Bethany Blog

Sermon Study: Let's Go Fishin'. Success in Fishing

2011-11-03T17:13:00.000-05:00

__________ does not mean anything to the __________ but everything to us.

John 14:27 (NLT) ²⁷“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn’t like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

What will bring __________ in __________ for __________ ?

1. __________ in your own salvation.

• Before sharing your faith you have to __________ in your own.

1 John 5:13 (NLT) ¹³I write this to you who believe in the Son of God, so that you may know you have

eternal life.

2. __________

• __________ life

Matthew 16:24 (NLT) ²⁴Then Jesus said to the disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross, and follow me.

• __________ is our greatest enemy.

3. __________

• 1 John 3:19 - 20 (NLT) ¹⁹It is by our actions that we know we are living in the truth, so we will be

confident when we stand before the Lord, ²⁰even if our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than

our hearts, and he knows everything.

• Strive for greater __________ .

1 Peter 3:16 (NLT) ¹⁶But you must do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak evil against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.

4. __________ actively at work

• Doing the __________ God has prepared.

• Speaking truth with __________ .

Ephesians 4:15 (NLT) ¹⁵Instead, we will hold to the truth in love, becoming more and more in every

way like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.

5. __________

• Keep at the __________ .

Galatians 6:9 (NLT) ⁹So don’t get tired of doing what is good. Don’t get discouraged and give up, for we

will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time.

6. __________ often.

• James 5:16 (NLT) ¹⁶Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest

prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results.

7. __________ of the Word

• John 20:30 - 31 (NLT) ³⁰Jesus’ disciples saw him do many other miraculous signs besides the ones recorded in this

book. ³¹But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by

believing in him you will have life.

- The __________ of the Word

God's Plan

2011-10-20T10:46:00.001-05:00

1. Do our _____________ plans match God’s?
Open your Bible to: Malachi 3:3, 6-15

2. God asks us to __________in God’s _____.

We have a goal to __________.

It’s a clear ____________.

Proverbs 3:9-10
9 Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. 10 Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine.
1 Corinthians 16:2
2 On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. Don’t wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once.
The ___________ is clear.
Acts 2:44-47
44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

James 1:17
17 Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes
or casts a shifting shadow.

3. God says….

_______ me. _______ me.

4. With ________ comes a __________.

Open your Bible to:
Malachi 3:10
Malachi 3:11
Malachi 3:12

5. By not ___________ we _____ God.

You miss awesome ___________.
You experience ______________.
You lose the ________________.
You negatively affect your ___________.

Let's Go Fishin' : Essential Attitudes

2011-09-27T16:14:00.000-05:00

I. Nurture __________.

A. If you __________ nothing, __________ will happen.

Matthew 17:20 - 21 (NLT) ²⁰“You didn’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I assure you, even if you had faith as small as a mustard seed you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.”

B. Lack of __________ produces no __________.

James 2:17 (NLT) ¹⁷So you see, it isn’t enough just to have faith. Faith that doesn’t show itself by good deeds is no faith at all—it is dead and useless.

II. Have a __________ heart.

A. Christ promises to give __________ through the __________ __________.

B. __________ brings joy.

III. Always rely on __________.

A. Prayer centered in __________ accomplishes __________.

Matthew 21:21 (NLT) ²¹Then Jesus told them, “I assure you, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, ‘May God lift you up and throw you into the sea,’ and it will happen.

B. God __________ __________ prayers.

Matthew 7:12 (NLT) ¹²“Do for others what you would like them to do for you. This is a summary of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.

IV. Let God’s __________ overflow.

A. Love for __________.

John 14:23 - 24 (NLT) ²³Jesus replied, “All those who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and live with them. ²⁴Anyone who doesn’t love me will not do what I say. And remember, my words are not my own. This message is from the Father who sent me.

B. Love for __________ and __________ in Christ.

Hebrews 13:1 (NLT) ¹Continue to love each other with true Christian love.

C. Love for the __________ and __________.

Luke 19:10 (NLT) ¹⁰And I, the Son of Man, have come to seek and save those like him who are lost.”

D. Without love __________ __________?

1 Corinthians 13:3 (NLT) ³If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would be of no value whatsoever.

V. Be __________.

Luke 18:1 (NLT) ¹One day Jesus told his disciples a story to illustrate their need for constant prayer and to show them that they must never give up.

A. __________ is the secret of __________.

B. Life and __________ is tested by __________.

Romans 12:1 (NLT) ¹And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will accept. When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask?

God’s judgment is not based on __________ but on __________ __________.

Let’s Go Fishin: Discouragement of Fishing for People

2011-09-21T17:05:00.001-05:00

People who care about individual __________ often face discouragement.

