YAM eNews Week of September 28, 2003
If you would like to contribute to the YAM eNews, send an email to tfbyam1@hotmail.com.
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IN THE eNEWS THIS WEEK
REGULAR HAPPENINGS—Worship, Eat, The Gathering, Bible Study
NEWS ALERT!!!—TFB Mission-Vision-Values discussion October 7
TANA’S TRIPS--Hello Sunny America!
ON THE WEB—Why it’s impossible to tickle yourself:
WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL—Colossians 1:15-17
STUDYING ROMANS WITH PASTOR CHARLIE
NUGGETS FROM THE SDGs
YAM SERVICE TEAM—Forget the application, just talk to Laura
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REGULAR HAPPENINGS—Worship, Eat, The Gathering, Bible Study
WORSHIP @ 8:45 am—Main Worship Center
EATING TOGETHER, 4th Sunday @ 11:45 am
Next EATING TOGETHER is October 26
Usually at Joe’s Crab Shack
(and, yes, they have MEAT!)
SDGs (SPIRITUAL DISCUSSION GROUPS)
The Gathering @ 10 am—YAM room
Current Study: “What not to wear” Colossians 3:1-17, led by Laura and Tom
An online summary is available weekly at http://tfbyam.blogspot.com/
Bible Study @ 7:30 pm on Tuesdays—YAM room
Current Study: How it all began... Genesis 1-11
NEXT SERIES: The Kingdom of Heaven is like… (starts October 14)
An online summary is available weekly at http://tfbyam.blogspot.com/
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NEWS ALERT!!!—TFB Mission-Vision-Values discussion October 7
On Tuesday, October 7 (((at 7 PM--NOTE TIME))), YAM Bible Study will not meet. Instead, we will be attending the Mission-Vision-Values discussion with Pastor Charlie and Pastor Rog. Pick up a copy of the Mission-Vision-Values this Tuesday or on Sunday, and be prepared.
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TANA’S TRIPS--Hello Sunny America!
It has been a long time since I have written. Months actually. I have really enjoyed my time downunder. I only am here another 2 1/2 months, so I really have to make the most of it! Since October is right here, I am already going into my second month of spring, Aussies switch seasons on the 1st of the month. I have already had some really hot weather, around 90, with a humidity of 73.
I have had to change my walking route to church because the magpie birds attack humans during their nesting season, and boy do they attack! I was walking along, minding my own business, which is pretty easy to do when you have 40 mins to walk, when out of nowhere this bird flies down, and swoops right past my ear. So close I could hear the 'wind beneath its wings,' to quote Mariah Carrey. Then, it turns around and does the same thing again. Now, at this point, I am getting a bit mad. I turn around, look that bird straight in the eye, for by this point it had laned on the ground behind me, and asked it if it wanted to get beat. I kept right on walking, backwards mind you, and told that bird that if it did that again, I would catch in my jacket and shake it up like a shake-n-bake chicken. Needless to say, it stopped attacking me, that time. But from then on out, I decided it might be wiser for me to walk a different way. Who wants the reputation of the walking backwards, sweating like a pig, talking to a bird girl? Not me.
School and church have been going well. I really enjoy what I am learning about the entertainment industry. I even get to go see a taping of Wheel of Fortune. It may not sound that interesting, but for a girl who barely gets out of a 5km area, its going to be exciting. I was able to fly up to Queensland and see Daniel and Allison Felton last week. That was great fun. They live right across the street from the beach, but I never got that far. We spent too much time talking.
Well, I best get going. I have been busy all day, have to be at church at 7:15 tomorrow morning, and have a party I must prepare for. Hope you are all doing well and can't wait to see many of you over the Christmas break.
Sincerely yours,
Tana Rice
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ON THE WEB—Why it’s impossible to tickle yourself:
Read the article here
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WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL—Colossians 1:15-17
15 Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before God made anything at all and is supreme over all creation. 16 Christ is the one through whom God created everything in heaven and earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can't see—kings, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities. Everything has been created through him and for him. 17 He existed before everything else began, and he holds all creation together.
Think about the different ways Jesus is portrayed. Check out the beliefnet.com “Jesus” page for some ideas.
How do the world’s notions compare with Paul’s description in Colossians 1?
How do your notions compare?
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STUDYING ROMANS WITH PASTOR CHARLIE
The Christian View of Life, part 23
LET GOD BE GOD!
