Just a reminder: Youth Groups for this Sunday and Monday are on. I'll be grilling the hotdogs we have leftover from the Kick-Off. Our activity will be intense: Making Smores! Bring old hangers for the marshmallows if you have them.
We will be studying I Corinthians 12:12-31: "The Body of Christ" Read the passage before Sunday and Monday nights, and ask yourself the questions: 1) "Am I a part of this body? If yes, where do I fit and why?" 2) "If I am not a part of this body, how does the Scripture say I can become a part of it?"
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Friday, August 24, 2012
Upcoming Movie Nights
Middle School students mark your calenders for Friday evening, September the 7th. We will be hanging out and watching a movie at the Leepa's home.
High School students mark your calenders for Friday evening, September the 28th. We will be hanging out and watching a movie at the Mason's home.
More details will follow. Give me your comments and suggestions about what movie you would like to see. I am looking forward to these evenings with you guys.
High School students mark your calenders for Friday evening, September the 28th. We will be hanging out and watching a movie at the Mason's home.
More details will follow. Give me your comments and suggestions about what movie you would like to see. I am looking forward to these evenings with you guys.
Friday, August 17, 2012
Teaching 6: John 2:13-25 (8/12/12-8/13/12)
Jesus Cleans House
The Jewish Passover was a big event, and it drew a huge crowd of people. This was not only to celebrate the Passover with families in Jerusalem, but was often a time for those who lived far from the Temple to come and worship God in the place where he promised to dwell with His people. This was a way to remember and celebrate the freedom from slavery that God had given His people, who were oppressed and brutalized in the land of Egypt. Among this crowd were Gentiles who had become proselytes to the Jewish faith. Although they were a part of God's people, they were granted only the outer area of the Temple in which to worship. This area is the area where Jesus finds "those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers." (2:14) It can be easy for us to assume that Jesus was accusing these people of practicing their respective businesses corruptly. However, that is not what we find in the text. The great problem was not the activity, but the location. And John makes something very clear: Jesus does not approve!
During our lesson, we tried to simply get at the reason why Jesus is so furious, and what his actions and words tell us about the gospel he brings. Jesus is enraged because the very priesthood and location - that should be opening people to the worship, communion, and fellowship of the Lord - are in fact closing it off and creating obstacles to it. Imagine this: You are hosting a party for you and your friends. The whole idea of this party will be to create an environment of social interaction and encouraging fellowship. Yet, something keeps getting in the way. Vendors from Wal-Mart and Target have strategically positioned themselves on your porch, in your kitchen, by the hallway, and in your living room. They have their reasons. They think to themselves, "We are here for the convenience of the party-goers. I mean, what if someone forgets to bring drinks and snacks? We are just here to help the party get along smoothly." But we can imagine what would happen in this kind of setting. It would be a disaster, and most of the people there would probably become upset with the invasion. The purpose of the party would be destroyed. This is what we have happening in the Temple. So, what does Jesus do about it?
Well, he drives these people out of the Temple in what could best be described as a furious outburst. Such that the disciples would later reflect on it with the words: "Zeal for your house will consume me." (2:17) Jesus is cleaning house so that Gentiles can come and worship God without hindrance or distraction. He does not stop here. Jesus is on task, and his words bring to life the deep reality of the gospel that his existence is aiming towards, death and resurrection. This is the amazing truth in what Jesus says to those questioning his actions, "Destroy this Temple, and in three days I will raise it up...But he was speaking about the Temple of his body" (2:19, 21) Jesus is changing the location of the Temple. He is saying, 'I am the new Temple, and people will come from afar to me in order to dwell with God. This current temple is only a shadow of the forgiveness, reconciliation, and life that I will bring as the new Temple by my cross death and resurrection.' Jesus is cleaning house so that people can approach God, and he will not stop until he has completed his work and is seated at the right hand of the Father.Praise God that Jesus has fully opened the way for us! His work is finished.
Take Home Questions:
1) Jesus' anger here is a good thing. How do you view this event in the life of Jesus? Think about how Jesus' actions and behavior can change the way you view and act on your own anger.
2) How can we approach this Temple Jesus tells us about today? What grants us access?
3) What is ultimately the problem underlying the actions of those selling in the temple? What things in our life together are hindering from our focus on worship and communion with God?
