Week of October 31, 2004
Know the story…Be the people…Expand the Kingdom.
If you would like to contribute to the eNews or converse with the editor, send an email to tfbyam1@hotmail.com
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IN THE eNEWS THIS WEEK
REGULAR HAPPENINGS
THINK! – What does it take to grow?
MEMORIZE!!
BEING COMMUNITY—The Front Porch is a place to grow
BUILDING A FRONT PORCH…
REVIEWS—Put yours here…
SERMON NOTES—How We Help Each Other Grow
WHAT I SAY—Jesus and the Kingdom, by Stefanie M
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REGULAR HAPPENINGS
WORSHIP GATHERING @ 9:15 am—Main Worship Center
“COFFEE HOUSE” @ 10:30ish—TFB Courtyard
SUNDAY COLLEGIUM @ 11 am—TFB College Room
TUESDAY BIBLE STUDY @ 7:15-9:00 pm on Tuesdays— TFB College Room
Paul’s Letter to the Philippians
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THINK! – What does it take to grow?
Review memory verses and think back to what we’ve learned about love (John 13:35), disciple-making (Colossians 4:5), and belonging (Romans 12:5).
From what you’re learning, what do you think it takes to grow as a Christ-follower?
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MEMORIZE!!
THIS WEEK
The Front Porch is a place to grow: 1 Thessalonians 5:11
UPCOMING
The Front Porch is a place to serve together: Galatians 6:2
The Front Porch is a place to worship: Leviticus 23:3
SHOULD BE MEMORIZED
The Front Porch is all about Love: John 13:35
The Front Porch reaches out streetside: Colossians 4:5
On the Front Porch, it’s easy to belong: Romans 12:5
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BEING COMMUNITY—The Front Porch is a place to grow
October 31: The Front Porch is a place to grow, Deuteronomy 30:11-16
Core Truth: God has put his will in our very being; the community that obeys God’s will flourishes, while the community that disobeys God’s will fails.
v.11-14 You’ve got everything you need
v.15 This is serious
v.16 Three parts: love, walk, keep
Love: the tending of the will toward the good of the other.
Walk: the long term tendency of the will as seen in attitudes, behaviors, and emotions.
Keep: treasuring something to the extent that life is lived in conformity to that something.
Look back at your “Christ-follower” list (done in “THINK”).
What would you add?
What would you change?
Compare group and personal practice with your list. What grade (A-F) would you give?
TFB:
College Group:
Yourself:
November 7: The Front Porch is a place to serve together, Luke 10:25-37
November 14: The Front Porch is a place to worship, Psalm 22:23-29
November 21: Building the Front Porch
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BUILDING A FRONT PORCH…
A front porch is the transitional space between the personal/intimate space of the house and the public/social space of the street. It is a space where perfect strangers are free to interact and join in community, if only for a moment between sips of iced tea.
We’re working on two front porch projects:
1. A Front Porch event in December: bowling
2. A Front Porch space: creatively thinking about how we might help the 10:30 TFB "coffee time" to be a front porch space.
BELONGING ELEMENTS: WHAT HELPS PEOPLE FELL COMFORTABLE?
Sunken den
Raffle
College space downstairs
Incandescent lighting
Rocking chairs
Iced tea
Dog
Weber kettle
Leaving the space a bit dirty
Games
Banjo
Food
Beverages
CREATE/GATHER SOME GROW ELEMENTS:
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REVIEWS—Put yours here…
[This space left sadly blank…]
Here's how to do it:
- Give the movie/restaurant/TV show/whatever a rating of 1-5 stars (5 being best)
- Describe the story/style
- Explain your rating, why it was good or bad
- Send your review to tfbyam1@hotmail.com
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SERMON NOTES—How We Help Each Other Grow
Pastor Charlie
“From the very beginning, God decided that those who came to Him--
and all along He knew who would--should become like His Son…”
(Romans 8:29, LB).
“Encourage one another and build each other up…”
(1 Thessalonians 5:11, NIV).
WE HELP EACH OTHER GROW BY AFFIRMING EACH OTHER’S WORTH.
