The Mid-Week Update!!!

Lesson Recap

Twas the Week Before Easter

Matthew 24 

When you were your teen's age-what Easter tradition do you recall?  What Easter tradition do you now practice your teen will probably remember when they are your age?  Why do you think Christmas is more popularly celebrated than Easter?  This week we looked at the last week of Jesus' life.  We identified major events of each day.  The focus was on Tuesday's large gathering-it's a family affair.  We also looked at the event from three perspectives: Jesus', the disciple's and ours.

 

Sunday-triumphal entry into Jerusalem Mt. 21

Monday- clearing of the temple Mt. 21:12-17

Tuesday- Jesus answers his critics and teaching at the Mount of Olives Mt. 21:18-26,13

Wednesday-the plot against Jesus Mt. 26:14-16

Thursday the last supper and Getsemane Mt. 26:17-46

Friday-arrest, trial, and crucifixion Mt. 26:47-27,66

Saturday-in the tomb

Sunday-resurrection Mt. 28

Matthew 24:1-35

Jesus spent a good portion of Tuesday at the temple interacting with segment of the Jewish leadership.  It was more like a day long session of try to stump the Bible answer man.  A three year long contentious relationship between Jesus and the leaders is coming to a head.  Jesus ends the session with a condemnation of the leaders and judgement in the form of destruction of Jerusalem.  After the interaction with the leaders, Jesus and his followers leave the temple and stop for a rest on the Mount of Olives in route to Bethany.  This is where this lesson began.

1-3  Jesus has predicted the destruction of Jerusalem.  The disciples looking at the temple and other buildings with some stones measuring 40 feet long, 12 feet high, and 20 feet wide; find it hard to believe these buildings could be destroyed.

The disciples asked Jesus when the destruction of the temple and city would take place.  It was to take place at the judgement of Jerusalem.  Jesus told them that the signs that would forecast His coming would be the final judgement at the end of the world, and that the setting up of the Kingdom would signify the coming of the age.  Why do you suppose the disciples were corious concerning these matters?  Why should believers today be interested in these matters?

4-14  These verses reveal the characteristics of the entire present age from Jesus' ascension until His return.

1. False christs
2. wars and rumors of wars
3. famine and earthquakes
4. hated to the point of death
5. apostacy
6. false prophets
7. loss of love
8. preaching of gospel to all nations.

15-26 Coming Destruction of Jerusalem

  Jesus reveals how they might tell the coming destruction.  (Abomination to temple @150 BC when pig was sacrificed on alter & AD 70 Rome destroyed Jerusalem.) Jesus told them how they should act in view of the destruction by not believing or following false christs or prophets. Verse 15 is an invitation from Jesus to read His words and ponder it that we might recognize their fulfillment.  This invitation is for all disciples for all times.

27-31 The Coming of Our Lord

  Jesus describes His return with the speed of lightning, being visible to all, in or on clouds of glory, accompanied by a loud trumpet, mourned by the unsaved, and gathering all believers to Himself at which time He will establish His 1000 year rule in Jerusalem.  What comfort might this information provide for the 12?  And for believers today?

32-35 The Coming of His Kingdom

  A fig tree will forecast the coming of Jesus' kingdom.  The fig tree throughout history has been a symbol for the nation of Israel.  Verse 34 has been a stumbling block for many believers.  Jesus tells us the generation that sees the 'rebirth' of Israel will not pass away.  Israel ceased being a nation when Judah was taken into captivity by Babylon.  After WW II, 1948, Israel was classified as a nation again.  A generation is 40 years.  That means that Jesus should have returned by 1988.  Most Bibles have a footnote that the word used for generation can also mean race, or group of people, or nation.  Verse 34 can also read 'this nation Israel will continue to be a nation until I return.  No matter what hardships she experiences, I will hold her together as a nation'.  God is the only One who knows the time of the coming of the kingdom.  We are instructed to keep watch in light of verse 36.

Conclusion:

  This Sunday we will celebrate the return of Jesus from the grave.  How can we 'keep watch' in preparation of this celebration?

In the words of Revelation 22:20, " He who testifies to these things says, 'Yes, I am coming soon.' Amen.  Come, Lord Jesus."

No Class This Week!!

...so that we may celebrate Easter.  Family worship is at the usual times: 9 AM and 10:30 AM.  See you next week! 

SPOTMail!!

Lesson Preview

Easter is quickly approaching.  I can almost hear Peter Cottontail hopping down the bunny trail.  As it relates to the church calendar -- this week is Palm Sunday.