Romans 9:1-33
MAJOR THEMES IN ROMANS
Sin – why we need salvation
Salvation – how to be saved.
Sanctification – how to grow.
Sovereignty – the basis of God’s salvation.
Service – how to serve God.
Overview
Romans 9 – Israel’s past and the basis of God’s choices.
Romans 10 – Israel’s present and how God gives everyone the opportunity to be
saved.
Romans 11 – Israel’s future and God’s faithfulness to His promises.
SOVEREIGNTY – God’s absolute right to govern all things as he chooses, without any limitations imposed by circumstances or human choices.
“I’m absolutely convinced that nothing – nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable – absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.” Romans 8:38,39 (The Message)
SOME SPECIAL PRIVILEGES OF BEING A JEW, THE CHOSEN PEOPLE
God adopted them to be his own children. (v.4)
God revealed His own glory to them. (v.4)
God personally made covenants with them (v.4)
God gave them His Law. (v.4)
God equipped them to properly worship Him. (v.4)
God made promises to them. (v.4)
God produced among them great men of faith. (v.5)
God chose their race through which the Messiah comes to save the world. (v.5)
WHAT GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY MEANS FOR JEWS AND GENTILES ALIKE
GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY MEANS THAT SALVATION IS BASED ON GOD’S GRACE NOT OUR RACE. (v.6, 7)
Romans 2:28
Romans 3:9, 29
Romans 4:16
Romans 10:12
GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY MEANS SALVATION IS BASED ON GOD’S PROMISE NOT OUR PREFERENCE. (v. 8.9)
GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY MEANS SALVATION IS BASED ON GOD’S PROVIDENCE NOT OUR PERFORMANCE. (v.10-13)
Ephesians 2:8,9
Malachi 1:2-3
GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY MEANS SALVATION IS BASED ON GOD’S MERCY, NOT OUR MERIT. (v.14-18)
Titus 3:5
GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY MEANS HIS WAYS ARE NOT LIMITED TO OUR WAYS. (v.19ff)
Isaiah 55:8,9
John 1:10-12
"You can loose your soul denying the sovereignty of God but you can lose your mind trying to understand the sovereignty of God."
“…He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish,
but everyone to come to repentance.”
2 Peter 3:9 NIV)
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NUGGETS FROM THE SDGs
[more is available at http://tfbyam.blogspot.com/]
The Gathering… Leading a Bible Study Part III
Led by Jonathan Pribble
This week we discussed the third and final chapter of the “Leading a Bible Study” study. The topic this week was preparation for leading and the actual leading of a Bible Discussion group. The first step in preparing to lead a Bible study is to determine a set of objectives and write an outline based on these objectives. The objectives and outline provide guidance for the discussion and allow for the evaluation of progress while discussing.
The next step in preparation is to develop discussion questions to provoke further thought. Observational questions ask what the passage says outright. Interpretational questions ask what the passage means. Correlation questions ask how individual verses in the passage are interrelated. Application questions are the ultimate goal of Bible study and ask how the passage’s truths can be used in day-to-day life. Application questions should be asked often throughout the study.
Finally, it will be time to actually lead the study. When leading a discussion, the lesson plan should be used to guide the discussion but it is not necessary to stick to it verbatim if a relevant question is brought up. If, however, a tangential question is mentioned, it is best to save discussion for after the main objectives have been met. It’s best to use the question cycle for each section rather than a large chunk of scripture. Questions should be thought provoking and should only have one part. When the study is finished, the chapter should be summarized and the main points highlighted. Close in prayer and preview the next week with a question or homework.
This week’s homework is to read Colossians, then write headlines for the paragraphs in Colossians 3:1-17.
- Jonathan Pribble
TUESDAY BIBLE STUDY-- The book of Beginnings: Genesis 1-11
September 23, we looked at Genesis 10-11 (focusing on 11:1-9).
Observation: What it says.
- Chapter 10 is another fascinating genealogy, this time with a few stories mixed in—which is the reason we need to at least skim the genealogies: we might miss something! In this case the first Nimrod, the beginnings of the Canaanite nations, and a blurb about Peleg (read 10:25 and ask yourself what it means by “in his time the earth was divided”).
- Genesis 11:1-9 is about the famous tower of Babel. “Babel” means “gate of god” in Assyrian and “confusion” in Hebrew. Read the story to find out why.