The greatest discouragement __________ of __________ by people who say they are __________.

Some of the Reasons

A Lack of True __________: __________, __________, __________.

+ Who does the Bible say we are?

• We are __________:
Romans 6:17 - 18 (NLT) ¹⁷Thank God! Once you were slaves of sin, but now you have obeyed with all your heart the new teaching God has given you. ¹⁸Now you are free from sin, your old master, and you have become slaves to your new master, righteousness.

• We are __________:
Colossians 1:13 (NLT) ¹³For he has rescued us from the one who rules in the kingdom of darkness, and he has brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son.

• We are __________ :
1 Thessalonians 5:5 (NLT) ⁵For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night.

+ Some people are __________ but have not become __________ - __________.

A wrong view of the __________.

+ We are not an __________.

+ We do not exist just to __________ __________

Jesus said, I have come to __________ not be __________.

+ We do not exist only when we are __________.

A lack of individual __________.

+ Being a Christ-follower means __________ __________

Romans 6:16 - 18 (NLT) ¹⁶Don’t you realize that whatever you choose to obey becomes your master? You can choose sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God and receive his approval. ¹⁷Thank God! Once you were slaves of sin, but now you have obeyed with all your heart the new teaching God has given you. ¹⁸Now you are free from sin, your old master, and you have become slaves to your new master, righteousness.

+ Being a Christ-follower means __________ in a local church.
1 Corinthians 12:11 - 12 (NLT) ¹¹It is the one and only Holy Spirit who distributes these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have. ¹²The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up only one body. So it is with the body of Christ.

An unwillingness to __________

+ __________ of the Bible

+ __________

+ __________ by world interests

+ __________ by the __________

The Cure

Acts 2:42 (NLT) ⁴²They joined with the other believers and devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, sharing in the Lord’s Supper and in prayer.
__________

+ __________ vs ignorance of the Bible, __________ – apathy, __________ vs world’s interests, __________ vs devil’s undermining activity

Bethany's Got Talent: Personality

2011-08-23T10:07:00.002-05:00

Sermon study for 8/28

1. __________ your experiences.

“ You have experienced many things. Were all those experiences wasted? I hope not!” Gal. 3:4 (ICB)

__________ – __________ – __________ – __________ – __________

“Jesus replied, ‘You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.’” John 13:7 (NIV)

2. __________ the lessons you learned.

“Examine and test and evaluate your own selves to see whether you are holding to your faith.... Do you not realize by an ever increasing experience that Jesus Christ is in you...?” 2 Cor. 13:5 (Amp)

3. __________ what you have learned.

“ I want you to know, my friends, that the things that have happened to me have really helped the progress of the gospel.” Phi. 1:12 (TEV)

How We Will Use Them

1. __________ to others.

“In our trouble God has comforted us – and this, too, to help you: to show you from our

personal experience how God will tenderly comfort you when you undergo these same sufferings. He will give you the strength to endure.” 2 Cor. 1:6-7 (LB)

2. __________ others.

“Encourage one another and help one another.”1 Th. 5:11 (TEV)

3. __________ for others.

“Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example.” Phil. 3:17 (NLT)

4. __________ others.

“We saw it, we heard it, and now we're telling you so you can experience it along with us...” 1 John 1:3 (Message)

Bethany's Got Talent: Your Personality Type

2011-08-10T14:11:00.002-05:00

Sermon Study for 8/11 & 8/14

1. ____________

• PURPOSE:

“The words of the wise bring healing.” Pr. 12:18

“The words of the wise keep people out of trouble.”

Pr. 14:3

• WEAKNESS:

“The more you talk, the more likely you are to sin.”

Pr. 10:19

“Those who are sure of themselves do not talk all the time.” Pr. 17:27

• WARNING:

“Get to work and you’ll earn a living; if you just sit around talking you’ll be poor.” Pr. 14:23

2. ____________

• PURPOSE:

“Be kind and compassionate to each other, tender-hearted, for-giving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Eph. 4:32

• WEAKNESS:

“Since your real home is in heaven, keep away from the evil pleasures of this world; they are not for you, for they fight against your very souls.” 1 Peter 2:11

• WARNING:

“Let the Spirit direct your lives, and you will not satisfy the desires of the human nature.” Gal. 5:16

3. ____________

• PURPOSE:

“We should think about the way we are living, and turn back to the Lord.” Lament. 3:40

• WEAKNESS:

“Knowledge makes people arrogant, but love builds them up.” 1 Cor. 8:1

“... always studying but are never able to recognize the truth.” 2 Tim. 3:7

• WARNING:

“Don't be impressed with your own wisdom.” Pr. 3:7 (NLT)

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:22

4. ____________

• PURPOSE:

“Offer your bodies to Him as a living sacrifice, pure and pleasing. That's the most sensible way to serve God.” Rom. 12:1

• WEAKNESS:

“It is senseless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, fearing you will starve to death; for God wants His loved ones to get their proper rest.” Psalm 127:2

• WARNING:

“Don't wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to show restraint.” Pr. 23:4

UNDERSTANDING YOUR TALENTS AND GIFTS

2011-07-19T16:27:00.004-05:00

“God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well…” Rom. 12:6 (NLT)

“God … will equip you with all you need for doing His will.” Heb. 13:21 (LB)

MY ABILITIES ARE TO BE USED TO...