Jesus' last week on earth was a week that changed history.  Amazing events took place on every day of the week.  It is my opinion that two of the most significant events happened on Sunday and Tuesday.  On Sunday, Jesus had his triumphant entry into Jerusalem.  It is my understanding Pastor Gene is going to cover this event in his sermon.  On Tuesday, Jesus had a family reunion of sorts.  Bible scholars refer to this as the Olivet Discourse.  You and I probably refer to it as the Teaching at the Mount of Olives.  One finds this teaching in Matthew 24-25. 

As we prepare to celebrate Easter, our lesson this week will come from Jesus' final discourse.  We will review Jesus' words through the eyes of those in attendance when he spoke.  We'll try to perceive it through the heart of Jesus.  And we will attempt to draw modern day application for ourselves. 

I anticipate sharing this experience with you.
Don

Make It On Time

Another feature of the Easter season will be an effort to get everyone to church activities on time, especially the 9 a.m. worship service.  There will be plenty going on during the opening minutes of worship this Sunday and on Easter, so you don't want to walk in late.

This week, choir members will be encouraging folks to move to the Worship Center from the Atrium prior to, instead of during, the worship service.  No, those aren't switches in choir member's hands -- they're palm branches.   The Easter worship service has a very special opening emphasis, during which time the doors will be locked.  You snooze . . . you lose!

Concord Activities

• Saturday, 4/16 -- Easter Eggstravaganza, 9-11 a.m.  (No charge)
• Friday, 4/22 -- Passover Seder dinner, 6 p.m.
  (Last Sunday to buy tickets -- $10 adults, $5 7-12 years)
• Tuesday, 4/26 -- Ladies Night Out, Genesis Banquet Center, 6:30 p.m.
   (Last Sunday to buy tickets -- $20)
• Friday, 5/6 & Saturday, 5/7 -- Men's Weekend at Concord  (No charge)

Snacks

4/17  Bradshaw

4/24  Easter Bunny (no class)

5/01  Hurt

Prayer List

• Church's search for a full-time music minister
• Zenobia's continued recovery
• Kevin's Hurt's recovery
• Susan Hurt's mother
• Mary Jane LaRowe's friends (whose father committed suicide)
• Lori Robbins' recovery from shingles

The Mid-Week Update!!!

Lesson Recap

  Where's My Future Headed

2 Kings 23: 31-25:30

Bible in Context

     Last Throes 23:31-24:7-King Josiah was killed in battle by the Egyptian army, and his 23 year old son Jehoahaz became king.  After only three months the king of Egypt deposed Jehoahaz and installed another son of Josiah, Eliakim, whom the king renamed Jehoiakim.  Jehoaiakim's reign was evil, characterized by 1) excessive taxation to pay off the Egyptians 2) political instability as the king became a vassal of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. and 3) constant threats from border raiders whom the Lord sent against Judah as punishment for the sins of Manasseh.

     Complete Surrender 24:8-17-  Upon Jehoiakim's death, his 18 year old son Jehoiachin became king (remember this name!).  Three months later, the king of Babylon invaded Judah, besieged Jerusalem, took captive Jehoiachin and his family as well as thousands of leading citizens, and installed Zedekiah, Jehoiachin's relative, as a puppet ruler.

     Utter Destruction 24:18-25:21- Zedekiah's 11-year reign was also characterized as evil.  In his 9th year as king, Zedekiah rebelled against Babylon, leading Nebachanezzar to send his army against Jerusalem again and this time to tear down the city's walls, burn down the important buildings (including the temple), and confiscate all the treasures.  Nebachadnezzar executed Zedekiah's sons and other royal officials, blinded the king of Judah, and took into captivity the king along with more of Judah's citizens.

     Unacceptable Servitude 25:22-26- Nebachadnezzar installed Gedaliah as the leader over the remaining population, but Gedaliah fell victim to assassination seven months later.  Many Jews at this time sought refuge in Egypt.

     Hopeful Pardon 25:27-30-  Thirty seven years after being taken captive to Babylon, King Jehoiachin received a pardon from Evil-Meradach, the new Babylonian ruler.  Jehoiachin's life changed for the better, although he remained a king in exile for the rest of his life.

Believers find their ultimate hope in God.  But that does not mean that struggles, even severe circumstances, will not touch our lives.  Believers can have patience and confidence as God works in our lives.  Think of a time when it seemed that God was silent in response to your prayer.  How did you feel during that time?

