SPOTMail!!

Lesson Preview

We continue our study of 1st Thessalonians.  Be sure read ahead into Chapters 2 & 3 and you should be able to keep up with our fearless leader.

 Baseball Tickets

Each year Brad Slinkard offers the SPOTclass tickets for a summertime Cardinal game at discounted rates. This year's game is on Saturday, June 18 against our cross state rival, the KC Royals.  Tickets in this section are normally $37, but they're available through Brad at just $15. That's much better than StubHub and these are a genuine bargain with no pesky prossessing or delivery fees.  And you don't even have the use the ink in your printer.  In exchange for your $$$ you actuallly get a real ticket.    It's a good Father's Day gift (as that is Father's Day "Eve").  There's (virtually) no limit on the number of tickets you can purchase for your family and friends. Tickets are in section  372 of the Left Field Pavillion (right above Big Mac Land).  Contact Brad Slinkard at 314-494-5081 or email at bs4@sbcglobal.net.

Snacks Schedule

May 15 = Massey

May 22 - Luther

May 29 - MEMORIAL DAY - No class

Prayer List

Carolyn Amen's recovery is very very slow, but steady

Fine Art's ministry

Tornado and flood victims

Traveling students

The Late Mid-Week Update!!!

Lesson Recap

1st Thessalonians 1:1-10

Puppy Love 

In beginning our study of Thessalonians, we started with a quick quiz that covered the following facts.  1st Thessalonians was the 2 in chronological order of Paul's 13 letters. Thessolanica was and still is in Greece.  Thessolanica was like Corinth that it was a good port, had lots of traffic, and was prosperous.  The 3 groups that responded to Paul's preaching were Jews, God-fearing Greeks, and leading women. His message appealed to the Jews because of the Messiah, and to Greeks and leading women because of it's message of freedom rather than the legalism of Judaism.  Paul stayed in Thessolinica less than three weeks, at which time he was run out of town by the non-believing Jews.  Paul wrote the letter in response to Timothy's report.

Intro:

What is puppy love?  About how old was your teen when they had their first bite of puppy love?  How did it affect them?  How old were you when you had your first puppy love?  How did it affect you?  In this lesson we saw what puppy love had in common with 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

1-4 Recognizing God's Work

When you look here at the pronouns you notice that they are all plural.  This indicates that Paul was open.  We see here that Silas helped start the church and that Timothy was sent to encourage them.  Paul was pleased by three things about the Thessalonians in Timothy's report.  They were-their work of faith, their labor of love, and their endurance inspired by hope.  Their work of faith demonstrated the motive behind their labor of love/service.  Both were strengthened by their endurance of hope in the return of Christ, giving Paul reason to rejoice.

These evidences of godliness prove the reality of one's faith in Christ in this fashion; they are evidences of God's presence in one's life and are a consistent reflection of a genuine faith in Jesus.

5-6 Responding to the Spirit

Here Paul is commending the Thessalonians for responding to the message in spite of severe suffering and persecution.  The Holy Spirit is given credit for the success of Paul's preaching.  What do you think was behind Paul's bold statement that the Thessalonians become imitators of him and his coworkers?  How important do you consider "spiritual modeling" in you relationship with others?

7-10 Influencing Others

The Thessalonians faith had a great effect on Christians in Macedonia and Achaia.  This is because the Thessalonian believers made a complete break with the worship of idols, which was a radical step of faith for them.  They believed the gospel, and they passed it on by deed and word.  The gospel is presented primarily through the lives of believers (2 Cor 3:1-3).  Paul touched on 4 basic themes of the gospel message as he observed in the Thessalonian's spiritual growth and reputation.  They are:

1. Turning from idols to save God.
2. Anticipation of Christ's return.
3. What Christ accomplished for us through His resurrection.
4. The inevitability of a coming judgement for those who reject Jesus.

Conclusion:

The comparison we see between puppy love and what we have seen in this lesson about the Thessalonians is a radical change because of a love relationship.

Muny Poll

A revised (with dates!) poll of what Muny show the class should attend will be in the SPOT folder this Sunday!

