Philippians 2:12-18

Philippians 2:12-18

Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

Lights in the World

¹² So then, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. ¹³ For it is God who is working in you, enabling you both to desire and to work out His good purpose. ¹⁴ Do everything without grumbling and arguing, ¹⁵ so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world.¹⁶ Hold firmly to^[a] the message of life. Then I can boast in the day of Christ that I didn’t run or labor for nothing. ¹⁷ But even if I am poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. ¹⁸ In the same way you should also be glad and rejoice with me.

Questions:

1.       We must obey the Lord.  When our parents ask us to obey them, we should, even if they aren’t around.  Paul is making sure that the people of Philippi obey the Lord even though he isn’t with them.  Why is it important to obey when no one is looking?

A.     You want to be obedient to the Lord.  You shouldn’t need a pastor, or parent to teach you everything, and to be there all the time telling you how to live.  You need to take ownership of your Christian walk.

2.      How do we work out our own salvation?

A.     By reading the Bible. Praying to God for wisdom, listening to God, obeying His commandments. 

3.      How is God working in us?

A.     He is perfecting His masterpiece to be perfect.  We are His masterpiece

4.      In verse 17 Paul says, “Even if I’m poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.”  Why does he say that

A.     Even if Paul dies he knows he would die because he teaches the word of God.  He knows he will be in heaven with God and that he would be an example to others.

5.      How can we do everything without grumbling?

A.      Ask God for help, it’s not easy, but can be done.  Pray for help, pray that he would soften your heart.  

Philippians 2:5-11

Philippians 2:5-11

Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

Christ’s Humility and Exaltation

⁵ Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus,

⁶ who, existing in the form of God,
did not consider equality with God
as something to be used for His own advantage.^[a]
7 Instead He emptied Himself
by assuming the form of a slave,
taking on the likeness of men.
And when He had come as a man
in His external form,
⁸ He humbled Himself by becoming obedient
to the point of death—
even to death on a cross.
⁹ For this reason God highly exalted Him
and gave Him the name
that is above every name,
¹⁰ so that at the name of Jesus
every knee will bow—
of those who are in heaven and on earth
and under the earth—
¹¹ and every tongue should confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,^[b]
to the glory of God the Father.

Question:

1.      What does it mean that Jesus did not consider himself equal with God?

A.     He shows true humility and He is our example.

2.      Jesus humbled himself so much that He died on the cross for our sins.  He is King of the Universe.  We need to look at Him as an example.  We need to humble ourselves and not esteem ourselves.  How can we do this?

A.     ??????

3.      How can we confess that Jesus is Lord?

A.     Just do it?  Pray , and tell other people about Christ.  

Philippians 2:1-4

Christian Humility

2 If then there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, ² fulfill my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, sharing the same feelings, focusing on one goal. ³ Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. ⁴ Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Questions

1.   How can we acknowledge that Jesus is our Lord?

A.   Tell others about the gospel, we can love, fellowship, show mercy, be joyful, think the same, and be focused on Jesus alone. 

2.   How can we start our day with having a mindset for God?

A.   Praying, reading the Bible, worshiping Him, think about Him

3.   What does it mean to humble?

A.   ???

When you win a game, how do you act when the game ends?

4.   How do we show interest for other over ourselves?

A.   Listen to what people are saying, show interest in all area.

Philippians 1:21-30

Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

Living Is Christ

²¹ For me, living is Christ and dying is gain. ²² Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful work for me; and I don’t know which one I should choose. ²³ I am pressured by both. I have the desire to depart and be with Christ—which is far better— ²⁴ but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. ²⁵ Since I am persuaded of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, ²⁶ so that, because of me, your confidence may grow in Christ Jesus when I come to you again.

²⁷ Just one thing: Live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind,^[a]working side by side for the faith that comes from the gospel, ²⁸ not being frightened in any way by your opponents. This is a sign of destruction for them, but of your deliverance—and this is from God.²⁹ For it has been given to you on Christ’s behalf not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him,³⁰ having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I have.