Keep Hope Alive   24:12-56

24:12-13

Nebachadnezzar, King of Babylon captured Jehoiachin. king of Judah and deported some of the people of Judah.  Treasures from both the temple and the palace were lost representing physical, spiritual, and emotional loss.  We see that God was not surprised . In v13 we read that these events occured "as the Lord declared/predicted".  We also see that because of Judah's disobedience, God sent the army of Babylon to take the people captive.  In vv2-3 God promised that judgement was coming! We can know when bad things happen in our lives, God is not caught by surprise.  All of us have experienced some kind of loss in our lives.  Events may catch us off guard or knock us flat, but God is present in the middle of the loss.  We can keep alive our hope in God, even when we are faced with losing some of the precious things in our lives.  However, this does not mean we should minimize the pain we might feel when we face loss.

24:19-20

After Jehoiachin was taken into captivity, the Babylonians set up Zedekiah as a puppet king.  His reign is described as evil. Sin always has consequences.   God allowed the entire nation of Judah to be taken into captivity as the consequence of the sin of Zedekiah.  God still judges and punish sin as in the days of old.  What are examples of modern day sin and their consequences?  God disciplines His people, but ultimately the purpose of His discipline is to bring about good.  Consider Deuteronomy 30:1-3 and Jeremiah 46:25-28 to better understand the nature of God's discipline.

25:8-11

The Babylonians destroyed the city of Jerusalem.  They burned the temple, the king's palace, and all the homes.  The city walls were destroyed, and people were deported.  As the pagans were destroying the temple, do you wonder how they could enter the holy of holies without being killed?  The temple signified God's presence among His people.  When God allowed the temple to be destroyed, it indicated His departure from the people.  In the times of today's lesson, God's presence resided in the temple.  Today God's presence is in His people by way of the Holy Spirit in our lives.  God's presence was withdrawn from His people in today's lesson. God does not withdraw His presence/spirit from people today.  The Spirit can be quenched, but not withdrawn.  When we find ourselves in chaotic situations, we can keep our hope focused on God, even when others despair.   We must focus on God and His promises rather than on circumstances, and reflecting on the ways God has provided in the past.

25:27-30

After 37 years in a Babylonian prison, King Jehoiachin was release and treated kindly by Babylon's new king.  When we face discouragement we can draw hope from this story.  We all hope for a speedy end to our problems but we must remember, God's timetable is not always our timetable. Remember also that God was at work in the life of King Jehoiachin, even during what seemed to be a hopeless situation.  Things don't happen by chance or luck.  Think about the way God is at work in the details of your life.  We can know that God is at work even in the moments when we do not see evidence.

Conclusion:

What challenging circumstances are you facing at this moment?  How can you live patiently and confidently while waiting for God to work out His plan?  Recall some of the challenging events you have experienced.  Have you seen God at work in those events?

Keep Hope Alive!!

Easter EGG-stavaganza Needs Cakes!!

They are looking for any kind of cake for the cakewalk..homemade, store bought...even a box of Twinkies will do!!  Contact Lanny at the church or via email at lanny@concordlife.com if you can help! 

Prayer Requests

• Thanksgiving that Susan's mom is finally home after months of hospital stays and rehab!
• Transition to permanent Worship and Fine Arts pastor.  

The Mid-Week Update...Express Edition!!!

Where's My Future Headed?

..is the title of the current portion of our study of Kings.  This weeks lesson will be centered on 2 Kings 24.

Easter EGGstravaganza 

...can use a few more volunteers.  Volunteer opportunities can be found on the sign up sheet in this week's SPOT Folder.

Linda Radick Offering

The envelope for this will be in this weeks SPOT folder, as well. For further details, see the blog post prior to this one.

Prayer Requests

• Continued prayers for Zenobia.
• Prayers of thanks that the doctors have determined that Kevin can be treated with medication.  He got home on Tuesday.

   

 

The Late mid-Week Update!!!

Since we had a Sunday of great fellowship instead of a lesson, there is no lesson recap.  Just a few familiar items to report:

Volunteering

Tomorrow volunteers from our class will be working on the Atrium as part of the church's Spring Cleaning.  We are still in need of folks to help at the Easter Egg-stravaganza.  Traditionally our class has worked in a game room, and I suspect once I let Debbie know how many folks are helping that it will be the same!

