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.

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.