By showing ACCEPTANCE: Romans 15:7; Romans 14:10
By giving ATTENTION: Galatians 6:10
By showing AFFECTION: Romans 12:10
By showing APPRECIATION: 1 Thessalonians 5:12
WE HELP EACH OTHER GROW BY PRAYING FOR EACH OTHER’S GROWTH. Colossians 4:12; Ephesians 3:18-19; Hebrews 13:21; Romans 15:13; Ephesians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 3:5; Ephesians 3:16
WE CAN HELP EACH OTHER GROW BY ADMITTING OUR OWN MISTAKES. Ephesians 4:25
Benefits of honesty:
Emotional healing James 5:16
A fresh start Proverbs 28:13
Deeper fellowship 1 John 1:7
WE CAN HELP EACH OTHER GROW BY ENCOURAGING EACH OTHER’S DEVOTION. 1 Timothy 4:7; Romans 1:12
“Helping people become fully devoted followers of Christ”
Devotion to SHARING the good news of Christ with others
Devotion to MODELING Christ in all aspects of our lives
Devotion to ENGAGING in loving relationships with other believers
Devotion to SURRENDERING our lives joyfully to God
Devotion to SERVING God and others with our abilities and resources
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WHAT I SAY—Jesus and the Kingdom, by Stefanie M
Share the knowledge! It you’d like to contribute a paper to the eNews, send a copy to tfbyam1@hotmail.com. All topics considered!
Jesus enters his ministry during an interesting time in Jewish history. The Jews had already broken their initial covenant with God, and as a result were allowed to undergo exile by the Babylonians and the subsequent oppression by Rome. Throughout these difficult times, many prophets talked about the eschatological salvation of the Jews; in other words, of a future time when once again they would be given hope and freedom as the chosen people of the Kingdom of God.
When the Jews envisioned their savior, they pictured a strong, courageous warrior, someone who would lead them to a bloody victory against Rome. The savior would then bring righteousness and peace, as well as the reestablishment of a new covenant between Israel and God. This assumption is somewhat understandable, since the redeemer was prophesied to descend from the line of the heroic David. But surprisingly enough, the “savior” of the Jews appears unlike anything they expected, in the humble form of Jesus, the son of a simple carpenter from little Bethlehem. It is as a result of this sharp contrast of expectation versus reality that Jesus begins his ministry about the Kingdom of God. Jesus does in fact plan to bring about a new covenant for the people with God, but not as a warrior as the Jews had thought. Although many of the Jews were still waiting for their redeemer to come, it is the purpose of the Gospel of Matthew to declare that He- as well as the Kingdom of God- is in fact already here.
Matthew 13 is perhaps the best example of Jesus’ discourse about the Kingdom. It contains a number of parables spoken to the disciples and the crowds, all which are central to Jesus’ ministry and have the purpose of teaching something about the Kingdom. The first three parables all describe the Kingdom of heaven as a seed, whether simply as a “good” seed or as a mustard seed. This comparison shows how the Kingdom of God, meaning the knowledge of who Jesus is and the salvation He offers, will start off as discreet as a tiny mustard seed, but will later flourish and thrive as people learn the truth. Jesus also uses the parables of the seeds to indicate the different responses to his offer of the Kingdom. Some will hear the news and not understand it, because Satan will not allow them to, just as some seeds are thrown on the path and are gobbled up by birds. Others spring up quickly in joy at the news, just as a seed on rocky soil, but then wither and die quickly the first time they are faced with trials. Jesus gives other possible reactions as those “choked by weeds”- or the worries and busyness of life, and also the response compared to the seed in the good soil, which produced crops of plenty. Every listener to Jesus’ teachings falls into one of these categories. The Pharisees may perhaps be those “choked by weeds,” for they are so concerned with the Law that they fail to see the fulfillment of the Law who stands in front of them in the form of Jesus. Most of the disciples may be placed in the group described as the “seeds that landed on good soil,” for in time they recognize Jesus as the bringer of the Kingdom of God, and many sacrifice their lives in order to tell as many as possible the good news.
The final parable discussing the Kingdom in terms of seeds describes the Son of Man as a sower of good seed (the sons of the kingdom) in a field (the world). Then the enemy (Satan) plants weeds (“sons of the evil one”) among the good crops, which must remain until the harvest (end time). Jesus then ends the parable with His own victory as the Son of Man, who is in fact Jesus Himself, throws the weeds into the “fiery furnace.” Jesus uses this parable to teach that He, the Son of Man, is the one who will reap victory in the end, just as prophesied. However, He explains that just as the weeds and crops must endure together until the harvest, so must the people be patient in their wait for salvation from Rome, and accept that the Kingdom is in fact the present redemption available in Jesus.
Similarly, Jesus also talks about the Kingdom of Heaven as yeast, which is kneaded through a whole batch of dough. Once again, this symbolizes how it will take time for the news of who Jesus is to catch on, but soon everyone will hear about Him, whether they choose to accept the implications of His coming or not. Jesus uses this parable to explain that although He tries to keep His identity secret for now so He may fulfill His ministry in the ordained time, inevitably everyone will hear about who He is.