1. ___________ _________

“… whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Cor. 10:31 (NIV)

2. ________ OTHERS

“God has given each of you some special abilities; be sure to use them to help each other, passing on to others God's many kinds of blessings.” 1 Peter 4:10 (LB)

3. ________ A _____________

“Remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth…” Deut. 8:18 (NIV)

4. BE AN _____________ TO OTHERS

“Put these abilities to work; throw yourself into your tasks so everyone may notice your improvement and progress.” 1 Tim. 4:15 (LB)

5. BE A GOOD ______________ AND _____________ THE MONEY I EARN

“Begin using your hands for honest work, and then give generously to others in need.” Eph. 4:28 (NLT)

6. ____________ UP THE _______________

“Why is it that God gives us these special abilities to do certain things best? It is that God's people will be equipped to do better work for Him, building up the Church, the body of Christ, to a position of strength and maturity.” Eph. 4:12 (LB)

“Take the talent from him _____ _______ _____ ____ and give to the one who has ten talents.” Matt. 25:28 (NIV)

PART 2: USING YOUR ABILITIES

1. HONESTLY __________________ WHAT YOU HAVE

“Try to have a sane estimate of your capabilities by the light of the faith God has given to you.” Rom. 12:3 (Ph)

2. ________________ WHAT YOU HAVE

“Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to His service and pleasing to Him.” Rom. 12:1 (GN)

3. _________________ WHAT YOU HAVE

“Jesus said, ‘When the Master comes back and finds his servant doing his work, that servant will be blessed!’” Luke 12:43 (NCV)

Bethany’s Got Talent: Your Spiritual Gifts

2011-06-14T12:58:00.002-05:00

God blesses you through the Holy Spirit in your baptism. Your sanctification __________ __________ is something you participate in through Learning, Service, Worship, and Prayer.

S __________

P __________

I __________

R __________

I __________

T __________

WHY SHOULD I CARE?

1. God’s Spirit reveals God’s __________ for you.

"Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you. Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you: A spokesman to the nations – that’s what I had in mind for you.” Jer. 1:5 (MSG)

2. God’s Spirit __________ me to __________ .

“... __________ formed me in my mother's womb to be His servant, and He commissioned me ....” Isa. 49:5 (NLT)

3. God’s Spirit __________ the __________ of life.

“From where God sits God overlooks all of us on earth. God has shaped each person in turn; now God watches everything we do.” Ps. 33:14-15 (MSG)

4. God’s Spirit __________ God’s __________ .

“Bring Me all the people who are Mine, whom I made for My glory, those I formed and created.” Isaiah 43:7 (NCV)

WHAT SHOULD I DO IN RESPONSE TO WHAT GOD HAS DONE?

1. __________ God’s Spiritual call.

“My friend, I ask, ‘Who do you think you are to question God? Does the clay have the right to ask the potter why he shaped it the way he did?’” Rom. 9:20 (CEV)

2. __________ the gift of __________ and share it.

“Let Your love, God, shape my life with salvation, exactly as You promise.” Psalm 119:41 (Mes)

3. Stay __________ .

“The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)

“By the grace of God I am what I am.” 1 Corinthians 15:10 (NLT)

Staying Connected with God: Strength for The Long Run

2011-06-10T15:17:00.004-05:00

1. (Focus) your (attention) on God.

Matt 6:6 "Here's what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won't be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.

2. (Ask) God to (remove) your fears.

Psalms 34:4 (NLT) I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me, freeing me from all my fears.

3. (Trust) God to (restore) you.

Lamentations 5:21 (NLT) Restore us, O LORD, and bring us back to you again! Give us back the joys we once had!

• Don't (repress) emotions

• Don't (resign) from life

• Don't (retreat) into resentment

Instead - • Do (accept) what cannot be changed

• Do focus on what you (have) not what you've (lost)

• Do (trust) that in serving you are (helped)

4. (Remember) what remains (unchanging)

• (God) is in (control)

Lamentations 5:19 (TEV) But you, O Lord, are king forever and will rule to the end of time.

