Mission Statement Making a difference in our community through Christian outreach in a fun and safe environment.

Purpose Statement Our primary purpose is to expand the knowledge of Christ among youth by setting a positive example and providing a safe place for recreation.

Vision Statement To be Washington's premier skatepark and recreational facility by providing each guest with a variety of activities in a friendly, affordable, Christian environment.

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

End of Year Donations Gladly Accepted! :)

This is a great time to send in your end of the year donations. Mail your donations in by Friday in order for donations to be received by next Tuesday, December 31st. You can also donate online via PayPal. Our most urgent financial need is $600 for next year's insurance which is due at the end of January.  Thanks for your continued support.  God bless.

Christmas Party Recap

A little over a week ago, we celebrated the end of another year at M.A.D. Skates & Rec Center and shouted THANK YOU to our Lord, King, and Savior Jesus Christ!

We had 40 people in attendance. Activities included skateboarding, dinner, games, art and a lot of thanks to all the folks who make Skate & Rec Night happen each week as well as those who hide in the shadows and help out BIG TIME at our larger events.

Here are a few of the photos taken at the Christmas party.

Setting up the tables for dinner.
Lasagna, Garlic Bread,  Salads and Bacon Wrapped Weenies. Yum!
 
Now time for a little fishing...
With donuts!  Not pictured here is the winner RV.  Retaining his 2 time champion status. I'm hoping to get a video edited, so I can post it here.  Stay tuned.
 
Merry Christmas Rec Kids!
 
An anonymous donor gifted two goals and 8 hockey sticks! Looks like we'll be playing hockey in January!  The goals will also be used for soccer and other creative games.
 
 The always popular OREO CHALLENGE!
The couple that plays together, stays together. 
God bless you two: Justine & RV.
 
Caleb J. - Much better at skating than getting that Oreo into his mouth, but always the good sport, he gave it a hearty try.
 
 Dakota and Caleb trying to follow in Nikki's footsteps...
 
She's in the zone...                                               Getting close! 
 
Nikki was actually the second fastest at this game.
 
 
Jaxson attempts to snatch his Oreo out of the air!

The fastest no handed facial Oreo eater... MACY!
With her good friend Ella cheering her on, or is she laughing? :)


 Ricki just kept trying. An "A" for the effort Ricki. 

Always smiling, but this wasn't her game.  

Sock Wars was!  However in the end, the four remaining girls were unable to defeat the Sock Wars champion, Seth!
 
We're looking forward to seeing you all back here January 6th to begin a new year of learning about God while having a ton of fun. 
 
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!
 

Thursday, December 12, 2013

RSVP FOR THE PARTY PLEASE!

Please RSVP if you are coming the Christmas party next Monday.  Last year we had apx. 50 people.  So far this year, we only have about 20 including staff who have stated they are coming.  If you plan on being there, please let me know ASAP.  We have dinner, games, and prizes to plan for and need to know if you will be there. Thank you.

Brett Spore
brett@madskates.com

Social Media Warning


Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Christmas Party - December 16th

The Christmas party is only 2 weeks away!  If you are coming, be sure to RSVP ASAP!  Remember, your friends and family are welcome to join us.  Just let us know your name and how many will be in your group!  Thanks so much.

Bible Session 12-2-13 - Guest Speaker

This week we had a guest speaker, Karina Woodruff.  She does crisis intervention for Friends of Youth, and attends Eastside Foursquare Church in Bothell.

Topic: Christmas Story

Instead of handing out Bible to the youth, Karina had them "be the Bible."  Most students were given a piece of paper with their role and lines written on it.  As Karina read from the Bible, she would then ask certain roles to read their lines.  As you can imagine, there was much giggling especially when Seth was given the role of Mary.

After going through the most important Christmas story.  She spoke about how everyone was welcome at the manger - smelly shepherds, rich magi, angels, etc. She spoke on how Christ can relate to our human issues because he too had to have his diaper changed, get found when he ran off to the temple, and had to do what his mother told him to do. The kids giggled their way through acting out the nativity scene we know so well, and yet as Karina said, do we really. The manger was a pig trough. The stable was a cave. In the end, everyone was welcome at the manger, and Jesus is still welcoming everyone to come and know him.
 

