Lesson Preview!!!

This Sunday we start a lot of news.  A new book - 2nd Thessalonians.  A new unit of study - Who's In Charge.  A new lesson - You Can Feel Safe. 

I think we all would agree that we live in uncertain times.  Jobs that used to be stable are not so much.  Relationships we thought would go the distance don't.  And on it goes.  At times we may find ourselves asking, "Is anyone in chagre?".  Studying Paul's second letter to the Thessalonians will renew our conviction that God is in charge of all things, including the future.  This Sunday we will discuss the issue of feeling safe.  In the process we will answer the following questions:
1) What is God doing in me?
2) What is God going to do with me?
3) What does God want to do through me?
Contemplation of these questions can be unnerving.  But one thing we can be sure of, God will treat us justly and fairly. 

See you Sunday,
Don

The Mid-Week Update!!!

Lesson Recap

 1st Thessalonians 5:1-11

Consider Where You Are Going

Do You Get Along With Others? 

"Isn't it a shame about Harmony Baptist?" Louise phoned Betty with news she had just learned from her next door neighbors, the Martins. "Jim Martin serves as a deacon at Harmony.  It looks like they are in conflict again," Louise continued.  

"What's going on this time?" Betty asked.

"Three years ago the problem was music styles.  The whole choir quit and the pastor had hastily relocated to another church.  Well, Jim says their new pastor's just not working out.  He spends too much time on the internet and he does not visit like the other pastor did.  They've called a special deacon's meeting to confront the pastor.  The church is in an uproar."

Betty was silent for a moment.  She was recalling a few years back, the year Grace Baptist where she and Louise were members, had almost split.  The sense of conflict and confrontation had intensified almost to the breaking point.  Only in a last hour, heroic effort led by the deacon chairman and the pastor had kept the church together.

For more than five years, peace had prevailed.  Betty and Louise often told each other how glad they were for the unity at Grace.  God had blessed their church recently with a number of new members, including adult conversions and baptisms.

Church conflict is never inevitable, but it has become all too common.  The lesson this week was designed to help us think about the importance of getting along in the church.  Why is it important believers get along especially in the church?

What are some unusual ways you have seen duct tape used?  Sealing tape is the choice of many as they get packages ready to mail as it will stick together.  This part of Paul's letter was an encouragement for the church to stick together.

Respect Leaders 12-13

This congregation was only a few months old.  They were doing many things right, but misunderstandings and personality clashes were inevitable.  Paul was asking them all to show respect toward the leaders among them. Believers at every level of spiritual growth are found in every church.  We must recognize and value the importance of every member if our chirch is going to function as god desires.

According to 1 Peter 2:9 we are all members of a "priesthood" of believers.  God has given gifts to His people, and among them gifts of leadership.  We must accept these leaders as the shepherds God has appointed to lead us.

Reach Out To One Another 14-15

Paul addresses a difficult area of ministry within the body of believers in these verses.  He talks about correcting and admonishing those within the fellowship whose actions or attitudes cause distractions.  Why is it so difficult to deal with divisive issues and individuals within the church family?  It is necessary because if it is allowed to continue disruption will fester and spread like a disease.  Sometimes this can create irreparable damage to both individuals and the organization.

Worship With One Another 16-22

Paul gives three exhortations in vv 16-18.  These are to be joyful, pray, and give thanks.  These are related to the inner life of a Christian.  Joy is a spiritual state that overcomes trouble.  In a state of joy we can remain in constant communication with God.  It is a result of these first two that we are able to give thanks.  Paul justified the exhortation by stating that it was God's will for every believer.

In moving from vv 16-18 to 19-22 we notice a shift from personal conduct to how the Spirit works in public worship.  This is how Paul wanted his readers to understand the Spirit's function in our worship:

v 19- general statement to be explained by the following.

v 20-honor God's word whether written or spoken.

v 21-test what we hear by allowing the Holy Spirit to verify its truth.

v 22-we must hold to what has benefited the growth and stability of the church.

Pray for One Another 23-28

The tightest bonds between Christians, even more binding than duct tape, are built when we pray together. In reading verses 23-24 we see things that Paul prayed for the church.  These are 1)sanctify you, 2) your total being kept blameless, and 3) God's faithfulness.  What was Paul requesting for each?

Conclusion: How will I react when I encounter someone or something I do not agree with?  Will I think about Paul's instructions in his letter to the church in Thessalonica?  What might be the outcome if I did? 

No Class

There is no class this week as there is only service at 10:L30 due to the holiday weekend.

 

SPOT Activities

Don't forget that our group activities are now located on the right column of this blog!  If you have a Goggle, Facebook or any number of others, you can sign in and let us know if you are right here on the blog!  Of course, we will continue putting the sign up sheets in the SPOT folder.

3rd Annual SPOT Camping Trip

July 10th will be the last day to sign up for our camping trip.  We need to make reservations by then.  Currently there is only one family that is signed up, so we are in danger of cancelling. 