• God will always (love) you

Jeremiah 31:3 (NLT) Long ago the LORD said to Israel: “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.

• God is really all you (need)

Lamentations 3:24 "Deep in my heart I say, 'The Lord is all I need. I can depend on Him.'"

Staying Connected Through Crisis

2011-05-27T17:08:00.003-05:00

* On _____________ we remember all the _________ made by those defending our country.

* We also remember over 116 died in Joplin, MO, 300 died in Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia.

* ELCA Disaster Response is on the scene

1. When crisis strikes tell God how you _________.

Lamentations 2:19b (NLT) 19bLift up your hands to him in prayer. Plead for your children as they faint with hunger in the streets.

1 Chronicles 16:11 (NLT) 11Search for the LORD and for his strength, and keep on searching.

2. ____________ God in all ______________.

Job 13:15 (NLT) 15God might kill me, but I cannot wait. I am going to argue my case with him.

3. ______ God for ____________ and _________ others.

Psalms 105:4 (NLT) 4Search for the LORD and for his strength, and keep on searching.

4. Keep ____________on _________and _______________.

2 Corinthians 4:16 - 18 (NLT) 16That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. 17For our present troubles are quite small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever! 18So we don’t look at the troubles we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we have not yet seen. For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever.

John 16:33 (The MSG) “In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.”

* All ___________ are ________________.

* God will _________ a crisis for __________ purpose.

* Keep your __________ fixed on the ___________.

The Giving Connection

2011-05-18T13:51:00.002-05:00

Questions we ask…

If God has everything and is the creator of all why do we need to (give) anything?

If Jesus abolished the requirements of the Law, why do we even talk about (tithing)?

Isn’t talk about ____________ going to __________ ______________ off?

• ___________ is mentioned in the very first _________ of the __________.

Genesis 14:18-20:Abraham tithed long before it was found in the Law Moses handed down as a response to God’s love and faithfulness.

• When God delivered Israel from ______________ in _____________ they responded by __________.

Deut 26:8-10: And the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great deeds of terror, with signs and wonders. 9And he brought us into this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey. 10And behold, now I bring the first of the fruit of the ground, which you, O LORD, have given me.' And you shall set it down before the LORD your God and worship before the LORD your God.

• ________ is one of the ways God keeps us _______ to Him and teaches us to become more _________.

Malachi 3:10: Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.

• Does the Bible have any _______________ for Christians about being ___________?

2 Cor. 9:6: Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly,

• God’s __________ is not _________.

Acts 14:22: strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,”

• We are called to ________ ___________ the old ways of doing things.

Galatians 2:20: I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

• ________________ is intended to be a _________ ____________ response to God’s generosity.

2 Cor 9:12-13: This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for ____________ the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.

• _________ God and not your _______________.

1 Tim 6:17-19: Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

Sermon Study May 8

2011-05-05T10:43:00.002-05:00

1. Today's Gospel even takes place ___________ . They are on the road because it is time

to ___________ and ___________ . They are joined by ___________ . It is

___________ .

Did they recognize him? ___________

John Sculley was president of ___________ . He left it to work for ___________ .

Why did he change jobs? With Apple he saw an even greater ___________ .

Do we see the vision ___________ has for us? Do we walk in his presence but do not ___________ him?

2. That morning the women told their story of seeing Jesus at the tomb. These two

intelligent fellows ___________ . As they walked with the Risen Lord, they did not

___________ him.

3. Why didn't they recognize him? Sometimes we just will not let ourselves ___________ or

___________ .

There are signs along the way reminding us ___________ . Millions have.

On their journey, the Lord taught the two doubters about the Scriptures and how the events of Holy Week had been ___________ . Still they did not ___________ .

4. Sometimes we question why we do not ___________ .

Dan Wakefield says that belonging to Church gave him a sense of living in a larger context,

of being part of something greater than what I could see through the tunnel vision of my

personal concerns.........He had a hunger and thirst for spiritual understanding.

Like the two on the road, can we be in the presence of the Risen Lord and ___________ ?

In the house at eventide, Jesus takes bread, blesses it, gives it to them, and ___________.

When the man with the mask removed it, he found _______________________________.

Jesus, our Lord, ___________ and is __________ .

He comes to us in ___________ and ___________ .

He stand before us in the form of our___________ and ___________ and ___________ .

Do you ___________ ?