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Bible Session Notes - 11/18/13


Colossians 4:7-18

7 Tychicus will tell you all the news about me.  He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.
8 I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts.
9 He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you.  They will tell you everything that is happening here.
            *Last week we read about Paul asking for prayer. Here Paul is sending people back to Colossae with an update – information on his current situation.  I think it is helpful when asking for prayer to be specific and to give an update.  Ex.  Pray that we find a house.  Vs. Pray that we find a house in the Northshore School District with a large fenced yard for our dog and 2 bathrooms.  (Shared my story about buying our current home and how Jason wanted an attached garage and I wanted a detached garage.  We had a few other things we wanted, and God met them all.  Including an attached/detached garage meeting both our desires - a detached garage with a covered breezeway.)

10 My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.)
11 Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings.  These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me.
12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings.  He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.
13 I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.
14 Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings.
                 *Say hello!  Stay connected to the church.   (Shared an example from my own life of how I usually want to run away from people and God when I'm hurting, but that's not what the Bible tells us to do.)

15 Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.
                 *Women played an important role in Biblical history.  Pay attention to which women are mentioned in the Bible and what they were doing.  (Please note that after teaching this lesson we discovered that some versions of the Bible say "Nympha" and "His house."  I have asked a couple of Bible scholars for their insight into this difference between translations, but I have not received a solid answer yet.  Regardless, my point about women in the Bible stands.)

16 After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.
               *Why would Paul want the two churches to swap letters after reading them? (Honestly I totally forgot to bring this up in the Bible Session.  If you happen to talk to your kids about what we are teaching each week, you might want to discuss this with them.)

17 Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord.”
            *This is a common theme in the New Testament.  Don’t give up. Don’t grow weary. Finish the work set before you.  In our current culture of immediate gratification, over 50% divorce rate, use a product and toss it in the trash, it’s easy to fall into the habit of “it’s hard, so I quit.”  BUT, over and over again, we read in the New Testament to press on. 
            *Question to ponder: In what area of your life do you need to press on right now?

18 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand.  Remember my chains.  Grace be with you.
            *And grace be with you all as well.

Announcements - 11/18/13


·        Pre-Thanksgiving Potluck – NEXT MONDAY!!!! November 25th. Sign up to bring a part of the meal.

·        Christmas Party – December 16th. 

·        Christmas Tithe – Christmas Tithe Share Voting continues this week.  If you haven’t completed a ballot yet, please do so before going back out to play, skate or craft. 

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Bible Session Notes - 11-11-13

Colossians 4:2-6

2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

·        The New Living translation says: Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.

·        What do you think we are supposed to be watching for and alert for?

3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.

·        Paul is asking for prayer for himself as well as everyone working to spread the gospel.

·        Many studies on this verse state that the mystery of Christ is not just the gospel of salvation but that this salvation is for all people, Jews and Gentiles.

4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.

·        This is a super good prayer request anytime you are going to approach someone about Christ.  It’s up to God to open the door of their heart to receive the message, but it is always good to pray that you would make sense to the listener.  Note that Paul is probably praying this himself, but he’s also asking others to pray for him.  He’s being humble and vulnerable in order to serve a greater purpose.

5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.

·        Another translation says: Live wisely among those who are not Christians.

6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

·        The New Living Translation says: gracious and effective

·        The Quest Study Bible asks “What is ‘salty’ conversation for a Christian?”

o   Salt is a good metaphor for Christian conversation and behavior.  Salt improves taste; in the same way, what believers say and do should leave a “good taste” for others.  Salt also preserves food; Christians should influence others for eternity with their grace-filled lives.  Courteous, honest and compassionate, they should have the fruit of the Spirit evident within them.

Conclusion

The Hayford Bible Handbook:

Become a person of prayer.  Repent of any prayerlessness in your life.  Recognize God’s gift of time and use it wisely.  Speak with grace and wisdom in answer to all.

