Teaching Notes

What I Should Know About The Bible?

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (The Message)

7-10 Because of the extravagance of those revelations, and so I wouldn't get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. Satan's angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees. No danger then of walking around high and mighty! At first I didn't think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it. Three times I did that, and then he told me, My grace is enough; it's all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness. Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ's strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become.

Notes: This week we will end with the myth that bad things shouldn't happen to me.  In our world we believe that if we become a Christian that we somehow become exempt from any bad.  If we go through something, people begin to question if they are in the right religion.

Question: What does Paul say about his own afflictions?

Answer: He says that these afflictions he face are to keep him from getting the "big head" or from thinking to highly of himself.  He actually says that it is a gift.  Who would think that a difficulty is a gift?  He says it is because it keeps him humble.  He didn't accept it as first as a gift, but he said he was able to see it as such.  It was because he was able to see the strength of God at work in his life.  We must all learn to combat the myth that we will not have to go through things.  Sometimes you are told just the opposite even from well meaning Christians.  Yet, the truth is this, we do go through some difficulties in life.  The wonderful gift we have is the same one Paul had.  That gift is God's strength to get us through.

Prayer: Lord thank you for loving us enough to strengthen us through the difficulties we face in life.  We will all face some things in life, and we are thankful to you for loving us enough to keep us through them.

Teaching Notes

What I Should Know About The Bible?

1 Peter 3:13-18 (The Message)

13-18 If with heart and soul you're doing good, do you think you can be stopped? Even if you suffer for it, you're still better off. Don't give the opposition a second thought. Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you're living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy. Keep a clear conscience before God so that when people throw mud at you, none of it will stick. They'll end up realizing that they're the ones who need a bath. It's better to suffer for doing good, if that's what God wants, than to be punished for doing bad. That's what Christ did definitively: suffered because of others' sins, the Righteous One for the unrighteous ones. He went through it all—was put to death and then made alive—to bring us to God.

Note: There is a belief that says you most be stupid if you believe in the Bible.  This is a religion for those that have checked their brains at the door.  Even though we accept our salvation by faith, it does not mean we do not learn or gain understanding of what it is we believe.

Question: What does the scripture tell us about our faith?

Answer: The instruction that is given to believers is just the opposite of don't learn.  Instead the instruction is study and learn so that you will be ready to tell others what you believe and why.  You cannot tell others what you believe if you are not taking the time to study to learn.  The instruction is for us to be ready to stand strong for our faith.  Who can do that if they really do not have anything to show for what they believe?  We are to study and seek God's direction so that we can gain understanding about the truth in God's word.  That is how we are able to address the questions and myths that arise in the world. That is how I am able to answer this question because I have taken the time to study so that someone will not discourage me in my faith.  Are you doing the same?

Prayer: Jesus prayed for his disciples that you would keep them safe from the lies of this world.  He didn't just ask you to protect those disciples that were with him, but that all that would come behind you would protect as well.  Help us to resist the lies of this world.

Teaching Notes

What I Should Know About the Bible?

John 14:6-7 (The Message)

6-7 Jesus said, "I am the Road, also the Truth, also the Life. No one gets to the Father apart from me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him. You've even seen him!"

Note: There is a belief that everyone is going to heaven.  This "universalist" myth wants to discount the truth of the word of God. Many believe that a loving God could not send anyone to hell, therefore all are going.

Question: What is the absolute truth in this scripture?

Answer: Jesus says that he is the way, the truth and no one is getting to the Father except through him.  In other words what Jesus is saying is I am the way of salvation that God has given for all men.  I am the truth of God's word made available to anyone that will accept it.  I am the door that opens so that you can be with the Father.  That means if you reject Jesus Christ as the savior, you also reject what goes along with the covenant of God. We do not get to re-write God's covenant (agreement).  He wrote it all we do is get to accept it or reject it.  If you refuse to accept it, you also refuse to receive from him. So if one is sent to hell, God didn't send them, they chose to go because they refused to go the way that God created for them to get there.

Prayer: Lord  help us to accept your ways.  We cannot get to you based on our own way and our own ideology.  Help us to accept the truth of your word.

Teaching Notes

It is the gift of Christ alone that saves.

What I Should Know About the Bible?

John 3:3 (The Message)

Jesus said, "You're absolutely right. Take it from me: Unless a person is born from above, it's not possible to see what I'm pointing to—to God's kingdom."

Note: There is another false belief some have and that is God will grade us based on others.  What I mean by that is, some think I am better than he is or she is so, things cannot be so bad and God will grade me better than that person so I'm going to heaven.  What does this scripture say about that?

Question: Does God base your salvation on others?

Answer: The scriputre tells us that unless a person is born from above (accept Jesus as savior) it is not possible for them to recieve the gift of the kingdom of God.  In other words it is not based on how good you are or are not.  It is based squarely on your relationship with Jesus.  There are those that some think because of who they have been they will not receive the gift of the Kingdom.  But that will not keep them out if they accept the gift of salvation through Christ. It is in Christ alone and not how good you think you are.

Prayer: Lord help us today to realize the lies that Satan wants us to believe that we can make it to heaven on our own ability.  Your word clearly says it is through the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.  Help us to accept it.

