus healed the daughter of a Gentile Woman
Nazareth– Jesus’ hometown (Mark 6:1-6)

*More to come!

Kids Class Review 3.4.09

Kids’ Own Worship
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
A Gentile Woman’s Faith
Mark 7:1-30
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We learned:
-God looks at what is in our heart.
-Jesus came to save all types of people.
-The Gentile woman had faith.
-We are Gentiles.

We sang: with Mrs. Janna!

What to review:
1. Why did the Jewish leaders criticize Jesus?
     His disciples did not wash their hands the right way according to the Jewish laws.
2. What did Jesus say was more important—the outside or inside of a person?
     The inside—-the heart.
3. What did the Gentile woman ask Jesus to do for her?
     To heal her daughter from the evil spirit.
4. Why did Jesus help the Gentile woman?
     Because of her faith.
5. Jew vs. Gentile
6. What each of these represented:
    Children: Jews / Dogs: Gentiles / Crumbs: Jesus’ Message
7. The Map on the back of the paper (if you’re on the blog, see me Sunday to get a copy)
(The Lesson:  I don’t go word-for-word here and I add my own stuff, but you’ll get a general glimpse). 

Key verse:
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” -Hebrews 11:1

Inventory:
Those in attendance: Cheyenne, Hannah, Micheal, Olivia, Landon, Ethan, Sarah, Janna

A Note from Sarah:
What an interesting lesson! I was so blessed this week as I reflected on God’s grace that is portrayed in the last half of this chapter. Christ had revealed Himself to a Gentile woman. Wait a second…I’m a Gentile! Hey, that’s me! He’s so good! I am praying the eyes of your children will one day be opened to the beauty of His marvelous grace!

Oodles of Love in Christ who was so merciful to give me a crumb,
Sarah ~ Psalm 19:14

*Please note that the Little Lifers Kids Choir Sunday will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Kids Class (11.19.08)

Summary of Wednesday Night Kids Class 11.19.08
Warning: This post basically ended up being a journal for me, preserving the memories of this evening’s kids class.
Thank you so much for letting me teach your kids.  I always feel so inadequate for the job, but the Lord always gives me grace in preparing the lesson and helping me through the actual class.  Tonight was just one of those nights where I wanted to freeze time for a second and keep your kids at that age for the rest of their lives.

Hannah, Joseph, Olivia and Conner were there.  They were missing quite a few of their friends, but we had a lovely time together anyway.  I love the way God arranges our class.  The chemistry is always different because it’s always a different combination of kids.  This week was neat because Hannah was making some really deep interesting observations which got Olivia and Conner thinking and helped them understand more, too!  And Joseph took it all in as well!  He was so cute…our lessons have been coming from the book of Mark and this lesson was on the calling of Matthew.  So when I said Matthew’s name, Joseph said, “Mark, Luke, John.”  It was precious!

We have such a fun time singing Scripture together.  Tonight alone, we sang Ephesians 6:7, Matthew 6:20-21, Isaiah 61:1 and about John 10/Psalm 23.  We learn crazy big new words like omniscient, omnipotent and perseverance.

We’ve been trying to learn the names of the disciples.  Another light bulb turned on for some tonight: Simon Peter is one person.  :o)  Just like Conner Riley is one person, Hannah Renee, Joseph Kenneth, Olivia Grace and Sarah Caroline (yes, kind of like the state!).

They’re so precious and you never know what they’re going to say.  I love them each very much and am so thankful the Lord has placed them in my life.  It is my prayer that they will have a deeper desire to learn more about Christ and grow in Him daily through the short time we spend together on Wednesday nights.
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Kids Own Worship Summary
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Mark 2:13-17
Matthew Follows Jesus

We learned:

-About a tax collector named Matthew who Jesus chose to follow Him.

-Following Jesus is worth more than all the money in the world.

-Jesus wanted everyone to know of God’s love and forgiveness of sin.

-Jesus came to earth to invite sinful people.

-Tax collectors were considered “sinners,” a label that caused people to stay away from them much like they stayed away from lepers.

-Jesus knew people’s hearts (because He’s omniscient=all knowing) and knew that all people have done sinful things.

-Jesus can change us and make us into a new person.  (2 Corinthians 5:17)

We sang:

♪       He Leadeth Me (Psalm 23; John 10)

♪       Treasures (Matthew 6:20-21)

♪       Work (Ephesians 6:7)

♪       I’ve Got a River of Life (Isaiah 61:1)

Other things to talk and think about:

o        Review the passage.  See how much your child can recall.
1. What did Matthew do before Jesus called him to be a disciple?
(He was a tax collector.)
2. What did people think about tax collectors?
(They thought they were stealing their money; “sinners.”.)
3. Jesus said He came to help what kind of people?
(“Sinners” – those who knew they needed Him to forgive them.)

o        Key Verse: I have come to get sinners to follow Me. (Mark 2:17)

A Note from Sarah:
I really enjoy teaching your kids.  Since they have probably heard a lot of these stories in Sunday School already, I try to throw in a few little “extras.”  For example, as we have been going through the book of Mark, I have really tried to highlight the geography.  Ask them this week what country these stories have taken place in so far.  (Galilee)  Another thing I have been emphasizing is the names of the disciples and how some of them are related.  (So far, we have Simon Peter and Andrew who are brothers.  We also have covered James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who are brothers.  Tonight, we added Matthew.)  And…a comment on the lesson: It thrills my heart to know that Jesus came to ransom sinners ’cause I are one!
“Guilty, vile and helpless we; Spotless Lamb of God was He.  Full atonement, can it be?  Hallelujah, what a Savior!”

