IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS--Christmas Party

NO SUNDAY SCHOOL NEXT WEEK--NOVEMBER 25, 2012
Due to the Thanksgiving Weekend, we will not be having Sunday School next week.  We hope to see everyone again on December 1, 2012.


ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY

Our annual Sunday School Christmas Party is scheduled for Friday, December 14, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at our home (8431 Turtle Rock Loop, College Station, Texas, 77845).  Please mark this event on your calendar and make every effort to join us for some good eating, great fun, and good fellowship.  Cindy will be making Chili and Soup and maybe even a chocolate pie or two.  Everyone is asked to bring a dish or a dessert or a salad or fixings and we will enjoy a great meal.  Kyle Halbert is even petitioning for chicken fried steak????  Who knows, maybe we can work that out too.  We always have a few fun activities and everyone usually leaves with something, in addition to what you arrived with.  Mark your calendars now and start working on a baby sitter.   If some of you would like to go together to hire a babysitter and have them keep several groups of kids at a common location, we can work on that too.  See you on December 14. 

Jimmy and Cindy Creel

CHANNEL 1 AND CHANNEL 2

In today's session, Dr. Gillham tried to help us understand the inner war within the Christian.  As Bill said, "If we are new creatures in Christ, then why do we still struggle, and how do we deal with the source of that struggle?"  A key concept explained by Bill is, "The war within is not a civil war between the "old you" and the "new you."  If this were so, then you would be condemned to a life of defeat on planet earth, and that is not what the Bible teaches."  Consider Ephesians 2:4-6:  "But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus."  According to this verse, if your are "in Christ" then you are now "seated with Him in heavenly places."  Even while you are on earth, you are seated in Christ at the right hand of the Father.  Bill uses the analogy of thinking of heaven as being one inch off the surface of the earth to help us understand how we could be standing on the surface of the earth, yet also be in heaven.  Your soul and spirit are sealed in the Holy Spirit (2 Cor. 1:22; Eph. 1:13, Eph. 4:30). 

The power of sin is going to function in the same manner as the Holy Spirit, but with the opposite intent.  Genesis 4:7 provides the first reference to "sin" in the Bible.  Here we find that sin is a noun, not a verb.  God's Word is personifying sin.  The word "sin" appears 41 times in Romans 5-8; 40 of these occurrences are nouns.  Only 1 occurrence is a verb indicating poor performance.  As a new creature in Christ, the law of God is written on your heart.  You long to obey God (2 Cor. 3:3). 

Bill uses the term "Channel 1" to describe how the power of sin fights against each of us.  Bill explains that sin responds to a stimulus by feeding thoughts to your mind in first-person, singular pronouns, conforming to your unique version of the flesh.  Sin will impersonate your dead, old man.  Sin is the instrument of Satan, so it is something with which we must all deal.  Temptation comes from the devil!  As soon as you choose to buy sin's thought (temptation) as your own, you have sinned.  Bill suggests the only response to such power.  We should take every thought captive (2 Cor. 10:5), say "No" to temptation (1 Cor. 10:13), and bring Christ on line to give you victory.  You are dead to sin and alive to God, so act like what you are--dead to sin.  You act dead to sin by faith.  "Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you."  James 4:7.

Have a great and blessed Thanksgiving Week!

October 28, 2012 ENVELOPED IN CHRIST

This week, we heard Anabel encourage us to use our imaginations as we study the Bible.  Our imaginations can be useful in helping us to relate to the circumstances and events of the Bible.  If we can imagine ourselves being in the shoes of the characters we are studying, we can often have a better realization of the Bible's truth. 

Anabel asked us to imagine that the Bible is God's love letter to each and everyone of us.  Interwoven throughout the Bible is God's promise to return and His encouragement to watch for Him.  Anabel also showed a great illustration of what it means to be "enveloped" in Christ as described in John 14:20--"In that day you shall know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you."  Anabel's illustrations with envelopes helps us to understand this concept.  Anabel says, "You need to let go and nestle yourself into God and Jesus." 

Please continue to pray for the Lowe family this week as they continue to deal with the loss of Sheryl's sister.  Please pray for God's strength and peace in their lives and for their safety as they travel. 

REMINDER:   We have a class Potluck lunch scheduled immediately after church THIS Sunday, November 4, 2012.  Everyone is welcome.  Just bring a dish or dishes that you would like to share with the class.  Everyone will bring a dish and we will all enjoy each other's dish.  Hopefully, there will be some main courses, some side dishes, and some DESSERTS.  This is my favorite kind of luncheon.  The church will provide drinks and plasticware.  We will look forward to seeing you there.  If you are an inservice worker, please join us so we can catch up on you and your family.  Looking forward to seeing everyone.
Jimmy

October 21--2nd Half of Your True Identity in Christ

In this week’s Sunday School lesson, we watched the second half of Bill and Anabel Gillham’s discussion of “Your True Identity in Christ.” Bill explained that Adam was the first “Lord of the Ring.” Spiritual death was the result of Adam’s disobedience. As a descendant of Adam each of us has inherited his spiritual characteristics. We are all born with a dead spirit. As Bill explains, “all you need to do to go to hell is show up here on earth and get to the age of understanding that Christ died for your sins and ignore that truth and you are on your way to hell.” Bill states, “Birth always determines identity.” All you have to do to go to hell is show up on the planet as a descendant of Adam.