Teaching Notes

Storm clouds were gathering.  Do you think the storm was only going to shower down on those that accepted that the cloud were true or was it going to rain down on all that were in it's path?  The absolute truth is this, the rain is coming down on all that are in its path.

What I Should I Know About the Bible?

Judges 17:6 (The Message)

In those days there was no king in Israel. People did whatever they felt like doing.

There's a way of life that looks harmless enough; look again—it leads straight to hell. Sure, those people appear to be having a good time, but all that laughter will end in heartbreak. - Proverbs 14:12-13

Notes: Today, let us look at another false belief we have about the Bible. There are sayings such as "One Man's Ceiling is Another Man's Floor".  What this means is what works for you might not work for me.  This is called "relativity".  This means that truth is relative to how you feel or what you think.  Let us see what God says about that.

Question: What does God's word say about the thought of following your own thoughts?

Answer: Scripture says that there are those that believe their way is right.  They were doing what they felt like doing.  However God's word says man's way leads to hell.  This means that no matter how something "feels" to you there are still absolute standards.  When we believe in relativity we base everything on what we feel or what we experience.  However, we cannot be fooled simply by what we "feel".  The absolutes of the Bible must be followed.  God requires us to follow his guidelines.  This means that we cannot say, well the Bible teaches us to keep ourselves free from sexual sin, but that doesn't apply to me.  I am at peace with that.  You might be at peace, but you are still in sin because this is an absolute with God, let us follow his ways complete.

Prayer: Lord help us not to be caught up in the falsehoods about you and your word.  You do require us to follow you, your way.  Your word is absolute and it is the requirement for all people, not just those that decide to follow it.  It is what every one will be judge from.  Help me to walk in your way.

Teaching Notes

(unknown photographer) The tomb was empty!  Not because it was the wrong tomb but because Jesus rose!

What Should I Know About the Bible?

Matthew 27:57-28:15 (The Message)

57-61 Late in the afternoon a wealthy man from Arimathea, a disciple of Jesus, arrived. His name was Joseph. He went to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body. Pilate granted his request. Joseph took the body and wrapped it in clean linens, put it in his own tomb, a new tomb only recently cut into the rock, and rolled a large stone across the entrance. Then he went off. But Mary Magdalene and the other Mary stayed, sitting in plain view of the tomb.

62-64 After sundown, the high priests and Pharisees arranged a meeting with Pilate. They said, "Sir, we just remembered that that liar announced while he was still alive, 'After three days I will be raised.' We've got to get that tomb sealed until the third day. There's a good chance his disciples will come and steal the corpse and then go around saying, 'He's risen from the dead.' Then we'll be worse off than before, the final deceit surpassing the first."

65-66 Pilate told them, "You will have a guard. Go ahead and secure it the best you can." So they went out and secured the tomb, sealing the stone and posting guards.

1-4 After the Sabbath, as the first light of the new week dawned, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to keep vigil at the tomb. Suddenly the earth reeled and rocked under their feet as God's angel came down from heaven, came right up to where they were standing. He rolled back the stone and then sat on it. Shafts of lightning blazed from him. His garments shimmered snow-white. The guards at the tomb were scared to death. They were so frightened, they couldn't move.

5-6 The angel spoke to the women: "There is nothing to fear here. I know you're looking for Jesus, the One they nailed to the cross. He is not here. He was raised, just as he said. Come and look at the place where he was placed.

7 "Now, get on your way quickly and tell his disciples, 'He is risen from the dead. He is going on ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there.' That's the message."

8-10 The women, deep in wonder and full of joy, lost no time in leaving the tomb. They ran to tell the disciples. Then Jesus met them, stopping them in their tracks. "Good morning!" he said. They fell to their knees, embraced his feet, and worshiped him. Jesus said, "You're holding on to me for dear life! Don't be frightened like that. Go tell my brothers that they are to go to Galilee, and that I'll meet them there."

11-15 Meanwhile, the guards had scattered, but a few of them went into the city and told the high priests everything that had happened. They called a meeting of the religious leaders and came up with a plan: They took a large sum of money and gave it to the soldiers, bribing them to say, "His disciples came in the night and stole the body while we were sleeping." They assured them, "If the governor hears about your sleeping on duty, we will make sure you don't get blamed." The soldiers took the bribe and did as they were told. That story, cooked up in the Jewish High Council, is still going around.

Note: I know this is a lot of scripture so I won't write as much.  The question about belief we examine today is that Jesus had not really risen but that individuals went to the wrong tomb.
 
Question: How many eyewitness do we have that this was the right tomb?
 
Answer: First we have Joseph the man that placed Jesus in the tomb.  We also have the two Mary's that stood and watched everything.  They would never forget where they saw their master laid.  The were sitting in plain view of the tomb. We now have the Pharisees because there were trying to prevent Jesus' resurrection.  So they asked for guards to be posted outside of the tomb.  Surely they had to know where he was to be able to seal the tomb.  I do not believe they would have just taken someones word.  When the two Mary's came back, the stone was rolled away and Jesus was no longer in the tomb.  Yet they met an angel that told them he was no longer in the tomb but he had risen.  Let us know forget that also met Jesus themselves along the way back to tell the others. What happened then is the guards become fearfully and went back and told the religious leaders Jesus was gone.  They paid the guards and said the story we are telling is the disciples took the body.  Today we still struggle with believing the truth about the resurrection.
 
