Pastor Jay //

If you are obeying the commands of Christ, you will probably find yourself feeling out of place in a world that does not follow Christ. In fact, you could say that if you are feeling very comfortable in this world and not out of place, you may not be living like Jesus would have you live. That’s difficult to digest, because we all want to “fit in” to some degree. Ultimately the place where Christians want to “fit in” will be heaven, since we will be spending an eternity there.

I read a story last week that caught my attention on this very subject. A tour was being given at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum when a woman mentioned that she was raising a particular type of cactus in a pot on her New York City apartment balcony. Another tourist was surprised at her being able to raise the delicate cactus in a non-arid environment and enquired about how she kept it without over-watering it. The NYC cactus owner replied, “I subscribe to the Tucson newspaper and every time it rained in the desert, I gave my plant some water.”

When we become Christians, earth is no longer our “natural habitat.” Our hearts and lives become more dependent on divine help from heaven. We have no idea how wonderful heaven will be. Before we get there, we need to be actively watching for heaven’s news here on earth. Heaven notices the events of earth. According to the Bible, heaven erupts in rejoicing when someone accepts forgiveness (In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15:10). The Book of Hebrews reminds us that those who have gone on before us become a great cloud of witnesses cheering us on in the race of life. (Hebrews 12:1) In the daily grind, it is easy to lose sight of the works of heaven around us that only God can do. Prayer, Bible reading, and worship are our subscriptions to the news of heaven.

I find that this story about the cactus also reminds me about prayer. Even from a distance, prayer actively engages me in the events of the world. I can participate in what God is doing around the world through prayer.

“In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:9-10.

How do you make decisions? Joseph was faced with the dilemma of his life: what to do about Mary’s extra-marital pregnancy. She had promised herself to him. They were to be married. Now she was going to have a child and he knew that it wasn’t his. Joseph chose to make a righteous decision, but he also chose to be compassionate about how he would carry it out. He would put her away quietly. That was his decision.

Then God stepped in. God showed Joseph how it was all part of his plan. He could be righteous, compassionate, and obedient to the Spirit of God. Why? Because God made him a promise and God always fulfills His promises.

Many believe that the Bible is outdated, outmoded. However, if we are willing to look into the Word of God and allow it to shape us, we begin to see that there is a great deal of wisdom in the scriptures that we need for today. I believe that God’s Spirit works in us just like He did with Joseph. We are to do what we can with what we know about God’s ways and then trust God to show us what we can’t see. Everything changed for Joseph when he discovered who the baby was. Everything changes for you when you discover who Jesus is. He is the Son of God and “by His wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5)

Discussion Questions:

1. What major decisions have you made this last year?

2. How do you make decisions? Is there a plan to your decision making?

3. How can you consider the person and character of Jesus more in your decision making?

Further Reading:

• Matthew 1:18-25
• Newsweek article completely misconstrues the Bible and calls it outdated
• Biblical response to the Newsweek article

You must see this music video. It is powerful. Warren Barfield wrote this song after a fight with his wife.

Check out this video as we prepare for FIREPROOF this fall. You can ignore the Spanish intro - it is in English.

In Search of a Leader: Tragedy and Triumph in the Book of Judges

“Finish the Task” – Judges 1-3:6

1. Explain your feelings about this statement: “A job worth doing is a job worth doing well.”
2. Why do things that are “worth doing” met with great opposition and difficulty?
3. What goal in your life are you unwilling to sacrifice at any cost? If you do not have a goal like this, why not?

May 11, 2008 - 1 Samuel 1-2

Family Discussion Questions:

1. What do you do that makes you feel important?
2. Name at least one positive contribution that you hope to make in your lifetime. Explain.
3. How much are you worth to God? (avoid simple answers)

May 4, 2008 Message

Faith Under Fire - Daniel 3

“Taking a Stand for Truth”

Discussion Questions:

1. Why does obeying God seem harder than doing what we want to do?
2. What are the consequences of obeying God? (good and bad)
3. Where are you currently bowing to pressure from others rather than obeying God?

Wisdom for Fools - Proverbs 3:11-12

11 My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD,
Nor detest His correction;
12 For whom the LORD loves He corrects,
Just as a father the son in whom he delights.

1.  What (if any) is the difference between punishment and discipline?

2. As a child, was there a time where you were punished that you learned a positive lesson? Explain.

3. How is punishment a protection? When does punishment go to far?

April 6, 2008 - Wisdom for Fools: Six Guidelines for Wise Living

Proverbs 3:1-12

Discussion Questions:

1. What is one of the dumbest things you have ever done? (Don’t think you haven’t!)

2. How do we know that something is foolish?

3. What are some reasons that Christians are considered foolish?

4. Name three people in your life whose opinion matters to you most. Why those three?

Good Humor: Children’s comments about how to decide who to marry… (more…)

Come this Sunday and receive this free booklet.

Discussion Questions: (use these discussion questions to ignite discussion with your family or friends)

• 1.       What are some ways that we can express “love”?
• 2.       What is one reason that love can be emotionally painful?
• 3.       In spite of the pain, why do we still desire to love and be loved?
• 4.       God has made a great sacrifice in His love for you, what sacrifice have you made in your love for Him?