Oodles of Love in Christ,
Sarah

Kids Class Review (Oct. 15)

Kids Own Worship Summary
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Mark 1:21-34 Jesus Heals Many
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
We learned:

• Jesus is omnipotent=has power over everything.
• Jesus presented Himself as a servant.
• When Jesus gave up His life for us on the cross, He gave us a way to heal our heart.

We sang:

♪      For the Glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31)

♪      Treasures (Matthew 6:20-21)

♪      Those Who Hope (Isaiah 40:31)

♪      I’ve Got a River of Life (Isaiah 61:1)

Other things to talk and think about:

o        Review the passage.  See how much your child can recall.

-Why were the people amazed at Jesus’ teaching?  He taught with more wisdom than the normal teachers.
-Jesus healed a man in the synagogue.  What was wrong with the man?  He had an evil spirit in him.
-Who was sick at Simon’s house?  His mother-in-law. How did Jesus heal her?  He helped her to stand up.
-Many people showed up at Simon’s house after sunset.  Why did they come?  They wanted Jesus to heal them. Was He able to help them?  Yes.

o        Key Verse: We saw His glory-the glory that belongs to the only Son of the Father. (John 1:14)

o        Reiterate what “glory” means.

We are going to start using our own songbooks sometime within the next couple of weeks.  Hopefully, this concept will transfer over into the main worship services and the kids will be involved with the hymnal and singing with everyone!  I am so thankful the Lord has blessed me with your children.  Thanks for bringing them to learn more about Him!

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We only had three in class on Wednesday, so that means we missed you!  But, thanks to Hannah, Olivia and Micheal for being great listeners and singing their hearts out!  It was really neat for me to teach them the word omnipotent.  I distinctly remember learning that word at school when I was in third grade (along with omnipresent and omniscient).  So it was kind of ironic that Olivia and Micheal are both in third grade and Hannah is in fourth.  Anyway, I would love to see your beautiful children there next week as we continue in the book of Mark!  Don’t forget to take time to invest in eternal things!  :o)

Prayer Requests (from October 1)

Prayer Requests (from Wed., Oct. 1)

• Mary (Brenda’s sister)- not expected to live through the weekend.  Pray for Mrs. Goodpaster and Brenda, especially.
• Donnie- vehicle situation (he’s a pro-hitchhiker now!)
• Laura, Daniel, & Kids- sick
• Jim C. (Ryan & Sarah’s grandpa)- heart surgery; doing better than expected
• Sherry- traveling to dad’s this weekend (traveling mercies); congested
• Roger- traveling to Indiana Thursday
• Nick- revival at Waddy Baptist Church Friday, Saturday and Sunday
• Steve D.- permanent position at hospital on night shift; has to decide whether he wants or not by next week
• Kathrine C. (Cheryl’s niece in Philippines)- under observation for kidney infection
• Julie S.’s mom and mother-in-law- both in hospital
• Tommy- making baby steps!
• Robert (Barb’s brother)- head shaking
• Kenny- Doctor Appointment Thursday for weight loss surgery
• Paul & Barb!  :o)
• Kim- church in Frankfort helping Eric quit using alcohol; Madison- court date Thursday
• Helen- health; job changes
• Ron- ankle
• Please also be sure to read the update I posted earlier about William
• Seeds planted at Isaiah 58

Prayer Requests (May 21)

Prayer Requests (May 21)

• Mary (Brenda’s sister)- health complications still
• Shawn & Kim (Brenda’s daughter & son-in-law)- auctioning house
• Dorcie- pneumonia, trying to get into Markey Cancer Center
• Erika & Elijah (Steve D’s twins)- spiritual
• Nannie (Cheryl’s grandmother-in-law)- not recognizing anyone
• Mrs. G’s family- her sister Mary passed away
• Roger- on the road; picking up Joe
• Charlie (Paul’s bro)- spiritual
• Mrs. Newbury- Barb witnessed to her Tuesday
• Barb’s dad and her brother, John
• Denise’s grandpa- finger amputated the other day
• Tom- job situation; witnessing opportunities
• Nick’s parents leave for Guatemala on Monday to pick up his little sister; they’re bringing her back next Thursday! 
• Sherry & Hannah- sinus infections
• Sherry’s sister and her mom
• Tyler (Sherry’s nephew)- tonsils out Tuesday
• Sherry’s coworker Sherry- hospitalized with brain cancer
• Sammie- HAPPY ADOPTION BIRTHDAY TODAY!!!!  :o)
• Those traveling to the New Attitude Conference Saturday-Monday & that their hearts will be thirsty for the truths of God’s Word
• Pray every day for the Lord to send someone your way who needs to hear the Gospel