TRAIL GUIDE: God’s Gift of Wisdom
The “Trail Guide” devotional is used by our adult leaders of grade school groups in Quest as a way to prepare their hearts and minds for the topics we will be covering with the children on the weekend. We have made them available here to help our parents of grade-schoolers engage with their children around the topics we are discussing and also for anyone else that might be blessed by following along.
EXTREME MAKEOVER, Section 1, Lesson 2: God’s Gift of Wisdom
About two years ago, I started using a Mac laptop instead of my old PC. One thing that prompted that switch was the problems I was having with viruses on my PC. As it turns out, the Mac operating system is much less prone to virus problems. It does a better job on its own, without the expense of extra virus protection services, of keeping out unwanted and damaging material that could slow down or freeze up my machine.
Last week we talked about the good passions and desires that God has put in our hearts – let’s call them the pre-loaded software. We also talked about guarding our hearts from storing up ungodly things – let’s call them malware or viruses. The human heart was made for loving and glorifying God. Sin has corrupted that heart, but by faith in Jesus we can have our hard-drive (heart) wiped clean of sin and reinstalled with God’s programs, so that it is free to function as it was intended. The problem is that we still live in a sinful world where there are new viruses around every corner. That’s where God’s heart operating system comes into play: WISDOM. Wisdom comes from God and is the atmosphere in which all of your pre-loaded heart software works best. It is also highly resistant to viruses and will prevent unwanted items from piling up in your heart and slowing down or freezing up your system. If our kids want to love God with ALL their heart, then they need the right operating system… wisdom. “Whatever else you get, get wisdom.” (Prov. 4:7)
“Above all else, guard your heart, for
everything you do flows from it.” -Proverbs 4:23MEDITATING ON THE WORD:
Prov 2:1-11 | Jer 33:3!
James 1:5 | Psalm 19:7
Prov 10:8 | Prov 16:23
Prov 2:10
From the Field: Mae Phae, Thailand
Last weekend, the RBC congregation was blessed to receive a missions report from Scott McManigle, a former RBC missionary who now serves as the associate missions pastor at Faith Bible Church. Scott, along with his wife Annette and their children, spent eighteen years in northern Thailand. Through their service, the Lord used them to plant a church among the Pwo Karen tribe in a village called Mae Phae. Three Pwo Karen church leaders joined Scott last Sunday in praising the Lord for RBC’s support and involvement in sending the gospel of Christ to their tribe.
“Thank you for sending us a missionary. Thank you for sending the gospel. God has saved us from worshiping the spirits; He has saved us from the deceit of Satan through His son, Jesus.”
We praise God for the fruit He is bearing through the faithful proclamation of the gospel in Northern Thailand. Since the McManigles left Thailand in 2006, the church in Mae Phae has continued to grow and the Pwo Karen believers are teaching the gospel in other tribes around their area.
Please continue to pray for gospel to go forth in the Mae Phae village and to other villages throughout the region. Pray that many Pwo Karen tribesmen would come to saving faith in Jesus and that the church there would be a great light for the glory of God. To learn more about the church in Mae Phae and the Pwo Karen people, check out the video below.
(Video credit: Fellowship Bible Church)
Sunday Rewind | 9.14.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Closer (Psalm 89:14-15) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong
Beautiful Lord (Ephesians 2:4-5) – Sound of Melodies by Leeland
Our God Is Love (1 John 4:9-10) – Yahweh by Hillsong Chapel
Lord I Need You (Hebrews 4:16) – All The People Said Amen by Matt Maher
TEACHING: Rooted: A Study of Deeper Faith in Colossians, Part 10
If you are toying with sin, where will the trajectory of your life lead you? Sin is not a toy.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this sermon?
- Read and discuss Colossians 3:1-11. What do you see about the person of Christ? What do you note about the nature of man?
- What “tension issues” do you see in these verses? What other “tension issues” do find in Scripture?
- What is “sin”? What is the difference between sin and a mistake? How would you describe sin to someone who does not have a ‘church vocabulary’?
- What does society teach about sin? How does our culture treat sin like a toy?
- Where as the church in general “gotten used to the dark”? In what areas of your life have you gotten used to the dark?
- Is there an area of your life where you are toying with sin?
- How does the gospel deal with sin? How does it change our perspective on sin? How does the gospel motivate and empower us to “Put to death whatever is earthly in you…” (v. 5)?
- Spend some time in prayer about the things you’ve discussed. Thank Him for the “new self” we have in Christ (v. 10) and pray that we will live from the life we have in Christ.
