Good Morning - Monday, September 19, 2005

Good Morning! 

 

Hope you all had a great weekend.

 

We had a little conversation on Sunday about our possible next study.  One suggestion is that we do a study using one of the Purpose Driven Life books, one that is designed as a daily study.  We also mentioned the possibility of doing a daily Bible study like the Romans study we did earlier this year.  Any feedback to either of those suggestions?  Any other suggestions?

 

The new unit for this week is  Unit 21, Opposition Along the Way   

 

Focus Scriptures for the Week:  

 

Matthew 5:10   

 

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness's sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

 

Ephesians 6:10-11

 

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power.  Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil

 

Today's Scriptures:  Acts 5:12-21

 

Today's Discussion: 

 

-- I had a perception of what this unit was going to be about -- encouragement for dealing with the opposition from the world to living a Christian life -- and was surprised to see the emphasis in the Reflections section about the possibility that opposition could come from within.  But of course, that makes perfect sense, since our own doubts about what we should be doing and whether we were doing it are a big part of our Christian journey, as we become comfortable with what we know and what we believe.

 

-- the scripture today speaks to external opposition, and how God helped the disciples overcome resistance from the religious authorities of the day. I think that we should notice that there is a subtle reference to another kind of resistance in the same passage -- the reference to those who the apostles had persuaded to convert, but who dare not join the disciples in the open.  While not exactly opposition, the reluctance of these people to come forward and join the disciples was doubtless frustrating and stressful.  If others are with you and for you but refuse to stand with you, then it can creates a sense of loneliness in your belief.  But the apostles pressed on, even without the public support of many who believed.

 

-- our good friend from our Romans study, William Barclay, is quoted in the Reflections section. However, his quote is nothing that we need to take issue with, so it isn't a problem.

 

Question for Sunday:  

 

-- right now, for you, what is the opposition to you living daily our your faith -- is it internal opposition or external opposition?

 

Today's prayer request:    Katrina relief workers

 

We need to remember those, not just in New Orleans and Biloxi and Gulfport, but those that are working in places like Houston and Little Rock and Memphis, where evacuees have gone to and need assistance.

 

Today's class member prayer: 

 

Matt Rocksvold

 

Have a great day.

 

Jay