In the Class Room 6-27-10

BIBLE STUDY

Robert concluded the study book lessons on ‘How to Live in Stressful Times’ this past class meeting. This final lesson was entitled, ‘When Life is Unfair’. So many things in life seem unfair, house values go down, taxes go up; income decreases, gas and grocery prices increase; age creeps up, we must watch our diet and pace our work and play with caution; children grow up, move out, then move back in, often with a child in tow; it’s just not fair!

While these issues are stressful, they cannot come close to the most horrific unfairness that Jesus endured to provide a way for salvation for us—sinful man. There are many lessons we can learn from our Bible passage for this lesson, Chapters 15 and 16 of the Gospel of Mark. Jesus was brought before Pilate to receive his verdict, necessary to carry out an execution. Pilate knew that the accusers of Jesus were acting out of envy. It was customary during the Passover to release a prisoner and to make political points with the Jewish leaders and placate the unruly mob, Pilate offered the crowd a choice: the release of Barabbas or Jesus. When the crowd chose Barabbas, Pilate sent Jesus to be flogged and later crucified. Chapter 15:15-20 describe the physical and verbal abuse that Jesus endured: beaten, mocked, insulted, humiliated, crowned with thorns, and led out to be crucified. Through it all, He remained silent.

Crucifixions were public exhibitions, but chief priests and scribes usually did not attend executions. However, they attended this one, because they had a prime interest in getting rid of Jesus. They came to gloat; the teacher who claimed to save others cannot save Himself! Interesting, though the plaque above His head read, King of the Jews, the priests and scribes addressed Him as Messiah, King of Israel, Chapter 15:32. Jesus could have indeed come down from the cross, but in doing so, He would not have saved us from our sins. Jesus remained faithful to His Father’s will in completing the plan of salvation.

Jesus hung on the cross six hours, a much shorter time than usual. Crucifixion was a slow and torturous death. Victims had to push their bodies upward to fill their lungs to breathe. As they became weaker, they no longer had the strength to do so and eventually would become unconscious and die. It is astounding that Jesus, after the horrific physical abuse, was able to cry in a loud voice, “It is finished!” The veil in the temple was rent from top to bottom, signifying that man, any man, could now directly approach God, the Father. It is as if Jesus chose the moment and manner of His death. We have learned previously that no one killed Jesus, He allowed Himself to be taken and willfully lay down His life. Jesus died an untimely death, but His death was the pinnacle of faithfulness and victory over sin.

Mark 16:5-7 tells the ‘rest of the story’; He is alive! Our salvation plan is complete; eternal life is possible, and guess what?! In the end, We win!!

Truths gleaned from this lesson:

1. In times of abuse, even if it be for our faith, we should show faithfulness to God by behavior that reflects our relationship with Jesus Christ.
2. We cannot avoid unfair experiences, we can only choose how we will respond to them.
3. As Christians, we know that when we are treated unfairly, we can trust God and know that anything He brings to us, He will bring us through it.
4. As followers of Christ, we can be confident that our faithfulness to God will ultimately be vindicated. Read the last chapter of Revelation. We win!!!

The author of this lesson included the following as a note to the reader:

This lesson is not intended to support a person’s submitting to physical abuse at the hands of a spouse, parent, caregiver, or authority figure. Such abuse should not be tolerated and should be reported to the proper authorities.

PRAYER REQUESTS

• Paul – Roger’s grandson-in-law; needs employment
• Reagen – Sylvia’s sister’s 2 wk. old granddaughter; vocal cords paralyzed, to be trached this wk.; San Diego Children’s Hospital
• Jennifer – Janice’s daughter; chronic weakness
• JaMichael – Veronica’s co-worker’s son; to make wise decisions; domestic violence victim
• Brandon – Gale’s nephew; for salvation

HAVE A GREAT FOURTH OF JULY/INDEPENDENCE HOLIDAY AND REMEMBER TO GIVE THANKS FOR OUR FREEDOM AND THAT FREEDOM IS NOT FREE! PRAY FOR OUR MILITARY AND THEIR FAMILIES!

In the Class Room 6-20-10

BIBLE STUDY

We completed the unit of lessons this past Sunday on When You Have Difficult Decisions. We are learning from Mark, Chapter 14 what to do when situations arise that overwhelm us. Previously, we were taught from the Scriptures to follow the example of Jesus and first go to our Heavenly Father in prayer.