Jesus discusses another aspect of the Kingdom through his parable of the treasure in the field and the parable of the pearl. In each parable, a man is willing to give up all he has, for he knows that the treasure (or the pearl) is worth so much more. These two parables are very similar in that they relate the Kingdom of God not to a physical salvation from the oppression of Rome, but rather to a spiritual salvation that is here and now. To accept Jesus as the coming of the Kingdom of God, everything that might hinder obedience and faithfulness must be given up. However, just as the treasure and the pearl were worth so much more than other material wealth, so is the Kingdom worth the sacrifice of anything on this earth. Jesus tells through this parable that the new covenant is here, and that it is worth more than any of the Jews and disciples could imagine.
The final parable of Matthew 13 describes the Kingdom as a net used to catch all kinds of fish. Later the fishermen sort through the fish and separate good from bad, just as the angels will separate good from the wicked at the end times. Although this parable denotes the judgment of the end times, Jesus makes the connection that the Kingdom collects “all kinds of fish”- meaning that Jesus can save Jews, Gentiles, disciples, whoever will accept that he is the bringer of the Kingdom of God.
The final reference to the Kingdom in Matthew 13 is Jesus’ comment to the disciples that “every teacher of the law who has been instructed about the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old” (v. 52). In this final comment, by placing the new and old treasures together, Jesus alludes to the idea that He does not declare Himself as the new replacement to the old Law of Moses; rather, He is the fulfillment of the Law and works alongside the Law in all He does. Many of the Jews were horrified by the actions of Jesus that contradicted their beloved Law. Through this statement Jesus makes clear that He is the embodiment of the Law, and therefore does not intend to contradict it, but rather to overthrow the current image of God and the covenant and to declare Himself as the fulfillment of the new covenant with God. It is this idea that is central to the teachings of Jesus, that the Kingdom is the new covenant of spiritual salvation made available here and now by Jesus. Indeed, the Kingdom of God is near, for it is Jesus Himself that brings it about.
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Week of October 24, 2004
Know the story…Be the people…Expand the Kingdom.
If you would like to contribute to the eNews or converse with the editor, send an email to tfbyam1@hotmail.com
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IN THE eNEWS THIS WEEK
REGULAR HAPPENINGS
THINK! –Storytelling
MEMORIZE!!
BEING COMMUNITY—On the Front Porch, it’s easy to belong
BUILDING A FRONT PORCH…
REVIEWS—Put yours here…
SERMON NOTES—How To Destroy Or Build A Community
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REGULAR HAPPENINGS
WORSHIP GATHERING @ 9:15 am—Main Worship Center
“COFFEE HOUSE” @ 10:30ish—TFB Courtyard
SUNDAY COLLEGIUM @ 11 am—TFB College Room
TUESDAY BIBLE STUDY @ 7:15-9:00 pm on Tuesdays— TFB College Room
Paul’s Letter to the Philippians
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THINK! –Storytelling
Every good story has three elements:
- Setting
- Crisis
- Solution
What stories do you have?
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MEMORIZE!!
On the Front Porch, it’s easy to belong: Romans 12:5
The Front Porch is a place to grow: 1 Thessalonians 5:11
The Front Porch is a place to serve together: Galatians 6:2
The Front Porch is a place to worship: Leviticus 23:3
The Front Porch is all about Love: John 13:35
The Front Porch reaches out streetside: Colossians 4:5
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BEING COMMUNITY—On the Front Porch, it’s easy to belong
October 24: On the Front Porch, it’s easy to belong, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
Core Truth: The body of Christ is one body made of differing, functional, interdependent parts.
v.12-13: The one Spirit baptizes all believers into the one body of Christ.
v.14-20: The one body is made up of many parts, each with its own function.
v.21-26: Each part needs all the other parts.
v.27: All the parts together make up the body of Christ.
Take a sheet of paper and make two columns.
At the top of one column write, “One Body.”
At the top of the second column write, “Differing Parts.”
Read through the passage and list in each column everything you can learn about each topic. (Note: if you’re working in teams, have each team take a topic)
ONE BODY Team (JJ, Jake)
A unit made up of many parts
With Christ
One Spirit
All part of Christ’s body
Not made up of one part but of many
DIFFERING PARTS Team (Jonathan, Daniel, Danny)
Foot, hand
Jews, Greeks
Head, feet
Eye, ear
Hear, smell
Every part has it’s own specific and independent function, but all are vital to the operation of the entire body. Therefore, that is to say the body cannot function without all of these parts working in tandem. But we must not negate the fact that these parts are independent from one another, their own parts in relation to the whole.