- Verses 1-9 have an idea sandwich; the same phrase/idea is at the beginning, middle, and end of the paragraph (see verses 10:32; 11:1; 11:9). This is an excellent clue to the point of the passage.
- Read through verses 1-9, and notice the characters and the plot.
Interpretation: What it means.
- Why do you think God has such an issue with them staying at Babel?
Correlation: How if fits.
- Read Genesis 1:28; 9:1, 7, 19; Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8
- Describe God's valuing of scattering and variety.
Application: Our response.
- What might God's valuing of scattering and variety imply for the way we do ministry?
- For the way we live our lives?
Spend some time talking with God about how he wants you to respond to his Word.
September 30 we’ll look at Genesis 11:10-12:3 (focusing on 12:1-3 The Call of Abram—Read up)
--Laura
NOTE: As always, there is way more on the web, so check it out: http://tfbyam.blogspot.com
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YAM SERVICE TEAM—Forget the application, just talk to Laura
Alright, so Laura is a slow learner. I’m guessing from the fact that not one application has been turned in that the application was a bit too long :-). Sorry. If you want to have a hand in shaping YAM, talk to Laura. How’s that?
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YAM eNews Week of September 21, 2003
If you would like to contribute to the YAM eNews, send an email to tfbyam1@hotmail.com.
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IN THE eNEWS THIS WEEK
REGULAR HAPPENINGS—Worship, Eat, The Gathering, Communal Discovery
WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL
STUDYING ROMANS WITH PASTOR CHARLIE
NUGGETS FROM THE SDGs
YAM SERVICE TEAM—Applications due September 21
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REGULAR HAPPENINGS—Worship, Eat, The Gathering, Communal Discovery
WORSHIP @ 8:45 am—Main Worship Center
EATING TOGETHER, 4th Sunday @ 11:45 am
Next EATING TOGETHER is September 28
Now taking restaurant recommendations…
SDGs (SPIRITUAL DISCUSSION GROUPS)
The Gathering @ 10 am—YAM room
Current Study: “Leading a Bible Study Part II: How to Study” taught by Jonathan Pribble
An online summary is available weekly at http://tfbyam.blogspot.com/
Communal Discovery @ 7:30 pm on Tuesdays—YAM room
Current Study: How it all began... Genesis 1-11
An online summary is available weekly at http://tfbyam.blogspot.com/
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WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL
Colossians 3:12-14
12Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13You must make allowance for each other's faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are all called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
Last week we looked at what not to wear. This week, we look at what to wear. The believer’s new wardrobe is made up of stuff we develop from hanging out with Jesus. This new set of clothes equips us to live with fellow believers, even when they’re not being “nice,” the clothes help us to be mature—complete—in our faith, and the clothes help us to have Jesus’ peace as the arbitrator in our hearts.
How is your relationship with you fellow believers? Do have some unfinished conflicts that you just can’t seem to leave behind? Maybe they’re valid conflicts. People really do hurt us and they really do wrong things. So, how can we set these conflicts down and leave them down? Paul says the answer is being who we are. Putting on the clothes that really are ours.
Spend a few minutes taking an attitude inventory. Talk with Jesus about your attitude and about the stuff you’re having trouble putting down. Remember, he loves you more than you realize and he is the one who gives you that new wardrobe.
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STUDYING ROMANS WITH PASTOR CHARLIE
The Christian View of Life, part 22
GOD IS FOR US!
Romans 8:31-39
Pastor Charlie
GRACE MEANS I CAN ALWAYS COUNT ON GOD’S POWER.(v.31)
1 John 4:4
Philippians 4:13
I John 5:18
GRACE MEANS I CAN ALWAYS COUNT ON GOD’S PROVISION. (v.32)
Psalm 37:4
Psalm 84:11
Philippians 4:19
1 Peter 1:7
GRACE MEANS I CAN ALWAYS COUNT ON GOD’S PROTECTION. (v.33)
Revelation 12:10
1 John 2:1,2
GRACE MEANS I CAN ALWAYS COUNT ON GOD’S PARDON. (v.34)
1 Peter 3:18
GRACE MEANS I CAN ALWAYS COUNT ON GOD’S PRESENCE. (v.35-38)
John 10:28,29
GRACE MEANS GOD IS FOR US!