Prayer: Help me to believe this truth because it is what may faith is founded on that Jesus died and rose again for my sins.  Help me not to be deceived with the foolishness of this world but to see and accept what your word tells me.  This I pray in Jesus' name.

Teaching Notes

(unknown photographer) Jesus was crucifed and he did rise again.  He was not sleeping, but he died for our sins.  By the power of God, he was raised again.  If God can raise his son from the dead, what is impossible for him to do for you?

What Should I Know About the Bible?

Mark 15:42-47 (The Message)

42-45 Late in the afternoon, since it was the Day of Preparation (that is, Sabbath eve), Joseph of Arimathea, a highly respected member of the Jewish Council, came. He was one who lived expectantly, on the lookout for the kingdom of God. Working up his courage, he went to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body. Pilate questioned whether he could be dead that soon and called for the captain to verify that he was really dead. Assured by the captain, he gave Joseph the corpse.

46-47 Having already purchased a linen shroud, Joseph took him down, wrapped him in the shroud, placed him in a tomb that had been cut into the rock, and rolled a large stone across the opening. Mary Magdalene and Mary, mother of Joses, watched the burial.

Notes: Let us look at another belief about the Bible that has to do with Jesus. There are some that say the Bible does not confirm that Jesus really died.  Some believe he just "swooned" or fainted.  So if he fainted when they placed him in the tomb he was just passed out but he soon woke up.  This scripture speaks to what really happened to Jesus.

Question: How many are eyewitnesses to this event and what is the event?

Answer: First, we have a highly respected member of the Jewish Council come to ask for the body of Jesus. Then there was a question if he could be dead so the captain was called to verify this.  Surely this captain would not say he was dead if he were not?  He would be aware of what to look for to verfify if one were dead or not.  So the captain says that Jesus is in fact dead.  Then we have Joseph (the member of the Jewish Council, not the earthly father of Jesus) preparing the body to be placed in the tomb.  It also tells us in this scripture that two Mary's stood by and watched this.  In these few verses alone, we have to eyewitness of 4 people (5 if you count Pilate).

The Bible does present facts that speak to the false beliefs in our world. What is required of us is to seek the answer.  Pray and ask God to help you see his truth through his word and the studying of it.  That is why scripture says we are to study to show ourselves approved, rightly dividing (understanding) the word of God.

Prayer: Lord today with each new learning we see, help us to understand them.  Not because someone else said it, but because your word confirms it.  Help us to be convicted by your word of your truth.  Help us to hide it in our hearts so that we will not sin against you.

Photo Gallery

Auntie Red (Emma) after giving such a great trunk party.  Everything was wonderful.  The food, the fellowship, everything.

After clean up, a little picture taking!

Mom, dad and daughter.  I can't believe we have a college student!

This is the room "after" the transformation.  Their room looked really nice.  I think both families did well.  What you didn't see was us behind the scenes wiping down surfaces and pulling out everything.

I pray their stay is great since they will be living here for a while.

We went to church on Sunday.  We visited a Church of God in DC.  As a parent I wanted to help make sure my daughter had a good start finding a church in DC that she could call home.

 That middle child of mine is always making bunny ears over someone's head.  I've got to remind her those don't always work well in every picture.

The roommates!  We were at the reception for those that had received scholarships.  That in itself was truly a blessing from God!

This is one of the buildings on campus.

It was a tearful goodbye.  It was hard to say goodbye, so I just said, see you later. 

I am most proud of this young lady.  One day she was a small buddle that I came home with and didn't have a clue what to do with.  I prayed and asked God to help me be the right kind of mother and to show her what it means to love the Lord.  I didn't always know if I was doing it right, but I put my faith in God to do through me what needed to be done.  I still don't know if I've done this mother thing right, but this one thing I am sure of, God has done a great job through me in the work he has done in my child.  I hope she doesn't mind but I want to share something she gave me the other day.  She gave a parent the greatest gift you can have, praise.  I felt like the Proverbs 31 woman.  She said that she was grateful for what we invested in her.  Not just money, but our spiritual deposit.  And the way she would show it was to live a life that would honor that deposit.  Can you ask for a greater gift?  No.  So while we may be a little sad we don't see her everyday, we are overjoyed with knowing that God has a path for her and we pass the baton so that she can continue the race that we started for her.  LOVE YOU JAJA

Teaching Notes

What Should I Know About the Bible?

1 John 1:3-4 (The Message)

3-4 We saw it, we heard it, and now we're telling you so you can experience it along with us, this experience of communion with the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ. Our motive for writing is simply this: We want you to enjoy this, too. Your joy will double our joy!

Notes: Another belief about the Bible is the things written in it are fiction.  They are great stories, but they truly could not be true.  If you every begin to study about Jesus, you will find that many words were written about him in the Old Testament (books written before Jesus was even born).  When Jesus was born and his life recorded in the New Testament, many words were fulfilled that had been spoken before (look up the prophet Isaiah, he said things that were fulfilled when Jesus was born).

Question: What is the writer trying to tell us about Jesus?  Was this something he only heard?