The Jewish Passover was a big event, and it drew a huge crowd of people. This was not only to celebrate the Passover with families in Jerusalem, but was often a time for those who lived far from the Temple to come and worship God in the place where he promised to dwell with His people. This was a way to remember and celebrate the freedom from slavery that God had given His people, who were oppressed and brutalized in the land of Egypt. Among this crowd were Gentiles who had become proselytes to the Jewish faith. Although they were a part of God's people, they were granted only the outer area of the Temple in which to worship. This area is the area where Jesus finds "those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers." (2:14) It can be easy for us to assume that Jesus was accusing these people of practicing their respective businesses corruptly. However, that is not what we find in the text. The great problem was not the activity, but the location. And John makes something very clear: Jesus does not approve!
During our lesson, we tried to simply get at the reason why Jesus is so furious, and what his actions and words tell us about the gospel he brings. Jesus is enraged because the very priesthood and location - that should be opening people to the worship, communion, and fellowship of the Lord - are in fact closing it off and creating obstacles to it. Imagine this: You are hosting a party for you and your friends. The whole idea of this party will be to create an environment of social interaction and encouraging fellowship. Yet, something keeps getting in the way. Vendors from Wal-Mart and Target have strategically positioned themselves on your porch, in your kitchen, by the hallway, and in your living room. They have their reasons. They think to themselves, "We are here for the convenience of the party-goers. I mean, what if someone forgets to bring drinks and snacks? We are just here to help the party get along smoothly." But we can imagine what would happen in this kind of setting. It would be a disaster, and most of the people there would probably become upset with the invasion. The purpose of the party would be destroyed. This is what we have happening in the Temple. So, what does Jesus do about it?
Well, he drives these people out of the Temple in what could best be described as a furious outburst. Such that the disciples would later reflect on it with the words: "Zeal for your house will consume me." (2:17) Jesus is cleaning house so that Gentiles can come and worship God without hindrance or distraction. He does not stop here. Jesus is on task, and his words bring to life the deep reality of the gospel that his existence is aiming towards, death and resurrection. This is the amazing truth in what Jesus says to those questioning his actions, "Destroy this Temple, and in three days I will raise it up...But he was speaking about the Temple of his body" (2:19, 21) Jesus is changing the location of the Temple. He is saying, 'I am the new Temple, and people will come from afar to me in order to dwell with God. This current temple is only a shadow of the forgiveness, reconciliation, and life that I will bring as the new Temple by my cross death and resurrection.' Jesus is cleaning house so that people can approach God, and he will not stop until he has completed his work and is seated at the right hand of the Father.Praise God that Jesus has fully opened the way for us! His work is finished.
Take Home Questions:
1) Jesus' anger here is a good thing. How do you view this event in the life of Jesus? Think about how Jesus' actions and behavior can change the way you view and act on your own anger.
2) How can we approach this Temple Jesus tells us about today? What grants us access?
3) What is ultimately the problem underlying the actions of those selling in the temple? What things in our life together are hindering from our focus on worship and communion with God?
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Youth Group Back On (8/26/2012 - 8/27/2012)
Due to Promotion Sunday being pushed back, Youth Groups for the 26th and 27th of August will be returned to the schedule. I look forward to seeing you there as we look at John 3:1-21.
For your calenders: Youth Group for Sept. 9th and 10th will be be cancelled due to the new date for Promotion Sunday.
Blessings,
Dagan Mayfield
806.224.3148
For your calenders: Youth Group for Sept. 9th and 10th will be be cancelled due to the new date for Promotion Sunday.
Blessings,
Dagan Mayfield
806.224.3148
Teaching 5: John 2:1-12 (8/5/12-8/6/12)
Jesus Parties
Jesus' miraculous transformation of water into wine is the first of his signs within John's gospel. John gives us the purpose of these signs: "This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him." (2:11) The glory of Jesus is his making the goodness and mission of God obvious. The function of a sign within the gospel of John is to show God's power in a way points past the present. The consistent pattern is that these signs fuel the faith of the disciples, even more as we approach the cross. The Cross and Resurrection of Christ is the most powerful sign of the gospel, but it is also the sign that is most liable to be misunderstood. These signs serve to express and draw out the deeper reality behind the Cross of Christ.