Given what you’ve learned from this passage, write three statements you can use to evaluate a group’s belonging. Here’s what we have so far. Add/modify in the comments at the top of the page.
1. People are accepted regardless of personal style.
2. All the body parts work together, but still have unique duties.
3. We are all unique by our looks, personalities, and who we are, but we all form one body.
October 31: The Front Porch is a place to grow, Deuteronomy 30:11-16
November 7: The Front Porch is a place to serve together, Luke 10:25-37
November 14: The Front Porch is a place to worship, Psalm 22:23-29
November 21: Building the Front Porch
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BUILDING A FRONT PORCH…
A front porch is the transitional space between the personal/intimate space of
the house and the public/social space of the street. It is a space where perfect
strangers are free to interact and join in community, if only for a moment
between sips of iced tea.
October 17, we chose two front porches:
1. A Front Porch event in December: bowling
2. A Front Porch space: creatively thinking about how we might help the 10:30 TFB "coffee time" to be a front porch space.
October 24
Create/gather “belonging elements” for the Front Porch by asking, “What can we add to our Front Porch to make people feel at home?”
Here’s the brainstorm from Sunday. Next week we’ll translate these and add “grow elements”
WHAT HELPS PEOPLE FELL COMFORTABLE?
Sunken den
Raffle
College space downstairs
Incandescent lighting
Rocking chairs
Iced tea
Dog
Weber kettle
Leaving the space a bit dirty
Games
Banjo
Food
Beverages
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REVIEWS—Put yours here…
[This space left sadly blank…]
Here's how to do it:
- Give the movie/restaurant/TV show/whatever a rating of 1-5 stars (5 being best)
- Describe the story/style
- Explain your rating, why it was good or bad
- Send your review to tfbyam1@hotmail.com
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SERMON NOTES—How To Destroy Or Build A Community
Pastor Charlie
Romans 12:5
Attitudes and actions of SELFISHNESS destroy community. James 4:1, 2; Proverbs 28:25
Selfishness is natural.
Our culture feeds our selfishness.
Attitudes and actions of SELFLESSNESS build community. Philippians 2:4; Galatians 6:8-9
Ways to practice selflessness in your community group:
Participate
Accept new people
Listen to the people in your group.
Offer help.
Attitudes and actions of PRIDE destroy community. Proverbs 13:10; 16:18
Pride shows up in criticism.
Pride shows up in making comparisons.
Pride shows up in stubbornness.
Pride shows up in shallow relationships.
Attitudes and actions of HUMILITY build community. 1 Peter 3:8; Philippians 2:3-6; Ephesians 4:23-24
Attitudes and actions of INSECURITY destroy community. Proverbs 29:25; Genesis 3:10
We fear exposure.
Fear of rejection.
Attitudes and actions of LOVE build community. 1 John 4:18; 1 John 4:15-17
Attitudes and actions of RESENTMENT destroy community. Job 5:2; Psalm 73:21-22; Hebrews 12:15
Consequences of resentment:
You stop thinking clearly.
You start acting in self-defeating ways.
Attitudes and Actions of FORGIVENESS build community. Colossians 3:13; Isaiah 43:18-19
Reasons to forgive:
Resentment does not work. It only makes you miserable.
You have been forgiven by God.
You will need more forgiveness in the future.
What forgiveness is not:
Forgiveness is not making excuses.
Forgiveness is not minimizing the hurt.
Forgiveness is not justifying the conduct.
What forgiveness is:
Forgiveness is letting go of the pain and letting go of the right to get even.
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Week of October 17, 2004
Know the story…Be the people…Expand the Kingdom.
If you would like to contribute to the eNews or converse with the editor, send an email to tfbyam1@hotmail.com
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IN THE eNEWS THIS WEEK
REGULAR HAPPENINGS
THINK! Virtual coach…
MEMORIZE!!
BEING COMMUNITY—The Front Porch reaches out streetside
BUILDING A FRONT PORCH…
REVIEWS—Put yours here…
SERMON NOTES—“Reaching Out Together”
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REGULAR HAPPENINGS
WORSHIP GATHERING @ 9:15 am—Main Worship Center
“COFFEE HOUSE” @ 10:30ish—TFB Courtyard
SUNDAY COLLEGIUM @ 11 am—TFB College Room
TUESDAY BIBLE STUDY @ 7:15-9:00 pm on Tuesdays— TFB College Room
Paul’s Letter to the Philippians
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THINK! Virtual coach…
Say you are the coach of a community basketball team. This past season, your team came in sixth place—out of the running, but not last. You want to improve in the standings next season. As it sits, your team consists of six players. Three of the players have good skill and teamwork. The other three players are okay. What steps would you take to prepare for next season?