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NUGGETS FROM THE SDGs
[more detail is available at http://tfbyam.blogspot.com/]
The Gathering… Leading a Bible Study Part I: Studying the Bible
Led by Jonathan Pribble
Today we looked at a passage study using Acts 17:10-15.
There are four steps:
1. Where and when is the passage set?
2. What is the context?
3. Who is involved?
4. What nearby passages are relevant?
5. What’s the moral of the story? What’s the point?
Here are some resources:
1. Commentary
2. Concordance
3. The Internet (check the YAM website for some useful links)
4. The Word itself (here’s where a regular habit of bible reading comes in. The more you read, the more the Spirit can bring relevant passages to mind.)
TUESDAY COMMUNAL DISCOVERY-- The book of Beginnings: Genesis 1-11
September 16, we looked at Genesis 9 (focusing on 9:8-29).
Observation: What it says.
- There are two stories in this passage. The first (9:9-17), deals with the covenant God made with humans and all creatures.
- The second story (9:18-29), deals with a very strange incident.
- Some historical stuff: Shem is the father of the Semites (that’s basically Hebrews and Arabs). Japheth is the father of the Indo-Europeans (that’s your basic white folk, basically, but not really white). Ham is the father of the Cushites, Egyptians, and Canaanites (yes, the Canaanites, into whose land the wandering Hebrews—the original audience of Genesis—were preparing to enter… hmmmm).
Interpretation: What it means.
- Read over the passage again.
- What do these stories tell you about God? What do these stories tell you about God’s dealings with people? What does it tell you about the direction of God’s plan?
- Think about Ham’s behavior and Noah’s reaction. Why might Noah announce a curse on Ham’s son, Canaan, rather than on Ham? On the face of it, this seems a bit unfair. Look a bit further. What do we learn about Ham’s character from his behavior towards his father? What kind of man is he? What kind of father is he? If the curse is made by Noah—if his speaking the curse causes the curse—this is unfair. On the other hand, if Noah is simply announcing the logical result of Ham’s flawed character, then the curse makes sense.
Application: Our response.
- During their wandering, the Hebrews following Moses made the choice not to enter the land because they were afraid of the people (Numbers 13). The result? Wandering in the wilderness for forty years.
- During the wandering, Moses disobeyed God by striking the rock instead of talking to it as God had commanded (Numbers 20). The result? Moses was not allowed to enter the Promised Land.
- Ham lived a life that tended away from God. The result? His entire family tended away from God and, in the end, the Canaanites were condemned by God (Deuteronomy 20).
- How do you go about making moral choices? Do you look only to today and how good something will feel? Whether it is choosing whether to drink or what major to take, take the long look. Every choice has consequences.
Spend some time talking with God about how he wants you to respond to his Word.
Next week we’ll look at Genesis 10:1-11:9 (focusing on 11:1-9 The Tower of Babel—Read up)
Get a headstart. Spend one of your personal worship times reading over Genesis 10:1-11:9.
--Laura
NOTE: As always, there is way more on the web, so check it out: http://tfbyam.blogspot.com
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YAM SERVICE TEAM—Applications due September 21
YAM Service Team Applications have been delivered. Applications are due Sunday, September 21, 2003. If you are interested in serving on the team, either in YAM or elsewhere in TFB, be sure to fill out an application.
In his letter to the Ephesian believers, Paul reminded them that the ministry happens in the members:
“He [Jesus] is the one who gave these gifts to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ, until we come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God's Son that we will be mature and full grown in the Lord, measuring up to the full stature of Christ.” Ephesians 4:11-13 NLT
In other words, it is the job of every believer to be part of a community and to use their gift(s) to help make the community more like Jesus. How can you use your gifts to make YAM more like Jesus?
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YAM eNews Week of September 14, 2003
If you would like to contribute to the YAM eNews, send an email to tfbyam1@hotmail.com.