Announcements - 11-11-13

Announcements:

•Pre-Thanksgiving Potluck – Monday, November 25th. Sign up to bring a part of the meal.  Still needed: gravy, vegetables, side dish
•Christmas Party – December 16th. 
•Christmas Tithe – Christmas Tithe Share Voting begins this week.  Thanks to all the under 12 kids
who filled theirs out last night. 12+ group, let's get this done next week!

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Bible Session Notes - 11-4-13


Colossians 3:18-4:1
18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
? – Wives do what? Submit
? – Husbands do what? Love your wife
*God gave 2 simple rules to follow in marriage.  One rule is for the woman, and one rule is for the man.  Like two sides to a coin, both people must play their roll correctly in order for things to work correctly. 

20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
21 Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.
? – Children do what? Obey
? – Fathers do not do what? Embitter your children
*This is another two sided coin.  Kids are commanded to obey their moms and dads, because it pleases God while fathers are commanded not to “provoke your children to anger” or they will give up. 
*In both relationships – Wives/Husbands and Children/Fathers – everyone should be focused on pleasing God.  Then the everyday decisions of how to act make more sense and come more easily.

22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.
23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for
men,
24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.  It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
? How should you work? Sincerely, even when not being watched, with all my heart, as if for God.
* This is a good personal policy to have about any work you do.  If your mom asks to you to mow the lawn or do the dishes, do it eagerly and work hard.  Don’t just work hard when she’s watching, but work hard even when she’s not watching you!  Work as if God hired you to do the work, and your reward will come from him.

25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.
*Not much to explain here.  Another version of the Bible says:  If you do what is wrong, you will be paid back for the wrong you have done, because God plays no favorites.

Chp 4:1 Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.
*You should treat anyone working under you well.  Maybe you have to do chores with a brother or sister.  Don’t be a jerk and boss them around.  Treat them nicely.

The bottom line in all of this is obedience to God’s Word and his plans and treating each other lovingly.  Nowhere in any of this text did it say “And think of the effect this will have on you.” It didn’t say “Only obey if you want to or when you feel like it or when the weather is right.”  This isn’t an emotional kissy, touchy, huggy, feely kind of passage.  It’s saying treat each other well, work hard as if unto the Lord, and your reward will come from him. 

Announcements for this week - 11-4-13


Pre-Thanksgiving Potluck – Monday, November 25th. Sign up to bring a dish for 5 people. 
Still needed:  gravy, vegetables, side dishes and dessert. 
Christmas Party – December 16th.  Parents, kids, grandparents, past attendees and new friends are all welcome.  Please RSVP.
Christmas Tithe – Ballots will be at next week's Skate & Rec Night.

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Announcements and Bible Session from Last Monday Night - 10-28-13

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Pre-Thanksgiving Potluck – Monday, November 25th. Sign up to bring a dish for 5 people.  Bev and I are supplying the turkey, stuffing and pop.  We need mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetables, side dishes and dessert.  Talk to your parents and decide what you want to make and bring for our Pre-Thanksgiving Potluck. Be sure to sign up for something or all we’ll be eating is turkey and stuffing.
Christmas Party – December 16th. 

Christmas Tithe – Every year we donated 10% of what we receive to other ministries and outreaches.  As in years past, you will be voting on who will be receiving the funds.   Between now and the Thanksgiving party, please be sure to fill out a ballot and turn it in to Brett or Bev.  We can discuss each organization with you or you can take the information home and discuss it with your family before completing the ballot.

COLOSSIANS – Chapter 3:1-17
10-28-13
Introduction:
In Chapter 2, we read about the old life and sin, and how once you’ve accepted Christ as your Savior, you are given a new life.  The rules of man do not apply; only living a life with Christ and for Christ matters.  In Chapter 3, we’ll see how to live a holy life, a life in Christ.

Colossians 3:1-17
1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him glory.
*What should you set your heart and mind on? Things above – Christ
*Your old life is dead; your new life is in Christ.

5 Put to death, therefor, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.
6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.
7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.
8 But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.
9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices
10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
11 Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
*Put to death all sin that is part of being human.  Stop living in your old life and fully live your new life in Christ.  We are all equal in Christ – He is all and in all.