Note: you CANNOT trade or remove players. The six you have must stay.
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MEMORIZE!!
The Front Porch is all about Love: John 13:35
The Front Porch reaches out streetside: Colossians 4:5
On the Front Porch, it’s easy to belong: Romans 12:5
The Front Porch is a place to grow: 1 Thessalonians 5:11
The Front Porch is a place to serve together: Galatians 6:2
The Front Porch is a place to worship: Leviticus 23:3
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BEING COMMUNITY—The Front Porch reaches out streetside
October 17: Reaching Out Together, Matthew 28:18-20
Core Truth: Jesus commands disciple-making and makes it possible through clear directions and empowering presence.
v.18: The command to make disciples flows from Jesus’ authority.
v.19-20a: The clear directions for disciple-making include baptizing people into the body and teaching them to obey Jesus’ commands.
v.20b: The command to make disciples is powered by Jesus’ constant presence.
A bit of a parable? Think of disciple-making as the car. Jesus' authority is the frame and engine, giving disciple-making it's structure and capacity. Going is what cars do. Baptizing and teaching are the means of travel...the how of disciple-making. Baptizing declares that an individual is part of the people of God. Teaching is about obeying. Jesus' presence is the body of the car and the fuel. The body protects the people in the car from catastrophic damage and the fuel provides the power to the engine. The car also has cargo. That's the good news. So what is the good news? Well the essential components are very basic: Christ died for our sins and he was raised on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:1-11). The other component is following Jesus. In the English Standard Version, the phrase "follow me" is found 20 times in the gospels. Read through these verses here. So, it's not about getting out of hell; it's about life forever following Jesus... starting right now.
October 24: Belonging Together, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
October 31: Growing Together, Deuteronomy 30:11-16
November 7: Serving Together, Luke 10:25-37
November 14: Worshiping Together, Psalm 22:23-29
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BUILDING A FRONT PORCH…
A front porch is the transitional space between the personal/intimate space of the house and the public/social space of the street. It is a space where perfect strangers are free to interact and join in community, if only for a moment between sips of iced tea.
On Sunday, October 10, we brainstormed some “front porch events”:
Camping
Chargers game
Christmas party: at a house, BBQ
Eat!
Good food
Skydiving from a plane
A ride on the blimp
Human bowling down Carson Street
October 17, we chose two front porches:
1. A Front Porch event in December: bowling
2. A Front Porch space, creatively thinking about how we might help the 10:30 TFB "coffee time" to be a front porch space.
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REVIEWS—Put yours here…
[this space left sadly blank…]
Here's how to do it:
- Give the movie/restaurant/TV show/whatever a rating of 1-5 stars (5 being best)
- Describe the story/style
- Explain your rating, why it was good or bad
- send your review to tfbyam1@hotmail.com
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SERMON NOTES—“Reaching Out Together”
Pastor Charlie
Philippians 1:27
Philippians 1:5
HOW TO BE PARTNERS IN REACHING OUT:
PRAY TOGETHER! Colossians 4:3
Action Step: Make a group prayer list.
APPEAL TO COMMON INTERESTS! 1 Corinthians 9:22-23
Action Step: Discover the common interests in your group.
REACH OUT IN LOVE. 1Thessalonians 2:8; 1 Corinthians 5:12
Action Step: Ask God to give you a deeper love for other people.
TELL YOUR STORY. 1 Peter 2:9; Psalm 66:16
Action Step: Write out your story, and share it with your group.
NURTURE FRIENDSHIPS. Romans 12:16; Luke 5:29; 2 Timothy 1:7
Action Step: Reach out to your non-Christian friends by inviting them to your group or a party.
EXPECT GOD TO ACT. Hebrews 11:1; Luke 5:20
Action step: Keep believing and praying.
REPRESENT CHRIST WITH YOUR LIFE. Colossians 3:17; 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
Action step: Pray to God, saying: “GOD, USE ME!”
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Week of October 10, 2004
Know the story…Be the people…Expand the Kingdom.
If you would like to contribute to the eNews or converse with the editor, send an email to tfbyam1@hotmail.com
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IN THE eNEWS THIS WEEK
REGULAR HAPPENINGS
THINK! What’s Love?