So, what does the transformation of water into wine have to do with understanding the Cross? The details given can help illuminate our answer. After the wine has run out, Jesus instructs the servants to specifically refill "six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons." (2:6) These would have been the elements used by the Jewish invitees to ritually clean themselves and possibly the cups, bowls, and utensils for the party. It was there way of signifying that great purity and sacredness of this event before the God of the universe, who had ordained them to follow such purity laws. Now, the great point and reality of this ritual comes to life. Jesus fulfills it! And the context and miracle illuminate the reality of what he has come to accomplish. The Lord is bringing purity that far exceeds the system of ritual purity under the Old Covenant. This is in the same way wine far exceeds water as a desireable and satisfying drink for a party. The context tells us where this purifying wine - causing the person rereading John to associate it with Jesus' blood - will take us. It takes us to a wedding party. This wedding is a great illustration of what the Cross of Christ will bring for those who place faith in Jesus...purity where there was uncleanness and unity where there was division.
Resource:
Want to know what The Hunger Games is all about? Why is it resonating with young people? How can we use the story to engage those around us with the truth of gospel, specifically as it relates to one's identity?
I encourage you to read this short article by Winston Smith. He brings a helpful, biblical, and approachable posture to interacting with young people fascinated with The Hunger Games.
http://www.ccef.org/blog/hunger-games-appetite-and-identity
Please contact me if you have any comments or questions.
Blessings,
Dagan Mayfield
806.224.3148
dmayfield@cornerstonepca.org
Jesus' miraculous transformation of water into wine is the first of his signs within John's gospel. John gives us the purpose of these signs: "This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him." (2:11) The glory of Jesus is his making the goodness and mission of God obvious. The function of a sign within the gospel of John is to show God's power in a way points past the present. The consistent pattern is that these signs fuel the faith of the disciples, even more as we approach the cross. The Cross and Resurrection of Christ is the most powerful sign of the gospel, but it is also the sign that is most liable to be misunderstood. These signs serve to express and draw out the deeper reality behind the Cross of Christ.
So, what does the transformation of water into wine have to do with understanding the Cross? The details given can help illuminate our answer. After the wine has run out, Jesus instructs the servants to specifically refill "six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons." (2:6) These would have been the elements used by the Jewish invitees to ritually clean themselves and possibly the cups, bowls, and utensils for the party. It was there way of signifying that great purity and sacredness of this event before the God of the universe, who had ordained them to follow such purity laws. Now, the great point and reality of this ritual comes to life. Jesus fulfills it! And the context and miracle illuminate the reality of what he has come to accomplish. The Lord is bringing purity that far exceeds the system of ritual purity under the Old Covenant. This is in the same way wine far exceeds water as a desireable and satisfying drink for a party. The context tells us where this purifying wine - causing the person rereading John to associate it with Jesus' blood - will take us. It takes us to a wedding party. This wedding is a great illustration of what the Cross of Christ will bring for those who place faith in Jesus...purity where there was uncleanness and unity where there was division.
Resource:
Want to know what The Hunger Games is all about? Why is it resonating with young people? How can we use the story to engage those around us with the truth of gospel, specifically as it relates to one's identity?
I encourage you to read this short article by Winston Smith. He brings a helpful, biblical, and approachable posture to interacting with young people fascinated with The Hunger Games.
http://www.ccef.org/blog/hunger-games-appetite-and-identity
Please contact me if you have any comments or questions.
Blessings,
Dagan Mayfield
806.224.3148
dmayfield@cornerstonepca.org
Monday, August 13, 2012
Youth Kick-Off Party - Aug 19th
Get excited for a good time together! We will be holding a Youth Kick-Off Party this coming Sunday, the 19th of August at Solomon's MWR Annex - Big Pavilion. We will get started around 5PM. Cornerstone will provide hot dogs, hamburgers, and buns. Please plan to come and invite friends for this time of fellowship and fun!
Contact me with any questions or to receive the informational/RSVP email.
806.224.3148
dmayfield@cornerstonepca.org
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Teaching 4: Numbers 6:22-27 (7/29/12-7/30/12)
A Blessing for the Wilderness
For this night's lesson, I recapped the basic content of my sermon from Sunday morning. What are things to keep in mind about this blessing from God?
1) It is for rebels. The story of the people of God, and our own stories, make this point evident. We are people that God is leading from Slavery to Rest, and this blessing is made for redeemed rebels wandering in the wilderness of life.
2) It is not possible to earn this blessing, individually or together. This is something the Lord is giving to us at His own initiative, sustaining -despite us- by His own grace, and bringing about through us by His own power.
