SANCTIFY!

WHAT GOES ON AT YAM?

The Gathering--learning how to make God look good 24/7, Sundays at 10 AM, on the TFB campus, in the Young Adult room

Eating together--most Sundays, around 11:30 am, give or take...

Experience--an alternative worship event, Every couple of months or so

HomeBase--fellowship in homes

Plain wRap--a bible and brain, pen and paper bible study, Sunday nights during the Summer

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK

Upcoming Events
Next Sunday
The Gathering--God is doing something extraordinary
What's going on? Alright, so Biola is just way too exciting...
Christmas Funnies: Can you name these Christmas Carols?
Know God--Lectio Divina (no, it's not funny Italian candy!]

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
UPCOMING EVENTS

- After Christmas Soda Shop Party, December, 26-- So far it's karaoke and food--have ideas? send 'em in!
- Winter Retreat - December 27 through 29, Cost: $35 ($15 due at sign-up).

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
NEXT SUNDAY

8:45 am Worship--Worship Center
10:00 am The Gathering--YAM Room
11:45 am LUNCH @ Mimi's Cafe!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
THE GATHERING--God is doing something extraordinary--Week Two

When God does something extraordinary, he calls one to lead many
Genesis 49: 8-12

Have you ever been to a funeral? One of the main features of any funeral is remembering the person—sharing their mark on their world. We’re going to look at an upside down funeral today. At this funeral, the ‘honored dead’ isn’t dead yet. In fact, it is the dying person who does the remembering and the sharing. At the end of the book of Genesis, Jacob calls his family together and blesses his sons. The blessings are a remembrance in advance. A prequel of sorts to their mark on their world. In his blessing, Jacob reveals each son’s personality, potential, and prophetic future. Jacob tells him what sort of person he is, how he will turn out, and how the promise to Abraham will be fulfilled through him.

Open your bible to Genesis 49

Personality

Verses 8 through 12 contain Jacob’s blessing of Judah, his fourth son. Jacob first reveals Judah’s personality. He tells him what sort of person he is. Look at verses 8-9. Despite being the fourth son, Judah’s natural leadership was already clear. Judah had convinced his brothers to sell Joseph rather than to kill him (Gen. 37:25-28). Judah convinced his father to bring the clan to Egypt (Gen. 43:3-10). In addition to natural leadership, Jacob reveals Judah’s strength. In comparing Judah to a lion, Jacob makes it clear that even at rest, Judah is a force to respect.

Potential

Judah’s strong, leader personality gives him the potential not only to rule Israel, but also to defeat Israel’s enemies. Jacob tells Judah how he will turn out.

Prophecy

Jacob then makes an abrupt turn. Having considered Judah’s personality and potential, he turns to prophecy. He turns from likelihood to certainty. Through Judah, One will come. The right to rule, the scepter, belongs to this One. Jacob prophesies that the rule will remain with Judah until this One arrives. Even with some disagreement over one of the terms in the verse (translated ‘Shiloh’ [KJV, NASB], ‘to whom it belongs [NLT]), most Jewish and Christian biblical scholars agree that the term refers to the Messiah.

The Messiah will come through Judah, and he will not only rule Israel, but the peoples will also be obedient to him. So here, in the first book of the Old Testament, God once again declares that the blessing promised to and through Abram, and through Judah is a blessing for all peoples of the earth.

Last week we saw that when God does something extraordinary, he calls one to bless many (Gen. 12:1-3). This week we see that when God does something extraordinary, he calls one to lead many. That One, who blesses many and leads many, is Jesus.

So, what do we do with this? One of my professors has said that the purpose of the whole Bible is to confront us with a question: who will you trust? You choose. Will you trust the One through whom God blesses and leads humanity? Or will you trust something smaller and weaker? Remarkable or mundane? You choose. Will you join God in the extraordinary something or go your own way, reaching only as far as your own arms? You choose.

Wanna join the something extraordinary this week? Remember that 'faith story' we talked about last week? Well, get out there and tell someone about the something extraordinary God is doing though you.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
WHAT'S GOING ON?

Alright, so Biola is just way too exciting...

Christian College Invaded By Swat Team

Larry Wheeler
KTLA-TV Newswriter

December 5, 2002, 7:03 AM PST

LA MIRADA -- An armed standoff on a college campus has ended with the arrest of one suspect.

It came to an end about 3:15 a.m. (PST) Thursday at Biola University in La Mirada. Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies said two carjacking suspects stole a car about 10:00 p.m. Wednesday. The car and the suspects were found a short time later near the campus. The men were chased to the school, where one of them ran into the cafeteria. He finally gave up after several hours of negotiations.

SWAT officers found him hiding in a hole in the ceiling in the cafeteria. He was later arrested.

The other man remained at large.

Copyright © 2002, KTLA
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
CHRISTMAS FUNNIES: Can you name these Christmas Carols?

CAN YOU NAME THESE CHRISTMAS CAROLS?
(For those who give up, the answers are posted below.)
1. ABCDEFGHIJKMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
2. On my list, I only desire my foremost dual incisors.
3. The smogless witching hour has arrived.
4. Exuberating to this orb
5. 288 Yuletide hours
6. Sir Lancelot with laryngitis
7. Leave and do an elevated broadcast.
8. That small hamlet south of the Holy City
9. Listen, the winged heavenly messengers are proclaiming tunefully.
10. Mom's mother was the victim of a "hit-and-run" by Santa's sleigh team.
11. I spied my maternal parent face-against-face with Father Christmas.
12. Whose offspring?

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
KNOW GOD--RESOURCES FOR WALKING THE WALK

Lectio Divina--no, it's not funny Italian candy!

Lectio Divina is an ancient Christian prayer method. The steps in Lectio are more properly called movements. The first movement is 'lectio' or reading rather listening to God's Word with a spirit of silence and awe. The second step is 'meditatio' or meditation. This movement does to scripture what cows do to their food when they chew the cud--it gets out every bit of goodness. The third movement is 'oratio' or prayer understood as dialogue with God. In other words, you and God are speaking together. The fourth movement is 'contemplatio' or contemplation. Contemplation is resting in God's presence, like a weaned child sleeping at it's mother's breast. The child is not there to get anything but his mother's presence. That is enough.