Connected with God Part 1

2011-04-26T16:16:00.004-05:00

2 Kings 6:1 - 7 (NLT) 1One day the group of prophets came to Elisha and told him, “As you can see, this place where we meet with you is too small. 2Let’s go down to the Jordan River, where there are plenty of logs. There we can build a new place for us to meet.” “All right,” he told them, “go ahead.” 3“Please come with us,” someone suggested. “I will,” he said. 4When they arrived at the Jordan, they began cutting down trees. 5But as one of them was chopping, his ax head fell into the river. “Ah, my lord!” he cried. “It was a borrowed ax!” 6“Where did it fall?” the man of God asked. When he showed him the place, Elisha cut a stick and threw it into the water. Then the ax head rose to the surface and floated. 7“Grab it,” Elisha said to him. And the man reached out and grabbed it.

1. ___________ you’ve lost it.

Revelation 2:4 (NLT) 4But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first!

2. ________ where you __________ your _________.

3. ____________ that God can _____________ it.

Jeremiah 15:19 (NLT) 19The LORD replied, “If you return to me, I will restore you so you can continue to serve me. If you speak words that are worthy, you will be my spokesman. You are to influence them; do not let them influence you!

The discipline of a tithe

Malachi 3:10 (NLT) 10Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the LORD Almighty, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Let me prove it to you!

God know what’s ________________ to us.

Matthew 6:21 (NLT) 21Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be.

How _____________ is ___________ to us?

Your Will Be Done

2010-10-13T12:21:00.003-05:00

OK OK - Fuel was great and some of you have to be gone this weekend I really want to find a way to stay connected. That is why I'm writing these blogs. I'd like you and event the confirmation kids to read them and comment on them. Am I dreaming too big? "Thy will be done" is a BIG topic because it can encompass so much. Earth, heaven, God's Will, etc, where should we even begin?

What kind of BIG risk have people taken? What kind have you taken? What about that movie, "National Treasures: Book of Secrets," Nicholas Cage trys to kidnap the president - pretty risky. What about Martin Luther, standing up to the Pope with the risk of excommunication and being burned at the stake - pretty risky. What are you willing to take risks for - things that matter or things that are just to have a thrill? How do we even begin to understand God's will for our life?

Well, how about brain storming some things: daily quiet time for prayer, reading the Bible, serving people who are needy, signing up for the mission trip, helping out around the church, helping an elderly neighbor, interview some people around church about what they think God's will is - take notes and report back. Look up some bible passages that talk about God's will and write them down and post them around church. Give me some feedback when you get a chance. Thanks to all the teachers who love the Lord and are serving the youth of our congregation. Thanks to the kids for being here and to the parents who help make confirmation real at home too. God will bless you for your efforts.

Fuel Worship

2010-10-08T11:37:00.004-05:00

This Sunday is the Fuel Worship - you have an option as teachers to attend the Fuel Worship Service or to have class. At least two of the students will be part of the band that morning. Our focus will be on Trust - which really fits with the next session which is "your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." Please mark your calendars for October 25th at 7:00PM. I'd like us to have a conference call meeting to discuss how things are going, what we can improve, and any needs we have. Also please try to be at the Confirmation Service on the 31st at 10:45AM worship. Thanks for your ministry to the kids and for sharing in this important ministry. I will look forward to hearing from you and receiving input on how things are going. I will also be doing a video sometime in the next month on the Lord's Prayer that you might be able to show via DVD or YouTube during class time. I will keep you posted as to when that is available. Blessings.

Your Kingdom Come

2010-09-27T14:56:00.003-05:00

WE have no real reference point for a King in our society so this comes across as a little strange. But as adults we understand "boss", CEO, commander, leader, and so forth. What would it be like if Jesus ruled. There is a funny YouTube video with kids asking questions about what Jesus would do. I can send you the link if you want - let me know. But the question of how Jesus would rule or run things is a good one. You could study New Testament readings about Jesus and leadership - Google - Jesus and Leadership and see what you get. Talk about the President and Leadership or world leaders and compare them to the way Jesus would run things.

Have the kids create a Jesus cabinet. What would their job be if Jesus was in charge and they were his disciples - what would he have them do? If they were his ambassadors and workers how would they behave during the week and what would they do?

Download some pictures of world leaders and see if they can identify the picture. Look at Jesus footwashing of the disciples and ask how this is a King's Job and what Jesus intended to teach by doing that. Maybe even conduct a footwashing. Go to another class and ask to wash the feet of a teacher or another student as a sign of what Jesus asks us to do for one another. What is another "Servant Event" they could do together? Consider packing some Operation Christmas Child Boxes as a class project - Baby King Jesus Celebration. Ask Cindy Biernacki to come in and talk about OCC.

Amy Hartson will also be stopping by one of these weeks to talk about offering and what we do with our offering and what they as students can do to give to God's work.

