Weekly Update

Hi ladies,

Praise the Lord for bringing 76 of you to the first week of our Fall Session! 

During our time together we recognized leaders and volunteers, reviewed administrative items (thanks for your patience), and our lesson was led by “my” Randy who focused on how music impacts our Christian experience.  If you missed his lesson, he has provided a summary that I encourage you to review on the Lesson Summary page of our website.

In addition to the above items, we reviewed our Small Group table names which come from Paul’s teachings on the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23-23).  Each Small Group table name is a Fruit of the Spirit and highlights a Bible Story that reflects that virtue.  Each Small Group Leader also selected a Bible verse that reflects the Small Group table name.  As I mentioned, a Small Group Bible verse will be highlighted weekly for us to practice Bible memorization.  The Bible encourages believers to “hide God’s word in their hearts” (Psalm 119:11) and to meditate on scripture day and night (Joshua 1:8).  This is toally voluntary.  As I said on Thursday, it is my recommendation – your decision.

Along with the handout I provided which included all of the Small Group table names, related Bible Stories, and Bible verses, Christy Britt has added Galatians 5:22-23 and all of our Fruit of the Spirit related Bible verses to our website.  Go to Home>About and scroll down a bit😊. 

Let’s start with the selected Bible verse related to Love.  “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8

Did Paul intentionally include love first?  It is understood and believed by many that Paul did not place love first by chance. His arrangement reflects the New Testament’s teaching that love is the defining mark of the Spirit’s work, the source of all other virtues, and the fulfillment of God’s law. In Galatians 5, love’s position at the head of the list is a deliberate theological statement.  Depending on the translation, the word love appears in the Bible 300 to 759 times.

Lisa Godwin will be leading our lesson this week.  Please review her below note to you. Taking time to complete the pre-work she recommends will enhance your experience and understanding as she talks with us about Real, Rocky, and Resistant Relationships.  

            Hi Ladies,

               I am excited about the lesson for Thursday, September 17 entitled “Real, Rocky, and Resistant Relationships.” Relationships are connections between people, and they are at      the core of what makes us human. They shape our identities, influence our decisions and can affect our overall well-being. I look forward to seeing you on Thursday to    discuss.

               I have just a few verses and thinking activities for you in preparation for this lesson….

               Read Psalm 139: 1-18 and answer the questions below…

               What does God know about you? Vs 1-4

               Can you hide from God? Vs 7-12

               Why does God know you so well? Vs 13

               When did God first know you? Vs 16

               Read Colossians 1: 15-18 fill in the blanks (NIV version)

               The Son is the _______________ of the _________________ God, the        _______________ over all creation. For in him ____ things were created: things in         __________ and on _____________, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers               or rulers or _________________; ________ things have been created ____________    him and ______ him. He is ____________ all things, and in him _____ things          ___________ together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the                _____________ and the _______________ from among the _________, so that in               _______________ he might have _______________.

               Now continue reading Colossians 1: 19-23

               Fill in the blanks from verse 22.

               For now he (God) has _________________ you by Christ’s physical body through     death to present you _______ in his sight without _______________ and free from        _______________.

               Using just your own brain (without Googling😉), what are three characteristics of a good relationship?

               Last thing…write down or make a mental list of what you know about Peter and Judas.

               I will bring this all together on Thursday.

               See you then!!

               Hugs! Lisa

This past Thursday was a great start and I look forward to seeing you throughout the Fall.  If you were not able to join us, please come this week.