Here are some sites for more information (these sites are a mixed bag; take what is true and reject what is not):

Lectio at St. Andrew's Abbey
Article by Michel de Verteuil
Lectio at Saint Joseph's Abbey
Lectio by Carmelites
Awakening to Prayer

Answers to the Christmas funny:
ANSWERS:
1. The First Noel
2. All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth
3. It Came upon a Midnight Clear
4. Joy to the World
5. The Twelve Days of Christmas
6. Silent Night
7. Go Tell It on the Mountain
8. O Little Town of Bethlehem
9. Hark the Herald Angels Sing
10. Grandma Got Run-over by a Reindeer
11. I Saw Mama Kissin' Santa Claus
12. What Child Is This?

WHAT GOES ON AT YAM?

The Gathering--learning how to make God look good 24/7, Sundays at 10 AM, on the TFB campus, in the Young Adult room

Eating together--most Sundays, around 11:30 am, give or take...

Experience--an alternative worship event, Every couple of months or so

HomeBase--fellowship in homes

Plain wRap--a bible and brain, pen and paper bible study, Sunday nights during the Summer

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK

Upcoming Events
Next Sunday
The Gathering--Celebration Sunday
What's going on? Room redecoration
Know God--Writing your Faith Story

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
UPCOMING EVENTS

- After Christmas Soda Shop Party, December, 26-- So far it's karaoke and food--have ideas? send 'em in!
- Winter Retreat - look for details next week

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
NEXT SUNDAY

8:45 am Worship--Worship Center
10:00 am The Gathering--YAM Room
11:45 am LUNCH @

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
THE GATHERING--God is doing something extraordinary--Week One

When Yahweh does something extraordinary, he calls one to bless many.
A survey of the South Bay Yellow Pages finds 87 different categories of religion and 531 listings for local religious bodies—and that’s just in the South Bay! People are searching for something greater. Yet, no matter how hard humans try or how many ways we attempt, on our own we can only reach ourselves. What humans need is for the something greater to reach down and do something extraordinary. Well, the “something greater” did “something extraordinary.” That’s why we celebrate Christmas.

But when did this extraordinary something begin? Did it begin around 2000 years ago when God was born as a human baby, who soiled his diapers and cried when he was hungry? Or did it begin 9 months earlier when a young woman who had never had sex conceived a son by the Holy Spirit? Neither. This extraordinary something was not a Johnny-come-lately plan B picking up the pieces after a failed plan A. This extraordinary something was God’s plan before he created even one thing.

God put his plan into action, not 2000 years ago, but over 4000 years ago—back when the list of religions in the ‘yellow pages’ was just as long as today, and when people everywhere searched for something greater in any way they could.

Today, we’re going to look at the event—the happening—that started the extraordinary something. We’ll see the who—the partner, the what—the plan, and the how far—the extent—of God’s extraordinary something.

Get out your bible and turn to Genesis 12.

It has always been God’s plan to do something extraordinary—to do something for humanity that humanity could not do for itself. When God put his plan into action—when he chose whom he would partner with—he didn’t form a committee. He didn’t create a task force. He called one guy. He called a regular guy—a settled guy. Look at verse one. “Then the LORD told Abram, “Leave your country, your relatives, and your father’s house, and go to the land that I will show you.” What did God call Abram to leave? Where did God call Abram to go? God called one. When God does something extraordinary, he calls one.

But God didn’t just call one. He called one to bless. He called one to be a partner in the plan. Look a verse two. “I will cause you to become the father of a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and I will make you a blessing to others.” How did God promise to bless Abram? When God does something extraordinary, he calls one to bless.

God promised to bless Abram and to make him a blessing, but how far would the blessing go? What was the extent of God’s plan? Look at verse three. “I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you.” What did God say would be the extent of the blessing—of the extraordinary something? When God does something extraordinary, he calls one to bless many.

God called one to bless the many who search for the something greater to do something extraordinary. He called one who was willing to let God lead—to let God do the doing. This extraordinary something began with Abram, but it didn’t stop there. The extraordinary something became fully active with the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, but it didn’t stop there either.

God is still doing something extraordinary. People are still searching for something extraordinary. God is still partnering with regular people in this extraordinary something. He’s calling regular folks. He’s calling us—one by one.

One of the ways God can use each of you is through your story—your faith story. A faith story is simply the story of your life before you trusted Christ, how you came to trust Christ, and what he is doing through you right now.

Today we’re going to start putting together our faith stories. If you don’t have a faith story—if you have not yet trusted Christ—if you’re still looking for that extraordinary something, I challenge you to take this opportunity. The something greater has already done something extraordinary and all he asks is that you trust him to do through you what you cannot do—to reach God—to reach the something greater and partner in the extraordinary something.

Start putting your faith story together, by answering these three questions:

1. What was life like before you trusted Christ?
2. How did you come to trust Christ?
3. What is Christ doing in you life right now?

Continue to work on your faith story, but don’t stop there—tell someone!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
WHAT'S GOING ON?

ROOM REDECORATION PROJECT: The room is looking good, thanks to Sarah K--resident designer. It's a work in progress, but so far, we have cool throw pillows, floor coverings, nifty lights that even make the green screen look good, and a lovely Christmas art piece created from a string of lights and a bunch of metallic Christmas balls. We've still got stuff to get (window treatments, cooler trash cans, table lamps), but we are on our way. By the way, if anyone has a spare table lamp they'd like to donate... we'll take it! We have some projects for next year, like resurfacing the lovely wood-grain formica entertainment center, and creating small coffee tables from some giant spools.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
KNOW GOD--RESOURCES FOR WALKING THE WALK

Help for writing your faith story from The Evangelism Toolbox

WHAT GOES ON AT YAM?