When we have difficult decisions, we should commit to do God’s will.
Verses 41-44 of Mark Chapter 14 reveal that Jesus was solely committed to the will of the Father. When Jesus found the disciples sleeping for the third time, He woke them and told them the time was now; His betrayer was coming. He did not retreat; instead, He said, “…..rise, let’s go.” He went toward, not away from His enemy, clearly demonstrating His willingness to allow them to take Him, though knowing His fate. Why? Because it was the Father’s will that He become the blood sacrifice to cleanse all sin of man. This also tells us we should confront our difficult decisions. They do not go away when ignored!

Judas, one of the chosen twelve, first approached Jesus and identified Him to the enemies by greeting Him with a kiss on the cheek, a common way for a disciple to greet a beloved teacher. What treachery! Three groups were represented in the mob that came to arrest Jesus: the chief priests who were Roman political leaders; the scribes who were Jewish Bible scholars; and the elders, who were temple officials.

When we have difficult decisions, we should keep the commitment.
In verses 45-50, we read of the arrest of Jesus, which was illegal according to Roman law. No arrest (or trial which followed) was to be held at night. After Judas identified Jesus with a kiss and addressing Him as Rabbi, He was arrested. Only one of Jesus’ followers (identified as Peter in John 18:10) attempted to resist the mob. Peter drew his sword and struck the high priest’s slave. In the midst of the injustice toward our Savior, He paused and healed the wounded man!
Turning his attention back to the situation, Jesus exposed the hypocrisy of his captors. He pointed out that they came as if to capture a dangerous criminal, though they could have taken Him into custody any day as He taught publicly in the temple area.

Jesus did not resist nor instruct the disciples to resist what has happening. He was fully prepared to keeping His commitment. His intense time of prayer had helped Him commit to fulfilling the Scriptures. He stepped forward—humbly submitting, humbly obeying. Sadly, we read in verse 50, that His earthly friends deserted Him. He was alone.

In doing the will of God, we may find ourselves without the support of family or friends. At these times, we have no choice but to rely on the Holy Spirit for support and confidence that we have made the right decision in difficult situations.

When we face difficult decisions, we should use the example of Christ and pray: not my will, but yours be done. We pray best by not seeking to change His mind but by being willing to change ours. When Jesus found the disciples sleeping, He went away to repeat His prayer. His example teaches us to persevere in prayer until we know for sure that we are in line with God’s will. We should prayerfully identify God’s will, commit to His will and keep that commitment.

Sunday we will begin a new unit of lessons, When Life is Unfair. (Is it ever fair?) This lesson begins on page 108 in our study book and will be taken from Mark, Chapter 15. Read this chapter and the book lesson and come prepared to share thoughts, insights, and questions.

Have a great week! Stay cool! See you Sunday!

PRAYER REQUESTS

Jean – Jim’s sister; for good report from mammogram test last week.
Danny and JoAnn – death of step Dad, Leo, last week.
Melanie – Robert’s Mom’s daughter’s friend; mid 30’s, mother of 3; stage 4 breast, lung, & liver cancer.
Dana & son Zach – Janice’s friend; brain damage from auto accident 1 yr. ago; in N.O. for treat-ment to help restore various functions.
Amanda – to locate an affordable place to live.

In the Class Room 6-13-10

BIBLE STUDY

We began a new unit of lessons this past Sunday, When You Have Difficult Decisions. Our passage of Scripture was taken from Mark 14:32-39. Preceding these verses, Jesus and the disciples had eaten the Passover meal. Jesus had given new covenant meaning to the bread and drink of the meal, thus instituting the Lord’s Supper and the significance of partaking of it, which holds true today. Jesus once again told the disciples what was about to happen to Him and assured them He would see them again after His resurrection. Again, they failed to grasp the reality and enormity of the coming event.

The group proceeded to the Garden of Gethsemane (meaning ‘oil press), located on the Mt. of Olives. This was a secluded garden where Jesus and the disciples often went to pray and rest. Jesus left the disciples and went further into the garden to pray concerning His Father’s will. Note that He ‘went further’ than the disciples. Robert used this to remind us that no matter what our difficult situation may be, Jesus is not only there, but beyond our circumstance, ready to lead and comfort. Though He was fully God, he was also fully man and has felt any and all emotion that we may have.

Jesus was very distressed, swallowed up in sorrow, for He knew what his fate was. We discussed and agreed that though the physical pain would be horrific, He was more distressed over the emotional pain that He would endure. He, who knew no sin, would feel the weight of all sin of all mankind, from the time of creation to the end of time. Not only that, He would become for the first time, separated from His Father, for God cannot associate with sin. His prayer was “Abba, Father! All things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me. Nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.” Notice that He addressed God as Abba, the Aramaic term of affection, translated to our English words for ‘papa’ or ‘daddy’. It was not typical for Jews to use this term in their prayers for fear of showing disrespect to God. The fact that Jesus used this word signifies His desire to please and carry out the Father’s will.