Salvation is a change in your nature and your identity from the inside out. When you enter into Christ’s lifeline, you receive His nature and His life. You receive a new present, a new future, and a new past. Your heritage from Adam becomes history. God did away with your old identity in order to give you a new identity. The old you was crucified with Christ (Romans 6:6, Galatians 2:20) and you became a new creation in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17).

I have been listening to the old song about God making something beautiful of your life for many years. Yet, it was interesting to hear Bill say, “God has no plan to make something beautiful of your life (in Adam). Bill argues that the plan is to kill it and start over again.

I also found the discussion about Christ in You versus You in Christ to be interesting. As you will recall, Bill pointed out that salvation is like a coin: heads is Christ in You and tails is You in Christ. I have never thought about it this way, but Bill points out that the “you in Christ” verses outnumber the “Christ in you” verses by a ratio of 10 to 1. Bill explains that it is from this perspective of who you are in Christ that you understand your true identity and realize that Christ is your life.

Bill then explains that the death of the “old you” is a done deal. He encourages us to appropriate the truth that your old self has been crucified with Christ (Romans 6:6). He asked the following question: “How many of your sins did Christ take to the cross 2,000 years ago?” Answer: “All of them.” “How many of your sins had you committed 2,000 years ago?” Answer: “None of them.” In the same way you claim He took your sins to the cross, you claim He took you to the cross. The old you (who you were in Adam) died.

The death of the old you from Romans 6:

1) Verse 2—you have died to sin

2) Verse 3—you have been baptized into His death

3) Verse 4—you have been buried with Him

4) Verse 5—you have been united with Him in the likeness of His death

These verses are all past tense.

Your true identity is now in Christ. In Christ, you are now accepted, loved, holy, and righteous. You are now a saint. The Word of God refers to you as a saint 56 times.

You are a new creature in Christ. Start living as who you really are! Read through the “True Identity in Christ” sheet that was provided in class. Allow God to impress upon you the truth of these Scriptures.

Have a great week!

Jimmy & Cindy

October 14 Our True Identity in Christ

Our True Identity in Christ


October 14, 2012





Anabel calls this session “perhaps the most important session of the program.” Indeed, this session begins with Anabel asking each of us to rate ourselves on a scale of 1 to 10 that represents how much you accept yourself with 1 being the lowest number and 10 being the highest. I doubt if any of us chose a number as high as God chooses when we are saved and become a “new creature in Christ.” Based on 2 Corinthians 5: 16, 17, Bill helps us to understand that our true identity is not in our flesh, but rather we have become what Bill calls a “spirit critter.”



Bill helps us to understand our true identity by explaining the time dimension as created by God. Bill points out that faith requires the time dimension. When faith is no longer needed, time will cease to be. He also makes the point that God is not and cannot be controlled by his creation. He is not time-dimensional. We are time-dimensional beings. Bill uses the simple diagram below to help us understand this concept:




B               H                                 S                                T                         D
Birth     Haircut                   Salvation                    Today                  Death

Bill describes God as being like a “man in a helicopter” who can hover over this timeline and is able to see everything in the present tense. Perhaps, that is why God described himself as “I AM?” Bill makes a very important point in this discussion. “God never allows a problem to come into your life for which HE does not already have a solution.” Wow! That is a powerful thought to remember.


Bill also takes time to describe and compare the concepts of “Christ in You and You in Christ.” He describes salvation as being like a coin with heads being Christ in You and Tails being You in Christ. The “You in Christ” verses in the Bible outnumber the “Christ in You” verses by 10 to 1. “It is from the perspective of who you are in Christ that you understand your true identity and realize that Christ is your life.” In Christ, you are accepted, loved, holy, and righteous. You are a saint. The Word of God refers to you as a saint 56 times. According to Bill, “You can no more be a sinner saved by grace than you can be a married single person. Rather, you are now a “saint who sins.” God has solved your identity problem. You are a new creature in Christ. God has solved your performance problem. His life has become your life, and He will live His life through you. Have a great week!



Mark Your Calendar: Sunday School Pot Luck Lunch: November 4, 2012



Bring your family and a dish to share with the class. The church will provide drinks, plates, etc.