The Gathering--a gathering of young adults trying to figure out how to make God look good 24/7, Sundays at 10 AM, on the TFB campus, in the Young Adult room

Experience--an alternative worship event, Every couple of months or so

Eating together--most Sundays, around 11:30 am, give or take...

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK

Upcoming Events
Sunday Schedule
The Gathering--Discipleship
Funny or Just Plain Cool--Bed Forces Sleepyheads to Rise in Morning
Campus News--Sports report--Christian Heritage v. Biola University
Know God--Interview with Dallas Willard

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
UPCOMING EVENTS

Ministry Fair, TFB, November 10, 9:30ish am

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
NEXT SUNDAY

8:45 am Worship--Worship Center
10:00 am Gathering—Young Adult room
11:30 am LUNCH @ TBA--come Sunday to find out...

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The Gathering--Week 4 of the 40 days of purpose

Discipleship: You were created to become like Christ

Three tools God uses to make you like Jesus
1. The bible.
2. The Holy Spirit.
3. Circumstances.

Three choices that will help you become more like Jesus
1. You can choose what you think about.
2. You can choose to depend on God's Spirit moment by moment.
3. You can choose to respond to your circumstances the way Jesus would.

Prep for next week:
- continue to read a chapter a day in the Purpose Driven Life (days 22-28)
- Read John 13:1-17. What lessons about servanthood can you learn from this moving example from the life of Jesus?
- Read, reflect, and meditate on Philippians 2:3-4 this week.
- Read Luke 17:7-10. What does this passage reveal about our relationship to the master?

[summarized from 40 Days of Purpose Sunday School Study Guide]

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
FUNNY OR JUST PLAIN COOL--Bed Forces Sleepyheads to Rise in Morning

NUREMBERG, Germany (Reuters) - A German schoolgirl has invented a "merciless bed" to ensure that sleepyheads get up in the morning.
The bed gradually raises the mattress after an alarm rings. After five minutes, the sleepyhead is rolled onto the floor.
"I constructed it myself," Iris Koser, 16, said at an exhibition of inventions this week.

See Reuters for the full story

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
CAMPUS NEWS--Sports Report--Christian Heritage versus Biola University women's volleyball game

Biola website: Biola and the Hawks battled back and forth in the first two games, but the Eagles capitalized on tremendous play in the middle to squeeze out two two-point victories. // GSAC Player of the Week Michelle Warkentin continued her outstanding play by hitting at a 36.7% clip with 13 kills and a game-leading five blocks. // But the story tonight was the play of sophomore Sarah Boogaard, who also hit just over 36% and had 15 kills and 15 digs to tie for the team lead in both categories. // Hannah Timboe also rebounded nicely from a sub-par week, tying Boogaard with 15 kills, while senior Amy Cole also tied Boogaard with a team-high 15 digs. // Emily Hethcock led the way for Christian Heritage. Game highs of 16 kills and 17 digs kept the Hawks close for most of the night. Sara Mooney also recorded double digits in digs for the Hawks with 14.

See Biola Volleyball website for the full story.

Laura's take: Well, personally, I know very little about volleyball. The last time I played I was elementary school (yes, back in the 60s!), so there will be no play by play from me. I will say this: I am impressed! Those women throw themselves all over the floor making plays that were just amazing to watch. Both teams played well and played hard. I have a new respect for volleyball players. Elementary school was never like this.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
KNOW GOD--RESOURCES FOR WALKING THE WALK

Interview with Dallas Willard, professor of philosophy at USC, on his new book (Renovation of the Heart), brain-wave theory, pop-culture spirituality and the value of “thinking well.”

Here's a quote on his advice for twentysomethings...

Well, my heart really goes out to twentysomethings because of my own children and grandchildren and those I see in my classes every week. I dearly love them. And I guess what I would say [to them] is that there’s a great deal more to be learned about how to live now by how people have lived well in the past, than they can find from their educational institutions. So, they need to look independently, they need to act on their own to find out what are the resources for truly living well; particularly of the Christian church and its past.

Read the whole interview at Relevant Magazine:

WHAT GOES ON AT YAM?

The Gathering--a gathering of young adults trying to figure out how to make God look good 24/7, Sundays at 10 AM, on the TFB campus, in the Young Adult room

Experience--an alternative worship event, Every couple of months or so

Eating together--most Sundays, around 11:30 am, give or take...

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK

Upcoming Events
Sunday Schedule
The Gathering--You were formed for God's family
Funny or Just Plain Cool--Black Hole Eats Star!
Campus News--no news this week
Know God--The Labyrinth

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
UPCOMING EVENTS

YAM Women, Brunch, Saturday, November 2, 10 am, Coco's by Galleria
YAM Men, Food and whatever, November 2, noonish, call Tom for details
Christian Heritage (Sara Mooney) at Biola University, Monday, October 28 @ 7pm, COST $5 at the door, call Laura for details

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
NEXT SUNDAY

8:45 am Worship--Worship Center
10:00 am Gathering—Young Adult room
11:30 am LUNCH @ TBA--come Sunday to find out...

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The Gathering--Week 3 of the 40 days of purpose

You were formed for God's family

Five Building Blocks for Fellowship--Romans 12:9-16
1. Authenticity, v. 9--we are able to share our feelings.
2. Courtesy, v. 10--we respect one another's' differences.
3. Mutuality, v. 12--we encourage one another to grow spiritually.
4. Hospitality, v. 13--we spend time with one another, getting to know one another.
5. Unity, v. 16--we support one another's' purposes, despite weaknesses.

[summarized from 40 Days of Purpose Sunday School Study Guide]

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
FUNNY OR JUST PLAIN COOL--Student Surprised to See Black Hole Eat Star

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - It began like a routine measurement on a quasar, a somewhat boring look at the emissions from a distant, early galaxy -- but it turned out that the graduate student was actually watching a black hole swallow part of a star.