BEING COMMUNITY—what matters most
DREAMING AHEAD…
CHOOSING A TRANSLATION
DOING THE DAILY READER, THINKER, PRAY-ER
REVIEWS—Put yours here…
SERMON NOTES—“How We Can Help Each Other”
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REGULAR HAPPENINGS
WORSHIP GATHERING @ 9:15 am—Main Worship Center
“COFFEE HOUSE” @ 10:30ish—TFB Courtyard
SUNDAY COLLEGIUM @ 11 am—TFB College Room
Coming October 10: Being Community
TUESDAY BIBLE STUDY @ 7:15-9:00 pm on Tuesdays— TFB College Room
Coming October 5: Being Community: Paul’s Letter to the Philippians
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THINK! What’s Love?
There are four Greek words that are commonly translated “love”.
- eros- romantic/sexual love
- philia- love between friends
- agape- unconditional, possibly sacrificial/unreciprocated love
- storge-affection/familial love
Do some research on Wikipedia
What are some examples of each type of love?
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BEING COMMUNITY—what matters most
October 10: What matters most, 1 Corinthians 13:1-11
Core Truth: All service and relationship find meaning and significance in the maturity of self-giving, freely offered love.
vv.1-3: Service and relationship are nothing without love.
vv.4-7: Love is giving self for the sake of the other.
vv.8-11: Love is maturity—completeness—that lasts forever.
After studying the passage, rewrite the core truth in your own words.
October 17: Reaching Out Together, Matthew 28:18-20
October 24: Belonging Together, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
October 31: Growing Together, Deuteronomy 30:11-16
November 7: Serving Together, Luke 10:25-37
November 14: Worshiping Together, Psalm 22:23-29
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DREAMING AHEAD…
If the TFB college group could be all God wanted it to be in three years, what would it look like?
This is what we had last week:
NOMADS: not here, out of this class, branch out, be missionaries where we are, bring back stories, electronic connectedness, snail mail, outpost at El Camino
ABOUT TO DIE: people come first, helping, be there, look out for each other, phone, do things for friends not expecting a return, spend time, create a front porch, plan events
INEPT: out of the box (we're here because we're afraid of discomfort and failure), be a place where risking and failure are safe.
Here’s this weeks pondering:
- In general, how would the college group look in three years if we practiced the God-type of love according to God’s command?
- Specifically, what specific action can we start during the 04-05 school year to begin to make this happen?
- How will we know we’ve succeeded?
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CHOOSING A TRANSLATION
There are a lot of bible translations out there. Some are very similar and some are very different. Anchor your Life gives a good summary of the three major translation philosophies and a handy here for the full article, but here is a short summary:
“The Bible was originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek and has been translated into English… 1) Literal -- This is a ``word for word" translation… 2) Dynamic-equivalent --- This is a ``thought for thought" translation that translates the biblical words and phrases into clear and contemporary English equivalents… 3) Paraphrase or free translation -- These translations are more concerned with clarity than exact wording… Smart Bible students will take advantage of all 3 types of translations…”
If you have any questions about a certain translation, or if you’d like some recommendations, send a email to tfbyam1@hotmail.com
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DOING THE DAILY READER, THINKER, PRAY-ER
[Email the editor if you want a copy!]
Journal it…
• After your reading for the day, spend a few moments writing what you’ve learned about God, about yourself, and about the faith community.
• Record any commitments, convictions, confusions.
Question it…
• Ask lots of questions: who, what, where, when, why, how (W5H)
• Ask: What does this passage tell us about our identity in Christ and about specific choices we should make to underscore that identity or enhance our unity and ministry as God's primary means of ministry in the world?
Rewrite it…
• Write the paragraphs in your own words.
Draw it…
• Draw pictures, diagrams, cartoons, etc. that help you explain the paragraph.
Story it…
• Write the story behind the letter.
• Write stories of people applying the truths from the letter.
Study it…
• Write a summary sentence for each paragraph.
• Answer the W5H questions you asked.
• Using commentaries and bible handbooks, research historical, cultural, and geographic information.
• Hunt down other bible passages that talk about similar subjects.
• List topics you might like to research further.
What are you discovering??
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REVIEWS—Put yours here…
[this space left sadly blank…]
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SERMON NOTES—“How We Can Help Each Other”
Pastor Charlie
“Since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other and each of us needs all the others” (Romans 12:5b, NLT).