Jesus acknowledged that He knew that if God chose to devise another way to carry out His divine plan of a blood sacrifice of a perfect lamb for the remission of all sin, He could do so and spare His son from bearing the ‘cup’ of suffering. ‘Nevertheless’, He submitted to the will of the Father, whatever His will was. The ‘cup’ is symbolic of the wrath of God in the Old Testament and in the book of Revelation. Jesus would suffer physically, be separated from God, and receive the wrath of God. What a price for our sin!

When we face difficult decisions, we should use the example of Christ and pray: not my will, but yours be done. We pray best by not seeking to change His mind but by being willing to change ours. When Jesus found the disciples sleeping, He went away to repeat His prayer. His example teaches us to persevere in prayer until we know for sure that we are in line with God’s will.

Read Mark 14:41-44 and come prepared next class meeting to share thoughts, insights, ideas and questions on commitment to God’s will as we continue our study on what to do when we face difficult times.

PRAYER REQUESTS

Jean – Jim’s sister; follow up mammogram tests Tuesday
Kevin – Shaw’s grandson; going into National Guard
Reagen – newborn who had surgery Sat., diagnosis good; comfort & strength for parent
Connie – for employment

In the Class Room 6-6-10

BIBLE STUDY

We completed the second lesson in the unit of lessons entitled, Face Your Problems in Sunday Bible study. The purpose of this lesson, When You Feel Overwhelmed, is to give us important instructions and insights on how to handle the future, especially when troubling events seem to crash down and overwhelm. Our Scripture reading was Mark, Chapter 13 and while this chapter deals with the end time, the end of time as it is now known is not the theme of this lesson. As always, Jesus used every opportunity to teach and on this occasion gave crucial help to His followers and an example to every generation for living and witnessing in a hostile world.
Previously, we have covered three ways to prepare for overwhelming times: Trusting the Spirit, Staying with the Truth, and Rejoicing. I am including the discussion on these ways and am adding thoughts, Scriptures, and Biblical facts shared in this week’s lesson, which is a fourth way to prepare for trying times, REMAINING FAITHFUL.

We can prepare for trying times by: TRUSTING THE SPIRIT
As Jesus and His disciples exited the temple one day, one of the disciples commented on the splendor and beauty. Jesus responded by informing them that one day it would all be destroyed. Peter, James, and John later asked Jesus to tell them more about when and how they would know when the temple was to be destroyed. Jesus’ response shifts back and forth between an immediate and a remote future. The author of our lesson states that the events He talked of seem to have a dual fulfillment—once in the disciples’ lifetimes and again with finality in the end times. He warned of persecution and personal suffering and the difficulty they would endure to remain His followers, much like the fate that was to be His. When Jesus told the disciples that the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations, He was reminding them of their task, which was to continue telling the world of the gospel message of salvation. They were assured that through their hardships, the Holy Spirit (He) would always be with them to assist them and that in the end they would be delivered (verses 9-13).

We can prepare for trying times by: STAYING WITH THE TRUTH
Jesus warned that the time would come when many false prophets would proclaim to be the Messiah, performing wonders and attempting to deceive even the elect. His instruction was DO NOT BELIEVE THEM! (verses 21-23). This danger is as real today as it was then. Heed not the teaching of any one if their teaching does not align with the truth, the Word of God! Robert pointed out that the words if possible, in verse 22 indicated to him that false teachers would not be able to sway true followers who were knowledgeable of the Word. We must be cautious and never allow any one to convince us of any thing contrary to the Word!

We can prepare for trying times by: REJOICING
Our study began by reading Mark 13:24-27. Rejoicing seems a strange way to prepare for trying times. Connecting this passage, which deals with end times tribulation and trials, with rejoicing seems even stranger. Some background facts help to clarify this. The Jews watched unusual events which occurred in the heavens and believed them to signal future earthly upheavals. Therefore, the disciples would understand Jesus using this passage to give them hope during any trial they would face in the future.

Our discussion veered away from the book lesson, (no surprise to any member) and we discussed some of the things happening today: 1) America becoming more and more liberal and seemingly unconcerned for the real purpose of life which is to have fellowship with Almighty God and spread the good news of deliverance 2) America, as a whole, not recognizing what is happening in our world today which is a fulfillment of the Scriptures.