Questions:

1.       Paul is struggling with two desires?  What are these two desires?

A.     To live or to die.  To live is awesome because Paul can serve Christ and His followers and to die is to be with the Lord.

2.      Have you ever thought about Paul’s dilemma in your own life?

3.      Why would it be better to live right now?

A.     To serve Christ and share the gospel. 

4.      Name 5 people you know who don’t know God?

Philippians 1:12-20

Philippians 1:12-20Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
Advance of the Gospel
12 Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has actually resulted in the advance of the gospel,13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard,[a] and to everyone else, that my imprisonment is in the cause of Christ. 14 Most of the brothers in the Lord have gained confidence from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the message[b] fearlessly. 15 To be sure, some preach Christ out of envy and strife, but others out of good will.[c] 16 These do so out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; 17 the others proclaim Christ out of rivalry, not sincerely, seeking to cause me anxiety in my imprisonment.[d] 18 What does it matter? Just that in every way, whether out of false motives or true, Christ is proclaimed. And in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice19 because I know this will lead to my deliverance[e] through your prayers and help from the Spirit of Jesus Christ. 20 My eager expectation and hope is that I will not be ashamed about anything, but that now as always, with all boldness, Christ will be highly honored in my body, whether by life or by death.

Questions

1. What unexpected results occur because of Paul's imprisonment?
A. The good news of Jesus Christ is spreading throughout the Roman guards and that Paul was imprisoned because of his faith in Jesus.  This made his brothers in Christ dare even more to speak fearlessly

 2. How can we advance the gospel?
A. Read the word of God, study it, and tell others the good news.

3. Why does Paul not care that some people are preaching out of false motives?
A. All Paul cares about is that Christ is being proclaimed.

4. Why would people speak about Christ out of envy and strife?
A. They were jealous of Paul effect on the people.  They wanted to be more popular and stand out from the crowd.

5. While in prison, what is Paul's eager expectation and hope?
A. That he is not ashamed of the gospel and that Christ will be proclaimed whether he lives of dies.  

Philippians 1:1-11

Philippians 1Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)Greeting1 Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus:
To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons.
² Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thanksgiving and Prayer³ I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you,^[a] 4 always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, ⁵ because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. ⁶ I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you^[b] will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. ⁷ It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart,^[c] and you are all partners with me in grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and establishment of the gospel. ⁸ For God is my witness, how deeply I miss all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.⁹ And I pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment,¹⁰ so that you can approve the things that are superior and can be pure and blameless in^[d] the day of Christ, ¹¹ filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God.

Questions:

1.      What does it mean that Christ will complete His work in you until He returns?
A.   We will be a complete Christian when we return to Him or He comes down from heaven, and he is giving us time to share the gospel to others who haven’t heard the Word.
2.    Is the fruit of righteousness in us?
A.   Yes, we are right with Jesus because we are saved by His death on the cross.
3.    What does it mean to pure and blameless in day of Christ?
A.   We will be complete in Christ and blameless because He forgave us of our sins.  He is our mirror image.  God sees Jesus not us.  

Summary of Ephesians

Ch 1
God intended for us to believe in Jesus Christ, His Son.  we would be redeemed through His blood and be forgiven of our sins.  Also, through Him we have the inheritance of eternal life.  When you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation- in Him when you believed- you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.  You can remember by what you say and what He does for you.  As we pray we get strength and wisdom form Him, He showed us His power in the Messiah.  The fullness and protection God gives us everyday of our lives.  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the Heavens, in Christ

Ch 2
At one time we were all spiritually dead because of our sin, but God graciously made us alive through our trust in Him.  By His grace we have been saved through our faith.  We cannot do this on our own, God's grace and even our faith comes from God and had no hope apart from Him.  But, he has adopted us into His family.  Now He is not only our heavenly fathers, but other believers are also our brothers and sisters.  We are now all members of the household of God, bricks in the spiritual building with Jesus Christ being the cornerstone.  The building is being built into a holy temple, a dwelling place for God.

Ch 3
Paul is writing to show that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and members of the body of Christ.  Paul says not to lose heart for his hardship is for their glory.  So, be strengthened with power through His spirit so that Christ may dwell in your heart through faith in Him.