3) It is aimed at changing our hearts. This blessing provides what we need to change and grow as people made in the image of God. It understands the reality at work in and around us: "Things are a mess and they shouldn't be." The hope of anyone who places faith in Jesus and His work is that God is faithfully changing and working on His Creation to bring it to ultimate perfection.
4) This blessing, because the world is not the way it should be and God is just, comes at a great cost. The cost is the cursing, crushing, shameful, and sin-bearing death of Jesus Christ. He takes upon himself the opposite of this very blessing. Praise the Lord! By the mercy of Jesus, we are not getting what we deserve.
After this quick recap, we broke up for a time of discussion and prayer. Here are the questions that guided that time of discussion:
Resource:
This link will direct you to a 5-part series that David Powlison has on the topic of panic attacks. He guides you through a case study on Ann, and brings to bear the relevance of the gospel working in and through honest relationships. I encourage you to download it and listen to it:
http://www.ccef.org/search/luceneapi_node/panic%20attack
Blessings,
Dagan Mayfield
dmayfield@cornerstonepca.org
803.224.3148
For this night's lesson, I recapped the basic content of my sermon from Sunday morning. What are things to keep in mind about this blessing from God?
1) It is for rebels. The story of the people of God, and our own stories, make this point evident. We are people that God is leading from Slavery to Rest, and this blessing is made for redeemed rebels wandering in the wilderness of life.
2) It is not possible to earn this blessing, individually or together. This is something the Lord is giving to us at His own initiative, sustaining -despite us- by His own grace, and bringing about through us by His own power.
3) It is aimed at changing our hearts. This blessing provides what we need to change and grow as people made in the image of God. It understands the reality at work in and around us: "Things are a mess and they shouldn't be." The hope of anyone who places faith in Jesus and His work is that God is faithfully changing and working on His Creation to bring it to ultimate perfection.
4) This blessing, because the world is not the way it should be and God is just, comes at a great cost. The cost is the cursing, crushing, shameful, and sin-bearing death of Jesus Christ. He takes upon himself the opposite of this very blessing. Praise the Lord! By the mercy of Jesus, we are not getting what we deserve.
After this quick recap, we broke up for a time of discussion and prayer. Here are the questions that guided that time of discussion:
What is most difficult about your life right now?
What would you change? What would you leave the
same?
What do you want God to change or do for you?
Why?
Does this blessing promise or give you the things
that you want? What are those things?
What does this blessing give us?
How has Christ provided/paid for this blessing for
us?
What should change about our lives because of what
Christ has provided?
Resource:
This link will direct you to a 5-part series that David Powlison has on the topic of panic attacks. He guides you through a case study on Ann, and brings to bear the relevance of the gospel working in and through honest relationships. I encourage you to download it and listen to it:
http://www.ccef.org/search/luceneapi_node/panic%20attack
Blessings,
Dagan Mayfield
dmayfield@cornerstonepca.org
803.224.3148
Teaching 3: John 1:35-51 (7/22/12-7/23/15)
Jesus Makes Calls "What are you seeking?' This is the
first question, as far as we know, that Jesus poses to any of his disciples.
These two men have probably been following John the Baptist as disciples for
some time. In what seems like an instant, they hear John repeat "Look, the Lamb
of God!" and his two disciples become his two ex-disciples. These men - one of
whom we know is Andrew and the other could be John, the author of our
gospel - literally walk after Jesus. Who knows what they were expecting. After
time with John the Baptist, they were probably prepared for some surprises. But
the simple question, which started them off on their relationship to Christ, was
"What are you all seeking?" Jesus cares enough to ask his first potential
followers a question that strikes to the heart of life and could include a lot
of questions underneath it. It this this question - What are you all seeking? -
that directed our study.
Follow-up Questions:
1) When Jesus says to Andrew and the unnamed man "Come and you will see," what does he mean? Is this same invitation to "come and see" extended to us? Why is this important?
2) In John 1:42, what is significant about Jesus giving Simon a different name? What does this new name mean? In the beginning of the book of Revelation (chapters 1-3), what role does naming play among God's people?
3) Jesus makes a promise in John 1:50-51. What is the promise that he gives to Nathanael? What Old Testament history is Jesus thinking of when he gives this promise? If Jesus is the fullness of God dwelling with us, how should we then live? What do we see the disciples doing in our passage (1:35-51)?