See Reuters for the full story (http://www.reuters.com/news_article.jhtml?type=humannews&StoryID=1635024

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
CAMPUS NEWS--will return next week with a report on the Christian Heritage versus Biola University women's volleyball game.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
KNOW GOD--RESOURCES FOR WALKING THE WALK

Online Prayer Labyrinth

The Labyrinth is an interactive spiritual experience that brings together a unique blend of traditional Christianity and post-modern worship. Labyrinths were a feature of many medieval cathedrals. Unlike a maze a labyrinth has one path with no dead ends, which people can walk as an aid to contemplative prayer. The new Labyrinth gives this old idea a contemporary twist by providing each participant with a CD Discman. At various stations en route they listen to music with a spoken meditation and take part in a ritual activity. For instance the second station is ‘noise’ where images on an oscilloscope or soundline flicker on a stack of three televisions. The walker is encouraged to reflect on internal and external noise in their own life and to place it on one side, quiet down and listen for God’s signal. [from http://www.yfc.co.uk/labyrinth.htm]

Experience the Labyrinth at http://www.yfc.co.uk/labyrinth/online.html

WHAT GOES ON AT YAM?

The Gathering--a gathering of young adults trying to figure out how to make God look good 24/7, Sundays at 10 AM, on the TFB campus, in the Young Adult room

Plain wRap--5 pm in the YA room

Experience--an alternative worship event, Every couple of months or so

Eating together--most Sundays, around 11:30 am, give or take...

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK

Upcoming Events
Sunday Schedule
The Gathering--Choosing what is excellent
Plain wRap--5 pm in the YA room
Campus News--Cal Poly Pomona's 10th Annual Pumpkin Festival
Know God--The Forgiveness Quiz
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

UPCOMING EVENTS

40 Days of Purpose kick-off event, October 12, 10 am
Festival con Dios, October 12, 3:30 pm, Cottonwood Christian Center
See Sara play Volleyball! --TWICE!!
1) Christian Heritage at Westmont, Saturday, October 19 @ 7 pm
2) Christian Heritage at Biola University, Tuesday, October 29 @ 7pm

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
NEXT SUNDAY

8:45 am Worship--Worship Center
10:00 am Gathering—Young Adult room
11:30 am LUNCH @ TBA--come Sunday to find out...
5:00 pm Plain wRap--Young Adult room

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
THE GATHERING (A.K.A. Sunday School)

Philippians 1:10-11

So, what is all this thriving love supposed to do? I mean does it just sit there, thriving? Are we supposed to wallow in our intimate relationship with God and glory in all that marvelous moral understanding? I think NOT! In verses 10 and 11, Paul tells the Philippians the next part of his prayer,

So, what now? Hanging out with God, becoming more like him (you know, finishing his sentences) means that God's character--his values and purposes--flow out of us like apples from an apple tree.

Do you get what this means? This means that doing good stuff is not the focus of our faith. That would be idolatry! God is the focus of our faith. It's relationship! What's that look like? What does it mean to hang out with God? The basic-baby step is keeping in touch. We do this by spending some time with him every day. This is usually called a quiet time (though I am not sure why). Quiet times are like email. The purpose is just to stay in touch, to hear what God has to say (bible reading) and then say something in return (prayer). But email isn't very intimate. Relationships need face time.

Here's the suggestion: At least once a month--once a week is better--spend at least an hour with God, just hanging out. This means not writing down a plan of action. It means leaving the devotional book at home. It may mean setting the bible aside--this is not the time to make up for the skipped days in your devotional reading! This is a time to be, not to do, not to try--just be.

Spend the first few minutes unloading all the daily stuff--errands, concerns, stresses, whatever. Then start talking WITH God about the past week or month. What have you been reading in the Scripture? What have your quiet times been about? Then--and this is the hard part--just listen. Just sit there. "Be" in God's presence.

This will probably feel weird at first. That's okay. Weird can be good. Resist the compulsion to do something. If God really is the lover of our souls, we should be able to sit still and stare into his eyes. You may need to practice this for weeks or months before anything 'happens'. But here's the good news. You're not waiting for anything to happen. Remember? God is the focus of our faith; the good stuff he brings is just good stuff--cool to have and okay to be without.

As you continue to practice hanging out, your time with God will begin to take on a more personal shape. You and God will begin to do things together in your own way. That's good.

As we begin the 40 Days of Purpose, I challenge all of us:

First, come to the kick-off event, October 12, 9:45 am (yes, it's in the morning).

Second, read the 40 Days daily readings (The Purpose Driven Life)--this is your daily email with God.

Third, come to worship service every week to hear the sermon.

Fourth, come to The Gathering (aka Sunday School) or, if you work during the 10 o'clock hour, come to the Group Connection at 4:30 pm on Sunday, October 13, to get plugged into a small group.

Fifth, set aside one hour a week to hang out with God. Trust me, I know we all have busy lives, but I'm sure there's some TV or something that we can give up for six weeks, eh?

And, for those of you away at school, I'll be putting a summary of the week's emphasis and a bible study in the eNews and on the website.

Want more info on the 40 days of Purpose? Check out the TFB website

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
PLAIN WRAP UPDATE:

Plain wRap--5 pm in the YA room

The preliminary results of our recent schedule survey are in. So far, the best days/times for Plain wRap do not include Sundays at 5 pm. Best times are Friday night, Saturday morning, and Saturday noonish. This Sunday at lunch (11:30 am) we'll look at best days and times. We'll see where (or is that when?) we go from here.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
COMING UP...
Festival Con Dios
October 12, 2002 - 3:30 PM
Audio Adrenaline * Toby Mac * MercyMe * Out of Eden * Bob Smiley * Jeremy Camp * Benjamin Gate * Tree63 * Sanctus Real * Everyday Sunday * Aaron Spiro * Pillar * Mike Silva * Jose Zayas

Cottonwood Christian Church • Cypress
$25 ($20 group of 15+)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
CAMPUS NEWS--Cal Poly Pomona's 10th Annual Pumpkin Festival

October 19, 2002 (Saturday) at Cal Poly Pomona, the 10th Annual Pumpkin Festival. Visitors can pick their own pumpkin from the field and enjoy live entertainment, horse rides, petting zoo, food and game booths, and the Insect Fair.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
KNOW GOD--RESOURCES FOR WALKING THE WALK

The Forgiveness Quiz

How much do you reallly know about the biblical teaching on forgiveness?