Ch 4
Paul talks about how we should act as a Christian, and reflect Him in our actions.  To take off the old self and repent and ask for forgiveness.  We walked as the gentiles, but the Lord took us to be apart of His kingdom.  He gave us the gift of eternal life, not to keep it to ourselves, but to talk and preach to non believers.  To get rid of all bitterness, anger, and wrath, insult, and slander.  These must be removed from us, along with all wickedness.  We need to be kind, and compassionate to one another, forgive each other, just as God forgave us.  So we may not be swayed in the temptations of the world, but stay strong int eh faith of the creator.

Ch 5
Paul says, "Rise o sleepers from the dead and Christ's light will shine on you." This means we were dead, but now we are alive in Christ.  Paul says to imitate God, but how can we imitate Him who created us? we must give up our life for Christ and become doers of the word and not of this world.  We have to share our faith and live, serve, invite, love, and pray in Christ's name.

Ch 6
Children honor and obey your parents with the promise of a long life in the land.  Work as though you are working for the Lord, not just when someone is noticing you.  Put on the full armor of God.
The belt of truth
The chest plate of righteousness
The sandals of readiness for the gospel of peace
The shield of faith to extinguish the evil one
The helmet of salvation
The sword of the spirit which is God's word
Pray always, pray for boldness, pray for each other.

Ephesians 6:10-24

Christian Warfare¹⁰ Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics^[a] of the Devil. ¹² For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. ¹³ This is why you must take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand.¹⁴ Stand, therefore,with truth like a belt around your waist,righteousness like armor on your chest,¹⁵ and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace.^[b]16 In every situation take the shield of faith,and with it you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation,and the sword of the Spirit,which is God’s word.¹⁸ Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert in this with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints. ¹⁹ Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel. ²⁰ For this I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I might be bold enough in Him to speak as I should.Paul’s Farewell²¹ Tychicus, our dearly loved brother and faithful servant^[c] in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me so that you may be informed. ²² I am sending him to you for this very reason, to let you know how we are and to encourage your hearts.²³ Peace to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁴ Grace be with all who have undying love for our Lord Jesus Christ.
Questions:
1.        How can be strengthened by the Lord? Chase
A.     To ask him for strength, to pray, to know he is will be with you.
2.      Why is our battle against the spiritual realm? Ryan
A.     Because we are Saints, we belong to Christ and whoever Christ is against we are against.
3.      What are the necessary tools God gives us to battle our enemy? Carson
A.     Belt of truth, breast plate of righteousness, sandals or readiness, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and Sword of the Spirit
4.      How do you put on the full armor of God? Pat
A.     Listen to God, Pray, do what he tells you to do.

Ephesians 6:1-9

Ephesians 6:1-9Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

Children and Parents6 Children, obey your parents as you would the Lord,^[a] because this is right. ² Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment^[b] with a promise, ³ so that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life in the land.^[c][d] 4 Fathers, don’t stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.Slaves and Masters⁵ Slaves, obey your human^[e] masters with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ. ⁶ Don’t work only while being watched, in order to please men, but as slaves of Christ, do God’s will from your heart.^[f] 7 Serve with a good attitude, as to the Lord and not to men, ⁸ knowing that whatever good each one does, slave or free, he will receive this back from the Lord. ⁹ And masters, treat your slaves the same way, without threatening them, because you know that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him.

Questions:

1.   How do we honor our father and mother?
A.   By obeying them, respecting them, do not talk badly about them, representing their last name.
2.   How do fathers raise their children in training and instruction of the Lord?
A.   They live out their faith, and teach from the Bible.
3.   Why do we all slave or non-slaves need to work hard all the times?
A.   When someone is looking at you work or when someone isn’t watching you work, you should be on your best behavior because Christ is watching us.  He is the ultimate observer of all things. 
4.   Why is this command unique?
A.   Because it is the first commandment with a promise.  That promise is a long life on earth that is well.
5.   God has no favorite.  How does that make you feel?
A.   ????