Bill's Personal Version of Flesh--September 30 2012

Today, we watched the first half of Session 2, “The Life”, with Bill and Anabel Gillham. In today’s lesson, we watched and listened as Bill described his own version of flesh. As Bill states, “Each of us has developed our own version of the flesh in order to get our needs met our own way.” Bill and Anabel will illustrate in their comments God’s desire to meet our deepest needs and the futility of trusting in the flesh.


As Bill begins his personal discussion of the flesh, he points toward the role played by his parents. Yet, he explains that the culprit in the development of his flesh is not his parents. The real culprit is Satan. Bill explains that he grew up in a home in which the role of husband and wife were reversed. According to Bill, this was 180 degrees counter to the instructions provided in the “Manufacturer’s Instructions”— the Bible. Bill explained how little boys have a need to discover and express their masculinity. They learn how to interact with females by interacting with their moms. If males are emasculated in their formative years, their flesh usually develops toward one of three patterns according to Bill. Homosexuality may manifest itself if the child gives up on being male. Passivity can be a path chosen by young men in this circumstance. In the case of passivity, he is likely to adopt a philosophy in which he agrees to be anything someone else wants him to be as long as he is accepted. The third path chosen by young men raised in this environment is machismo. In this circumstance, the young male employs macho behavior to try to gain masculine acceptance. This third circumstance is the one that Bill described as his own personal version of the flesh. By trying to meet his own needs, which Bill calls “Playing Lord of the Ring”, he collared himself with emotional, mental, and behavioral flesh patterns.

Bill felt like he needed to be a “MANLY MAN” to meet his need to be accepted. He transposed that expectation onto his own sons and onto his wife as well. The consequences were devastating for his family. It is important to remember that fleshly patterns are developed in response to your “stuck feeler” and will bring you into conflict with God, yourself, and others.

Next week, we will hear the touching story of Anabel’s personal version of the flesh. I hope you will be present to join us in hearing this story and in our discussion and application of the lessons learned from both of these stories.

CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK: Craig handed out a copy of the “Flesh Inventory” during class this morning. I hope you will take a look at the “Flesh Inventory” and apply it to your life. Think this week about the “chains” that are holding you in bondage as a result of your personal version of the flesh. Keep in mind that none of us are capable of freeing ourselves from this bondage. Only Jesus can free us from this bondage—we simply cannot do it ourselves.

WEEK TWO—THE LIFE with Dr. Bill and Anabel Gillham

We watched the second half of Lesson One from “The Life” Series by Dr. Bill and Anabel Gillham this week. Dr. Gillham went into more detail about the human design. Humans are made up of three components: body, soul, and spirit (according to 1 Thess. 5:23).

The Spirit is that dimension of your being through which you relate to God. At the time of your physical birth, your spirit is dead to God. This condition is inherited from Adam, the first man, and this is why you need to be “born again.” (See John 3: 1-15)

The Soul is your unique personality and is comprised of three parts:

(1) The mind—Dr. Bill calls this your “thinker.”

(2) The emotions—Dr. Bill calls this your “feeler.”

(3) The will—makes decisions. It is like a light switch; it is either on or off. According to Dr. Bill, you don’t actually make up your mind about anything; you make up your will.

The body is referred to by Dr. Bill as your “earth suit.” It is the part of your being which houses your soul and spirit while you are here on earth. It is the vehicle through which you relate to people and the environment while you are on earth. Keep in mind that you are a spiritual being with a soul in a body, NOT a physical being with a spirit.

Bill points out that both the mind and the emotions are quick to respond to stimuli, but the emotions are much slower to recover. When one is chronically exposed to harmful stimuli (e.g. unhealthy relationships), your emotions can become “stuck.”

As the brain repeatedly receives the same type of information and interacts with the mind, will, and emotions in the same ways, those programs become deeply ingrained. Bill refers to these programs as “green highways.” After you are born again, these “green highways” become your unique version of the flesh. “Walking in the flesh most often requires you to choose to walk by what God’s word says rather than by what you feel.” (Gillham, p. 10).
Bill points out that before we can blame our parents for the way our self-perception (programming) developed, we must look to see how they were raised, and how their parents were raised, and how their parents were raised, etc. He says that if we look back far enough, we will find the enemy of God, Satan, who originally deceived Adam into thinking independence from God was a good plan. The battle we face is not against our parents or any other human being. Our battle is against the power of the enemy and his principalities (See Eph. 6:12).

Bill also points out in this lesson that PBA (performance-based acceptance) is the most common influence in the programming of the flesh. “If you perform well, I will accept you. If you don’t, I won’t.” Bill states, “Schools are a major source of PBA.” (Gillham, p. 12)

Dr. Tracey has promised to bring copies of the Flesh Inventory for class members to review next week. If you do not have access to the Gillham book, I hope you will take time to study this inventory that is included in the book.
Come join us next week as we begin Lesson # 2: “Bill and Anabel’s Flesh.” See you next Sunday.