WHAT GOES ON AT YAM?

The Gathering--a gathering of young adults trying to figure out how to make God look good 24/7, Sundays at 10 AM, on the TFB campus, in the Young Adult room

Plain wRap--IT'S BACK--5 pm at the Rice abode--bring a bible and bring a buck--food for soul and body!!

Experience--an alternative worship event, Every couple of months or so

Eating together--most Sundays, around 11:30 am, give or take...

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

THE GATHERING (A.K.A. Sunday School)

Philippians 1:9 (NLT) I pray that your love for each other will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in your knowledge and understanding.

Here's the CT: Love thrives in a faith community when group activities encouraging the development of relational knowledge and all kinds of moral understanding are penetrated with this love.

Thriving love happens when the members of a faith community really know Jesus--as in intimate relationship, not as in mere head knowledge. Head knowledge may get good grades, but the only thing that saves us and makes us like Jesus is hanging out with him--loving him. You know how when you hang out with someone for a while you start using some of the same words and liking some of the same things? Well, the same thing happens when we hang out with Jesus. We know him--like a best friend, and, yes, like a lover (scandalous I know, but I didn't write the bible--just read Hosea to get God's view). When we know him intimately, we will begin to look like him, think like him, and act like him. How cool is that?

The question we deal with next: Choosing what is excellent.

Philippians 1:10 (NLT) For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until Christ returns.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
PLAIN WRAP UPDATE:

Plain wRap is back. Meet at 5 pm at the Rice abode. We'll be taking a hard look at YAM in light of biblical principles from Philippians 1:9-11.

Here's the basics:
The prayer: thriving love (1:9a)
The place where thriving love grows: relational knowledge and moral understanding (1:9b)
The purpose of thriving love: the ability to intentionally choose what is excellent (1:10
The result of thriving love: Jesus' righteousness oozing out in our actions (1:11)

Think about this: If YAM were to look like this, what WOULD it look like?

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
COMING UP...
Festival Con Dios
October 12, 2002 - 3:30 PM
Audio Adrenaline * Toby Mac * MercyMe * Out of Eden * Bob Smiley * Jeremy Camp * Benjamin Gate * Tree63 * Sanctus Real * Everyday Sunday * Aaron Spiro * Pillar * Mike Silva * Jose Zayas

Cottonwood Christian Church • Cypress
$25 ($20 group of 15+)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
CAMPUS NEWS--Christian Heritage beats 7th ranked Biola

The Biola perspective: The Biola volleyball team lost for the first time this season 3-0 to Christian Heritage College in El Cajon, CA. Game scores were 33-31, 34-32, 30-13. Turning point in the match was in the second game as Biola led 26-18 the Hawks went on a 10 point run helped by two aces to make the score 28-26. Biola fought back and held off three game points before falling 34-32. // In game three the Eagles fell behind early trailing 10-4 and 18-7. Biola sophomore setter Amy Fisher had to withdraw from the game with a strained back after Biola had staged a small comeback to make the score 22-11. Biola lost the third game 30-13.

The Christian Heritage perspective: Tuesday night the CHC Lady Hawks proved themselves to be worthy of their top 25 national ranking as they upset the visiting Biola Eagles in straight sets 34-32, 33-31, 30-13. The Eagles not only brought the number 7 ranking with them, they also came in at a perfect 15-0 and 4-0 in GSAC play. // The Hawks set the tone with a narrow game one win, but it was the second game where the match was really decided. Biola jumped out to an early lead and at one time led 18-9 and 26-18 before the Hawks rallied off 9 straight points to take the lead and eventually the game. The Hawks took that momentum into the third game as they cruised to a huge win.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
KNOW GOD--RESOURCES FOR WALKING THE WALK

The Plough

The offer a daily email of thought-provoking quotes and they are a great source for books (I know, who has time to read with so much homework... get over it!)

WHAT GOES ON AT YAM?

The Gathering--a gathering of young adults trying to figure out how to make God look good 24/7, Sundays at 10 AM, on the TFB campus, in the Young Adult room

Plain wRap--taking a break until further notice...

Experience--an alternative worship event, Every couple of months or so

Eating together--most Sundays, around 11:30 am, give or take...

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK

Upcoming Events
Sunday Schedule
The Gathering--What should we look like next summer?
Plain wRap--gone on hiatus
Campus News--B.B. King coming to Cal Poly SLO
Know God--Fish the Net: The Evangelistic Tacklebox
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

UPCOMING EVENTS

Defending the Faith, October 3, Thursday evening, October 3, 7:30-9:30pm, First Evangelical Free Church in Fullerton
40 Days of Purpose kick-off event, October 12, 10 am
Festival con Dios, October 12, 3:30 pm, Cottonwood Christian Center
See Sara M play Volleyball! --TWICE!!
1) Christian Heritage at Westmont, Saturday, October 19 @ 7 pm
2) Christian Heritage at Biola University, Tuesday, October 29 @ 7pm

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29

8:45 am Worship--Worship Center
10:00 am Gathering—Young Adult room
11:30 am LUNCH @ Buca di Beppo, 1670 South Pacific Coast Highway, Redondo Beach CA 90277 (opens at noon on Sundays) See a menu.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
THE GATHERING (A.K.A. Sunday School)

Well, it looks like our one week break from Walk ...this Way is gonna be a lot bigger. We'll return to the Beatitudes after the 40 days of purpose. In the mean time, we're gonna unpack Philippians 1:9-11.

