Cell March 27 - What Are You Looking At?
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Jill had a vision the day of our last cell meeting. I was all set with a lesson for the kids, but she came to be and said that she had something she needed to talk to them about. I like to give way to the Spirit whenever possible, so the floor was hers.
She continued and earlier discussion that we had regarding music and media. This is such an important topic for kids of this age. I mean, whatever we put into ourselves determines what we're made of, right? So isn't it important to be careful about what we put into ourselves.
Jill did a great job talking about the ways that music get into our minds and spirits, and slowly start to rot us from within. The kids asked a lot of good questions, and I think the discussion went well.
As parents, do you watch over what "goes into" your kids?
Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 9:55 AM 1 comments
Labels: media, righteousness
Cell March 20 - Come and See
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
This week we talked about an interesting subject - namely who we are as Christians, and how the world looks at us. Or more importantly, what the direction our "outward" ministry should take.
There are a lot of examples in the Bible about reaching out to people. For the most part, the early church didn't have to go very far to reach people. While it's true that people like Peter and Paul travelled far and wide to plant churches, they often were most effective at taking advantage of whatever situation God had placed them in. In other words, they tried to be an example of Christ's love wherever they were.
The Greek word "oikas" refers to the people we encounter in everyday life, people we already have relationships with. We don't need to go to the ends of the Earth - our mission field is right here in our backyard.
In John chapter 1, when John the Baptist saw Jesus for who he was, he didn't pack his belongings and go on a mission trip to Africa. He simply told those who were his disciples. He pointed and said "Behold the Lamb." One of those two was Andrew, brother of Peter. Andrew and another asked Jesus "Where are you staying?" Jesus answered "Come and see." It was simple - an invitation to just come and witness who Christ was and what he was doing.
Andrew didn't pack his bags and go to Africa, either. He simply went and found his brother, Simon. He simply told someone who he already had a relationship. I'm sure he offered to show Simon.
When Jesus met Phillip, and Phillip saw him for who He was, Phillip didn't pack either. He simply went to his friend and said "Come and see."
Who have you shown Christ today?
Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 5:13 AM 0 comments
Labels: evangelism, relationships
Cell March 13 - Baptism, Satan and GTA
Monday, March 16, 2009
We had quite the session Friday night at cell. I'm still thinking about it.
The plan for the evening was to have a conversation about water baptism. Four new kids accepted Christ and will be eligible for our next baptism, held on Palm Sunday. So I wanted to do a lession on that, what water baptism means, and why we do it.
Yes, Jesus received water baptism. Why? The Bible says he did it "...to fulfill all righteousness." (Matt 3:15) He did it as an example to us. (Often, our idea of doing the right thing it simply not doing the wrong thing. ) He did it because he was going to ask it of us.
Water baptism is an outward sign of our relationship with Christ, a personal commitment to Him. Throughout the New Testament, people were baptised immediately after accepting Christ. Why? One reason is that we have to live here. Baptism is not necessary for salvation (Rom 10:9-10) But, just as God sent the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove to rest on Jesus, He will send His Grace on us as we receive baptism. This will help and encourage us as we do His work.
Once the discussion was winding down, someone asked a question about Satan. I forget what it was originally, but with ten to twelve-year-old boys, once you bring up Satan, that's where you're staying. There were all these questions flying around - "Was he an angel?" "Wasn't he once good?" "Why is he evil?" I decided to take them to the source.
Ezekiel 28 paints a vivid picture of Satan. It explains how he was created as the most perfect angel, who sat in God's presence. (This is clear - no eartly ruler could have been "created blameless" after the Fall of Man.) It talks about the sin - the pride - that was "found" in him. Surely, Satan was not created that way - he chose to be that way. God's greatest gift to us - besides Christ - is free will. What we do with that gift, that makes all the difference.
This passage speaks of Satan's instruments - his "pipes and timbrels" that were literally part of his body. Satan was created as a worshipper. Music is his language - which is why he uses it so effectively against us. Music, movies, video games - media is something that Satan can use very effectively to tear us down.
Which wound the discussion into video games. Many of the boys admitted to playing - or owning - some very explicit games, whether the problem be sex or violence. I gave the example of finding some nasty, green chicken in the fridge. Would they eat it? Of course not! "So," I asked, "if you wouldn't put somthing that nasty into your body, why would you put something nastier into your mind or spirit?" I challenged them all to a "Victory Dump" - clean out their house and get rid of that junk. We'll see how many do it.
Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 6:26 AM 0 comments
Labels: baptism, media, righteousness, Satan
Cell March 6 - Serious Jeopardy
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Coming off all the work we've done the last few weeks, getting ready for the KidzTrek, I decided that the older group needed a little decompression time this week. We spent some time talking about the encounter and the week, and sharing testimonies as usual, but then it was off with the gloves - on on with some serious Bible Jeopardy!We had a couple of visitors this week, as well as this being the first week in the older group for Jethro, so it was a good time to not be as intense and have a little fun. The game actually went over-time... but it was good fun altogether.
Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 6:02 AM 0 comments
KidzTrek 2009
Monday, March 2, 2009
Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 1:10 PM 0 comments