Make crowns for one of the elementary kids classes and tell them that Jesus makes them special people through baptism. Maybe consider working on a puppet show for the little kids sometime. http://www.puppetresources.com/resources_links.php

Talk about the Kingdom of Darkness that Satan rules and how dangerous that is. I'm working with someone right now who is really struggling with this as a young person. It's real and kids dabble in this stuff. Teach them to be careful - only God is our true King but Satan wants to have a victory by taking kids away from faith. This might be something to explore.

This was a pretty cool site also -----

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6wL1IvMuWo&feature=related

Well there you go - week three - tell me if these blogs are helpful

Holy - Hallowed - be Your Name

2010-09-21T10:44:00.004-05:00

God is holy and the 6 - 8th graders will be challenged into thinking about holiness and what that means. To be holy actually means to "belong to God." an immediate thought came to mind that you could make labels that said, "Belongs to God" and go around the church and place the label on people and things around the church. It is active and sends a message and I could even talk about during worship. The kids could each wear a label that said, their name and then "belongs to God" underneath.

Middle school kids need action, movement, teamwork, and independence. They love snacks too so hurray for those of you who thought of that. You could have each family volunteer to bring a snack each week or take up a special offering for snacks each week - but food is a help. Feel free to move around the building, next door park, and try out spaces that might be an alternative setting to the classroom. Even BJ's restaurant once in awhile is ok - like as a special treat for a month's perfect attendance.

Consider ways that God is "disrespected" in culture today - music, art, movies, etc. Why is this happening? What are ways we can honor God? Having our Bible with us, wearing a cross, talking with others about our church, bringing friends with us, brainstorm a little on this. Use a video clip if you like - I'm trying to get a TV or projector in every classroom so you can hook up dvd or computer - I have a mobile cart right now so you need to let me know if you need it the week before so I can reserve it for you (except in the CARE Room). Ask the High School kids to help you out if you like (they are in the Youth Room) and perhaps they could do a moveable skit and act out part of the lesson - call Jill Klingbeil or Jaunda Kneller to see if they might help out. Take over a bulletin board in the church to help drive a point home - what would they want on it - there is one in the lower hall, one in the CARE Room, and one in the lobby (Atrium) I could let each class have to do something related to the Lord's Prayer.

Consider a "prayer walk" walk around a block nearby and pray for each family in each house of that block. Maybe even leave a little flyer at the house telling the resident that your class is praying for them today. Have your class lead the Lord's Prayer in church using the modern translation - that will shock a few and make them think.

Always think outside the box with Middle Schoolers. They love it when you give them assignments and make them get involved - they love action and movement.

Also don't forget to start the day by making the sign of the cross (reminds us that we are baptized) - the Lord's Prayer, Apostle's Creed, Great Commandment, Great Commission, and Ten Commandments. If we say these in unison each week by the time they take the test in 8th grade it will be so well known that they will have no problem remembering them.

First week of confirmation

2010-09-08T11:12:00.003-05:00

Welcome Confirmation Teachers and Subs,

Thank you and God’s blessings for the care you have for youth and their grounding in Christ. The first week is the OUR FATHER part of the Lord’s Prayer. Several things come to mind but before I get to that I would like all the classes to get into a routine of opening the way Martin Luther began his day: 1. Begin in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (why?) It is a reminder of our baptism; 2. Then orally go through the Lord’s Prayer, Apostle’s Creed, Ten Commandments, Great Commandment, and Great Commission (all together); three move into the lesson.

Our Father is a “gracious encounter” with God. It is a loving parent expressing that He loves and cares for us. Some things you could do is to have a picture of your dad or grandpa and talk about them and what they were like. Invite the kids to do the same. Have them write a note to their dad or grandpa expressing what they mean to them. Some of them could be estranged from their dad so be sensitive to that possibility.

Use a YouTube clip from “O God” the movie with George Burns and John Denver and ask why the director pictured God the way he did.
Show pictures from the Hubble telescope and talk about the vastness of the universe and, yet, how close Jesus wants us to think of God. Ask how God is present.

Talk about prayer and where we pray in the church. Look at a hymnal and show them that in the front part of the hymnal there are many prayers. Take a walk over to Trinity Park (the triangle lot across from the church) – sit in a circle and do a circle prayer – assign each youth a part of the prayer and have them lead that – talk about parts of a prayer.

Do some bible races on prayer – look up several verses in the bible related to prayer and have them race to find them…give them simple prizes like a donut hole or a pack of gummy snacks or tootsie sucker – etc.

Ask when they pray at home – and suggest they be the prayer leader this week at one of the family dinners. Let me know if some of these ideas are helpful. Also give me feedback on the lessons as you look them over.