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
*God has chosen you and you have accepted him. 
*What should we be like?  What should we show? compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and  patience
*Be nice! Help each other and forgive each other, just like God forgave you.  Most of all – LOVE!

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.  And be thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
*What should rule in our hearts?  God’s peace
*Be thankful.  Let the Word be in you and flow out of you.  Do everything you do in Jesus name and give thanks to God.

Monday, October 28, 2013

Announcements and Bible Session from Last Monday Night - 10-21-13

Announcements
1 - Pre-Thanksgiving Potluck - Monday November 25th.  Kids and staff only.  Please sign up to bring a dish for 5-6 people to help with the meal.  Bev and Brett will be supplying the turkey, stuffing and pop.  We still need potatoes, gravy, vegetables, side dishes, and dessert.  Sign up today!

2 - Christmas Party - December 16th.  Last event of the year.  Family and friends are welcome.  Please RSVP.


COLOSSIANS – Chapter 2:6-23
10-21-13

Quick Review:
1. What book of the Bible are we reading? Colossians
2. Who wrote this book? Paul
3. To whom was it written?  Believers in Colossae
4. Why was this book written?  Gnostics claimed they had the supernatural knowledge necessary for salvation.  Paul wrote to clear up the true identity of Jesus Christ and wrote against the false teachings of the day.
5. Who started the church in Colossae?  Epaphras

Introduction
Last week we talked a little bit about the Bible being confusing at times.  I said one thing you could do is read different translations.  Tonight, we are going to read "The Message" which is a modern translation of the Bible.  I would not use this book as your "go to" Bible, because is a loose translation of the Bible.  However, it is fun to read and very understandable and gives you a general concept of what is being said and the intent and purpose of what was being said.

Read: The Message: From Shadows to The Substance
My counsel for you is simple and straightforward: Just go ahead with what you've been given.  You received Christ Jesus, the Master: now live him.  You're deeply rooted in him.  You're well constructed upon him.  You know your way around the faith.  Now do what you're been taught.  School's out; quit studying the subject and start living it!  And let your living spill over into thanksgiving.

Watch out for people who try to dazzle you with big words and intellectual double-talk.  They want to drag you off into endless arguments that never amount to anything.  They spread their ideas through the empty traditions of human beings and the empty superstitions of spirit beings.  But that's not the way of Christ.  Everything of God gets expressed in him, so you can see and hear him clearly.  You don't need a telescope, a microscope, or a horoscope to realize the fullness of Christ, and the emptiness of the universe without him.  When you come to him, that fullness comes together for you, too.  His power extends over everything.

Entering into this fullness is not something you figure out or achieve.  It's not a matter of being circumcised or keeping a long list of laws.  No, you're already in - insiders - not through some secretive initiation rite but rather through what Christ has already gone through for you, destroying the power of sin.  If it's an initiation ritual you're after, you've already been through it by submitting to baptism.  Going under the water was a burial of your old life; coming up out of it was a resurrection, God raising you from the dead as he did Christ.  When you were stuck in your old sin-dead life, you were incapable of responding to God.  God brought you alive - right along with Christ!  Think of it! All sins forgiven, the slate wiped clean, that old arrest warrant canceled and nailed to Christ's Cross.  He stripped all the spiritual tyrants in the universe of their sham authority at the Cross and marched them naked through the streets.

So don't put up with anyone pressuring you in details of diet, worship services, or holy days.  All those things are mere shadows cast before what was to come; the substance is Christ.

Don't tolerate people who try to run your life, ordering you to bow and scrape, insisting that you join their obsession with angels and that you seek out visions.  They're a lot of hot air, that's all they are.  They're completely out of touch with the source of life, Christ, who puts us together in one piece, whose very breath and blood flow through us.  He is the Head and we are the body.  We can grow up healthy in God only as he nourishes us.

So, then, if with Christ you've put all that pretentious and infantile religion behind you, why do you let yourselves be bullied by it? "Don't touch this! Don't taste that! Don't go near this!" Do you think things that are here today and gone tomorrow are worth that kind of attention?  Such things sound impressive if said in a deep enough voice. They even give the illusion of being pious and humble and ascetic.  But they're just another way of showing off, making yourselves look important.