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IN THE eNEWS THIS WEEK
REGULAR HAPPENINGS—Worship, Eat, The Gathering, Communal Discovery
WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL
STUDYING ROMANS WITH PASTOR CHARLIE
NUGGETS FROM THE SDGs
YAM SERVICE TEAM—Applications due September 21
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REGULAR HAPPENINGS—Worship, Eat, The Gathering, Communal Discovery
WORSHIP @ 8:45 am—Main Worship Center
EATING TOGETHER, 4th Sunday @ 11:45 am
Next EATING TOGETHER is September 28
Now taking restaurant recommendations…
SDGs (SPIRITUAL DISCUSSION GROUPS)
The Gathering @ 10 am—YAM room
Current Study: “How to lead a bible study” taught by Jonathan Pribble
An online summary is available weekly at http://tfbyam.blogspot.com/
Communal Discovery @ 7:30 pm on Tuesdays—YAM room
Current Study: How it all began... Genesis 1-11
An online summary is available weekly at http://tfbyam.blogspot.com/
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WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL
Colossians 3:5-11
(5)So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual sin, impurity, lust, and shameful desires. Don't be greedy for the good things of this life, for that is idolatry. (6)God's terrible anger will come upon those who do such things. (7)You used to do them when your life was still part of this world. (8)But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. (9)Don't lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old evil nature and all its wicked deeds.
(10)In its place you have clothed yourselves with a brand-new nature that is continually being renewed as you learn more and more about Christ, who created this new nature within you. (11)In this new life, it doesn't matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.
This passage reminds me of The Learning Channel show “What Not to Wear”. Verses 5-9 is like the first part of the show, where Wayne and Stacey come out and tell the person all the things they should not wear. Verses 10-11 are like the second part of the show when the “victim” gets the wardrobe rules.
Get out a piece of paper. Make two columns. Label the first column, “what not to wear” and label the second column “wardrobe rules.” Now, read through the passage and fill in the columns.
Think about your daily life—what you put into your soul via the media, how you act, what you dwell on. Which column do you live in most of the time? The “what not to wear” column or the “wardrobe rules” column.
Spend a few minutes talking to God about your list.
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STUDYING ROMANS WITH PASTOR CHARLIE
September 14, 2003
The Christian View of Life, part 21
GOD'S PURPOSE FOR MY LIFE
Romans 8:28-31
GOD’S PROMISE IS TO USE EVERYTHING IN MY LIFE IN SUCH A WAY THAT IT CULMINATES IN WHAT IS BEST FOR ME. (v.28)
This verse does NOT say:
“All things are good”.
“All things work out the way I want them to”.
“All things have a happy ending here on earth.
Genesis 42: 36 versus Genesis 45:5
GOD’S PURPOSE IS TO COMPLETELY CHANGE ME INTO CHRIST-LIKENESS. (v.29)
Genesis 1:26,27
Primary tools God uses to change me:
1. God uses the Bible
John 17:17
2 Corinthians 3:18
2. God uses my circumstances.
James 1:2-4
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
GOD’S PROCESS OF CHANGE STARTS AND ENDS WITH HIM. (v.29,30)
Foreknowledge: God knew all about you in advance and committed Himself to you.
Predestination: God decided in advance to change you into Christ-likeness.
Philippians 1:6
Called: God invites you to be saved.
Justified: God declares you legally guiltless – just-as-if-I’d never sinned.
Glorified: God completely and permanently transforms you into His image.
1 John 3:2
MY RESPONSE IS AN ATTITUDE OF CONFIDENCE IN GOD. (v.31)
1. Trust God with my life and future.
2. Submit to God’s plan and will.
3. Choose Contentment.
1 Timothy 6:6-8
4. Express thankfulness and praise to God.
5. Adopt a teachable spirit.
“And now, all glory to God, who is able to keep you (me) from stumbling, and who will bring you (me) into his glorious presence innocent of sin and with great joy. All glory to him, who alone is God our (my) Savior, through Jesus Christ our (my) Lord. Yes, glory, majesty, power, and authority belong to him. In the beginning, now, and forevermore. Amen. Jude v.24,25 (NLT)
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NUGGETS FROM THE SDGs
[more detail is available at http://tfbyam.blogspot.com/]
The Gathering… Leading a Bible Study Part I: Studying the Bible
Led by Jonathan Pribble
Why study the bible? II Timothy 3:16-17
Verses on the Word of God
Psalms 33:4; 119:9, 11, 89, 105; Proverbs 30:5; Isaiah 40:8; Mark 4:1-20; Luke 8:21; John 5:24; Acts 9:30-35; 10:44; 12:24; 17:11; Romans 10:8; II Thessalonians 3:1; II Timothy 2:15; 4:2; Hebrews 4:12; 5:12; I John 2:14
Tuesday Communal Discovery… September 9 we looked at Genesis 8-9, focusing on 8:20-9:7.