SPOT Camping Trip

I am still trying to get this put together.  The place were we held this last year is booked solid.  If anyone has any alternatives please give me a holler, or email to thespotspot@charter.net

Prayer Requests

• Continued prayers for Zenobia
• Please pray for Kevin's nephew who was in the Hyland Center this week after taking too much of his ADD medication.
• Pray for spiritual guidance for the church during the ongoing budget.

 

  

Winterjam!!!

If any adults or kids are interested in going to Winterjam on April 1rst, Lesa Stewart has reserved a van to take folks!  You can find more information on this amazing event by going here.  Contact Lesa if you are interested in going!

SPOTMail!!

Lesson Preview

We started a new unit of study last week titled, "Where's My Future Headed?"

We determined none of us can say with certainty that we know where our future is headed.  We do have hopes, dreams, plans and goals, but that's about as far as it goes. 

This week's lesson is about a child protege.  Josiah became king of Judah at age eight.  Suppose you are living in Judah under the leadership of an 8-year-old king; talk about an uncertain future!  Especially considering his father and grandfather were both evil (ungodly) rulers.  But there is a surprise awaiting us.  I hope to see you Sunday as we discuss it.  If you can't wait -- read about it in 2 Kings 21-23. 

See you Sunday,
Don

Church Work Day

April 2 is a church-wide Spring Cleaning day.  We are volunteering as a class to tackle one of the many projects that day.  There's an entire punch-list of items, from cleaning up the landscaping to painting the halls.  A sign-up sheet will be in the SPOTfolder so we know how many will be helping.  Hamburgers and hot dogs will be provided for lunch.

Egg-stravaganza

Egg-stravaganza, the annual Easter party for our community, is on Saturday, April 16, 9 -11 a.m.  Volunteers are needed to help in this wonderful family ministry.  You can serve in a game room, help with crafts, hide eggs, supervise the chaotic hunt or donate a gift basket.  As usual, the sign-up sheet is in the SPOTfolder . . . so join in and have some fun!

SPOTlunch

SPOTlunch this week meets at El Maguey's in Concord Plaza right after class.  It's top-notch Mexican cuisine and, of course, the fellowship is always top-notch . . . well, maybe a little spotty at times . . . but you still won't want to miss it.

Big Chill-i Dinner

Thanks to everyone who made our Chili dinner for the kids last Saturday a success!  Kevin has pictures on the blog you'll want to check out.  You also may hear a report this Sunday about all the blessings coming out of this year's event.

Snacks  

• 3/27    Luther  
• 4/3      Meinhardt
• 4/10    Decker

Prayer Requests

• Zenobia thanks everyone for the loving support for her and her kids and asks for continued prayers for her muscle aches from the cancer medication.
• Lori Robbins is still suffering from shingles.
• Concord's continuing search for a fine arts minister
• Alan Decker's child custody dispute
• For Susan Hurt's mother, Marilyn, who is back in the hospital
• Church staff members, including Zenobia, dealing with pay cuts and restructuring
• Joe & Patti Endejan's business
• Those traveling during spring break

The Mid-Week Update!!!

Lesson Recap

Where's My Future Headed

2 Kings 18-20

Bible in Context: 

    From this point forward only the Southern Kingdom (Judah) remained.  A brief review of the Northern Kingdom's demise appears in 18:9-12, placed there most likely as a historical reminder that sets the stage for the Assyrian invasion of Judah during Hezekiah's reign.

Opposite Fates 18:1-12- Hezekiah became king of Judah six years prior to Israel's fall and exile.  Hezekiah and Hoshea, last king of Israel, went in opposite ways spiritually.  Hezekiah was a man of faith who attempted to govern Judah in line with God's covenant law.  The biblical writer commended Hezekiah's faith and unwavering devotion to the Lord.  Not so much with Hoshea.  He ruled over a people who persistently disobeyed the Lord.  That is why God allowed/caused Israel to be taken into captivity by the Assyrians.

Divine Deliverance 18:13-19:37- In Hezekiah's 14th year as king, Judah was invaded by Sennacherib, king of Assyria.  Hezekiah tried to avoind defeat and destruction by paying a heavy tribute to Sennacherib.  However, the king of Assyria demanded the total surrender of Jerusalem and it's people.  Encouraged by a prophetic message from Isaiah, Hezekiah prayed to the Lord for deliverance, and the Lord miraculously delivered the city.

Added Time 20:1-11- Suffering with a terminal illness, Hezekiah prayed for the Lord to remember his faithfulness. Through the prophet Isaiah, the Lord informed Hezekiah that 15 years would be added to his life.  The Lord confirmed the prophet's message with a miraculous sign.

