Discussion 30 October 2011

Paul the Apostle

1 Thessalonians 2:9-13

New International Version (NIV)

⁹ Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. ¹⁰ You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. ¹¹ For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, ¹² encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.

 ¹³ And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.

For Consideration:
Vs. 11-Paul claims to have dealt with the Thessalonians "like a father with his children." How do we identify with our spiritual "parents"...those that have faithfully instructed and influenced us?

Is it necessary for disciples of today to be "pure, upright, and blameless in our conduct" (vs 10) toward those with whom the Gospel is shared? Is this kindred to "faith without works?"

Habitat for Humanity

This past Saturday volunteers from 1st Pres., Rock Springs Baptist Church & Maury County DHS worked on the Habitat house. One couldn't have asked for a better day. Our own Brooks & Leigh Jones commandeered hammer and caulk gun respectively. After suggesting applying caulk is similar to applying mascara, Leigh quipped, "Do I look like i've got time for mascara? Brooks, children....really."

23 October 2011 Discussion

1 Thessalonians 2:1-8
 ¹ You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not without results. ² We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition. ³ For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. ⁴ On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. ⁵ You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. ⁶ We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority. ⁷ Instead, we were like young children^[a] among you.

   Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, ⁸ so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.

"The Spirit gives us gifts for the building up of the church and sends us into the world to participate in God's kingdom work, started with the ministry of Jesus Christ"

               Quote from Jennie Barber's Statement of Faith


For consideration:
-In the 4th verse Paul explains what motivates them to share the Gospel. How does God test our hearts? 
-How does this passage guide us when faced with evil & unjust suffering? 

Pumpkin Carving Tip

Joe demonstrates a better way to access your Halloween pumpkin. Carve the access hole in the bottom of the large fruit. This makes mounting and lighting the candle safer and easier. Joe credited Martha Stewart with this innovative suggestion.

The Sunday School Class

Sunday School Class

(Currently meeting in The Chapel)

·This open discussion class follows scripture selections from the published Presbyterian USA Lectionary.

·Participants include, but not limited to, disparate individuals (Young, AARP & beyond) whose commonality acknowledges God’s Grace & His desire for Reconciliation and Restoration with our neighbor.

·The class endeavors to be a safe place to share one’s spiritual hopes, strengths, struggles, questions and fears as it relates to the selected Bible verses.

·Participants that only listen contribute essential support to the entire class.

·Best answer when asked how one would describe the Sunday School Class:  “I don’t know.”

We seek to help change that response through our interpretations of The Holy Bible.

What they say……….

--helps me focus week to week on what I need to be doing as Christ's disciple.

--provides a richer reading of the scriptures as class members share their perspectives and experiences.

-Personally, I always leave with the feeling that nothing can separate us from the Love of God.  

-open-minded, welcoming, and that we value the spiritual experiences of others.