Since I've been travelling for the last two weeks, I didn't get an opportunity to do an update, so I'll cover both weeks here.
The lessons the last two weeks have both come out of the Gospel of John. We've been focusing on this Gospel lately, as it really has great insights into faith and salvation. My recommendation and challenge to the kids was to have everyone read John in it's entirety, and we'll be doing various lessons out of John for the next few months.
Last week, we read out of John, chapter five. We read the story of the paralytic man, who was lame for 38 years. Each year, he would go to the pool at the Sheep's Gate, hoping to be healed when the water was stirred up. But he could never make it to the water in time. Finally, Jesus sees him and asks in verse 6: "Do you want to get well?"
This seems an odd question at first. Why would he be there if he didn't want to get well? But many times, we find comfort in our struggles and especially in our sin. Sometimes our struggles define who we are, and we are afraid to give that up and be well. The first thing that has to happen before God can make a change in our lives, is that we have to want to change.
Following the lesson, we held an Easter Egg Hunt just for the older kids - in the dark! It was a perfect, warm night, and they had a great time running around in the dark looking for eggs.
This week, we continued the lessons from John in chapter 14. This was one of the last times that Jesus would be together with his inner circle, and there was a sense of urgency to his message. He was speaking to them about where He was going and what He was to accomplish, but there was none of the usual patience that Jesus displayed in his teachings. Here, he hits them with a lot of information at once. Finally, Thomas, ever the pragmatist, tells Jesus that they cannot follow if they do not know where He is going. Verse 5:
"Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?"
To which Jesus replied in verse 6:
"Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
So simple. So often we spend out time seeking after so many things, and never looking to Jesus. Basically, men seek after some very basic things, for which Jesus has an answer. They look for direction in their lives, a sense of purpose. (I am the way) They look for validation and a sense that they are work something, that their lives mean something. (I am the truth) Finally, they look for security, comfort and a sense of well-being. (I am the life)
We need to stop seeking things and keep seeking Jesus.
Posted byMichael J Mahoney
at
6:42 AM
Labels:
Events,
healing,
John
Due to rain, the Easter Egg Hunt is postponed until next week. Check back for details.
Posted byMichael J Mahoney
at
9:33 AM
Labels:
Events
Friday night was the final "Keep on Trekkin' " post-encounter class for our 10-12 year-old group. We spoke directly about the importance of keeping God's Word in front of us on a daily basis, and the important things that the Word can do, as given by Paul in 2Tim 3:16-17
- It is inspired by God
- It is good for teaching
- It is good for reproof
- It is good for correction
- It is good for instruction in righteousness
- It prepares us - completely and thoroughly for every good work.
Upcoming Event!
We will be holding our annual Easter Egg Hunt from 2:30 to 4:00 on Saturday, April 11 at Beardsley Park. All children 3-9 are welcome! Bring some friends!
Posted byMichael J Mahoney
at
11:17 AM
Labels:
Events,
righteousness,
word