This is what we have so far:

These verses are part of a letter that Paul wrote to one of his favorite churches. The church at Philippi. It was a city church, with blue-collar members and white-collar members. It had Jewish Christians and Gentile Christians. The church was doing well, but Paul could see some problems around the corner--a few leaders were not getting along and the congregation was losing its focus on Christ. So he wrote a letter. Chapter one, verses nine through eleven are Paul's prayer for the Philippian believers. He prays that their love would abound. This is not a mushy, warm fuzzy love. This is love with road worn feet. Love developed in relationship. He tells them three things about this love: its location, its purpose, and its result.

The first location of this love is the sort of knowledge you get from being in relationship with another person. The sort of knowledge that enables Grandma to finish Grandpa's sentences. The second location of this love is moral understanding developed through experience. This kind of moral understanding happens when, in living life with other people, we learn to make wise, godly choices.

The purpose of this love is a two-parter. The first part of the purpose is to develop the ability to carefully test and approve worthwhile, excellent things. Such a skill is only developed through practice. The second part of the purpose is to develop moral integrity, where you think and feel on the inside matches what you say and do on the outside. This type of moral integrity does not stumble over temptation and does not cause anyone else to stumble.

The result of this love is a completed filling with the fruit of righteousness. What is the fruit of righteousness? Well, just like an apple seed is the essence of appleness. So the fruit of righteousness is the essence of righteousness--Christlikeness. Jesus himself grows this righteousness in his people--a righteousness that will stand on the Day of Christ--when Jesus rewards his people. This fruit is to God's glory (the shining of his character through us) and his praise (the lifting up of his person by our lives).

The question we deal with next: If we start praying this for our fellow believers in YAM, what should YAM look like by the time next summer rolls around?

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
PLAIN WRAP UPDATE:

Due to low attendance, Hermen has been sent on Fall vacation. Hermen might return in Spring. He might return in Summer. Too soon to tell. Everybody wave bye...

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
COMING UP...
Festival Con Dios
October 12, 2002 - 3:30 PM
Audio Adrenaline * Toby Mac * MercyMe * Out of Eden * Bob Smiley * Jeremy Camp * Benjamin Gate * Tree63 * Sanctus Real * Everyday Sunday * Aaron Spiro * Pillar * Mike Silva * Jose Zayas

Cottonwood Christian Church • Cypress
$25 ($20 group of 15+)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
CAMPUS NEWS--B.B. King to perform at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

COMING TO CAL POLY SLO Legendary Bluesman B.B. King In Concert Nov. 19, Legendary B.B. King will perform in Concert Tuesday Nov. 19 at 8 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center's Christopher Cohan Center. Considered to be one of the greatest blues guitarists of the late 20th century, King's unique style of playing - integrating single string runs, "bent" chords and left-hand vibrato - has influenced countless musicians after him, including Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, David Gilmour, and Buddy Guy.

Gosh, maybe I can plan an early vacation?

Have an interesting (or just plain odd) happening on your campus? Send an email to lkspringer@hotmail.com to be included in the YAM eNews.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
KNOW GOD--RESOURCES FOR WALKING THE WALK

Fish the Net: The Evangelistic Tacklebox offers a plethora of links. Check it out.

YAM eNews September 16, 2002

WHAT GOES ON AT YAM?

The Gathering--a gathering of young adults trying to figure out how to make God look good 24/7, Sundays at 10 AM, on the TFB campus, in the Young Adult room

Plain wRap--a pencil and paper, bible and brain bible study led by Laura, Sundays at 5 PM, on the TFB campus through September October 6

Experience--an alternative worship event, Every couple of months or so

Eating together--sometimes planned, sometimes unplanned

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
UPCOMING EVENTS

Hermen Who? through October 6, Sundays, 5 pm, “Friends in Christ” room
Defending the Faith, October 3, Thursday evening, October 3, 7:30-9:30pm, First Evangelical Free Church in Fullerton, see Tom W for details
40 Days of Purpose kick-off event, October 12, 10 am
See Sara Mooney play Volleyball! Christian Heritage at Biola University, October 29 @ 7pm, details to follow

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

8:45 am Worship--Worship Center
10:00 am Gathering—Young Adult room
5:00 pm Plain wRap—Friends in Christ room

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Check out Greg's pic on The Discarded website!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
THE GATHERING (A.K.A. Sunday School)

This Sunday, September 22, we'll be taking a one week break from "Walk . . . this way" to look at where we are in ministry and where we need to be, using Philippians 1:9-11 as our springboard.

I pray that your love for each other will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in your knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until Christ returns. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation--those good things that are produced in your life by Jesus Christ--for this will bring much glory and praise to God.

Get a headstart on September 22? Read Philippians 1:9-11 and ask yourself what this might look like in YAM.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
PLAIN WRAP UPDATE:

This week we looked at how to chart a book.

Next study is September22. Hermen Who? Week Three

Wanna prep for the study? Answer this question: who wrote II John? what else did he write? then identify the genre (literary type)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
CAMPUS NEWS--Interesting (or just plain odd) happenings on campuses across the US (at least for now)

Cal Poly Pomona will be holding the 19th Annual Hot Dog Caper on September 26, 2002 (Thursday) So, Barbara, what's this all about??

Have an interesting (or just plain odd) happening on your campus? Send an email to lkspringer@hotmail.com to be included in the YAM eNews.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
KNOW GOD--RESOURCES FOR WALKING THE WALK

An online discipleship course from Cedar Ridge

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

WHAT GOES ON AT YAM?

The Gathering--a gathering of young adults trying to figure out how to make God look good 24/7, Sundays at 10 AM, on the TFB campus, in the Young Adult room

Plain wRap--a pencil and paper, bible and brain bible study led by Laura, Sundays at 5 PM, on the TFB campus through September October 6

Experience--an alternative worship event, Every couple of months or so

Eating together--some planned, some unplanned

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
UPCOMING EVENTS

Hermen Who? through October 6, Sundays, 5 pm, “Friends in Christ” room
Lunch, Sunday, September 15, noonish, location to be announced (any ideas?)
40 Days of Purpose kick-off event, October 12, 10 am

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

8:45 am Worship--Worship Center
10:00 am Gathering—Young Adult room
5:00 pm Plain wRap—Friends in Christ room

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
THE GATHERING (A.K.A. Sunday School)

Walk . . . this way
Have mercy
Matthew 5:7 "God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy."