The Life—DVD SERIES WITH BILL AND ANABEL GILLHAM

In 1987, Dr. Bill Gillham wrote a book called Lifetime Guarantee: Making Your Christian Life Work and What to Do When It Doesn’t. In 1993, the book was published by a new publisher, Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon. (ISBN: 978-1-56507-075-2). For the next few months, we will be sharing a DVD study based on this book in which Dr. Gillham and his precious wife Anabel share the scripture with us in a simple, down-home style that speaks to our soul helps us learn how to live the Christian life more abundantly and what we can do when we realize that we are not living the spiritual life that God expects from each of us. Many of us in this class benefitted from the series when we used it in Sunday School in 2010. After consultation with our Sunday School Coordinator, Dr. Scasta and I have agreed that a re-visit to the Gillham study could be a great blessing to our Sunday School class. That is our prayer. If you did not buy the book referenced above, I strongly encourage you to buy a copy for yourself and your spouse and to read through the book as we study the weekly lessons. The book will reinforce concepts discussed in the weekly lesson and the weekly lesson will provide clarity and detail to issues addressed in the book.

Since our original study of this series, both Anabel and Bill have gone to be with the Lord. Anabel left her “earthsuit” on November 7, 2010 at the age of 82 and Bill graduated into his heavenly home on June 23, 2011 at the age of 84. Even so, thanks to God and to modern technology, we can continue to learn from the wisdom and discernment of these two dedicated Christian teachers just as if they were sitting in the classroom with us. I hope and pray that you will be moved and inspired by the teachings of the Gillhams as we re-visit a “Lifetime Guarantee” in the coming weeks. I welcome your comments and thoughts on this blog and in our class as we study the teachings of Bill and Anabel Gillham. To God be the glory! Amen.
WEEK ONE: SUMMARY

The basic problem in our lives is the programming of our flesh. Christians have only two ways to walk in this world: in the flesh or in the spirit. Walking in the flesh is not just doing bad things. Walking in the flesh is depending on one’s self and one’s own abilities to get one’s needs met apart from Christ. Bill says that the cardinal sin for man is “Independence.” Would you agree?

Walking in the spirit is NOT religious activity. It is allowing Jesus to live His life through you. A key concept voiced by Bill: “The Christian life is not difficult to live; it is impossible. Jesus Christ is the only one who has ever really lived the Christian life. He is the only one who can live it today, and that is exactly what He wants to do—through you (See John 15:5 and Gal. 2:20).

Three Basic Points:

1. God is love. You were created by God to be loved unconditionally. Only God loves unconditionally, therefore, you need God.

2. God created laws (ways) to govern the universe. All of his ways are good.

3. Each of us showed up on earth with the need to be loved. Instead of getting our need met God’s way, we developed our own way of getting needs met. This is what the Bible calls “flesh.”

We are a spirit being in an earth suit. We are not a physical being on earth. The human design includes a body, soul, and spirit. The spirit is that dimension of your being through which you relate to God. At the time of your physical birth, your spirit is dead to God. This condition is inherited from Adam and this is why you need to be “born again.” (SEE John 3:1-15)

The Soul is your unique personality and is comprised of three parts: your mind (thinker), your emotions (feeler), and your will (decision-maker). The will works like a light switch. It is either on or off. Your body (earthsuit) houses your soul and spirit while you are on earth. It is the vehicle through which you relate to people and the environment. Remember, you are a spiritual being with a soul in a body, not a physical being with a spirit.

Both the mind and the emotions are programmed for quick response to stimuli. The emotions are much slower to recover after stimulation than the mind. When one is chronically exposed to harmful stimuli (e.g. unhealthy relationships), your emotions can become “stuck.” As the brain repeatedly receives the same type of information and interacts with the mind and emotions in the same ways, those programs become deeply ingrained. Bill refers to these programs as “green highways.” After you are born again, these “green highways” become your unique version of the flesh.

Key Concepts: Walking in the Spirit most often requires you to choose to walk by what God’s Word says rather than by what you feel.

Bill’s working definition of the flesh: “Your old ways which you developed through independent living.”

Bill provided a “Flesh Inventory” for Personal Reflection at the very end of today’s presentation. I have a PDF Copy of  the Flesh Inventory.  However, as of this time, I have been unable to find a way to attach it to this blog.  If you can give me directions for attaching a PDF file or if you would just like me to send you a copy of the PDF via e-mail, just shoot me a message.  Have a blessed week.