Ephesians 5:15-32

Ephesians 5:15-32Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)Consistency in the Christian Life

¹⁵ Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise— ¹⁶ making the most of the time,^[a] because the days are evil. ¹⁷ So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. ¹⁸ And don’t get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless actions, but be filled by the Spirit:¹⁹ speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music from your heart to the Lord,²⁰ giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,²¹ submitting to one another in the fear of Christ.Wives and Husbands²² Wives, submit^[b] to your own husbands as to the Lord, ²³ for the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of the body. ²⁴ Now as the church submits to Christ, so wives are to submit to their husbands in everything. ²⁵ Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her ²⁶ to make her holy, cleansing^[c] her with the washing of water by the word. ²⁷ He did this to present the church to Himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or anything like that, but holy and blameless. ²⁸ In the same way, husbands are to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. ²⁹ For no one ever hates his own flesh but provides and cares for it, just as Christ does for the church, ³⁰ since we are members of His body.^[d]31 For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.^[e]32 This mystery is profound, but I am talking about Christ and the church.

Questions
1.       Why should we be careful in the way we walk?
A.     How we act and what we believe in should represent Christ.  It’s our physical walk and our spiritual walk.

2.      Is it important to make the most of time?
A.     I’m a super procrastinator.  We need to spend our time telling people about Christ because we don’t know when He’s coming back.

 3.      What is the Lord’s will?
A.     The Lord’s will is what the Lord wants.  We need to pray and listen, read the Bible

4.      What are we to do and what are we not to do according to verse 18-21?
A.     Don’t be reckless, or drunk with wine, and to be kind in the way we speak, have the thought that the Holy Spirit is in control so you can speak to others with kindness like the psalms, praise like the hymns, and worship with songs.

5.      What does God tell wives to do? And do we still believe in this today?
A.     To submit to their husbands.

6.      Why does God tell wives to submit to their husbands?
A.     As the head leads the body and Christ leads the Church, husbands are to lead their wives and families.

7.      What does God tell husbands to do?
A.     To love their wives like Christ loved the Church.  Husbands are to make sacrifices for their family to seek out Christ.  

Ephesians 5:1-14

Ephesians 5:1-14Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)5 Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children. ² And walk in love, as the Messiah also loved us and gave Himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God. ³ But sexual immorality and any impurity or greed should not even be heard of^[a] among you, as is proper for saints. ⁴ Coarse and foolish talking or crude joking are not suitable, but rather giving thanks. ⁵ For know and recognize this: Every sexually immoral or impure or greedy person, who is an idolater, does not have an inheritance in the kingdom of the Messiah and of God.
Light versus Darkness
⁶ Let no one deceive you with empty arguments, for God’s wrath is coming on the disobedient because of these things.^[b] 7 Therefore, do not become their partners. ⁸ For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light— ⁹ for the fruit of the light^[c] results in all goodness, righteousness, and truth— ¹⁰ discerning what is pleasing to the Lord. ¹¹ Don’t participate in the fruitless works of darkness, but instead expose them. ¹² For it is shameful even to mention what is done by them in secret. ¹³ Everything exposed by the light is made clear, ¹⁴ for what makes everything clear is light. Therefore it is said:
Get up, sleeper, and rise up from the dead,
and the Messiah will shine on you.^[d]

1.      What does it mean to be imitators of God, and how can we?
A.   We can love everybody, try our best to not sin, pray over people, pray for people, pray pray pray, Talked to people about God, teach people of God.  Be doers of the Word not hearers.
2.    What does it mean to walk in love?
A.   God loved us, so we need to love others.  Walk in His love.  Reflect His love.
3.    What does it mean to talk foolishly, crude joking, and coarse talking?
A.   Talking bad about somebody, joking about somebody, Talking to hear your own voice.  You think you know what you are talking about.
4.    What does it mean that you were once darkness, but now you are light?
A.   Before you knew Christ you were darkness, but now that I know the Lord I am light.  Make sure that you shine your light on others.  Do not cover your Spirit.  Keep your light bright and open for all to see.
5.     What are the fruitless works of darkness?
A.   Anything that God would not want you to do.  Like, things that are wrong, drugs, being mean, cursing, Anything that doesn’t bare fruit
6.    What does Paul mean by saying, “Get up Sleeper and rise from the dead?”
A.   We are dead in sin.  We need to rise out of sin.  