Follow-up Questions:
1) When Jesus says to Andrew and the unnamed man "Come and you will see," what does he mean? Is this same invitation to "come and see" extended to us? Why is this important?
2) In John 1:42, what is significant about Jesus giving Simon a different name? What does this new name mean? In the beginning of the book of Revelation (chapters 1-3), what role does naming play among God's people?
3) Jesus makes a promise in John 1:50-51. What is the promise that he gives to Nathanael? What Old Testament history is Jesus thinking of when he gives this promise? If Jesus is the fullness of God dwelling with us, how should we then live? What do we see the disciples doing in our passage (1:35-51)?
Updates for Youth Group Meetings
For Your Calenders:
Due to several upcoming events, youth group will be cancelled on a number of nights:
Aug. 19/20 because of Youth Group Kickoff @ Solomons MWR Annex – Big Pavilion on 19th
Aug. 26/27 because of the opening of our new church building and surrounding events on 26th
Sept. 2/3 because of Cornerstone's annual pig roast taking place on the 3rd
After these weeks off, youth group will resume a normal schedule for the Fall. Please contact me if you have any questions.
Blessings,
Dagan Mayfield
dmayfield@cornerstonepca.org
803.224.3148
Due to several upcoming events, youth group will be cancelled on a number of nights:
Aug. 19/20 because of Youth Group Kickoff @ Solomons MWR Annex – Big Pavilion on 19th
Aug. 26/27 because of the opening of our new church building and surrounding events on 26th
Sept. 2/3 because of Cornerstone's annual pig roast taking place on the 3rd
After these weeks off, youth group will resume a normal schedule for the Fall. Please contact me if you have any questions.
Blessings,
Dagan Mayfield
dmayfield@cornerstonepca.org
803.224.3148
Teaching 2: John 1:19-34 (07/15/12--7/16/12)
This John Guy
It is easy to miss how this crazy John the Baptist fits into the life of Jesus. Yet, he is vitally important to understanding the purpose and direction of the Messiah's life. One question directed our study: Where is John pointing us?
A Confession: John is greeted in a not so warm way by priests and Levites sent from Jerusalem. There basic interrogation: 'John, who do you think you are?' And his response is denial after denial. John is clear about who he is not. 'Guys, I am not the one you are looking for. I cannot be your savior because I am not the savior.' John is the first prophet to come along in 400 years - gathering a nice following - and he is unwilling to call himself somebody great. More than that, he says that he is not even worthy to untie the sandals of "he who comes after me." That might not mean much to us, but it was considered disgraceful for even a slave to remove a person's shoes in that culture. He makes the gap between himself and Jesus huge. He is a voice pointing away from himself.
A Baptism: So, why do these guys seem mad at John? Well, a lot of it has to do with him baptizing people. It helps to remember where we are at in the history of God working out salvation for his people: Christ has not yet been crucified and raised from the dead (see Romans 6). The baptism we practice is different from what they had in mind at this time. If you were born and raised as a Jew, you would never imagine undergoing the kind of ritual baptism John is practicing. It wasn't for the people who were already 'in God's family.' If you were a non-Jew (Gentile), you would likely undergo a cleansing baptism as a proselyte before entering the Jewish community. It was a means of bringing you into the community of God's people. However, John is proclaiming that everyone needs to repent and be baptized! And his physical location is important as well - "Bethany across the Jordan." He is just outside the Promised Land - the wilderness. He is inviting Israel to reconsider their own hearts and history.
This history is one where they were brought out of slavery in Egypt, and the Lord provided for Israel as they wandered in the wilderness. John is signaling that a greater Exodus now needs to happen. One that will take people out of slavery to sin, purify them by the Spirit Jesus will bring, and welcome them into the rest of God. He is telling people that they are geographically in the wrong place and spiritually lost. The message is the same for us. We need to be relieved of bondage and cleansed.
A Proclamation John is not only denying and baptizing as a way to point people to the coming Christ, but he is also proclaiming a message, the purpose of his ministry. He is "the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way of the Lord,' as the prophet Isaiah said." It may not seem like it on the surface, but John is really giving us the same Good News in another form. When Isaiah was writing, the people of God were in exile and were longing for the time when they could return home. "Make straight" is basically saying 'flatten a road out from Babylon to Jerusalem! My people need a route to carry them back home.' The Lord was longing to be near his people. The people of Israel desired to return to the place where they were not outsiders. This is the home the Lord provides in Christ. We love to experience the kind of national belonging that the Olympics can generate. How much more can we rejoice in being citizens of this kingdom? A kingdom that is breaking into the world, establishing peace, justice, and human flourishing forever.