Jimmy

Parents of Children Sunday School Lunch

Please plan to join your Sunday School friends and colleagues and their families for lunch right after church on Sunday, August 19, 2012.  We will be eating lunch together in the Family Life Center.  Please plan to bring a picnic lunch for your own family and come to the gym when church is over.  The church will provide water, lemonade, and iced tea.  The gym will be available for the kids to play and, hopefully, the adults will get an opportunity to visit and enjoy each other's company.  We look forward to seeing a big group on August 19. 

Jimmy

EASTER WEEKEND--NO SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS

Last week, we looked at the Truth Project DVD Lesson 5 which addresses the issue of "Science: What is True?" I just love the statements of assurance in Psalm 19:1, the Heavens display His handiwork so that the Creator's invisible attributes are plainly seen. When you go outside at night, step away from the outdoor lights and look up into the heavens. What a magnificent sight you will encounter! During last week's lesson, Dr. Tackett revealed that two early scientists claimed to have counted the stars, concluding that there were a little over 1,000 stars. The most recent efforts to count the stars using modern technology has arrived at a total of 70 sextillion stars...and counting.

The science discussion also considers the similarity within the genetic code of humans and the genetic code of apes. It also considers the possibility that the human genetic code was a result of random variation of genetic codes. Dr. Tackett shared this analogy to address the possibility of a random combination of genetic codes coming together to create the human genome. Consider the Shakespeare quote, "To be or not to be. That is the question." The probability that the human genome is a result of random variation is the same probablity that a group of Scrabble letters mixed in a bag and dumped on a table would fall out spelling the Shakespearean quote perfectly. I don't think it could have happened randomly. There simply MUST be a MASTER ARCHITECT that put the human model into being. Another example that I read in the book loaned to me by Roland Herriage. In this book, the authors address the scientific claim that the DNA make-up of a human and the DNA make-up of an ape are 97% consistent. The authors say, "OK, consider this statement: There are many scientists today who question the evolutionary paradigm and its atheistic philosophical implications." Then, consider this next statement that also has a 97% similarity to the first statement, but actually has the total opposite meaning: There are NOT many scientists today who question the evolutionary paradigm and its atheistic philosophical implications." Obviously, a high degree of similarity among basic components does not guarantee organisms that are alike. Based on the analogy above, the organism could be 97% similiar in genetic make-up and still be a totally different organism.

While many of the debates and arguments advanced by scientists regarding the origin of the earth and how man was created are way over my head, analogies like the two above help me to be convinced without a shadow of a doubt that there is a Creator who used His awesome voice to create both the heavens and the earth and man. I hope you will join us in two weeks, when we will continue this discussion of the worldview of science and its implications for Christians.

REMINDER: This Sunday (Easter Sunday), there will be NO SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS. Next week, April 15, we will have Sunday School class, but we will forego the continued study of science and the Christian Worldview in order to hear a speaker from Compassion International. On April 22, we will return to our normal video lesson and discussion of science and the worldview of scientists.

REMINDER--SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS LUNCH

REMINDER FOR NEXT WEEK, MARCH 25, 2012

PLEASE PLAN TO BRING YOUR FAMILY AND JOIN US AFTER CHURCH NEXT SUNDAY MORNING AT THE PLAYGROUND AT COLLEGE HILLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL!

WE INVITE YOU TO GO BY YOUR FAVORITE FAST FOOD PLACE AND BRING LUNCH FOR YOUR FAMILY OR BRING A PICNIC LUNCH THAT YOU PREPARE FOR YOUR FAMILY AND JOIN US AT THE PICNIC TABLES NEAR THE PLAYGROUND. THE KIDS WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY ON THE PLAYGROUND AND THE ADULTS WILL BE ABLE TO FELLOWSHIP, ENJOY LUNCH, AND CHASE THE KIDS. WE HAD A GREAT TIME TOGETHER LAST YEAR WHEN WE MET AT THIS LOCATION. I HOPE YOU WILL ALL MAKE PLANS TO JOIN US AFTER CHURCH THIS COMING SUNDAY. SEE YOU AT THE PLAYGROUND!

Lesson Four Part 1--Who is God?--March 11, 2012

Apparently, the beginning of Spring Break, the initiation of Daylight Savings Time, and torrential rainfall all combined to significantly impact our Sunday School attendance this week! We had only eight people in attendance. If you were one of those who was not in attendance, here is an overview of what you missed.

Our new, big screen TV was delivered and we used it for the first time. We also had a different lectern stand with a sign warning that it belonged to another Sunday School teacher. I asked Randy to be sure it was supposed to be in our classroom....I don't want to get whipped by a Sunday School Teacher who is missing his own personal lectern. :)

We watched the first half of "Who is God?" As Dr. Tackett suggested, what question could possibly be of greater significance than this one? Actually, it should be the first lesson on this series. However, because of the questions and debate prevelant in our culture, Dr. Tackett led us through the questions of What is Truth, Philosophy and Ethics, and Who is Man before arriving at this all-important question. It was interesting to listen to the interviews in the program as people attempted to answer this question, "Who is God?" It became very clear that some people actually do not know the answer. A companion question that carries equal importance was discussed,
"What is eternity?" God's people should have a different answer for these questions than those in our culture who do not claim the status of a child of God.