Observation: What it says.
- First, some context. What happens before this passage? Look at 8:1-20. What happens after this passage? Read the rest of chapter 9. It’s a doozie.
- The narrative. The story in this passage is simple. Noah builds an altar and offers sacrifice (8:20). God smells the aroma of the sacrifice and makes a decision (8:21). After making this decision, God blesses Noah and his sons, and speaks to them (9:1).
- The dialogue. This is not simple. There are two bits of dialogue: 8:21b-22 and 9:1b-7. The bit of dialogue in chapter 8 contains the content of God’s decision. The bit in chapter 9 contains the content of God’s blessing. Spend a few minutes reading these two bits of dialogue.
Interpretation: What it means.
- God’s response to Noah’s sacrifice is similar to God’s response to Noah’s righteousness in 6:1-7. In chapter 6, God had decided to wipe out everything on the earth, but Noah found favor, resulting in God’s saving Noah, Noah’s family, and every kind of animal. Here God smells Noah’s sacrifice—he sees Noah’s “godwardness” and decides that he will not destroy the earth again, even though humanity remains intent on godlessness.
- The continuing existence of natural systems gives evidence that God is sticking by his decision not to destroy the earth.
- God’s blessing of Noah and his sons contains both responsibility and provision.
Application: Our response.
1) God’s favor toward even one person can greatly affect the world around that person.
2) God is faithful to his decisions.
3) God expects his people to live out the blessing—to fill the earth with God-fearing community and to respect life, especially human life.
Spend some time talking with God about how he wants you to respond to his Word.
Next week we’ll look at Genesis 9 (focusing on verses 8-29)
Get a headstart. Spend one of your personal worship times reading over Genesis 9.
NOTE: As always, there is way more on the web, so check it out: http://tfbyam.blogspot.com
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YAM SERVICE TEAM—Applications due September 21
YAM Service Team Applications have been delivered. Applications are due Sunday, September 21, 2003. If you are interested in serving on the team, either in YAM or elsewhere in TFB, be sure to fill out an application.
In his letter to the Ephesian believers, Paul reminded them that the ministry happens in the members:
“He [Jesus] is the one who gave these gifts to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ, until we come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God's Son that we will be mature and full grown in the Lord, measuring up to the full stature of Christ.” Ephesians 4:11-13 NLT
In other words, it is the job of every believer to be part of a community and to use their gift(s) to help make the community more like Jesus. How can you use your gifts to make YAM more like Jesus?
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YAM eNews Week of September 7, 2003
If you would like to contribute to the YAM eNews, send an email to tfbyam1@hotmail.com.
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IN THE eNEWS THIS WEEK
REGULAR HAPPENINGS
WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL
STUFF FROM THE WEB
HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE
STUDYING WITH PASTOR CHARLIE—DEALING WITH THE TRAGEDIES OF LIFE
NUGGETS FROM THE SDGs
YAM SERVICE TEAM—Applications due September 21
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REGULAR HAPPENINGS
WORSHIP @ 8:45 am—Main Worship Center
EATING TOGETHER, 4th Sunday @ 11:45 am
Next EATING TOGETHER is September 28
Now taking restaurant recommendations…
SDGs (SPIRITUAL DISCUSSION GROUPS)
The Gathering @ 10 am—YAM room
Current Study: "Seeing God in The Matrix" taught by Tom
NEXT WEEK: “How to lead a bible study” taught by Jonathan Pribble
An online summary is available weekly at http://tfbyam.blogspot.com/
Communal Discovery @ 7:30 pm on Tuesdays—YAM room
Current Study: How it all began... Genesis 1-11
An online summary is available weekly at http://tfbyam.blogspot.com/
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WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL
Colossians 3:1-4 Msg
So if you're serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ--that's where the action is. See things from his perspective. Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life--even though invisible to spectators--is with Christ in God. He is your life. When Christ (your real life, remember) shows up again on this earth, you'll show up, too--the real you, the glorious you. Meanwhile, be content with obscurity, like Christ.