Answer: The writer wants his audience to enjoy the presence of God through His Son, Jesus that is the purpose for his writing.  He tells his audience that I am not simply telling you something I heard, but I have been a witness to this myself. He says "we" heard it, we say it.  So even as he was speaking he is also confirming that there were others that also saw and heard.  The Gospel's (first 4 books of the New Testament) give eyewitness account of the life of Jesus.  Some may read and say they sound different or the words are slightly different.  That is not a sign that the Gospel are not giving the same message.  It is the same if four people say an accident.  One person might pay more attention to the injuried.  That would be because they are concerned about what happens to the people. Someone else may pay more attention to the cars that are in the accident.  They know the make, the model the year and even the color of every car.  That just happens to be a hobby of that person, knowing about cars.

The next person may pay more attention to the area surrounding the accident.  Was there anything in the rode, did the light change and someone try to run it?  The last person may take a quick overlook at everything.  So when you get the four stories even though they seem different, when you put them together you have a more complete picture.  That is how the Gospel account of Jesus is.  It is four different views that add up to make a better picture.  God's word is not faulty.

Prayer: God, we take you for the truth of your word.  We know that the devil wants to discount your word as being true and discourage us from seeking to understand what is true, pure and lovely.  Help us to know your truth more fully.

Photo Gallery

Road trip! My little one was stuck in the back with all of her sister's stuff! It's good she isn't that big!

We were all excited (and a little sad) about the trip. Excited to be taking one of the family to college, but sad because the dynamics of our family would be changing.

Before we left, We held a trunk party for the Howard Bound student. She truly enjoyed it and all the love expressed to her.

God's favor is wonderful. She is in one of the newest dorms. The rooms are air conditioned and she is in a suite. They have a common area once you come into the room and then their is a bathroom shared by 4 girls. The rooms are large. She has a store right in her dorm so when she needs a quick snack, she can go downstairs and get it!

When we arrived it was something to behold. Students were everywhere! The were shouting and cheering and saying welcome. These were some of the unpacking crew. They came to the car and took everything out and took it upstairs to the rooms. So wonderful!

You saw school spirit everywhere. These young ladies as we can quess were representing their "group"

We are at check in for my daughter and getting her information so that she can check into her room.

This is her room "before" we did our work. Her roommate hadn't checked in yet.

Nothing like a little pillow fight to help you relax after a long drive.

Let me interject here. I am not for a child acting crazy. However, this was a great shot of them pillow fighting and my youngest thinking she could fly I guess.

After we went shopping (boy were we tired) we were ready to go to work on her room.

Teaching Notes

What Should I Know About the Bible?

Isaiah 40:6-8 (The Message)

6-8 A voice says, "Shout!" I said, "What shall I shout?" "These people are nothing but grass, their love fragile as wildflowers. The grass withers, the wildflowers fade, if God so much as puffs on them. Aren't these people just so much grass? True, the grass withers and the wildflowers fade, but our God's Word stands firm and forever."

Notes: One myth that many believe is that the word of God is faulty.  They believe that their are differences in what was wrote or that because it was written by man, it is flawed because man is flawed.  This is not the truth.  Without going into a week long explanation of the truth of the word, know this there are many reliable sources that confirm the Bible.  Their is documentation (the Dead Sea Scrolls are one) that confirms the accuracy of the Bible.

Question: What does this scripture say regarding the Word of God?

Answer: The psalmist writes about how fragile this world is we live in.  Men and women are fragile because as they grow older they will one day leave this world.  The flower even though it is beautiful, will at some point wither.  Everything passes away.  Everything, except the word of God.  Time will pass away but not one thing in the word of God will change.  The psalmist was writing not because of something he thought, but with the knowledge and understanding of what God had already revealed to the psalmist.  God's word is true and it does not change.  If some "religious" organization changes what they believe often, be careful because God's word does not shift back and forth.  If someone says they believe something is good but it is contrary to God's word, then that is an organization you should be careful of.  God's word does not change, even though people will try to make it confirm what they believe.  Make sure you read your Bible yourself so that you can understand what is in the word of God.

Prayer: Lord today help us to know the truth of your word.  Help us to discern what is good and right.  Help us also everything against the truth of your word.  If something teaches differently that your word, help us to know what the truth is. 

Teaching Notes

The Old Testament scriptures constantly told us of Jesus' coming and what would happen to him, years and years before he every came to earth.  Was this an accident?  Were all these writers simply having the same delusion?  Or could it be that the hand of God was at work in the lives of these individuals allowing them to see what had yet to happen?  I believe it was the hand of God working.

What Should I Know About The Bible?

Matthew 12:38-42 (The Message)

Later a few religion scholars and Pharisees got on him. "Teacher, we want to see your credentials. Give us some hard evidence that God is in this. How about a miracle?"

39-40Jesus said, "You're looking for proof, but you're looking for the wrong kind. All you want is something to titillate your curiosity, satisfy your lust for miracles. The only proof you're going to get is what looks like the absence of proof: Jonah-evidence. Like Jonah, three days and nights in the fish's belly, the Son of Man will be gone three days and nights in a deep grave.


41-42"On Judgment Day, the Ninevites will stand up and give evidence that will condemn this generation, because when Jonah preached to them they changed their lives. A far greater preacher than Jonah is here, and you squabble about 'proofs.' On Judgment Day, the Queen of Sheba will come forward and bring evidence that will condemn this generation, because she traveled from a far corner of the earth to listen to wise Solomon. Wisdom far greater than Solomon's is right in front of you, and you quibble over 'evidence.'