Because of the large number of our class that missed this first part of the lesson and the fact that it will be two weeks before we return to this lesson, we will start the DVD a little earlier in the program in order to review and catch up. Hope you all enjoy a great spring break with your families and we will look forward to seeing you back in Sunday School next week. Next week, we are looking forward to having the Waysons, Missionaries to China in our class to share an update on their work in China. Remember,we are planning breakfast during class. Please bring a breakfast dish or pastry to share with other members of the class. The church will provide coffee and water.

Daylight Savings Time AND Class Events

Just a reminder--This Sunday, March 11 marks the end of Daylight Savings Time. Be sure to "Spring Forward" one hour before you go to bed Saturday night.

On Sunday, March 18, we are expecting the Waysons, Central Baptist Missionaries to China, in our Sunday School Class. They will be giving us an update and sharing from their experiences as missionaries in China. Let's do breakfast that day! As usual, we will ask our members to bring a breakfast dish or bread or pastry or donuts or whatever....and we will see if the church will provide coffee, water, and juice.

We would like to have an "After Church" luncheon on Sunday, March 25. On that date, just bring lunch for your family and join us at College Hills Elementary School Playground. It is a great place for the kids to play together and the adults can fellowship and enjoy visiting with each other. We did this once last year and it turned out to be a great class activity. Please invite any of our in-service members if you have an opportunity to talk with them.

Jimmy

March 4 Lesson 3--Who is Man? Part Two

In today's lesson and discussion, we considered the second half of The Truth Project Lesson # 3 on Anthropology: "Who is Man?" Going hand in hand with this question is another important question: "What is Evil?" We learned from Dr. Tackett's presentation that Man is both a spirit and flesh being and that Man was created innocent, but soon succumbed to the temptation of sin and consequently became a fallen being, in danger of the punishment of eternal separation from God in hell if he were to die in the fallen state. Fortunately for us all, God saw fit to provide another opportunity for fallen man, that of redemption through faith in Jesus Christ.

In our discussion today, we talked about the blame culture in which we all live. We considered the pervasive influence of commonly accepted educational and pedagogical principles such as Maslow's Heirarchy of Needs. Without any clinical evidence of validity, we have all been subject to the teachings and the beliefs of this critical psychological construct. Indeed, it continues to govern modern educational theory even today and, to my surprise, I found out from our discussion in class today, that it is also a dominant theory in nursing.

Even though many of the scientists and leading thinkers of our society have concluded that man is inherently "good" and that there is no evidence to suggest that man is inherently evil, we saw a two minute summary of events happening around the world which would refute the argument that man is inherently "good." We concluded that the Christian worldview easily shows the depravity of man and the fact that man is indeed a fallen spiritual and flesh being. We are indeed a fallen being and we are indeed in need of redemption.

Next week, we will begin Part I of the next topic: "Who is God?"

On March 18, we will be hosting the Waysons, Central Baptist Missionaries to China, for a update on their work in China. I know you will all join me in looking forward to welcoming the Waysons back to our class. I always enjoy hearing about the successes and challenges of our missionaries who have given so much.

See you all next week.

Lesson Three Part 1--Anthropology--Who is Man?

Several class members have mentioned to me that they have felt so personally challenged and individually convicted by the messages of our most recent Sunday School lessons. That is exactly why we decided to review The Truth Project for a second time. This material is so meaningful and so timely that Christians cannot help but grow in Christ when they prayerfully and thoughtfully engage in the discussions led by Dr. Tackett and contemplate personally the questions and challenges of the material. My prayer is that we are all growing and developing a Christian Worldview that will sustain us in times of frustration, challenge, and fear. I believe that this Truth Project Curriculum provides some of the best Christian foundation material that I have ever encountered. I trust that our entire class feels equally challenged and equipped by the discussions, interviews, scripture references, and examples shared in our weekly lessons.

In today's lesson, we began considering the questions, "Who is Man?" and "Who is God?" The answers to these questions have a direct bearing on the answers to the question, "What is evil?" While defining "evil" may not be an easy thing, most of us feel that we know it when we see it in our world--and God knows we see it on a regular basis. For those who think that humans are basically good and that EVERYTHING exists within the black box of the cosmos, evil is just part of the stuff in the box. It is what it is. But for those of us with a Christian Worldview as taught by the Bible, we recognize that Man is both a body and spirit being and that Man is fallen as a result of sin. We understand that Man is in need of redemption, having fallen from his original state of innocence.