Blessings and many thanks. Pastor Dennis

A Little Child Shall Lead Them

2010-02-14T21:31:00.003-06:00

This child's drawing was so pure and loving that it captured my attention as I thought about Transfiguration Sunday and the beginning of Lent this week. Some people are giving up pop or chocolate for lent but what about fasting and praying for the poor, the homeless, the oppressed. Kids get it. They want to help other people. Mission is just natural to them. We can learn a lot from them. Lent is a call to fasting and prayer for mission. Not a mission to force religion on people but to love in genuine ways like Jesus. He loved because he overflowed with love from God. People believed and followed because they new that this kind of living would give them new life and new energy. Join us this lent by listening in on WIMS radio in Michigan City, downloading our podcasts, or picking up a CD or typed copy of the messages. You can also join us in feed the hungry by being at Bethany on Thursdays at 5:00PM or by making a tax deductible contribution to the ministry of Bethany. Let's be on mission this year and learn together how to think globally and act locally. Let the Child of Bethlehem now lead us as our brother to become more and more like him in loving the world for God.

BLC Basics

2010-01-05T20:30:00.003-06:00

We're starting a new series - in a new year - with a new purpose. The theme for this year is "Every Member a Missionary." Our premise is pretty basic - like building blocks we are built into a church that is designed to honor God. Every member is a part of this - no one gets a pass. If you are in Christ you are called. You might refuse but you are called. But we are not moving ahead blindly and we are not expecting you to go without understanding.

We've divided the year into four quarters of mission: Jan, Feb, March will be "Preparing for Mission;" April May June is "Training for Mission;" July Aug Sept focuses on "Doing Mission;" and Oct Nov Dec will be "Celebrating and Refueling for Mission."

This Sunday I launch a sermon series that will form the building blocks of this year's emphasis. January 10th will be, "Church 101 - BLC Basics;" January 17, "Commandments, Creeds, and the Cross," January 24, "The Great Commandment;" January 31st, Sacraments and Service;" and then finally on February 7th, "The Great Commission." Then with Ash Wednesday and lent just around the corner we will provide you with some tools and training to do mission as God has designed you.

I believe this can be exciting and a great learning opportunity for everyone. I encourage you to listen to the podcast if you miss a service. Read the blog for some previews. This week study Acts 2:42-47 and ask the Holy Spirit to open up your mind and heart to receive the message God is preparing for you.

Blessed are the merciful

2009-11-23T20:22:00.003-06:00

Mercy is a quality that sets the Christ Follower apart from legalism and religiosity. It is a way of living and loving that honors God and shows respect for our humanity.

Mercy means that I will be patient with those who seem differnt from me. Mercy means that I will forgive the fallen. Mercy means I will help the hurting. Mercy means I will be kind to my enemies.

Why do we do this? What is the point. Well you will need to check out the worship services this weekend on Sunday or a week from Thursday. Also download the podcast and share it with someone. There are some good reasons to show mercy. God has shown us mercy, I know that I will need mercy in the future again. I will be happier (happy are the merciful, Jesus said). Others will get to know a God of mercy instead of some of the out of touch images of God portrayed by the anti-faith movement. And finally the best reason is that it is the right thing to do. Keep joining us as we study through the Beatitudes of Jesus.

Finally, happy thanksgiving. It's my favorite holiday and I will be enjoying it with family and friends. I hope you will too. Share it with someone who is hungry, lonely, or thirsty. Help us with our food bank or the social ministy.

Keep Thankfu.

I Can't Get No...

2009-11-16T06:37:00.002-06:00

The Rolling Stones sang that they couldn't get it but in the Be Attitudes Jesus says that it is available to you - satisfaction. In fact, Jesus says when you are hungry and thirsty for the right relationship with God that is exactly what God will give to you.

Americans often look in the wrong places for satisfaction. We won't find in the pursuit of personal pleasures, we wont find it in our performance, and we definitely wont find it in more possessions. So then how will we find deep down life long satisfaction and happiness?

First, we have to recognize our real hunger. It's a hunger for God and our relationship with Him. Second, we need to stop the spiritual junk food binge and artificial amusements of western culture. We need to spend more time helping people who really are hungry, thirsty, and homeless - that is where Jesus wants us to begin to find depth of meaning. Third, we've got to look to Christ for meaning and purpose. We will never find it solely in ourselves and our own ambitions.

We are ending a year of focus on the Christmas message - the "good news of great joy which is for ALL people." Yet, that message is timeless. I believe Jesus is raising up disciples through this year long experience. Not because of what I, or any other person is doing. It is because of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is guiding people like you to take up the cause and share the good news. It doesn't matter what decisions the ELCA made, it doesn't matter what shape the economy is in, and it doesn't matter whether we have new windows and updated heating system. What does matter is people and the Word. This is what makes disciples. The Spirit is saving lives to live more fully today and to live for eternity.

