A Few Things to Remember

First of all I want to apologize for the lack of post this month. I have not done a very good job this month of keeping everything up to date. Since I did not post every week about each lesson, I wanted to post a few of the topics that we have discussed. I think this past month we have had some very interesting discussion while studying the book of Mark. So, a few things I would like for you all to think about:

• What things in your life are keeping you from focusing on worshiping God?
• What priorities in your life right now are taking precedence over loving God?
• Do you ever consider your sins as a betrayal of Jesus?
• How would you rate your discipline in living the Christian life? Are you nodding in and our or are you fully awake?
• What can we do as a class to help each other avoid falling asleep in our relationship with Jesus?
• When you read the account of Jesus' crucifixion, are you still amazed each time you read it?
• How can you stand tall for Jesus when you are at school/work?
• Does your life have a defined purpose?

In closing, I want to leave you all with a (long) quote from "The Purpose Driven Life."

"The purpose of your life is far greater than your own personal fulfillment, your peace of mind, or even your happiness. It's far greater than your family, your career, or even your wildest dreams and ambitions. If you want to know why you were placed on this planet, you must begin with God. You were born by his purpose and for his purpose."

For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him.

- Colossians 1:16

The Big Game

In high school, before every big game what occurs in the gym?????? A PEP RALLY! You always have a pep rally before a big game to get everyone pumped up and excited.

This past month's lessons have been our "pep rally" as we head into the holiday season (aka "the big game").

Like I told you all this past Sunday, growing up I always begged my Memaw to read the story of the Crucifixion and Resurrection. It has always been my most favorite Bible story. One reason being that it gets me pumped about being a Christian!!! At first when we started studying Mark this month I was a little confused. Usually Mark is studied leading up to Easter. However, this past Sunday I finally put it all together and realized that our Sunday School book was getting us pumped up for the holidays.

The holidays are made for socializing! You will encounter more people during the holiday season than any other time of year. So what better time to start spreading The Word and telling others about what Christ has done for you. If you feel uncomfortable about witnessing during the holiday season, or are afraid of what others might say, then think about Jesus and him refusing to take the easy way out of difficult situations. He never swayed from the path despite being alone and ridiculed. And anytime you are feeling like you are "swaying from the path," I encourage you to read Mark 15 & 16 and get pumped up and excited about Christ and what he has done for us.

This week (and the in the upcoming weeks) pray that the power of Jesus' Resurrection will begin to recapture your heart and the hearts of people in your Sunday School Class. Remember that Crucifixion and Resurrection is not a mythical story of a make-believe hero, but an actual event that provides salvation for all who follow Christ. Pray that you and others may use this story to get excited and pumped up about Christ and enable us to stand tall for Christ and boldly live the life He is calling us the live.

And you think witnessing to your friends is hard?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDmp967UMds


You have to check out this video on YouTube. I promise you after you watch it, you will be inspired to go out and witness to someone. This is an amazing story that I know you will all love!

“ Hanging With The Wrong Crowd at Bluefish TV

$1.99 Downloadable Video Illustrations – Hanging With The Wrong Crowd at Bluefish TV

Shared via AddThis

Sunday School Activity

You Officially Have Plans for Saturday,

October 3rd! More details to come!!!!

The People Jesus Knows

Jesus was not after people's vote for Homecoming King. He did not hang out with the "in crowd" to gain popularity among others and improve his image. So why should we?

Everyday you come into contact with all kinds of people. How do you choose which ones to interact with and which ones to ignore? Do you look at the way they dress? Do you look at who they hang out with? Do you look at how rich or poor they appear? Do you ever step outside of your comfort zone and approach someone that may not appear to have similar interest as you?

Jesus' life was lived outside of his "comfort zone." He interacted with all kinds of people regardless of the gender, social status and/or economic position. His day-to-day relationships were not hampered by what others would think. He did not avoid people because they may or may not have looked like him.

In Mark 2:15-17, Jesus ate dinner and hung out with sinners. When confronted by scribes (aka rock stars) he said "Those who are well don't need a doctor, but the sick do need one. I didn't come for the righteous, but for the sinners." (facebook quote) So, maybe it is time that instead of hanging out with just our normal circle of friends, we go out and find someone that we may not normally hang out with and share Jesus with them.

to be continued...........

but until then be sure to read your personal Bible study lessons in your Sunday School book. Have a great week! You all are in my thoughts and prayers!

Witnessola at Bluefish TV

$1.99 Downloadable Video Illustrations – Witnessola at Bluefish TV

Shared via AddThis