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, 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.

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