Sunday Rewind | 9.7.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
With Us (Psalm 46:10-11a) – God Is Able by Hillsong
10,000 Reasons (Psalm 103:1) – Unrelenting Love by Nick Thurmond
Mighty To Save (Zephaniah 3:17) – Yahweh by Hillsong Chapel
I Lift My Hands (Psalm 46:10) – And If Our God Is For Us… by Chris Tomlin
TEACHING: Rooted: A Study of Deeper Faith in Colossians, Part 9
The things you love determine the path and trajectory of your life. Affection determines direction.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this sermon?
- Read and discuss Colossians 3:1-4. What do you see about the person of Christ? What do you note about the nature of man?
- What is the distinction between being “in Adam” and “in Christ?” What does it mean to be “raised with Christ” (v. 1)?
- What earthly things do you personally tend to “set your mind to” (v. 2)? What draws your affections to them?
- What does it mean to set our minds on things above (v.)? What are those things?
- If you continue your life in the present trajectory of your affections, where do you think you will end up? Where do you need to adjust your affections in order to change your trajectory?
- How does the gospel help us prioritize and shape our affections?
- Spend some time in prayer about the things you’ve discussed. Spend some time thanking God for the life we have in Christ. Ask Him to increase your affections for Jesus.
Sunday Rewind | 8.31.2015
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Endless Light (Psalm 113:3-4) – Cornerstone by Hillsong
Always (Psalm 121:1-2) – Here For You by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
Open Up The Heavens (Psalm 108:4-5) – Worth It All by Meredith Andrews
The Lord Our God (James 1:17) – Let The Future Begin by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)
Cornerstone (Psalm 18:2) – Cornerstone by Hillsong
I Will Look Up (Deuteronomy 7:9) – Only King Forever by Elevation Worship
TEACHING: Do Something, Part 3
Salvation is not earned by the good things you do, but there are good things that have been prepared for you to enjoy if you are in Christ. Knowledge without action robs you of true joy in your walk with Him.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this sermon?
- How would you describe joy? What is something you find joy in?
- Read and discuss Matthew 4:18-20 and Matthew 19:21-22. Compare and contrast these verses. What themes do you see? How are these accounts similar? How are they different? What do you note about the person of Christ? What might these sections show us about the nature of man?
- “Knowledge without action robs you of true joy.” Have you found this to be true in your walk with Christ? Why or why not?
- Why do we have the tendency to want to live vicariously through others’ experiences? How can this hinder our obedience to God’s word?
- Have you ever had a “wipeout” in your Christian walk or ministry? What happened?
- In the terms of Mike’s surf culture analogy, where are you? Evaluating the beach? On the beach and content to stay there? On the beach or in the shallows suffering from a past wipeout? Catching waves?
- How does fear keep us from obedience?
- How does the gospel propel and enable us to both know and obey – to both hear and do – the word of God?
- Pray through Ephesians 3:17-19, thanking God for His great love. Ask Him to help you be not only a hearer of His word, but a doer of His word.
Gospel Service & Raking Leaves
Since several of you made requests for it, here is the article I referenced in last Sunday’s sermon, Do Something, Part 1. It was originally published in November 2010 on my friend Matthew Wireman’s blog. Raking leaves with my kids seems, on one hand, like such a simple example. Yet I remember it being a moment of profound & helpful clarity in my walk as I considered the topic of laboring with a God who is not served by human hands, as though He needed anything (Acts 17:25). Yet serving matters, not because God needs us to do it, but the God who came to serve (Matthew 20:25-28) is pleased to include us in what He is already doing.
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My church just finished a week-long missions conference. As one might expect from such a conference, there was a repeated appeal for the serious consideration of Jesus’ command regarding sending laborers out into the field (Matthew 9).
With this in mind, on Sunday afternoon I sent my two kids out into the field the yard to labor for their father – and by “labor” I mean “rake leaves.” I was struck by several similarities to missions & service throughout the process. It was like watching a living parable of Gospel-centric labor unfolding before my eyes. Clearly, the analogy is limited, but here are some quick reflections from raking leaves with a 3- and 5-year old.