I NEED OTHERS TO WALK WITH ME. Colossians 2:6
Community is God’s answer to LONELINESS. 1 Corinthians 14:26,30-31; Ephesians 4:16; 1 Peter 4:9
I NEED OTHERS TO WORK WITH ME. Ephesians 2:10; Ecclesiastes 4:9
Community is God’s answer to FATIGUE. Galatians 6:10
I NEED OTHERS TO WATCH OUT FOR ME. Philippians 2:4; Hebrews 13:1; Ecclesiastes 4:12
Community is God’s answer to DEFEAT. Ecclesiastes 4:10
I NEED OTHERS TO WAIT AND WEEP WITH ME. 1 Peter 3:8; 1 Corinthians 12:26
Community is God’s answer to DESPAIR. Romans 12:15; 1 Thessalonians 5:11
I NEED OTHERS TO WITNESS WITH ME. John 13:35
God’s answer to fear is COMMUNITY. Philippians 1:27
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Week of October 3, 2004
Know the story…Be the people…Expand the Kingdom.
If you would like to contribute to the eNews or converse with the editor, send an email to tfbyam1@hotmail.com.
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IN THE eNEWS THIS WEEK
REGULAR HAPPENINGS
METANARRATIVES ARE …
POG—History…wrapping it up! (for now)
DREAMING AHEAD…
WHAT’S NEXT? 40 Days of Community
CHOOSING A TRANSLATION
LECTIO DIVINA— Hebrews 12:1-2
REVIEWS—Put yours here…
SERMON NOTES—Why We Need Each Other
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REGULAR HAPPENINGS
WORSHIP GATHERING @ 9:15 am—Main Worship Center
“COFFEE HOUSE” @ 10:30ish—TFB Courtyard
SUNDAY COLLEGIUM @ 11 am—TFB College Room
Coming October 10: Being Community
TUESDAY BIBLE STUDY @ 7:15-9:00 pm on Tuesdays— TFB College Room
Coming October 5: Being Community: Paul’s Letter to the Philippians
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METANARRATIVES ARE …
a) It totalizes reality (explains everything),
b) It is based on the rational self (rather than on tradition),
c) It is the principle of legitimation (makes some things "good", "right", "true", or whatever, and others the opposite),
d) It is abstract (it is not generated from particular instances, but rather is applied to the particulars).
e) It is emancipatory (gives us a way out of our problems)
Is God’s story a metanarrative? If so, is that a good thing or a bad thing?
From The Metanarrative
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POG—History…wrapping it up! (for now)
[* POG = People Of God]
During, the past few weeks, we have taken a jet tour through nearly 2000 years of POG History, from Abraham (b. 1977 BC) through David (b.1040 BC). Beginning October 10, we’re taking a side trip on community, so it’s time to look back and figure out where we’ve been. The so-called “Hall of Faith” in Hebrews 11, gives a good summary, and a New Testament perspective, on POG History. That’s where we are this week. So, grab a bible (or click the link) and let’s go.
Read Hebrews 11.1-12.2. As you read, list what the story says about God's characteristics, the people's characteristics, and what God wants his people to look like.
Here's the brainstorm stuff from Sunday:
God's Characteristics
- He's the boss
- He's the commander!!
- Gracious
- To be obeyed
- To be trusted
- Has a plan
- Creative
- Condemner
- Promiser
- Not ashamed
People's Characteristics
- Faithful
- Inept
- Bold
- Too old to make babies
- Humanness
- Assummers
- Confident
- About to die
What God Wants His People to Look Like
- Faithful
- Believer
- Seeekers
- Hopeful
- Nomads
- Not afraid
When you finish reading, look at your list and summarize your findings in some short, meaty statements.
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DREAMING AHEAD…
OK, so take a look at your summary statements from the POG wrap-up and do some dreaming on this question:
If the TFB college group could be all God wanted it to be in three years, what would it look like?What we came up with Sunday (this is a basic list):
Nomads: not here, out of this class, branch out, be missionaries where we are, bring back stories, electronic connectedness, snail mail, outpost at El Camino
About to Die: people come first, helping, be there, look out for each other, phone, do things for friends not expecting a return, spend time, create a front porch, plan events
Inept: out of the box (we're here because we're afraid of discomfort and failure), be a place where risking and failure are safe.
Add your dreams to the comments at the top of this page.