What exactly is mercy? A common definition is "getting what you do not deserve." That's not a bad def, but there is more. What does mercy mean when God commands us to do it? Basically, it's doing good stuff for people because they are people, made in God's image, not to get anything for yourself. So here's the assignment for the week: 1- take a piece of paper and make two columns; 2- in the first column write the names of everyone you meet on a regular basis (more than just in passing--people you actually talk with); 3- in the second column, list their needs--this is the toughy; 4- choose one or two and do something this week to fill their need--it should be tangible (in other words, don't choose to 'feel better' about the person--actually DO something for them!) and achievable (for example, if a friend owes money on their car, don't offer to pay it unless you actually have the cash in hand--unlikely, eh?--so, do something you CAN do!); 5- if possible, do this in secret!

Get a headstart on September 15-- Matthew 5:8 "God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God." Before God, this is inner (soul) righteousness. Here's the question: since we've moved to the other side of the mountain, where the beatitudes deal with our human relationships, what does it mean to be pure in heart with our friends and family???

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
PLAIN WRAP UPDATE:

Well, we have started our whirlwind tour of hermeneutics. Yesterday was Week One--who is hermen and how did he get here. We need hermeneutics because the bible was written at least 1900 years ago by people in a vastly different culture, and the events took place over a span of thousands of years, in many different countries. Knowing that, even in our time, you need context and rules to understand something (for instance is a boot footwear or the trunk of your car? depends on who you ask), we really need rules to understand the bible. Wanna see for yourself? Look up Galatians 5:24 in a bunch of translations and see how the word sarx (translated 'flesh' in King James and New American Standard) is translated.

Next study is September 15. Hermen Who? Week Two

Wanna prep for the study? Read II John. Write a big idea (a sentence stating what the letter is about). Then divide the letter into paragraphs (use the ones in your translation) and try to figure out how each paragraph relates to the big idea.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
FUNNIES

Rules of Etiquette for inexperienced Cats.

If you have an upset stomach get into a chair quickly. If you cannot manage this in time, get to an oriental rug. Or shag is good.

Determine quickly which guest hates cats. Sit on that lap during the evening. He wouldn't dare push you off, and will even call you "nice Kitty". If you can arrange to have cat food on your breath, so much the better.

For sitting on laps or rubbing against trouser legs select colors that contrast with your own.

Always accompany guests to the bathroom. It ’s not necessary to do anything, just sit and stare.

For guests who say "I love kitties" be ready with aloof disdain, claws applied to stockings or a quick nip on the ankles.

Do not allow closed doors in any room. To get one open, stand on hind legs and hammer with forepaws. Once the door is opened for you it is not necessary to use it. You can change your mind. When you have ordered an outside door opened, stand half in and half out and think about several things. This is particularly important during very cold weather or mosquito season.

If one person is busy and the other idle, sit with the busy one. For book readers get close under the chin unless you can lie across the book itself.

For ladies knitting, curl quietly into the lap and pretend to doze. Then reach out and slap knitting needles sharply. This is what she calls a dropped stitch. She will try to distract you. Ignore it.

For People doing homework, sit on the paper being worked on. After being removed for the second time, push anything moveable off the table, i.e., pens, pencils, stamps etc. one at a time.

Get enough sleep during the daytime so that you are fresh for playing at night between 2-4am.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
KNOW GOD--RESOURCES FOR WALKING THE WALK

Read about today's culture from a Christian perspective...

Relevant Magazine

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

WHAT GOES ON AT YAM?

The Gathering--a gathering of young adults trying to figure out how to make God look good 24/7, Sundays at 10 AM, on the TFB campus, in the Young Adult room

Plain wRap--a pencil and paper, bible and brain bible study led by Laura, Sundays at 5 PM, on the TFB campus through September October 6

Experience--an alternative worship event, Every couple of months or so

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

UPCOMING EVENTS
Hermen Who? September 8 to October 6, Sundays, 5 pm, “Friends in Christ” room
Lunch, Sunday, September 15, noonish, location to be announced (any ideas?)
What’s happening on October 12? Forty days of purpose—or was that porpoise!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

THE GATHERING (A.K.A. Sunday School)

Walk . . . this way
Now it’s time to get practical!

Get a headstart on September 8! Read Matthew 5:7-10 and start thinking about some practical ways to actually live out your love for God.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

PLAIN WRAP UPDATE:

Next study is September 8. Hermen Who? Week One

Wanna prep for the study? Get lots of rest… OK, for those of you who want something a bit more substantive, think about this: how many ways can you interpret the phrase, “Mary had a little lamb.” (think outside the box)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
KNOW GOD--RESOURCES FOR WALKING THE WALK

The Discipline of Silence, and more

At College Briefing this past weekend we experienced the Discipline of Silence. If you would like to know more about the Discipline of Silence, or other spiritual disciplines, check out the resource at Water’s Edge .
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

WHAT GOES ON AT YAM?

The Gathering--a gathering of young adults trying to figure out how to make God look good 24/7, Sundays at 10 AM, on the TFB campus, in the Young Adult room

Plain wRap--a pencil and paper, bible and brain bible study led by Laura, Sundays at 5 PM, at Pastor Charlie's

Experience--an alternative worship event, Every couple of months or so

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK

NEWSFLASH!!!!!!!!!!!!! Tom Witherill joins the YAM team (hey, Tom, how about a bio next week?)

The Gathering—The Mighty Meek
Plain wRap—Wrapping up the Dangerous Gospel
Know God— Praying around the world

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

UPCOMING EVENTS

College Briefing at Forest Home, August 30-September 2

Hermen Who? September 8 to October 6, Sundays, 5 pm, “Friends in Christ” room

What’s happening on October 12? Forty days of purpose—or was that porpoise?