What fills your thoughts? Up stuff or down stuff? If you have trusted Jesus for salvation, do your choices match who you really are? Tom talked a lot about reality, belief, and knowledge. It applies here. The reality is that if you have trusted Jesus for salvation, you are a new person and you have been resurrected with him—even though it’s REALLY tough to see down here. You believe or you would not be a believer; you have taken that first step. Now about knowledge. Paul is not talking about intellectual knowledge here—though intellectual knowledge is important. He is talking about relational knowledge. He says that our life—our real life—is kept safe with Christ in God. In other words, living out this resurrection life is a direct result of living life with Jesus… hmmm…
So, look at the questions again. What fills your thoughts? Up stuff or down stuff? If you have trusted Jesus for salvation, do your choices match who you really are?
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STUFF FROM THE WEB
Damah Film Festival
Emergent Village—stuff on the Emerging Church
.pdf rendering of a bike crash—my question, “How did he figure all this out?”
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HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE
There are three steps (well, four, sort of)
There are a few things to remember about Bible study. First, it is a lot like English class, because you are studying literature. God chose to speak to us in literature, so that’s what we have. Second, it is a lot like History class because you are studying ancient literature, from a time and culture and language far different from your own. Third, any one can do it. God gave us his Word in a format we would understand. Now, there are many levels of complexity—from basic to unbelievably complicated—but the basic steps remain the same. Bottom line? We study the Bible because in it God shows us who he is, who we are, and what his kingdom is like. We study it because we love God. Sometimes it is tedious, but if you are hunting for God in his book, it is NEVER boring. We might be boring, but God never is.
Now, on to the steps…
Step 0 (the “sort of” step, kind of a part of Step 1) Get a handle on the context.
- Historical (who wrote the book, the original audience, the culture of the day, what else was happening at the time)
- Literary (what type of writing is it? history, philosophy, drama, poetry, letter, wisdom, law)
NOTE: It’s a good idea to remind yourself of the context each time you study. Remember, the bible was written two-thousand years ago (at least) and in three different languages (none of which is English), by and to people from cultures very different from our own.
Now we turn to the passage you wish to study:
Step I: Observation—LOOK for:
- Purpose statements
- Repeated phrases
- The Point
- The characters
- The time and sequence (“once, then, now, will be, etc.”)
- Persons, places, ideas
- Logical connectives (“therefore, but, since, so, thus, because, for, that, etc.”)
- Verbs (past-present-future, active-passive, report-command-possibility)
- Nouns (actors, acted upon)
- Literary style of the passage (see above for list)
Step II: Interpretation
- LOOK back at the context
- ASK:
1. What DID it mean to the original audience?
2. What DOES it mean now?
- WRITE Truth Statements
NOTE: It is at this point—after doing your own study and thinking—that you check with commentaries and study bibles to: 1) find stuff you may have missed, 2) make sure you are not somewhere out in left field.
Step III: Application
- COMPARE today and then by asking, “How are we like them? How am I like them?”
- ASK: How will I/we respond? What will I/we know? How will I/we feel? What will I/we do?
- Put a time frame on your response—be specific.
- Laura
For more information, check out “Into Thy Word”
(which, despite the King James English in the title, is not at all King Jamesy, not that I’m anti-KJV, I like the KJV, and I’m not paranoid, really)
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STUDYING WITH PASTOR CHARLIE—DEALING WITH THE TRAGEDIES OF LIFE
September 7, 2003
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil; For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 23 NKJV
WHAT TO REMEMBER IN DARK VALLEYS
1. VALLEYS ARE INEVITABLE.
John 16:33
2. VALLEYS ARE UNPREDICTABLE.
Jeremiah 4:20
3. VALLEYS ARE IMPARTIAL.
Matthew 5:45
4. VALLEYS ARE TEMPORARY.
I Peter 1:6
2 Corinthians 4:17
5. VALLEYS ARE PURPOSEFUL.
1 Peter 1:7
Romans 8:28
WHAT TO DO IN DARK VALLEYS
1. REFUSE TO BE DISCOURAGED. “I will fear no evil.”
Colossians 1:11
2. REMEMBER THAT GOD IS WITH YOU. “For You are with me”
Isaiah 43:2
3. RELY ON GOD’S PROTECTION AND GUIDANCE.
“Your Rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
"The good man does not escape all troubles -- he has them too.
But the Lord helps him in each and every one."
Psalm 34:19 (LB)
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NUGGETS FROM THE SDGs
[more detail is available at http://tfbyam.blogspot.com/]
The Gathering… Tom wrapped up The Matrix today. Here’s some stuff to think about:
- Have evidence for what you believe; don’t just swallow it hook, line, and sinker
- Investigate the bible for yourself.