Popular thinking asserts that "self-actualization" is the key to happiness and fulfillment." Yet, this thinking is not consistent with the teaching of Scripture. The Bible affirms man's need for divine grace, redemption, and regeneration. Christianity views evil as the product of the Cosmic Battle that rages within man--the conflict between humanity as it was meant to be and what it has actually become as a result of sin.

Dr. Tackett also identifed what he called the "pernicious lie" in today's discussion:
"man must throw off the restraints of superimposed social conventions and institutions (i.e., any kind of moral standard) and pursue "self-fulfillment" to the fullest extent." Self-fulfillment and the call to follow your own heart are inconsistent with a Christian worldview.

I hope you will join us again next week as we continue to discuss this interesting topic.

NEW CLASSROOM NEXT WEEK--February 19

Next week, we will begin meeting in our new classroom. We will be in the same general location with our classroom being on the south end of the classroom pods rather that the north end as it is now. See you then.

Jimmy

Lesson Two--Philosophy & Ethics Part One

In today's lesson, we saw an example of the use of "assumptive language," which Dr. Tackett calls one of the most dangerous forms of communication for Christians. In general terms, "assumptive language" is a general, seemingly innocuous statement. However, the state requires agreement with other assumptions in order for the statement to be valid. This is an example of the kinds of deception and debauchery that trap Christians in today's society. Dr. Tackett's argument today is based on the truth claim of Colossians 2:8: "See to it that no one takes you captive, through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ." Dr. Tackett played an excerpt from a program called, "Cosmos" hosted by Carl Sagan. In the program, Dr. Sagan referred to the cosmos as "all that was or is or will ever be." He makes the argument that this is "all there is--that which is in the cosmos." He argues that there is nothing outside the box. If this is true, there is no God.

Basically, there are two views to consider. 1: God is, and he is reflected in creation and in His Word. 2. God is not and only those things inside the Cosmic Cube (matter, energy, man) are real. As Christians, we must ask ourself the question, "Do I live as if God is not?" We learned from our lesson and from God's Word that it is indeed possible for us to be taken captive by satan's lies and deception. The best way to guard against this danger is to examine ourselves constantly against the standard of God's Word. We need to examine our lives and see if our actions and behaviors reflect the beliefs we claim to hold.

Join us next week as we reflect on the question of ethics, "What is right? What is wrong?" We will also consider the issue of a postmodern society. Thanks for being a part of this class. See you next week!

What is Truth?--Part 2 February 5, 2012

This week, we are watching the second half of the first lesson in The Truth Project. During the lesson last week, we looked at the question posed by Pilate as he judged Jesus, "What is truth?" Dr. Tackett suggests that this single question may be the most important question facing our society today. "What is truth?" In this week's lesson, we see further evidence that God is truth and that the "truth claims" of God are indeed real and valid. Today's lesson looks at the "truth claims" of God in several areas. For example, where God calls for unity, such as in marriage, the world seeks division. Where God requires diversity such as marriage between a man and a woman, the world seems to at least tolerate unification. Where God demands roles, man demonstrates jealousy. Where God calls for responsibility, we live in a culture of blame. When God speaks from authority, we tend to engage in rebellion. When God calls for delegation, we choose tryanny. When God encourages freedom, man chooses bondage to sin and evil. All of the traits proposed by God lead to peace, prosperity, and happiness. All of the traits pursued by the world are illogical, inconsistent, and lead to disorder and death.

If we ask the question, "Who is man?", God says he is created in the image of God, a spiritual being. Yet, the world argues that man is a random creation from the goo of a primordial soup and evolved into his present state. God says man is fallen and is naturally sinful. Yet, the world suggests that man is basically good.

Yes, all of these paradoxes reflect the elements of the Cosmic Battle--good vs. evil, righteous vs. unrighteous, and the truth vs. the lie of satan. Yet, we learn in this week's lesson that the ultimate source of truth is God himself (Col. 2: 2-3). Behind every truth claim of God is the very character and being of God, Jehova, Jireh. We are expected to demonstrate faith in the truth claims of God. We saw a good example of faith like a little child in the lesson today when we say a young child walk to the end of diving board and jump into the waiting arms of his mom who was waiting patiently in the pool. How can you and I demonstrate such faith this week? I hope you will join me in pondering this question this week: "Do you really believe that what you believe is really real?" Dr. Tackett reminds us that we all act based on on what we really perceive to be real. If we believe what God says, we will act based on His guidance.

The Truth Project--Round 2 "What is Truth?"

For those of you who were with us the last time we studied The Truth Project, this will be a review and a more in-depth study of some profound truths. For those of you who were not with us last time, I hope that this study will be one that brings awareness and understanding to the issues created by the constant paradox of the world's view of almost every conceivable issue versus the perspective outlined in the Word of God. According to Dr. Del Tackett, the author and father of The Truth Project, the perspective of contemporary culture stands in direct opposition to the Truth-centered worldview presented in the Bible. Dr. Tackett advances the bold claim that our culture is not only filled with lies but is actually heading in the direction of social insanity. Consequently, he proposes that Pilate's question in John 18:38, "What is truth?" is actually the most important question facing our society today.