They went out joyfully. All good laborers should. They were happy to work with their daddy. It is a joy to labor for our Heavenly Father and to be with Him. (Colossians 3:23-24, 1 Peter 1:8)
The work was messy. There were times when it seemed my little laborers were making more mess than was there to begin with. Neatly-raked piles of leaves often became “un-raked.” Arguments broke out from time to time about who was going to do what. Filling bags with leaves one handful at a time was, shall we say …inefficient. Progress was not always evident. Regress often was. (Ecclesiastes 1, Romans 8:28)
They got tired. And distracted. And discouraged. And impatient. Even the best laborers will. For them, raking leaves was new and exciting …at first. About halfway through the process of cleaning up the lawn, those kiddos started to poop out, get whiny and wanted to go do something easier and more fun. But their father loved them still and encouraged them to keep at it. Likewise, our Heavenly Father lovingly encourages us toward perseverance while assuring us of His unfailing love. (Psalm 136, James 1:12, Romans 2:6, Philippians 1:6, Galatians 6:9)
The work was completed. Their partnership with me in raking the lawn was real and legitimate, but the completion of the task did not ultimately rest with them. Even if it was all up to them, they could not have finished. There was simply too much to do for a 3- and 5-year old, and they didn’t have the strength, patience or endurance to do it all. After a couple hours, all they managed to do was rake two piles of leaves and fill one bag about two-thirds of the way full. I do not say that to diminish the legitimacy of their work, but to put it in proper perspective. In the end, it was their father who made sure the job got done. Likewise, our Heavenly Father assures us that He will accomplish the work He has set out to do. (Matthew 16:18, 2 Timothy 1:9, Psalm 23:22-24, Ephesians 2:8-9)
Their father was pleased. As their daddy, it warmed my heart to see my two little ones out there raking their hearts out, even after they got crabby about it, argued, and wasted time, energy, and effort. Let me be honest – the quality of their work was not great. But the fact that they wanted to be out there with me more than made up for that. It was a relational labor where the value – at least, in my eyes as dad – was less in their performance, more in their posture. (Psalm 86:5, Zephaniah 3:17, James 4:8)
Their reward was great. Cheeseburgers and Slurpees. Well done, little laborers.
Do you labor for the joy of simply being near your Heavenly Father? Your reward, too, will be great. (Luke 6:23, 1 Corinthians 3:12-15, Hebrews 6:10-12, James 1:25)
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Sunday Rewind | 8.17.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
In Your Presence (Deuteronomy 31:6) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Rock of Ages (Deuteronomy 32:3-4) – The Death of Death by Charlie Hall
Christ Is Enough (2 Corinthians 12:9) – Glorious Ruins by Hillsong
TEACHING: Do Something, Part 1
In a relationship with God, as in any good relationship, both knowledge and application are vital. We must hear and do. In the context of the local church, this will result in gospel-motivated service to the body.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this sermon?
- Read and discuss James 1:19-25, 1 John 2:4-6 and Matthew 7:24-29. What do these verses tell us about the nature of man? What do these verses tell us about God and His Word?
- Do you find it easier to be a hearer of the Word, or a doer of the Word? How do the Scriptures push us toward both?
- What is the result of knowledge without application (hearing without doing)? What is the result of application without knowledge (doing without hearing)?
- Compare and contrast the two builders in Matthew 7. What are similarities? What are the differences? Which foundation would you say you are building on in this season of your life?
- Why is knowledge “half the battle” when it comes to relationships?
- What is the difference between hearing and listening?
- How does gospel-motivated service in the context of the church help us “walk in the same way in which He walked” (1 John 2:6)?
- Do you currently serve in some way at RBC? Why or why not?
- Spend some time in prayer thanking God for His Word and asking Him for the grace to become more than mere hearers. Thank Him for the provision we have in Christ, who is both our example and motivation for serving His bride, the church.
Sunday Rewind | 8.10.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies) (Psalm 27:1) – Let The Future Begin by Chris Tomlin (Passion)
Open Up Our Eyes (Ephesians 1:18-19a) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship
Your Great Name (Philippians 2:10-11) – Love Revolution by Natalie Grant
Cornerstone (Psalm 18:2) – Cornerstone by Hillsong
Lord I Need You (Hebrews 4:16) – All The People Said Amen by Matt Maher
TEACHING: Rooted: A Study of Deeper Faith in Colossians, Part 8
How were people in the Old Testament saved if Jesus had not yet come? If we can’t keep the law, why were we given the law? If we are under grace, can we live any way we want? The answer to these questions lies in the pure, undiluted organic gospel.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this sermon?
- Read and discuss Colossians 2:16-23. What do these verses tell us about the nature of man? What do these verses tell us about Jesus?
- Where in these verses do you find warnings against legalism, mysticism and asceticism? How do each of these add to or take away from the gospel?
- What is the purpose of the law? How does the law “stir up the flesh”? How does the law also point us to Christ?
- How were people in Old Testament times saved if Jesus had not yet come?
- Read and discuss Romans 5:12-6:14. How would you describe the relationship between law and grace?
- If we are under grace, and not under the law, can we live any way we want? How would you justify, explain or defend your answer?
- What is “the organic gospel”? What do we tend to add to or take away from the gospel?