Prayer Requests

• Neil and his job
• Liz Massey saw the doctor on Monday due to a skin rash/reaction to something.   Pray for a speedy recovery.
• Brad Slinkard has a close family friend named Esther that had a stroke and is in St. Clare hospital.
• The youth are in South Dakota.  Pray for safe traveel, meaningful work, and great memories. 
• Allen Decker has his court date coming up on July 5th about child custody.

 

Youth Mission Trip Update

Hi guys,

I wanted to know that the kids made it to South Dakota safely before I went to sleep last night, so I called Daniel Meyer about 10:00 p.m.

He said they were still about an hour or so from their destination.  They had some mechanical difficulties with one of the rental vans and were not able to get a replacement right away.  So, some of the leaders stayed at a hotel for the night and will get the van this a.m. and then head out.  The rest of the leaders and kids went on their way but, apparently, were delayed a bit.

Daniel said everyone is OK, just tired.

Have a good week!

Jeanette Stubbs

Enjoy...

The skinny on the Bible here.

Have fun!

SPOTmail Express!!

Lesson Preview

Hope your week has gone especially well with this nice "normal" Missouri weather.  Actually, I sort of wish it were not so nice!  I'm about to work myself to death.  I just can't justify staying indoors.  Oh well, so much (too much) about me.  How about a little teaser regarding our Bible study for this week.

We conclude the unit - "Consider Where You Are Going" - this Sunday.  So far we have touched on the topics of:

• What Is Your Goal in Life?  We concluded it is to be sanctified.
• What Hope Do You Have?  Our hope is spending eternity with Jesus.
• Are You Ready?  Anticipation and preparation is present when a believer is ready for Jesus' return.

This week we answer the question - Do you get along with others?

Paul wanted believers to relate well with one another so that the church is strengthened. We'll look at that more closely Sunday.

This will be the last lesson in our study of 1 Thessalonians.  After the 4th of July, we'll be tackling a new topic.

Until then,
Don

Quick Notes

• Snacks this week - Hurt
• One worship service and no SPOTclass on Sunday, July 3
• SPOTnight at the Muny is Saturday, July 30
• SPOTcamp August 12-14

The Mid-Week Update!!!

Lesson Recap

1st Thessalonians 5:1-11

Consider Where You Are Going

Are You Ready?

Select an event  such as the World Series, a wedding, a graduation, etc.  Now plan preparations for the event.  Suppose the people in your events failed to display signs of anticipation or preparation; what might you rightfully conclude?  Most events are the culmination of a season.  Graduation-long years of study.  World Series-long season with many games.  Marriage-planning the day since a young girl.  What about the return of Jesus; what is that a culmination of?  In this weeks lesson we looked at Paul's continued discussion regarding believers going to be with Jesus.  Thus the question for today's lesson-Are You Ready?


Recall What You Know 1-3
From verse 1 it is obvious that Paul had taught them some facts concerning the return of Jesus.  Based on verses 2-3  it appears that he used Jesus' "thief in the night' analogy.  Look at Matthew 24: 42-44.  So here is what we know:

1. Jesus will indeed return to the earth.
2. The exact time and circumstances of His Return are known only to God.
3. Jesus' return will be at a sudden-even unexpected-moment.

Realize Who You Are 4-6

Paul used the contrast of light and darkness to describe two types of people.  Light refers to the spiritual awareness given by the Holy Spirit who dwells in every believer.  Those in the light live in a moral and spiritual enlightenment. Darkness is the spiritual darkness affecting those without Christ.  Spiritual darkness is deadly because it exists in the trappings of a false, secular wisdom.  True believers in Christ walk in the light of which Jesus is the essence.  The book of 1 John is all about walking in the light.  Paul instructed his readers to be alert and self-controlled.  What are the implications for us?  Satan is ever ready to pounce on careless Christians, catching us off-guard, so that in that careless moment he can lead us astray by his deceptive ways.  The basic question we must strive to answer for ourselves is-how does one stay alert and self-controlled?

Reveal Who You Are 7-10

Let's practice a little interpretation exercise with verse 8:

'But since we belong to the day.' -Since we are believers in Jesus

'let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet" -right behavior occurs when we put on the armor God has provided us.  To learn more about the armor look at Rom 13:12 and Eph 6: 13-17.

Rally Around One another 11

When Paul said 'encourage one another' he meant to talk about the return of Jesus with anticipation.  We are to build each other up so that we do not grow weary in the journey, and so we will avoid being lethargic in our behavior.  What are some ways that believers today can encourage on another?

Conclusion: Plan preparations for Jesus' return!

New Blog Format

After taking a look at the Blog recently, I noticed how a lot of items that we plan are put here many times.  To avoid all that typing (not that I mind!), I have added new calendar listings to the right hand column beginning with this blog entry.  See them over there now?  I will continue to announce and remind in class, but this makes getting the blog out easier and timelier!  Let me know what you think!

Snacks 

• 6/26 Hurt
• 7/3 no class...one service!

 Prayer Requests

• Allen will be having a custody hearing in court on July 5th. 
  

SPOTmail Express!!!