Notes: This week we turn to some of the wrong beliefs about the Bible.  In this scripture Jesus talks to the people about his words and their trustworthiness.

Question: What does this scripture reference in Old Testament scriptures?

Answer: Jesus answers the people by using an example from the book of Jonah when Jonah was in the belly of the fish for three days.  Jesus uses that as an example to explain how he will be in the tomb for three days until he is raised again from the dead.  He also uses the example of the queen of Sheba that came to Solomon and asked about his wisdom.  If these were only stories, why would Jesus use them as examples of what he was doing and how that generation would be judged because of their disbelief?

The Bible as we know it consist of the scriptures that Jesus would know (what we call the Old Testament) and what we call the New Testament that gives us the account of what happened in Jesus life (the Gospels) and what happened to the early church after Jesus went to be with the Father.  These are the collection of writings that we call the Bible that God has protected for us so that you and I can know the heart of God for his people.  What do we know about the Bible?  It is more than a good book with filled with holes.  We will look more this week at how often Jesus uses Old Testament scripture to speak.  We will also look at how Old Testament scripture foretold the events that would take place in Jesus' life.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the Word that helps us, that teaches us, that corrects us and gives us answers to your will.  God today help us to be more committed to reading your word and then give us the understanding so that we can live it out in our lives.

Teaching Notes

Jesus stood accused and accursed for you and I.  It was not because he was some radical man seeking to make a good point.  He did it for one reason; he was (and is) God's Son.

What Should I Know About Jesus?

Luke 22:70 & John 10:14-18(The Message)

They all said, "So you admit your claim to be the Son of God?" "You're the ones who keep saying it," he said.

14-18"I am the Good Shepherd. I know my own sheep and my own sheep know me. In the same way, the Father knows me and I know the Father. I put the sheep before myself, sacrificing myself if necessary. You need to know that I have other sheep in addition to those in this pen. I need to gather and bring them, too. They'll also recognize my voice. Then it will be one flock, one Shepherd. This is why the Father loves me: because I freely lay down my life. And so I am free to take it up again. No one takes it from me. I lay it down of my own free will. I have the right to lay it down; I also have the right to take it up again. I received this authority personally from my Father."

Notes: One of the wrong beliefs about Jesus is that he is only a "good teacher/prophet".  There are other religions that will say Jesus was a prophet and even claim to be "Christian" yet they deny who Jesus really is. Jesus was more than a good teacher and prophet.  He is the Son of God.

Question: What does the scripture today tell us about Jesus?

Answer: First it confirms the lesson yesterday, where Jesus was not weak.  Here today's scripture talks about Jesus having the authority over his life that his Father gave him.  He also gives us an understanding that he and the Father were one.  Jesus did as the Father instructed.  The first scripture points us to the fact that there were those that asked the question of Jesus being the Son of God. 

It is important to accept that Jesus is the Son of God and not just another teacher because that is what the Christian faith is founded on.  It is founded on the truth that Jesus is the Son of God and the savior of the world.  To deny that he is the Son would mean that we also deny the power of the blood of his sacrifice.  While this might seem unimportant it is vital for your faith.  So what do we know about Jesus.  He was more than just another of the teachers.  They try to place him with Mohammad and other "teachers" so that the position of Jesus is changed from one greater than a simple man.  Jesus was more than a teacher he was the gift of salvation for the world.  He is the Son of God.

Prayer: Lord today, help me to understand that you truly the Son of God and more than a mere mortal that spoke good words and had a good cause.  You came to earth as the gift of salvation that no one else could do, except the Son of God.

Commercial Release!

Just in case you do not stop by the Tri-production blog, the promo is posted here. Take a look at the Fearfully and Wonderfully Made promo. Isn't God good!

Teaching Notes

Many look at the cross and think Jesus must have been weak or else he would have fought to get down.  The truth is, Jesus was strong, and that is what kept him on the cross through the pain and anguish of what he suffered for you and I.

What Should I Know About Jesus?

Luke 13:31-35 (The Message)

Just then some Pharisees came up and said, "Run for your life! Herod's on the hunt. He's out to kill you!" Jesus said, "Tell that fox that I've no time for him right now. Today and tomorrow I'm busy clearing out the demons and healing the sick; the third day I'm wrapping things up. Besides, it's not proper for a prophet to come to a bad end outside Jerusalem. Jerusalem, Jerusalem, killer of prophets, abuser of the messengers of God! How often I've longed to gather your children, gather your children like a hen, Her brood safe under her wings— but you refused and turned away! And now it's too late: You won't see me again until the day you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of God.'"

Notes: We continue to confront some of the wrong things believed about Jesus.  Today we touch on the belief that Jesus was a "pansy".  Oh we hear the songs about Jesus so meek and mild.  And we are painted a picture that Jesus was soft, sentimental, and effeminate.  However Jesus as a baby was meek and mild but as a grown man he was one with great strength, and that strength was under his control.

Question: What does these verses show us about Jesus?

Answer: Jesus was willing to stand up to others because he knew who he was.  We know about the time he went into the temple to single-handedly drive out crooked merchants.  No one dared protest or fight because they were aware of the authority they stood before.  They were aware of the power of God in Jesus.  In these verses the Pharisees are telling Jesus to runaway because Herod is seeking his life.  Jesus response is, I don't have time for him.  He begins to tell them what his schedule is.  If you were running scared of someone, would you tell them where to find you?  Jesus was not afraid of what the king or the people could do to him.  He was one with the power and authority of God and he was living that out.  He also knew that his time would not be cut short.  It would be fulfilled in his life what God had planned to happen.