Dr. Tackett argues that every sin can be traced to belief in the lie. The cosmic battle of the truth versus the lie of satan is at the center of good and evil, spiritual and material, and the Children of God versus the children of the devil. I hope you will join us in the next four or five months as we again study the Word of God and compare and contrast the teaching of truth in almost every area of human endeavor to the lies of our society and the deception of satan.

The Scriptures referenced in this first part of the study: "Truth" are listed below for your reference:

Isaiah 6:1-8, John 18: 33-38, Matt. 5:18, Matt. 10:15, Matt. 13:17, Matt. 16:28, Matt. 17:20, Matt. 18: 3, 18, Matt. 19:23, Matt. 21:21, Matt. 23:36, Matt. 24:2, Matt. 25:40, Matt. 26:21, Matt. 26:34, John 3:3, John 3:5, John 3:11, John 5: 19, 24, 25, John 1:17, John 14:6, John 6:26, 32, 47, 53, John 8:34, 51, 58, John 17:17, John 4:24, John 8:32, John 14: 16-17, John 16:13, 1 Tim 2:3-4, Eph 6:14, Isaiah 59:4, Jer. 7:28, Isaiah 59:15, 1 Tim. 6:13, 2 Tim. 4:3-4, Rom 1:18, Acts 20:30, Rom 2:8, Rom. 1:25, 1 John 4:6, Job 1 & 2, 2 Thess 2:9-13, John 8:34-47, Rom.7:11, 2 Thess. 2:10, Eph. 4:22, Heb.3:13, 1 John 3:10, 2 Tim. 2:24-26, Col. 4:5-6, Isaiah 44:18-20, Isaiah 44:17, Matt. 6: 25-34, Col. 2:2-4.

WHEN LESS IS MORE--January 15, 2012

As I mentioned during our lesson this week, I contemplated not showing this week's lesson due to the fact that the lesson appeared to target the business arena and, in my opinion, really did not speak to family issues. However, after finally deciding to use this week's lesson from Andy Stanley's series on "Time", I was pleased to have several members of our class express their appreciation for this lesson. God always uses His Word and our commitment to Him to give us insight to His Plan and His expectations for our life.

In this week's lesson, Andy used the story of Moses being given advice by his father-in-law Jethro to help us understand some important principles about the use of time in our organizations--NOT THE FAMILY. As you recall, Jethro criticized Moses for spending all of his time acting as the judge or referee for the everyday disputes that arose among the children of Israel. He suggested an organizational chart that placed others in positions of responsibility and freed Moses for more significant duties assigned by God. The first principle that Andy Stanley articulated this week was: "My fully exploited strengths are of far greater value to my organization than my marginally improved weaknesses." He interprets the following principle for making our best contribution to a society in which we might work: "Discover what you're not good at and eliminate those things from your schedule." Next, he suggests, "Identify areas where you make the greatest contribution" and "give your best time to what makes the biggest impact." Finally, the last principle to improve your organization is to "develop other leaders." If you wish to learn more about the Biblical Principles of time that Andy has identified, you may wish to visit www.northpoint.org/time

It was good to see so many of our group there this week. Hope to see you all Sunday.

Jimmy and Cindy

Compounding the Minutes--January 8, 2012

Wow! It seems like it has been a very long time since we met as a Sunday School Class. It was good to get back in the swing of things this week. We returned to the Andy Stanley series on "TIME." The third message in the series deals with "Compoinding the Minutes." The lesson is based on the teaching in Ephesians 5:15.

Andy shares three things about time that we already know, but tend to ignore:
1) There is a cumulative value to investing small amounts of time in certain activities over a long period. Neglect is cumulative as well.
2) There is no immediate benefit to any single installment of time and no immediate consequence if we skip an installment of time.
3) There is no cumulative value to the random things we opt for over the things we know to be important.

Many of us have heard parents and grandparents refer to Ephesians 5:15 with the phrase, "Redeem your time." Andy interpets this scripture as, "Cash in your time for something of equal value." Another important concept from today's lesson is that anything that relates to your time is a spiritual matter.

Where do you need to begin making time deposits?
Spiritual?
Physical?
Relationships?

What is your biggest obstacle? A manifestation of God's life in you is self-control. What are you willing to do about it?

Thanks to Bo Miles for recommending a great little book that relates to this issue of time and prioritizing our activities: The Tyranny of the Urgent by Charles Hummel. It can be accessed at Amazon.com.

Have a great week. Redeem the time!