Question:
What is Paul's main point in all of this?  Group discussion.

Homework:
Read this passage in a regular Bible and compare that to what we read tonight.  If anyone does not have a Bible at home, see me afterward, and we'll get you one.

(BTW:  We handed out 5 or 6 Bibles last week!!!)

 

 
 

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Announcements

Mission Fest Youth Rally - This Friday night.  All ages 12-25.  Northshore Baptist Church starting at 4pm.  Culminating with a concert at the end of the night.  Free dinner included.

Christmas Party - December 16th.  Parents, siblings and friends are welcome.  Please mark your calendars.

Sock Wars - There are a few photos and a video posted on Facebook of last night's Sock Wars game.  Check out MAD Skates on Facebook.

Bible Session 10-14-13


COLOSSIANS – Chapter 1:24-2:5
Quick Review:       

1.     What book of the Bible are we reading? Colossians

2.     Who wrote this book? Paul

3.     To whom was it written? Believers in Colossae

4.     Why was this book written? Gnostics claimed they had the supernatural knowledge necessary for salvation.  Paul wrote to clear up the true identity of Jesus Christ and wrote against the false teachings of the day.

5.     Who started the church in Colossae? Epaphras

Colossians 1:24-2:5

            24 Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.

            25 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness –

                        What is Paul saying?  He’s thankful that he is in jail and suffering for Christ, because it is like the suffering Christ went through.  It helps Paul to serve Christ and the church by laying out the whole truth of the gospel. 

           

26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints.

What is Paul’s point? This message of salvation through Christ isn’t just for the Jews but for all people. 

 

27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

            What is the message? A message of hope; because Christ is in you, you can look forward to sharing in God’s glory.

 

28 We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. 

            Why are Paul and Timothy teaching with wisdom?  So everyone can become mature in Christ.

 

29 To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.

            Whose strength does Paul use to complete his teaching? God’s!

 

1 I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally.

            This is just sort of a personal endorsement to say, “I’m in your corner.  I’m here to help. You are not alone in this.”

 

2 My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ,

3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

            What is Paul’s purpose? He wants all the saints/believers to be united in love and understand God’s will, and know Christ.

 

4  I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.

What is Paul afraid will happen?  Why did he tell them all this? He is afraid the saints will be led off in another direction away from the truth. 

 

5 For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.

            Again Paul reminds them and assures them that although he isn’t with them physically, he is with them and they are not alone.  He applauds them for their dedication to Christ.

 

 

Thought:

The times haven’t really changed much from those days in Colossae.  There was a strong group in Colossae who believed you had to have supernatural knowledge to know Christ and gain access to heaven.  It’s not too hard to imagine those people trying to convince the believers that they only hold part of the truth.  The same is true today as people say that the Bible is just a story and Christ was just a man. Creation is just a story, and we don’t hold the truth when we hold the Bible in our hands.  Just as Paul said to the Colossians, don’t be deceived, I say to you do not be deceived. And I say to you what Paul said to the Colossians, I am in your corner; you are not alone.

 

Questions to Ponder:

1.       Do you think being a Christian and following Christ will be easy or do you think it will be hard?  Why?

2.       Who is your corner?  Who is helping you understand Christ and stay faithful?

3.       Who’s corner are you in?  Who are you supporting?

4.       I have a few questions to ask God when I get to meet him face to face.  Science has a lot of good points that aren’t explained in the Bible one way or the other.  Technology has brought up many more questions that we don’t have a direct answer to in the Bible.  What questions would you like to ask God when you get to heaven?


 

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Looking for dinner help next Monday night, and I choose you!

Let's work as a team to provide dinner for our kids and teens.

I'll provide pop and dessert.