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
THE GATHERING (A.K.A. Sunday School)

Walk . . . this way
The Mighty Meek
Matthew 5:5 NASB "Blessed are the gentle/humble/meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”

What’s it mean to be meek, anyhow? Does it mean you’re the type of person who let’s people kick sand in your face at the beach? Does is mean going along with what everyone else believes? Well, not exactly! Two people are called ‘meek’ in the bible. The first is Moses (Numbers 12:3). You know, the murderer, talking face to face with God, leading millions of complaining Hebrews through the wilderness Moses. The second is Jesus (Matthew 11:29). This is the Jesus who womped the money changers in the temple court, made the Pharisees so mad that they had him killed, had Roman centurions recognizing him as a man of authority, and had gruff ol’ Peter pleading, “Get away from me for I am a sinful man.” Not exactly Herman Milquetoast.

Meek is doing what God wants, even when it’s not what you want. It’s submission. How do you get there? First, recognize that you’re messed up—the bible calls this ‘poor in spirit’ (Matthew 5:3). Second, shed some tears over your broken condition—the bible calls this ‘mourning’ (Matthew 5:4). Then, after you have realized your own desperate need, you’re ready to bow before Jesus, the Master. Or you could take Jonah’s route—run the other way, get on a ship that ends up in a huge storm, have the sailors through you overboard because the whole storm is your fault, get swallowed by a big fish, spend three days there, get barfed up on shore, and end up going where God wanted you to go anyway. Make’s realizing your brokenness and repenting sound a lot better, eh?

Wanna get a headstart on August 25? Read Matthew 5:6 and ask, “What am I really hungry for?”

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

PLAIN WRAP UPDATE for August 18, 2002

Well, Stephen turned the tables. After 50 verses rehearsing Israel’s checkered history, he spins around, pointing his finger at the collective chest of the Sanhedrin, and accuses them of blasphemy and of killing the Messiah! Ouch! The got a bit upset—duh! Then the topper, Stephen has a vision of Jesus, standing in heaven at the right hand of God. That was over the top. Without announcing a verdict, the Jerusalem court rushes Stephen outside the city, and stones him. All the while, Stephen has his eyes on Jesus. . . “receive my spirit . . . forgive them.” Then he falls asleep (what a way to describe the death of someone who just had basketball sized rocks thrown on them). What’s the point of it all? The gospel is dangerous. When you stand up and speak it for what it is—that God came as a human, lived, died, and rose from death to pay for our sins—it forces people to make a choice: reject (like the Jerusalem court) or accept (like the thousands of Jews, Samaritans, and Gentiles who come to trust Christ in the remainder of the book of Acts). Here’s something to think about: which is harder? Living for Jesus or dying for Jesus?

Next study is August 25. Acts 7 – Wrapping up the Dangerous Gospel

We’ll take a look back at Stephen’s whole speech—what made his gospel dangerous? What happened next?

Wanna prep for the study? Read Acts 6-8. How would you answer the question, “What’s the big deal about Stephen?”

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
KNOW GOD--RESOURCES FOR WALKING THE WALK

Praying around the world

Here’s an online resource from Operation World to help you pray for our brothers and sisters around the world.

There are still two spots open for College Briefing!!

What goes on at YAM?

The Gathering--a gathering of young adults trying to figure out how to make God look good 24/7
Sundays at 10 AM, on the TFB campus, in the Young Adult room

Plain wRap--a pencil and paper, bible and brain bible study
Sundays at 5 PM, at Pastor Charlie's for the summer

Experience--an alternative worship event
Every couple of months or so

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The Gathering

August 4 review

Walk . . . this way
What does it mean to be poor in spirit?
Matthew 5:3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Part of the human condition (at least post-Eden) is a decided bent towards self-worship. One of the results of this is a fear of telling ourselves the truth about ourselves--of admitting to God and to ourselves how truly messed up we are. The mess inside our soul should be no surprise! I mean, that's why Jesus came, lived, died, and rose from death, right? The challenge this week is to take some time alone with God and fill a sheet of paper with your Searching Moral Inventory. When you've filled the page with all the ways you're messed up, talk honestly with God. Recognize how poor you really are. After you've talked with God about it, share your Searching Moral Inventory with someone you trust...someone who won't blab it all over town...someone who won't be shocked.

Wanna get a headstart for Sunday, August 11?

Next week we look at Matthew 5:4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."
Here's something to think about: What are your regrets? How have you responded to them?
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Plain wRap

Up next on August 11: Acts 7: 44-50

Wanna prep for the study?

Read the passage and note the geography, the main characters, and the storyline. Then think about what God may have been telling the Jewish
leaders who were listening to Stephen preach.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Know God--resources for walking the walk

Every Christian has a gift to be used to build up the body of Christ. Ever wondered about your gift(s)? Check out Elmer Town's spiritual gift survey. It only takes a few minutes.

No Plain wRap on August 4--we're going to see the Sparks (meet at 5 pm at TFB)--all tickets are sold.

The Gathering--a gathering of young adults trying to figure out how to make God look good 24/7
Sundays at 10 AM, on the TFB campus, in the Young Adult room

Plain wRap--a pencil and paper, bible and brain bible study
Sundays at 5 PM, at Pastor Charlie's for the summer

Experience--an alternative worship event
Every couple of months or so

UPCOMING EVENTS (sign up in the TFB patio Sunday morning)
Sparks Third Annual Gospel Sunday, Staples Center, LA Sparks vs. Utah Starzz, Sunday, August 4, Cost: $12; meet at 5 pm at TFB)

College Briefing at Forest Home, August 30-September 2
Cost: $165; Financial Aid is available; Speaker--Alistar Begg (he's awesome!)

To sign up for the weekly YAM eNews, send an email to lkspringer@hotmail.com (Oh, and make the subject really clear… I get a lot of junk)

Welcome to the Young Adult Minstry website of Torrance First Baptist.

tfbcollege

General Links

Contact Links

Blog Archive

Who visits?

Creative Commons