- Where in your life do you need spiritual “recalculating”?
- Spend some time in prayer thanking God for the goodness of both His law and His grace. Thank Him for the provision we have in Christ, who fulfills the law and covers us in His grace.
Sunday Rewind | 8.3.2014
MUSIC & SCRIPTURE
Open Up The Heavens (Psalm 108:4-5) – Worth It All by Meredith Andrews
Exalted One (Psalm 121:1-2) – For The Honor by Elevation Worship
Your Love Never Fails (Romans 8:28) – Your Love Never Fails by Jesus Culture
Our King Has Come (Romans 5:1-2) – For The Honor by Elevation Worship
Your Great Name (Philippians 2:10-11) – Love Revolution by Natalie Grant
Give Me Faith (Psalm 73:25-26) – For The Honor by Elevation Worship
TEACHING: Rooted: A Study of Deeper Faith in Colossians, Part 7
Performance will always lead to self-righteousness, which always leads to judging others. The thing you tend to judge others for is likely the area of self-righteousness that you struggle with.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this sermon?
- Do you ever sense a disconnect between what you feel and what the Bible says?
- Read and discuss Colossians 2:11-15. What do they tell us about the nature of man? What do these verses tell us about Jesus?
- What does it mean to be “dead in your sins” (v. 13)?
- What is the “record of debt” that the law demands of us (v. 14)? How is the law an instructor?
- Consider your answers to questions 4 & 5. How is Christ the remedy?
- What is grace? How is grace an instructor?
- What drives us to perform, rather than rest in grace?
- “Performance will always lead to self-righteousness, which always leads to judging other people.” Have you found this to be true?
- In what area(s) of your life do you tend to struggle with self-righteousness? How does the gospel address this?
- Spend some time in prayer asking God to graciously keep us from self-righteous performance. Pray that His grace would continue to take root deep within our hearts.
From the Field: Croatia
Here is a recent correspondence from G., an RBC-supported missionary serving with Pioneers in Croatia. Here is a recap of G.’s work with youth and church building/planing efforts over the summer:
Another summer is almost over in Slavonski Brod. Six short-term teams with over 80 guests have helped us share the good news of Christ with many young people. The church building is taking shape before our eyes. We look forward to the day when the building is completed and pray that God continues to grow His church that will be meeting in it.
Below I have written more about both the building and our summer activities. I also want to ask you to pray specifically for a man who I have known for over 12 years. He and his wife have shown a degree of openness over the years, but it has never moved beyond an intellectual understanding of what Christians believe. But some things have happened in their lives recently that seem to have caused the husband particularly to consider spiritual things more seriously. He recently expressed a desire to study the Bible with me, and we hope to start in the next week or so. Pray for God to reveal himself to this friend and that he and his wife would one day soon place their trust in Christ! Thanks so much for your prayers and your partnership with me in Croatia!
CHURCH BUILDING: The last time I wrote, I told you of a matching fund that had been set up to help complete construction of the exterior of the Slavonski Brod church building this year. We were hoping to raise $70,000 by the end of June for that to happen. The Lord has seen fit to provide, through many churches and individuals both in the U.S. and in Croatia, $108,000! The building is under construction and we expect it to be under roof in a just a few more weeks. This does not mean an end to the construction process, nor to the need for finances. Now that the building is under roof, it is safe from the elements and we can complete the inside as funds become available. We would love the help of short-term teams to, for example, take a room and fix it up. Please pray for the ultimate completion of the building in God’s timing, and for Him to continue to build His church spiritually, and not just physically, in Slavonski Brod.
SUMMER OUTREACHES: This summer we have had 81 individuals come to work with us for at least one week, including a team of 11 which arrived today! With their help, we have held baseball camps, children’s Bible clubs, and open air concerts, and we have had lots of less formal opportunities to meet and get to know Croatian youth. The gospel has been shared countless times and in many ways. Two Croatian teens have even met with a small group of us to study the Bible. Summer is definitely a time of broad sowing for us as we take advantage of the many short-term workers who come to help us to share as frequently and as broadly as we can. Pray that we will see the fruit of this broad sowing one day soon. I was particularly encouraged this year by one of the teens living in Nova Gradiška who trusted in Christ last summer. One Sunday at church when several unbelieving youth came (because they wanted to say goodbye to the short-term team that was leaving that day), he prayed publicly and boldly, “Lord, I pray that these other teens here today would trust in You and that You would change their lives like You did for me. Amen.” That was a first for him. Pray for him to continue to grow, and that his prayer for the other teens in his city would be answered also!
Would you take a minute now to pray for G., the many Croatian youth who heard the gospel this summer, and for the church in Slavonski Brod?