We got back to the lesson plan for the day and Robert explained the difference between the day that Jesus will come in the clouds, which we know as the ‘rapture’, or the ‘day of Christ’ and the ‘day of the Lord’, or the second coming of Christ. The word ‘rapture’ does not appear in the Bible (neither does the word Bible!). The term "rapture" comes from the Latin verb ‘rapiemur’ which means ‘to seize, snatch, carry away’. While you will not find that exact word through a word search, the meaning of the words that are written remains the same and conveys the same idea. This is the same meaning behind the Greek word ‘harpazo’, which is found in the Bible. Robert referred us to 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, known as the ‘harpazo passage’, to read of the day when Christ will come in the clouds to gather his ‘church’ unto Him. He will not descend to earth; we will be ‘caught up’ to Him as John was carried up to Him when given the revelation of the end times, Rev. 4:1. The Christians who have died before this time will be caught up first, their bodies to be rejoined with their spirit, and those who are still alive will be caught up in the next instant. The rapture of the church will trigger the tribulation period.

Though not covered in our study book, Robert pointed out that the catching away of the church (rapture) is not to be confused with the ‘day of the Lord’, which is the second coming of Christ. This is a separate event and is when the Lord (Christ) will return to Earth and bring with Him the church (referred to as His armies in Rev. 19:14) as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Christ plants His feet on the Mount of Olives, splitting the mountain in half and creating a valley, Zechariah 14:1-4. This valley is called Megiddo and is where the Battle of Armageddon will take place, Rev. 16:16. The 1000 year reign will follow!

Make no mistake! Christ will have the last word! As Leonard stated, He is the Word!

We can prepare for trying times by: REMAINING FAITHFUL
Jesus continued to teach His disciples how to prepare for trying times they would face in the future. This teaching began when Jesus was asked, “When will these things happen?”, referring to the trials and tribulations of the end times, see Mark 13:4. This question is still pondered today and causes many to be skeptical that it will ever happen. Read II Peter 3:3-13. God knew that down through the centuries, there would be such questions and such people and divinely orchestrated that this passage be recorded in His Word. Yes, He is coming back!

We are firmly told in Mark 13:32-37, our Scripture reading today, that no man, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, know when this day will come. Only God, the Father, knows. Do not be disturbed that Jesus stated that He did not know, nor mistakenly think that He is not fully God. Do know that at the time He said this, (before His death and resurrection), He freely accepted the limitations of His humanity and Robert speculated that perhaps, He chose to temporarily erase certain facts from His ‘all knowing’ wealth of information.

The key word in the next five verses is WATCH! Because the time is unknown, we must always be alert. To be alert is having an active faith that never lets down our guard. In verses 34-36, Jesus used an example of a man taking a long journey and not telling his household when he would return. They were merely told to watch for his homecoming. Therefore, they had to be prepared morning or night, lest he return and find them ‘sleeping’ (slack in their expected duties). These instructions hold true for us today. We must live in a state of readiness and faithfulness. We must remain faithful, for no believer wants to be found sleeping, (spiritually inactive) when He returns. In our passage today, four times we are told to WATCH. In verse 33, we are told also to pray. This tells us that it is okay to acknowledge that help is needed during trying times. There is no greater help than our God!

These lessons have given us four ‘anchors’ to keep us anchored when adversity comes and we become overwhelmed with life’s problems and circumstances. As a believer, one can be prepared for such times by Trusting the Spirit, Staying with the Truth, Rejoicing, and Remaining Faithful. As believers, let us affirm our trust in the Holy Spirit; stick with the truth, God’s Word; rejoice in the fact that we belong to Him and will share in His victory when He returns; and continue to be faithful, serving in whatever way He wants and staying alert for our Lord’s return.

We begin a lesson, When You Have Difficult Decisions, next Sunday, which begins on page 98 in our book. Read Mark, Chapter 14 and come prepared to share thoughts, insights, ideas and questions.

PRAYER REQUESTS

Kay – taking full dosage of chemo this week

In the Class Room 5-30-10

BIBLE STUDY

We covered more of the second lesson in the new unit of lessons entitled, Face Your Problems in Sunday Bible study. The purpose of this lesson, When You Feel Overwhelmed, is to give us important instructions and insights on how to handle the future, especially when troubling events seem to crash down and overwhelm. Our Scripture reading was Mark, Chapter 13 and while this chapter deals with the end time, the end of time as it is now known is not the theme of this lesson. As always, Jesus used every opportunity to teach and on this occasion gave crucial help to His followers and an example to every generation for living and witnessing in a hostile world.