Looking for the following items to be brought:
  • Cooked spaghetti noodles
  • Cooked hamburger or sausage
  • Pasta sauce
  • Parmesan cheese
  • French or garlic bread
  • Fruit or Salad

Thanks everyone!  Together we will rule the world!  Well, maybe not, but at least we'll feed 15-20 hungry kids and young adults! :)

God bless,

Brett Elizabeth Spore

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Bible Session 10-07-13 - COLOSSIANS – Chapter 1 Verses 15-23


COLOSSIANS – Chapter 1:15-23
Quick Review:       

1.     What book of the Bible are we reading? Colossians

2.     Who wrote this book? Paul

3.     To whom was it written? Believers in Colossae

4.     Why was this book written? Gnostics claimed they had the supernatural knowledge necessary for salvation.  Paul wrote to clear up the true identity of Jesus Christ and wrote against the false teachings of the day.

5.     Who started the church in Colossae? Epaphras

Colossians 1:15-23
            15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
                        -Who is “He?” - Christ
            16 For by him all things were created: things in heave and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.
                             -Who created everything?
            17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
            18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.
                              Define Supremacy: The state or condition of being superior to all others in authority, power or status.
            19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him.
            20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through is blood, shed on the cross.
                             Define Reconcile: Restore friendly relations between
                            -How are we reconciled to God? Through Christ’ death on the cross.
            21 Once you were alienated from God (separated from him) and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior.
            22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’ physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.
                        -If you are reconciled to God, what do you look like to God?
            23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
                        -Paul is telling us to remain faithful to the gospel of Christ’s death reconciling us to God.

Question to Ponder:

1.       Have you been reconciled to/gained a good relationship with God?

Friday, October 4, 2013

Bible Session 9-30-13 - COLOSSIANS – Chapter 1 Verses 9-14


COLOSSIANS – Chapter 1:9-14
Quick Review:       
1.     What book of the Bible are we reading? Colossians
2.     Who wrote this book? Paul
3.     To whom was it written? Believers in Colossae
4.     Why was this book written? Gnostics claimed they had the supernatural knowledge necessary for salvation.  Paul wrote to clear up the true identity of Jesus Christ and wrote against the false teachings of the day.
5.     Who started the church in Colossae? Epaphras

Why is that information important?
o   Context – The set of circumstances or facts that surround a particular event or situation. 
o   Example – If I said, “He kicked the dog.” What is your immediate reaction to that statement?  Now let me put it into context.  “The little girl had fallen down on the street and the large and angry canine attacked her.  The aging man ran out of his house as fast as his wobbly legs could carry him.  He kicked the dog, and grabbed the girl saving her life.”  Do you see how context matters?  As you read the Bible or listen to the Bible, think about the context.

Colossians 1:9-14
            9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.
            10 And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,
            11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully
            12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.
            13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,
            14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Group Questions:
1.     Paul prayed for something specific for the Colossians.  What was it?

a.     Knowledge of God's will (God’s plan and desires for them).
2.     Why did he want them to know God’s will?

a.     So they would live a worthy life and please God.
3.     How can you tell if you are living a life worthy of the Lord and pleasing him?

a.     Bearing fruit

b.     Growing in knowledge of God

c.      Being strengthened with his power

d.     Having great endurance and patience

e.     Joyfully giving thanks to God
4.     What has God done for us that will give us an inheritance that we should be joyful and thankful for?

a.     Rescued us from darkness and forgave our sins through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Questions to Ponder (Note: These get sent home with each student.):
1.     Is anyone praying for you to know God’s will? If you aren’t sure, ask someone to do that for you.  Ask someone you trust to pray for you to know God’s plan and desires for your life.
2.     Are you looking for God’s plan and desires for your life?  Are you reading your Bible?  Are you talking to God?  Are you going to church to learn more about God?  When you go, are you listening and paying attention?
3.     Do you see any of these things in your life that would show you and others that you are living for God?
  • a.     Bearing fruit
  • b.     Growing in knowledge of God
  • c.      Being strengthened with his power
  • d.     Having great endurance and patience
  • e.     Joyfully giving thanks to God
4.     Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal savior?  Have you been rescued from darkness and brought into the light and life of redemption?

Group Blessing:
May God fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.

May you live a life worthy of the Lord and may you please him in every way:
            Bearing fruit in every good work
            Growing in the knowledge of God
            Being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might
So that you may have great endurance and patience and joyfully give thanks to the Father.