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WHAT’S NEXT? 40 Days of Community
SUNDAY AT 11:00 AM
40 Days of Community Topics and Passages
October 10: What matters most, 1 Corinthians 13:1-11
October 17: Reaching Out Together, Matthew 28:18-20
October 24: Belonging Together, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
October 31: Growing Together, Deuteronomy 30:11-16
November 7: Serving Together, Luke 10:25-37
November 14: Worshiping Together, Psalm 22:23-29
TUESDAY BIBLE STUDY, 7:15 PM
Paul’s Letter to the Philippians, basically verse by verse
DAILY READER, THINKER, PRAY-ER
These will be handed out Sunday, October 3 and Tuesday, October 5. If you missed getting a copy, send an email to the editor :-)
TFB SERVICE PROJECTS (More info in the Sunday Worship Gathering)
Beach Clean-up
Children’s Outreach
ER Nurse Appreciation Day (10/15)
Flu Shot Drive
Blood Drive (10/17)
LEARNING PROJECTS
Scrapbook
Film
Poetry
Research communities
Essay
Study Guide
Art
Songs
(Details are in the Daily Reader, Thinker, Pray-er)
Whatever: be creative and think of something else, and then talk it over with your teacher/facilitator.
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CHOOSING A TRANSLATION
There are a lot of bible translations out there. Some are very similar and some are very different. Anchor your Life gives a good summary of the three major translation philosophies and a handy chart to see where different translations are on the continuum. Go to here for the full article, but here is a short summary:
“The Bible was originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek and has been translated into English… 1) Literal -- This is a ``word for word" translation… 2) Dynamic-equivalent --- This is a ``thought for thought" translation that translates the biblical words and phrases into clear and contemporary English equivalents… 3) Paraphrase or free translation -- These translations are more concerned with clarity than exact wording… Smart Bible students will take advantage of all 3 types of translations…”
If you have any questions about a certain translation, or if you’d like some recommendations, send a email to tfbyam1@hotmail.com.
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LECTIO DIVINA— Hebrews 12:1-2
Lectio Divina has four steps: lectio, meditation, oratio, and contemplatio The terms are a bit fancy, but the process is basic.
Step one: Lectio (read the passage once or twice aloud, then once or twice silently; your goal is to experience the passage rather than to merely understand it)
Step two: Meditatio (chew on the Word by focusing on a word or phrase that jumps out at you)
- What does this word/phrase bring to mind?
- What does this word/phrase feel like to me?
Step three: Oratio (conversation with God)
- God, what do you want me to do with what you’ve given me today?
Step four: Contemplatio (rest in God)
- Get quiet and simply be. In today’s noisy world, this is very difficult, so when the stray thoughts come—and they will—don’t stress out, just lay them down and move on.
Spend some time this next week and do a lectio on the following passage(s):
Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
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REVIEWS—Put yours here…
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SERMON NOTES—Why We Need Each Other
What In The World Are WE Here For?
40 Days of Community
Pastor Charlie
“Together you are the body of Christ…” (1 Corinthians 12:27, NCV).
“…Since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others” (Romans 12:5, NLT).
WE CAN FELLOWSHIP BETTER TOGETHER. Acts 2:44; 1 Corinthians 1:10
Four Levels Of Fellowship
Fellowship of socializing together 2 Timothy 1:7
Fellowship of studying together Acts 17:11
Fellowship of serving together 1 Corinthians 3:9
Fellowship of suffering together Philippians 3:10
“Let love be your highest goal…” (1 Corinthians 14:1, NLT).
WE CAN WORSHIP BETTER TOGETHER. Leviticus 23:3
Why God Wants Us To Worship Together
Worshiping together can increase our joy. Psalm 68:4; Psalm 55:14
Worshipping together can enlarge our perspective. Psalm 73:16,17
Worshiping together guarantees God’s presence. Matthew 18:20
Worshiping together helps others believe. Psalm 40:3
WE CAN GROW BETTER TOGETHER. Ephesians 4:16
How We Grow Together
We grow together by accepting each other. Romans 15:7
We grow together by affirming each other. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
We grow together by teaching each other. Colossians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 14:30-31
WE CAN SERVE BETTER TOGETHER. Philippians 2:1-2
How We Can Serve Each Other
We can serve each other by using our talents. 1 Peter 4:10
We can serve each other by offering practical help. Galatians 6:2 ; 3 John 1:5
We can serve each other by sharing our resources. 2 Corinthians 8:14
WE CAN REACH OUT BETTER TOGETHER. Philippians 1:27
How We Can Reach Out Together
We can reach out together by using our group to bring people to Jesus. Mark 2:3
We can reach out together by giving to our church’s outreach. 3 John 1:8
We can reach out together by praying for our city. 2 Thessalonians 3:1
“This is God's purpose: when the time is ripe, He will gather us all together from wherever we are, in heaven or on earth, to be with Him in Christ forever”
(Ephesians 1:10, Living Bible).
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