Ephesians 4:17-32

Ephesians 4:17-32Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)Living the New Life¹⁷ Therefore, I say this and testify in the Lord: You should no longer walk as the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their thoughts. ¹⁸ They are darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them and because of the hardness of their hearts. ¹⁹ They became callous and gave themselves over to promiscuity for the practice of every kind of impurity with a desire for more and more.^[a]20 But that is not how you learned about the Messiah, ²¹ assuming you heard about Him and were taught by Him, because the truth is in Jesus. ²² You took off^[b] your former way of life, the old self^[c]that is corrupted by deceitful desires; ²³ you are being renewed^[d] in the spirit of your minds; ²⁴ you put on^[e] the new self, the one created according to God’s likeness in righteousness and purity of the truth.²⁵ Since you put away lying, Speak the truth, each one to his neighbor,^[f] because we are members of one another. ²⁶ Be angry and do not sin.^[g] Don’t let the sun go down on your anger, ²⁷ and don’t give the Devil an opportunity. ²⁸ The thief must no longer steal. Instead, he must do honest work with his own hands, so that he has something to share with anyone in need. ²⁹ No foul language is to come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need,^[h] so that it gives grace to those who hear. ³⁰ And don’t grieve God’s Holy Spirit. You were sealed by Him^[i] for the day of redemption. ³¹ All bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander must be removed from you, along with all malice. ³² And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you^[j] in Christ.

Questions:

1.   Why are Gentiles separated from a life of God?
A.   They are ignorant, excluded from God, gave themselves to promiscuity, and want more and more.  This is everyone with our old self.  Anyone can accept Christ’s love and put on the new self.
2.   What was our former life like?  How are we different now?
A.   We were separated from God’s love.  We can still go back to our old ways, but we need repent and ask God for forgiveness.
3.   What does it mean to take off your old self and put on your new self?
A.   Get rid of your bad habits and repent and start to do as Jesus did.  When you believe in Jesus you put on your new self without any help.  He does it for us.
4.   What does it mean to not let the sun go down on your anger?
A.   Do not go to sleep upset at a loved one.  Talk it out, resolve your problems5.   How easy is it to not be bitter, anger, shouting, slander, and malice?
A.   ????  Talk
6.   What causes us to be sealed in Him?
A.   The Holy Spirit, we repent and ask Him to stay in our hearts.  

Ephesians 4:1-16

Ephesians 4:1-16Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)Unity and Diversity in the Body of Christ4 Therefore I, the prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received,² with all humility and gentleness, with patience, accepting^[a] one another in love, ³ diligently keeping the unity of the Spirit with the peace that binds us. ⁴ There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope^[b] at your calling— ⁵ one Lord, one faith, one baptism, ⁶ one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.
⁷ Now grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of the Messiah’s gift. ⁸ For it says:
When He ascended on high, He took prisoners into captivity;^[c] He gave gifts to people.^[d]9 But what does “He ascended” mean except that He^[e] descended to the lower parts of the earth?^[f]10 The One who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill^[g] all things. ¹¹ And He personally gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, ¹² for the training of the saints in the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, ¹³ until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into a mature man with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness. ¹⁴ Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. ¹⁵ But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into Him who is the head—Christ. ¹⁶ From Him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building up itself in love by the proper working of each individual part.
Questions:1.      How is Paul a prisoner of the Lord?
A.   If you are a prisoner are you in charge? No, so Paul is saying that the Lord is in control of him.
2.    What does it mean to be above all, and through all, and in all?
A.   He is omnipresent and omniscient.
3.    What gifts is Paul talking about?
A.   I don’t know, but….Grace and salvation, spiritual gifts
4.    What is your role in your Christian life?
A.   ??????
5.     What do all these people do? Teachers, prophets, evangelists, and pastors?
A.6. What does verse 14 mean?  A. Group7. How do you tell the truth in love?  A. Group

Prayer time!!!!