So far in our unit, "Consider Where You Are Going", we have discussed the topics of: what is your goal in life and what hope do you have.  As a refresher, our goal is to live in such a way that we will be as holy as possible when we meet Jesus.  Our hope comes from our relationship with Jesus and knowledge that when we die we go to spend eternity with him.  This week we will address the question - Are You Ready?  The study will be based on 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11. 

As I write this lesson preparation note I have to admit that I am not ready - but it's not Sunday yet.  Come Sunday at 10:30 I have every expectation of being ready.  How about you?  Something tells me this is not the type of readiness Paul will be talking about.  See you Sunday as we check it out. 

Finally, the friend I mentioned in class last week was ready when the call came.  She went to meet Jesus this past Tuesday evening.  Enjoy walking on the streets of purist gold Debbie!

Don

The Mid-Week Update!!!

Lesson Recap

1st Thessalonians 4:13-18

Consider Where You Are Going

What Hope Do You Have?

In 80 percent of all boating accidents, the cause of death is drowning; but in 90 percent of those drownings, the person was not wearing a life vest.  As this relates to the lesson, at the time Paul wrote this letter to the believers in Thessalonica were dying by natural causes and possibly at the hands of Christian haters.  Even though hope was available, many chose not to embrace that hope, much like people refuse to wear a life vest.  Paul's purpose was to instill hope for those that were dying and their loved ones.

Our Hope As Christians-v13 

Sometimes people wearing life vests may drown because they do not know how to wear them properly.  The Thessalonians were frustrated about their loved ones who had died, yet in Paul's brief time with them he had not taught them about what happened to a believer prior to Jesus' return. Paul informed them that he did not want them to grieve like the rest of men who have no hope.  They had hope because, unlike unbelievers, they had a genuine faith in Jesus which can help believers bear deep grief. To get the benefit of a life vest a boater must wear it properly.  Believers have a hope that is secure, but like the boater we must make sure we have embraced the hope we have in Jesus.

Our Hope: Christ's Resurrection and Return-v14 

What are some reasons wearing a life vest might bring peace of mind to a boater?  Paul revealed a truth about our natural grief when a loved one dies.  The truth is that while the body is placed in the grave to return to the dust from which it was created-the spirit goes joyfully into God's presence!  Though we grieve the broken fellowship with our loved one-we can and should dwell on the glorious truth that they are consciously present with the Lord.  A boater can feel secure when properly wearing a life vest.  One reason we should feel secure in the Lord, even in death, is the truth of Christ's resurrection and return.

Our Hope: Christian's Resurrection and Return-vv15-17

Not everyone who wears a life jacket is saved, but it is estimated on average that about 431 lives would be save in one year if all water activity participants wore a life jacket.  In these verses Paul presents five disclosures.  They are:

1.   The deceased believers are at no disadvantage to those still alive at Christ's return.
2.   Christ's return will be accompanied by incredible sounds.
3.   The Christian dead will rise from their resting place. 
4.    Believers still living at Jesus' return will be caught up alive, meet the Lord in the air, and join the resurrected deceased believers.
5.    One day all believers will be fully united with each other and with the Lord forever.

Christ's death and resurrection is available to all who will receive it; but like those who refuse to wear a life vest, people must 'wear' that message as they would the vest.  What does this mean to you?

Our Hope: Comfort-v18

What comfort does wearing a life vest bring to a person?  What is the purpose of a life vest?  If I leave the vest behind before I enter the water what good will it do me?  Paul's use of the word 'therefore' at the beginning of v18 indicates that he is bringing the reader to a point of application.  What application does Paul want the reader to make here?  How would Paul's words have brought comfort to those who had lost loved ones?  How can Paul's words comfort us when we must face our own death?

Conclusion:  Death happens to persons of all ages.  Your teen either knows of a peer that has died or will.  What source would you use to comfort your teen?  How can this lesson help you discuss the topic of death, the return of Jesus, and the resurrection of all believers with your teen?

Class Muny Outing

We will be occupying the free seats to see 'Little Shop of Horrors' on Saturday, July 30th.  Come early with a picnic dinner to enjoy some fellowship as we wait for the gates to open!  

3rd Annual SPOT Camping Trip

Once again we will be visiting the beautiful Bennett Spring State Park area.  Our trip will take place from August 12-14th.  We will be at a new location this year with the ability to have many more activities for those that wish them.  Canoeing this year will be done on your own as opposed to a group, but the facility can provide the canoes. There is also the ability to horseback ride, and to join a hayride..or even learn to fly fish!  Camping rates are $6 per person for those in tents.  They also have 'glampers' available.  These are fully air-condition tents with cedar floors and a queen bed in each.  Glampers are $95 per night.  The location is called Redbeard's Ranch.  You can find much more information here.  We need to find out the number that are going so that we can finalize the reservation, so please let Kevin know ASAP at mpeman@charter.net.

Snacks

• 6/19   Meinhardt
• 6/23    Hurt

Prayer Requests

• Ronda's back is much better
• Kevin's sister is having great difficulty finding a job.