- Belief is the beginning place; obedience is the continuation of belief (Tom’s current favorite verse is John 8:31-32, “Jesus said to the people who believed in him, "You are truly my disciples if you keep obeying my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.")
Next week, we begin a new series. Jonathan Pribble will be leading a study on leading a study. Don’t miss it!!
Tuesday Communal Discovery… looked at Genesis 5-6, focusing on 6:9-22. Noah lived in a culture that was—by consensus of the Tuesday night group—a lot like Nevada: a culture full of hedonism and violence. Somehow, in the middle of this culture, with all its influences, Noah was able to remain righteous and blameless. How? Verse 9 gives us a clue: Noah walked with God. Noah’s life was not spiritually compartmentalized, shoving God into one area of life and keeping God out of the rest. Noah lived his life with God. This is a lot more than a 15-minute “quiet time” in the morning. This means taking God to work, onto the freeway, to math class, to parties, etc. How would your life change if you walked through life with God? Next week: Genesis 8:20-9:7.
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YAM SERVICE TEAM—Applications due September 21
YAM Service Team Applications have been delivered. Applications are due Sunday, September 21, 2003. If you are interested in serving on the team, either in YAM or elsewhere in TFB, be sure to fill out an application.
In his letter to the Ephesian believers, Paul reminded them that the ministry happens in the members:
“He [Jesus] is the one who gave these gifts to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ, until we come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God's Son that we will be mature and full grown in the Lord, measuring up to the full stature of Christ.” Ephesians 4:11-13 NLT
In other words, it is the job of every believer to be part of a community and to use their gift(s) to help make the community more like Jesus. How can you use your gifts to make YAM more like Jesus?
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YAM eNews Week of August 31, 2003
If you would like to contribute to the YAM eNews, send an email to tfbyam1@hotmail.com.
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IN THE eNEWS THIS WEEK
REGULAR HAPPENINGS
WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL
STUFF FROM THE WEB
STUDYING ROMANS WITH PASTOR CHARLIE
NUGGETS FROM THE SDGs
YAM SERVICE TEAM—Coming September 7
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REGULAR HAPPENINGS
WORSHIP @ 8:45 am—Main Worship Center
EATING TOGETHER, 4th Sunday @ 11:45 am
Next EATING TOGETHER is September 28
Now taking restaurant recommendations…
SDGs (SPIRITUAL DISCUSSION GROUPS)
The Gathering @ 10 am—YAM room
Current Study: "Seeing God in The Matrix" taught by Tom
An online summary is available weekly at http://tfbyam.blogspot.com/
Communal Discovery @ 8 pm on Tuesdays—YAM room
Current Study: How it all began... Genesis 1-11
An online summary is available weekly at http://tfbyam.blogspot.com/
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WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL
Colossians 3:16-17
Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use his words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, all the while giving thanks through him to God the Father.
This passage says that believers are to allow the Word to live in them in abundance, they are to use this Word to teach and counsel each other, and they are to let this word pour out of them in song and in a life that correctly represents Jesus.
Think through the past week. How are you doing at Christ’s representative? What’s getting in the way?
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STUFF FROM THE WEB
Free Journalism Training from the BBC
Nifty Map of the world at night—there actually are places with very little light pollution!
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STUDYING ROMANS WITH PASTOR CHARLIE
The notes from Sunday will be on the web later this week—the editor was at College Briefing having fun and being trounced by God (a good trouncing, but a trouncing nonetheless).
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NUGGETS FROM THE SDGs
[more detail is available at http://tfbyam.blogspot.com/]
The Gathering… took a week off for College Briefing. It returns Sunday, September 7.
Tuesday Communal Discovery… looked at Genesis 5-6, focusing on 6:1-8. This is a weird passage that has been argued about for centuries, but the main point remains: The culture of the time was—much like our own—really messed up. It was so bad that God said the inclination of human hearts was only evil all the time. Right in the middle of all this is Noah. Check out verse 8. Noah found favor with God. Somehow, despite the messed up culture, the inclination of Noah’s heart was toward God. Next week: Genesis 8:9-22.
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YAM SERVICE TEAM—Coming September 7
YAM Service Team Applications are just about ready to come off the press. If you’d like to step up to the plate and be part of the leadership team, start talking with God today, asking him what he might want you to do.
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