Previously, we have covered two ways to prepare for overwhelming times: Trusting the Spirit and Staying with the Truth. I am including the discussion on these ways and am adding thoughts, Scriptures, and Biblical facts shared in this week’s lesson, which is a third way to prepare for trying times, REJOICING.

We can prepare for trying times by: TRUSTING THE SPIRIT
As Jesus and His disciples exited the temple one day, one of the disciples commented on the splendor and beauty. Jesus responded by informing them that one day it would all be destroyed. Peter, James, and John later asked Jesus to tell them more about when and how they would know when the temple was to be destroyed. Jesus’ response shifts back and forth between an immediate and a remote future. The author of our lesson states that the events He talked of seem to have a dual fulfillment—once in the disciples’ lifetimes and again with finality in the end times. He warned of persecution and personal suffering and the difficulty they would endure to remain His followers, much like the fate that was to be His. When Jesus told the disciples that the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations, He was reminding them of their task, which was to continue telling the world of the gospel message of salvation. They were assured that through their hardships, the Holy Spirit (He) would always be with them to assist them and that in the end they would be delivered (verses 9-13).

We can prepare for trying times by: STAYING WITH THE TRUTH
Jesus warned that the time would come when many false prophets would proclaim to be the Messiah, performing wonders and attempting to deceive even the elect. His instruction was DO NOT BELIEVE THEM! (verses 21-23). This danger is as real today as it was then. Heed not the teaching of any one if their teaching does not align with the truth, the Word of God! Robert pointed out that the words if possible, in verse 22 indicated to him that false teachers would not be able to sway true followers who were knowledgeable of the Word. We must be cautious and never allow any one to convince us of any thing contrary to the Word!

We can prepare for trying times by: REJOICING
Our study began by reading Mark 13:24-27. Rejoicing seems a strange way to prepare for trying times. Connecting this passage, which deals with end times tribulation and trials, with rejoicing seems even stranger. Some background facts help to clarify this. The Jews watched unusual events which occurred in the heavens and believed them to signal future earthly upheavals. Therefore, the disciples would understand Jesus using this passage to give them hope during any trial they would face in the future.

Our discussion veered away from the book lesson, (no surprise to any member) and we discussed some of the things happening today: 1) America becoming more and more liberal and seemingly unconcerned for the real purpose of life which is to have fellowship with Almighty God and spread the good news of deliverance 2) America, as a whole, not recognizing what is happening in our world today which is a fulfillment of the Scriptures.

We got back to the lesson plan for the day and Robert explained the difference between the day that Jesus will come in the clouds, which we know as the ‘rapture’, or the ‘day of Christ’ and the ‘day of the Lord’, or the second coming of Christ. The word ‘rapture’ does not appear in the Bible (neither does the word Bible!). The term "rapture" comes from the Latin verb ‘rapiemur’ which means ‘to seize, snatch, carry away’. While you will not find that exact word through a word search, the meaning of the words that are written remains the same and conveys the same idea. This is the same meaning behind the Greek word ‘harpazo’, which is found in the Bible. Robert referred us to 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, known as the ‘harpazo passage’, to read of the day when Christ will come in the clouds to gather his ‘church’ unto Him. He will not descend to earth; we will be ‘caught up’ to Him as John was carried up to Him when given the revelation of the end times, Rev. 4:1. The Christians who have died before this time will be caught up first, their bodies to be rejoined with their spirit, and those who are still alive will be caught up in the next instant. The rapture of the church will trigger the tribulation period.

Though not covered in our study book, Robert pointed out that the catching away of the church (rapture) is not to be confused with the ‘day of the Lord’, which is the second coming of Christ. This is a separate event and is when the Lord (Christ) will return to Earth and bring with Him the church (referred to as His armies in Rev. 19:14) as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Christ plants His feet on the Mount of Olives, splitting the mountain in half and creating a valley, Zechariah 14:1-4. This valley is called Megiddo and is where the Battle of Armageddon will take place, Rev. 16:16. The 1000 year reign will follow!

We will continue our study on ‘rejoicing’ next Sunday. Make no mistake! Christ will have the last word! As Leonard stated, He is the Word! The lesson begins on page 95 in our book and is taken from Mark 13:24-27 and 32-37. Read these passages and come prepared to share thoughts, insights, ideas and questions.

PRAYER REQUESTS

Donna – an ear problem
Sylvia M. – Sylvia S.’s mother; restoration of eyesight (91 yrs. old) so she can continue to read her Bible!
Jason – Janice’s son; mental problems
Jean – Jim’s sister; mammogram results suspicious; further tests 6/15