When you make your Christmas list ask - what does God want me to have on that list? Am I going to buy trinkets and baubles that will break and be shelved or am I going to give things that are lasting and meaningful. Give for the right reasons. Not so you will get back but because God wants you to learn generosity. Include your church on the gift list. Include a gift to social ministry or world hunger. Give to someone who cannot give back or who doesn't know who gave the gift and just say, "It's a blessing from God." Live Christmas 365.

Happy are those who mourn...

2009-11-02T17:24:00.004-06:00

Last week we talked about the attitudes of happiness that Jesus teaches in the Sermon on the Mount (or the Beatitudes). Eight positive statements about choosing God's way to live life. In this second attitude adjustment Jesus reminds us first of all that life is difficult and the to mourn is a part of life. He doesn't try to explain suffering but he tells us how to deal with it.

First, know that God is with us. (Psalm 34:18). God is aware, God cares, and God will help (Job 13:27, Nahum 1:7, Hebrews 4:16).

Second, let go of hurt (Isaiah 43:18). So often we repress hurt, rehearse it, and resent it. Jesus invites us to release it (Psalm 10:14).

Third, Jesus invites us to rely on God's resources. What happens many times is that humans turn to alternative hurt relievers: drinking, drugs, entertainment, thrills, and many other escapes. What God tells us is to try His way: a. Take time during your day to listen for His voice; b. Spend time in the Word and let it comfort you; c. be with God's people - healing nutritious helpful people; and d. receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).

What can you do today to help? Three things will help deal with grief, sorrow, and pain.
1. Invite the Spirit of the Living Christ to dwell in your life now.
2. Connect with/or connect more deeply with the church family.
3. Give yourself away in service to others - stuff, things, material goods will ultimately mean nothing but people matter to God and will ultimately bless you and heal your hurt.

Be Attitudes

2009-10-31T16:44:00.003-05:00

You've often heard that we are human beings and not human doings. The reality of life is that we all too often let external things affect our happiness. Over the next several weeks I will be exploring the Be Attitudes - you know, Matthew Chapter five, Sermon on the Mount? Blessed are...Jesus says over and over again in his most famous sermon. He wants us to have new perspective on happiness. That is what blessed means - happy.

Jesus wants us to realize that it is not circumstances, or the accumulation of things, or greater status that will make us happy. In the Beatitudes he gives us eight positive things to change our focus as Christ Followers. Poor in Spirit (the first one) is not about self loathing, or putting yourself down, or pretending you are just a poor slob. Think of the first Beatitude this way, "Happy are those who know they don't have it all together and know they need God, they are happy and humble."

Humility and happiness are soul mates. Humility brings three gifts from God that we will look at in this week's message: 1. humility reduces stress; 2. humility improves our relationships; 3. humility releases God's power in our life. Read over Matthew 5; James 4:6; John 15:15; and John 13:17. Our attitude is either the lock on or the key to our happiness.

Focus with me over the next few weeks on the Beatitudes and what they offer us for living happier lives. Listen to the podcast and check my blog weekly for updates and previews.

Be Well - Serve Faithfully

Kingdom, Power, Glory, Forever, Amen

2009-10-20T17:16:00.002-05:00

In this final message on the Lord's Prayer we once again look at the prayer of fulfillment - the prayer that God will break into this life, this world, and bring eternity into the reality of the present. We pray for the Kingdom to come. A Kingdom not marked by one who rules over us with heavy handed demands but as one who calls us to obedience by teaching us what servanthood really means. Jesus says to us, "Seek first the Kingdom of God..." How do we do that?

One way of looking at this is by putting some first things first in our life: [F.I.R.S.T.] F = financially making God's Kingdom first as we share our resources. I = interests. As we place first what God has shown us through Jesus interests Him the most: the poor, the homeless, the widow, the orphan, the marginalized, the sick, and things like justice and peace. R = relationships. We need to realize that people are important to God and living in community with other believers is like building up a family for God. It is a place of welcome to others who are seeking. S = schedule. We need to set aside not the last of our day but valuable time during our day for time with God and for serving our neighbor as God directs us. Finally, T = troubles. When troubles and challenges come our way take them to God first. We tend to try and do it ourselves - go it alone - be the lone ranger - but God says this is not putting me first.

Another way of praying for fulfillment is to live by God's power through prayer, risks of obedience, and by never giving up on faith - remembering that humanly speaking things may seem impossible but for God nothing is impossible.

Finally, we are called to live for God's glory. We can show love towards everyone, use our gifts and talents to serve everyone, and share the good news with everyone. Joining together as a church family is how we do this. We can do so much more together than we can do alone. See you Sunday as we Confirm several young people at BLC and renew our own Baptismal Covenant.

Blessings - Pastor D.