Baseball Tickets

Brad Slinkard has discounted baseball tickets for sale.  The game is for Saturday, June 18th against our Cross State Rival, the KC Royals.  Tickets are normally $37.00 but he is willing to sell for $15.00 per ticket.  It's a good Father's Day present as that is Father's Day "Eve".  He has plenty in hand and willing to sell as many as you'd like.  Also mention to any friends/family who may be interested as you won't find any cheaper than this in this particular section.  Sec 372 of the Left Field Pavilion (right above Big Mac Land).  You can contact him at:

Brad Slinkard

314-494-5081

bs4@sbcglobal.net

 

Prayer Requests

 

• Carolynn Amen is improving slowly.
• New worship minister (keep your fingers crossed and your knees on the ground!)
• Keep praying for college kids as they take finals and travel home.
• Susan's sister-in-law's brother committed suicide.  

 

  and finally!!!

... a neat little graduation video here.

  

SPOTMail!!

Lesson Preview

Puppy Love.  As parents of teens, you are well familiar with this phenomenon.  But can you recall your first case of puppy love?  I do, but no details will be given.  What is it about puppy love that changes a person forever?  Once you have been bit, it starts a process that lasts for life.  I was once told that puppy love is not real love -- but it certainly is real to the puppy!

Well, in a way, that is what we will be talking about this Sunday as we look at 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10.  I look forward to meeting with you and sharing this time together.

Don

Baseball Tickets

Each year Brad Slinkard offers the SPOTclass tiocvkets for a summertime Cardinal game at discounted rates. This year's game is on Saturday, June 18th against our cross state rival, the KC Royals.  Tickets are normally $37 tickets, but they're available through Brad for $15 per ticket.  It's a good Father's Day present as that is Father's Day "Eve".  There's no limit on the number of tickets you can purchase for your family and friends. Tickets are in section  372 of the Left Field Pavillion (right above Big Mac Land).  Contact Brad Slinkard at 314-494-5081 or email at bs4@sbcglobal.net.

Snacks this week

Zenobia Perry

Prayer List

Carolyn Amen

Traveling students

The Mid-Week Update!!!

Lesson Recap

This week began our study in 1st Thessalonians.  We started out with an introduction to this book.

Where Is Thessalonica?

Thessalonica was located in the region of Macedonia.  It was the principal and capital city of Macedonia.  Its original name was Therme, after the hot springs in the area.  It was a free city within the Roman Empire.  That means they enjoyed self-rule within the framework of the laws of the Empire.

What Was The City Like?

Thessalonica was located on the Thermic Gulf and enjoyed the benefits of an excellent harbor. In Roman times it was the site of great dockyards.  The City was also on the Egnation Way, Rome's highway linking Europe and Asia.  Its sea and land location meant that it was a great trade center.  And like other major Roman cities (i.e. Corinth) it was religious, immoral and enjoyed wealth. Most of the residents were Gentile.  All the ingredients that made Thessalonica such an important city then is why it continues to be a thriving city today though spelled Thessaloniki.

Did Paul Ever Visit The City?

Paul came to the city on his second missionary journey around A D 50. (Acts 17:1-9). Verse 1 of Acts 17 informs us when Paul arrived Jews were established in the city and worshipped at their synagogue. Paul spent three Sabbath days debating with them out of the Scriptures with reference to the death and resurrection of Christ. He proclaimed Jesus to them as the Messiah.  The first converts included some Jewish along with many devout Greeks and leading women.

Why Did Paul Write The Letter?

The significance of the Devout Greeks and leading women following Paul sets up the ongoing conflict between Paul and the Jewish leadership.  Women enjoyed a higher status in Macedonia and Asia Minor than elsewhere.  The devout Greeks were God-fearers.  Disillusioned by idolatry and low moral standards of the pagans, the God-fearing Greeks and leading women were attracted to the monotheism and high moral standards of the Jews.  As God-fearers they were studying the Jewish religion but had not yet adopted it as their own.  One barrier to this final step probably was the legalism of the Jewish faith.  So they were readily attracted to Paul's gospel of freedom.  This aroused great jealousy and resentment of the unbelieving Jews for losing these potential converts.  Another cause for the conflict between the Jews and Paul was their rejection of Paul's message about Jesus being the promised Messiah/Christ. This group of faithful Jews made life difficult for Paul and the new believers. It reached the point where Paul had to leave town.  The story continues in Acts 17:13.