This is a reminder for you and I that we too can know that if we are about our Father's business, we too do not have to worry about authorities because God will keep us so that we can finish what he planned for our lives.  So what should we know about Jesus?  Jesus is not a weak, sickly looking man that is sometimes pictured.  He was a man of strength and authority.  He was (and is) the Son of God.  Jesus was not afraid of the powers or authority and he would quite often call the people out.  Jesus was strength, strength under control.

Prayer: Lord, while you call for us to be humble under your power, you also will make us bold and gives us strength to stand against those things that would stop us from doing your will.  You will give us strength, but you will also give us the ability to control ourselves and speak when you say speak, and to be quiet when you say be quiet.  Today, help me to find the strength in your Spirit.

Teaching Notes

Jesus came to earth, walked the shores of Galilee and called mankind to come to his Father. He came to die for your sins and mine. Have you accepted his gift?

What Should I Know About Jesus?

"Then tell the People of Israel, Take a male goat for an Absolution-Offering and a calf and a lamb, both yearlings without defect, for a Whole-Burnt-Offering and a bull and a ram for a Peace-Offering, to be sacrificed before God with a Grain-Offering mixed with oil, because God will appear to you today." - Leviticus 9:3-4 (The Message)

1-10 The old plan was only a hint of the good things in the new plan. Since that old "law plan" wasn't complete in itself, it couldn't complete those who followed it. No matter how many sacrifices were offered year after year, they never added up to a complete solution. If they had, the worshipers would have gone merrily on their way, no longer dragged down by their sins. But instead of removing awareness of sin, when those animal sacrifices were repeated over and over they actually heightened awareness and guilt. The plain fact is that bull and goat blood can't get rid of sin. That is what is meant by this prophecy, put in the mouth of Christ: You don't want sacrifices and offerings year after year; you've prepared a body for me for a sacrifice. It's not fragrance and smoke from the altar that whet your appetite. So I said, "I'm here to do it your way, O God, the way it's described in your Book."When he said, "You don't want sacrifices and offerings," he was referring to practices according to the old plan. When he added, "I'm here to do it your way," he set aside the first in order to enact the new plan—God's way—by which we are made fit for God by the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus. - Hebrews 10:1-10 (The Message)

Notes: The scripture today are long, but they are vital to us seeing the importance of Jesus' sacrifice for sin. The first scripture gives an example of what the priest had to do. They were required to make offerings often before the Lord. The requirement was an animal without blemish or spot. It was also to be the male animal that was sacrificed. The second scripture from the New Testament tells that this old system of offering did not get rid of the sins of the people but was a shadow of what was to come. It did not cleanse the people.

Question: If the sacrifices in the Old Testament did not really cleanse the people of their sins, why do you think God asked them to be done?

Answer: If you read in the New Testament scripture it was to bring to the minds of people that they needed something else. It brought the awareness of sin to the minds of the people. So that they began to understand and to seek the need of a messiah for their lives. Jesus then came in flesh so that he could be that one last and final offering. He took on flesh so that he could be that male, without blemish to sacrifice himself for the sins of the world. The scripture says Jesus was the sacrifice once and for all. The last time one would be needed and it would cover all that would come and accept him as savior. What should you believe about Jesus? He is the Son of God. He was with God in the beginning. He was the Word become flesh so that he could show us the mind of the Father. He became the true sacrifice that would give men and women the right to come to God, the Father. Just as in past times the requirement for sin offerings was the blood of a male animal without blemish, Jesus became the final offering that truly would cleanse sins because of his blood.

Prayer: Lord, today we seek you to be our savior if we have not already done so. Help us to accept that Jesus is the way to you. Help us to hold firm to who you are. Give us this day your power to stand firm in the truth of your word. This we ask, in Jesus name. Amen.

Teaching Notes

We made these huts at Williams' Camp one year. As I look at this picture the thought that crosses my mind is, what are you building your house out of? We built these huts out of craft sticks. We had to be careful. The warped ones or ones that were not straight could not be used because they would make the entire wall warped and unable to fit together. That is the truth about the word of God. If we want to have a spiritual house that is build right, we must reject any thoughts or ideas that would warp the truth and therefore cause our "walls" not to fit together. Are you building a strong house?

What Should I Know About Jesus?

John 1:5, 10-14 (The Message)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. the light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.

He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Notes: We went yesterday to the first book of the Bible, Genesis to explain the Godhead and to show that Jesus was always with God. Today we take a closer look at Jesus. In this piece of scripture it says the Word was with God and the Word was God. In this scripture the Word was said to become flesh and dwell among us. It was through this Word that everything was created and nothing was created that did not come through him.

Question: Who then is the Word?

Answer: Jesus is the Word. The plainest reason why the Son of God is called the Word, seems to be, that as our words explain our minds to others, so was the Son of God sent in order to reveal his Father's mind to the world. The fact that the scriptures tell us everything was made through Christ should give us assurance that he is well qualified for the work of our redemption and salvation. The scripture also tells us that many did not understand Jesus (the light that had come into this dark world). Many reject Jesus as the son of God therefore, they never receive the light of Christ. This scripture confirms for us that Jesus was in fact all divine. He was with God in the beginning and now he has come to earth and has taken on human flesh.