Foolish Attitude 20:12-21- When the king of Babylon sent envoys and a gift to Hezekiah during his illness, Hezekiah foolishly responded by showing the envoys all the palace treasures.  Isaiah confronted the king about his inappropriate action and delivered a prophecy that Babylon would one day take the royal treasures along with the kings descendants into captivity.

Got to Have Hope 18:28; 19:5-9

Setting for 18:28-32- In the first part of chapter 18 the Bible writer portrayed Hezekiah as a profoundly faithful and successful king.  Not only did he keep the covenant and do what was right in terms of the law God gave to Moses, but he also strove to give Judah political and military independence. He ceased submitting to the Assyrians, and beat back the Phillistines.  In retaliation for Hezekiahs rebellion-the Assyrian king, Sennacherib, captured many of the forfeited cities.  Hezekiah tried to buy peace by paying tribute to Sennacherib.  In vv 17-18 we learn in Jerusalem officials from both kings met, and the king of Assyria made his demands known.  The Assyrian official questioned the wisdom of Hezekiahs rebellion and his alliance with Egypt, offered terms of peaceful resolution, insulted the Israelites military, and even claimed that the Lord, the God of the Israelites had sent him.  The fact that Rabshakeh (a title-not a name) spoke Hebrew showed that his goal was to add confusion and discouragement to the entire population, as well as to engage in official talks with Hezekiah.

Resist Temptations to Distrust 18:28-32

     Rabshakeh  wanted them to give up hope God could rescue them-, and to believe that Hezekiah was deceiving them and that if they surrendered they would prosper.  When and how are believers tempted to trust in people or things rather than God?  You are a Japanese believer living in Japan and severely affected by the recent devastation.  What implications does this point of study have for you?

Gain Strength From Other Believers 19:5-7

     To reassure the king's servants the first assured them that the words came from the Lord's heart-do not fear-God will deal with the Assyrian king.  Consider examples in your own life when other believers were a comfort to you.

Boldly Request God's Help 19:15-19

     Hezekiah asked God to listen, hear and open eyes, and to save His people from Assyria.  Hezekiahs request was not only for deliverance, but also that God would make Himself known to all the kingdoms of earth.  Vv 25-36 describes how God himself answered Hezekiah's prayer.  By making a bold request of God, Hezekias showed in confidence in God in the face of difficult circumstances.  How can you and I show our confidence in God's power through our prayers?  Remember a time when you have seen God's work in seemingly hopeless situations in your own life or the lives of others.  How does seeing past successes give one confidence in the future?  

Conclusion:

    What word best describes how you feel about your future?  What are some uncertainties that affect your future?  God would have us trust in His saving power-resulting in a hopeful outlook.  What are some strategies we could use for relying on God's power?  Ideas include reading the Bible, regular prayer, and to seek advice from mature believers .  There are many more ideas.

Many parents of teens worry about the uncertainty of the future.  However, believers can have the firm assurance that their future lies securely in God's hands.

Personal Challenge:

     List some of the uncertainties that affect your future.  Next, pray, placing these uncertainties in God's hands!

Volunteering

We have several upcoming opportunity to help the ministry here at Concord. We have the upcoming on April 16th the Easter Egg-stavaganza, where they need people to help man game and craft booths, help with the Easter egg hunt, or supply a gift basket.  We also have a Spring Cleaning day on Saturday April 2nd.  Our class has been given the assignment to clean sconces and windows in the Atrium.  A hamburger and hot dog lunch will be provided.  Sign up sheets for both of these events are in the SPOT folder.  You are encouraged to sign up for one...or both!

Big Chill-i Supper

All those present last Saturday had a great time serving tons of chili.  We have received countless thanks from the kids for the dinner.  Here are a few photos of the serving line!

 

Snacks

• 3/27 Luther
• 4/3 Meinhardt
• 4/10 Decker

SPOTLunch

 

...will be this Sunday (27th) after class.  We will be dining at El Maguey's in Concord Plaza.  Come enjoy some fun and fellowship!  

Prayer Requests

 

• Zenobia has asked for a prayer of thanks for the loving support for her and her kids.  She is also asking for prayers for muscle aches from the cancer medication.
• For Lori Robbins as she continues with the pain and fatigue from shingles.
• For the continuing search for a fine arts minister.
• For Alan Decker as he is having ongoing child custody issue with his ex wife.
• For Susan Hurt's mother, Marilyn, who is back in the hospital with what appears to be kidney issues.