When Paul left Beroea/Berea he wen to Athens but left Silas and Timothy in Beroea.  Paul sent for them in Athens.  Soon after Timothy's arrival in Athens he was sent to Thessalonica to check on the new believers.  Paul's letter to the church in Thessalonica was in response to Timothy's report.  The new believers were growing in their faith, although they being persecuted.  They had raised some questions, particularly about the second coming of Christ.  Thus Paul penned his first letter to the Thessolonians to congratulate, encourage, and instruct them.  He wrote from Corinth, probably within months of first preaching in Thessalonica.

Following are the lessons we will study from this letter:

Remember Where You Were-helps us celebrate important evens in our Christian life

When You Started Out (1:1-10)

When Others Helped You (2:1-16)

When Others Cared For You (2:17-3:13)

Consider Where You Are Going- helps us show we are ready for today's challenges

What Is Your Goal in Life (4:1-12)

What Hope Do You Have (4:13-18)

Do You Get Along With Others (5:12-28)

Men's Event

Step Up To The Plate 

Special 2 Day Men's Event featuring:  Chuck Walker (former pro-football St. Louis Cardinal and Atlanta Falcon), Mark Arneson (former St. Louis football Cardinal), and Dave Tobik (former Major League pitcher for Detroit, Texas and Seattle), also our own Bob Weigel (former ESPN World's strongest man competitor and current Scottish Games competitor).  All of these men will be speaking on Friday evening May 6th from 7-9:30PM.

 

Then on Saturday morning, May 7th from 9-11:30PM, we will have special guest speaker Andy Benes (former St. Louis Cardinal pitcher), who will be giving his testimony and a challenge for all men to Step Up to the Plate.

 

Prayer Requests

 

• Continued prayers for Carolynn Amen.
• Prayers for all those ravaged by tornadoes and flooding.  

 

Mother's Day

 

...is this Sunday.  So Remember your Mom!  Take a peek at the quick video here for some fun perspective!!!

  

Cardinal Tickets!!!

Each year Brad Slinkard has Cardinal Tickets available at discounted rates and he wanted to let the SPOT class know.  The game is for Saturday, June 18th against our Cross State Rival, the KC Royals.  Tickets are normally $37.00 but he is willing to sell for $15.00 per ticket.  It's a good Father's Day present as that is Father's Day "Eve".  He has plenty in hand and willing to sell as many as you'd like.  Also mention to any friends/family who may be interested as you won't find any cheaper than this in this particular section.  Sec 372 of the Left Field Pavilion (right above Big Mac Land).  You can contact him at:

Brad Slinkard

314-494-5081

bs4@sbcglobal.net

SPOTmail!!

Lesson Preview 

Boy, so much has happened since we last met on April 17 and some of our choir members haven't been to class since April 10.

We will certainly take some time at the beginning of class to catch up.  Let's be prepared to share Easter stories.

Since we are in the Spring of the year and this is the time everything starts growing, I thought it would be a good time to incorporate a study on spiritual growth.  This study will come from Paul's letters to the church in Thessalonica.  We know them as 1 & 2 Thessalonians.  The title our study is "Good Words for Growing Christians."  So let's all get together, find our favorite SPOT in class Sunday and start growing.

Don

Other Stuff

In case you missed it, this is the weekend of the 30-Hour Famine for many of our kids in CSM.  While the fast may be over, the need for support isn't.  You'll probably be hearing more about it on Sunday.

May 6-7 is the Men's Ministry Weekend at Concord with events planned for Friday evening and most of the day Saturday.  Check today's church bulletin for more details.  Several well-known retired Christian athletes will be in attendance to speak at the event and a special Andy Benes Cardinal jersey will be raffled off.  Benes himself will be on hand to autograph it for the winner on Saturday.

Prayer List

Carolyn Amen is seriously ill in the ICU at St. John's with what started out as pneumonia, but has evolved into a mystery infectious disease.  She has been semi-conscious and on a ventilator for several days, but doctors say she is improving. 

Colleges around the country are dismissing over the next several weeks, so pray for the safety of our students and families as they make their way back home with all their stuff!

Tornado victims both in the St. Louis area and throughout the Southern states.

Snacks

Kevin & Susan Hurt are handling snacks this week, May 1.

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!