How do we understand from this scripture that Jesus was in fact all human? It is because the word says he dwelled among us. In order for him to be among us, he had to take on human flesh to become part of the human race. He was fully human yet fully divine. We should then know that Jesus was always with God and that through him everything was made. He came to earth at God's appointed time to redeem lost mankind. To do that he took on human flesh, yet he kept his divine nature so that he could become the final sacrifice for the sins of the world. We will discuss this more tomorrow. Why was Jesus the sacrifice for the world?

Prayer: Lord, today we say thank you for giving us understanding through your word about your son and his reason for coming to earth. You sent him so that all could come to a saving relationship with you. Help me this day to understand and grasp this truth. Help this seed to be planted in my heart and to grow stronger. Your word helps me to have a greater understanding of your ways. Thank you for loving me enough to share your wisdom with me.

Teaching Notes

Is wisdom only for the older ones, or does God promise to help all that come to him? Even these little ones can understand the mysteries of God if they come with a willing heart to learn. Let us come today with a willing heart to learn.

What Should I know About Jesus?

Genesis 1:26-28 (The Message)

26-28 God spoke: "Let us make human beings in our image, make them reflecting our nature So they can be responsible for the fish in the sea, the birds in the air, the cattle, And, yes, Earth itself, and every animal that moves on the face of Earth." God created human beings; he created them godlike, Reflecting God's nature. He created them male and female. God blessed them: "Prosper! Reproduce! Fill Earth! Take charge! Be responsible for fish in the sea and birds in the air, for every living thing that moves on the face of Earth."

Notes: For the next few weeks I want us to talk about what we believe and why. If you are not sure of what you believe and why, you can easily be fooled or deceived with every whim of doctrine that comes along. This week we will look at what we should know about Jesus. We will discuss the "Partical Jesus" belief. This is the belief that Jesus was not fully human and fully God. (Note. A good book to get to help you along with your Bible study is a book by Josh McDowell and Bob Hostetler called "Don't Check Your Brains at the Door")

Question: What does this scripture in Genesis prove to us?

Answer: God is having a conversation and he says, let "us" make man in our image. Who is the us? It is the Triune God. That is just a fancy word for the trinity or 3-in-1. That does not mean that there were three different God's in heaven but that God consist of three distinct parts, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. The easy was to understand that is to look at your family. Whatever the number of people in your family, you are ONE family. Each of you are a unique person in that family and you play a key role to the family. You are not less important than another part of the family you are just different. Yet all of you together make up the one family. That is the same for the Triune God.

Each person in the trinity is equal and have different and unique roles, but each one helps to make up the entire Godhead. So the Triune God decided to make man in his image. Be careful when you read the words "godlike". This does not mean you and I are gods, but that we have unique characteristics that are like God. There is no other animal created that has these attributes. Man is unique in the ability to have some of these attributes. We are able to think and reason and we do not simply move on impulses and by instinct. We are creative and can create things. This is another one of the attributes given to us by God. So the first thing you must believe about Jesus is, that he has always been. Jesus is one with the Father and the Spirit. The three are one. So Jesus is completely and fully divine.

Prayer: Lord help me today to understand that Jesus is one in the Godhead. Help me to grasp that he is fully divine. Help me to understand this and be convicted in my spirit of this truth.

Teaching Notes

what if you could see your footprints and Jesus' at the same time, what would they look like? Would they be closely together, or would they be far apart. I pray that if I could see them, there would only be one set of prints because I am stepping into his.

His Way

Deuteronomy 11:18-25 (The Message)

Place these words on your hearts. Get them deep inside you. Tie them on your hands and foreheads as a reminder. Teach them to your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning until you fall into bed at night. Inscribe them on the doorposts and gates of your cities so that you'll live a long time, and your children with you, on the soil that God promised to give your ancestors for as long as there is a sky over the Earth.



22-25 That's right. If you diligently keep all this commandment that I command you to obey—love God, your God, do what he tells you, stick close to him—God on his part will drive out all these nations that stand in your way. Yes, he'll drive out nations much bigger and stronger than you. Every square inch on which you place your foot will be yours. Your borders will stretch from the wilderness to the mountains of Lebanon, from the Euphrates River to the Mediterranean Sea. No one will be able to stand in your way. Everywhere you go, God-sent fear and trembling will precede you, just as he promised.



Notes: We looked at the instruction that was given to the people regarding obeying God's commandments. Now we turn to what happens or what God promises his people would happen if they obey his commandments.



Question: What was the promise to the people for their obedience?



Answer: God promised if they followed his ways, he would remove the nations that stood in their way of going in and possession the land God had for them. He promised to drive out nations that were bigger and stronger than the people. He promised them that no one would be able to stand in their way. Is this a promise to them only? We can see the spiritual application in these verses. What God is promises his children today is this, if we keep his ways he will keep forces (spiritual) from having victory over us. Forces and situations that are bigger and stronger than us cannot overtake us because God promises to protect us. He promises us that nothing will stand in our way of reaching what he has promised to us. What has God promised you? Whatever that is, he confirms that if you follow him he will make your footsteps sure and he will not allow any forces to stop you from reaching that destination.