We are reading Ephesians and Paul prays on his knees for his people.  We tried it out.  Awesome!

Worship 1/17/14

Saturday Sports

January 18, 2014, we will be playing with our friends at Jackson Elementary in Fresno.  Here is the itinerary.

8:30 Meet and prepare

9:00 Play

10:30 Worship and Messaeg

11:00 Lunch

11:30 Clean Up

Hope to see you there.  Our goal is to make 2 new friends.  Be prepared to share your favorite verse with your new friend and write down their prayer requests.  This will be a great event.  Hope to see you there.  

Jackson Elementary

3733 E. Kerckhoff Ave.

Fresno, CA 93702

Ephesians 3:14-21

Ephesians 3:14-21Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)Prayer for Spiritual Power¹⁴ For this reason I kneel before the Father^[a] 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. ¹⁶ I pray that He may grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power in the inner man through His Spirit, ¹⁷ and that the Messiah may dwell in your hearts through faith. I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love, ¹⁸ may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love, ¹⁹ and to know the Messiah’s love that surpasses knowledge, so you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
²⁰ Now to Him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the powerthat works in us— ²¹ to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
1.   How is Paul praying for?
A.   He is praying for all the people who have accepted Christ into their hearts.
2.   Why do we kneel and pray before the Father?
A.   You kneel because we are showing respect, and because we are lower than God.  He is above us.
3.   How will God strengthen our inner man?
A.   When the Holy Spirit is in you He can strengthen us and support us and……..
4.   What is Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians?
A.   Strengthened with power, Christ may dwell in your heart through faith, you maybe rooted and grounded in love, strength to comprehend with all the Saints, to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, and that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
5.   When were we firmly established in love?
A.   Selah  answers!!!!!!!!!!!!
6.   What does Christ’s love do?
A.   Emma Answers!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Helping out with the community

Here we have some FCA students helping out a family in need.  We purchased an outfit and a couple of toys per kid for a family in need in our community.  Thanks for all your help FCA.  You are the best!!!!

Ephesians 3:1-13

Ephesians 3:1-13

Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

Paul’s Ministry to the Gentiles

3 For this reason, I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— ² you have heard, haven’t you, about the administration of God’s grace that He gave to me for you? ³ The mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have briefly written above. ⁴ By reading this you are able to understand my insight about the mystery of the Messiah. ⁵ This was not made known to people^[a] in other generations as it is now revealed to His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: ⁶ The Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and partners of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. ⁷ I was made a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace that was given to me by the working of His power.

⁸ This grace was given to me—the least of all the saints—to proclaim to the Gentiles the incalculable riches of the Messiah, ⁹ and to shed light for all about the administration of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things. ¹⁰ This is so God’s multi-faceted wisdom may now be made known through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavens. ¹¹ This is according to His eternal purpose accomplished in the Messiah, Jesus our Lord. ¹² In Him we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him.^[b] 13 So then I ask you not to be discouraged over my afflictions on your behalf, for they are your glory.

1.      Paul starts off saying, “For this reason” what is he referring to?

A.   Paul is referring to the gift Christ has given both the Jews and the Gentile.  The gift of the Holy Spirit, being adopted into His family, and Life after death.

2.    What is Paul’s revelation, or mystery?

A.   That God has made the Jews and Gentile equal.  God’s grace falls on everyone, not just the Jews

3.    What does it mean to be co-heirs?

A.   God creates everything, but the Jews believed they only belong to God.  Through Christ everything changed.  Christ accepted everyone from everywhere.  Now anyone can belong to Christ and have the Holy Spirit. 

4.    What are Paul’s afflictions on behalf of the gentiles?

A.   Paul is in prison because he spread the word to the gentiles and to everyone in the world, saying that Jesus was the true King.

“The mystery of Ephesians 3 is the equality of Jews and Gentiles in the body of Christ. This equality and this body were not revealed in the Old Testament. They were made known only after the coming of Christ by the Spirit to the apostles and prophets including Paul but not excluding others.” Soniclight.com