Prayer: Lord, thank you for teaching us your ways so that we will not stumble and fall along this way. Thank you for giving us the way of success. Thank you for caring enough for us to ensure our victory in you.

Teaching Notes

Conversations go on every where. We talk to our friends, we talk to our co-workers, we talk to people young and old. What if we changed what we talked about? What if we began to tell more people about the goodness of God? What would happen? Well, some would accept what we say and others would reject it, but one thing is for sure, the more we talk the more chances we have of changing someones view of God for the better.

His Way
Deuteronomy 11:21-25 (The Message)

18-21 Place these words on your hearts. Get them deep inside you. Tie them on your hands and foreheads as a reminder. Teach them to your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning until you fall into bed at night. Inscribe them on the doorposts and gates of your cities so that you'll live a long time, and your children with you, on the soil that God promised to give your ancestors for as long as there is a sky over the Earth.



22-25 That's right. If you diligently keep all this commandment that I command you to obey—love God, your God, do what he tells you, stick close to him—God on his part will drive out all these nations that stand in your way. Yes, he'll drive out nations much bigger and stronger than you. Every square inch on which you place your foot will be yours. Your borders will stretch from the wilderness to the mountains of Lebanon, from the Euphrates River to the Mediterranean Sea. No one will be able to stand in your way. Everywhere you go, God-sent fear and trembling will precede you, just as he promised.



Notes: Today we look at the verses that state, "Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning until you fall into bed at night. Inscribe them on the doorposts and gates of your cities so that you'll live a long time, and your children with you, on the soil that God promised to give your ancestors for as long as there is a sky over the Earth." The instruction was given to help the people of God know what was pleasing to God and what his way was (and still is).



Question: What do you think these verses mean?



Answer: It is giving the people the understanding that God's word should be an everyday active part of their lives. They should start the day with his word, they should end the day with his word. The word of God should come up in conversations with people. Instead of gossip and slander, godly words and worship should be in our conversations. They should be posted or evidence in our cities and places where we live. Do we have posted on our walls pictures of movie stars and music professionals, or do we have posters and words that would draw us to God. When we change our lives to be more like God, he promises us some things. God promised the people of old that they would be able to go in and posses the land he promised them.



We to have a promised land for us today. If we obey God he promises that we can come and be with him in heaven. We also have some rewards right here on earth. God promises that he will protect our steps and take care of us if we continue to follow him. We will talk about some of the other promises in the verses tomorrow. Let's pray.



Prayer: God, thank you for giving us your ways so that we will know how to please you. Help me to be mindful of your desire for my life. Help me to remember to start my day with you as well as end it the same. Help me to change my conversations so that they include you more. Help me to do your will your way.

Teaching Notes

Are you willing to walk with him? Do you stand on the shoreline thinking about what is before you? Are you afraid to "step out into the deep?" Do you think this way might just be too difficult or are you willing to live his way? It is not in your strength, but in his. Let him direct you.

His Way

Deuteronomy 11:21-25 (The Message)

18-21 Place these words on your hearts. Get them deep inside you. Tie them on your hands and foreheads as a reminder. Teach them to your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning until you fall into bed at night. Inscribe them on the doorposts and gates of your cities so that you'll live a long time, and your children with you, on the soil that God promised to give your ancestors for as long as there is a sky over the Earth.

22-25 That's right. If you diligently keep all this commandment that I command you to obey—love God, your God, do what he tells you, stick close to him—God on his part will drive out all these nations that stand in your way. Yes, he'll drive out nations much bigger and stronger than you. Every square inch on which you place your foot will be yours. Your borders will stretch from the wilderness to the mountains of Lebanon, from the Euphrates River to the Mediterranean Sea. No one will be able to stand in your way. Everywhere you go, God-sent fear and trembling will precede you, just as he promised.

Notes: Yesterday, we talked about placing the word upon your heart. Today we will look at "get them deep. Tie them on your hands and forehead as a reminder. And teach them to your children." These instructions are a more detailed explanation of placing the word upon your heart. If you put the word in your heart, you have to allow it to get deep into you and become important to you.

Question: What does it mean to tie them on your hands and forehead as a reminder?

Answer: Image if you actually wrote the word down on paper and tied it to your hand and placed it on your forehead, would you remember the words were there? Yes you would because everytime you reached to do something, your hand would have scripture written on it. Image a thief reaching to steal and looking at his hand and there is written, "Thou shalt not steal". Image someone thinking about committing some sin and as they sit in thought they touch their forehead and there is written the words "flee from the very presence of evil". God may not require you to write the word physically on a piece of paper and place it on your hand and forehead, but if you have placed the word in your heart the Spirit of God will bring to you those words you allowed to be written to convict you of what is right.

Parents are required to teach this to their children. That is both physical parents as well as spiritual parents. You may have someone that walks with you that tells you the truth of God's word. This is the reason why they do it, because God wants you to be equipped to be successful in this life. He wants you to have what will keep you in his way and in his will. God also tells us to teach our children so that his word can be passed from one generation to the next.

Prayer: Lord today we say thank you for giving us the word to keep us faithful to your ways. It will help us remember what is required of us. Help us to follow you, to get it deep inside so that we can be successful in our Christian walk with you.