It is easy to miss how this crazy John the Baptist fits into the life of Jesus. Yet, he is vitally important to understanding the purpose and direction of the Messiah's life. One question directed our study: Where is John pointing us?
A Confession: John is greeted in a not so warm way by priests and Levites sent from Jerusalem. There basic interrogation: 'John, who do you think you are?' And his response is denial after denial. John is clear about who he is not. 'Guys, I am not the one you are looking for. I cannot be your savior because I am not the savior.' John is the first prophet to come along in 400 years - gathering a nice following - and he is unwilling to call himself somebody great. More than that, he says that he is not even worthy to untie the sandals of "he who comes after me." That might not mean much to us, but it was considered disgraceful for even a slave to remove a person's shoes in that culture. He makes the gap between himself and Jesus huge. He is a voice pointing away from himself.
A Baptism: So, why do these guys seem mad at John? Well, a lot of it has to do with him baptizing people. It helps to remember where we are at in the history of God working out salvation for his people: Christ has not yet been crucified and raised from the dead (see Romans 6). The baptism we practice is different from what they had in mind at this time. If you were born and raised as a Jew, you would never imagine undergoing the kind of ritual baptism John is practicing. It wasn't for the people who were already 'in God's family.' If you were a non-Jew (Gentile), you would likely undergo a cleansing baptism as a proselyte before entering the Jewish community. It was a means of bringing you into the community of God's people. However, John is proclaiming that everyone needs to repent and be baptized! And his physical location is important as well - "Bethany across the Jordan." He is just outside the Promised Land - the wilderness. He is inviting Israel to reconsider their own hearts and history.
This history is one where they were brought out of slavery in Egypt, and the Lord provided for Israel as they wandered in the wilderness. John is signaling that a greater Exodus now needs to happen. One that will take people out of slavery to sin, purify them by the Spirit Jesus will bring, and welcome them into the rest of God. He is telling people that they are geographically in the wrong place and spiritually lost. The message is the same for us. We need to be relieved of bondage and cleansed.
A Proclamation John is not only denying and baptizing as a way to point people to the coming Christ, but he is also proclaiming a message, the purpose of his ministry. He is "the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way of the Lord,' as the prophet Isaiah said." It may not seem like it on the surface, but John is really giving us the same Good News in another form. When Isaiah was writing, the people of God were in exile and were longing for the time when they could return home. "Make straight" is basically saying 'flatten a road out from Babylon to Jerusalem! My people need a route to carry them back home.' The Lord was longing to be near his people. The people of Israel desired to return to the place where they were not outsiders. This is the home the Lord provides in Christ. We love to experience the kind of national belonging that the Olympics can generate. How much more can we rejoice in being citizens of this kingdom? A kingdom that is breaking into the world, establishing peace, justice, and human flourishing forever.
Take Home
Questions:
- Why are John's denials important? How can what we deny, and say about ourselves, serve to point to Christ?
- As you think about the Gospel, which picture do you identify with you more: that Jesus cleanses us, rescues us from slavery, or makes a way for us to come home? What about your story makes this picture more applicable?
- Think about the life of John the Baptist: what did he have to give up and/or risk to play his role in the history of God's redemption? What is your role?
Please contact me by phone or email if you have any questions or prayer
requests.
Blessings,
Dagan Mayfield
806.224.3148
dmayfield@cornerstonepca.org
Waffle Wednesday! - July 25th @ 9:00 AM
Craving waffles? Want to see where this new youth pastor lives? Want to consume
a ridiculous amount of sugar and fall asleep by 2 in the afternoon?
Come hang out with my wife (Jen) and I on Wednesday morning. We'll eat breakfast, laugh, and socialize. It will be great!
We'd love to have you (with your friends, families, and neighbors), but we need to know how much food to buy. RSVP by July 22nd if you are interested in coming.
44662 Willow Oak Court
California, MD 20619
Thanks,
Dagan Mayfield
806.224.3148
dmayfield@cornerstonepca.org
Come hang out with my wife (Jen) and I on Wednesday morning. We'll eat breakfast, laugh, and socialize. It will be great!
We'd love to have you (with your friends, families, and neighbors), but we need to know how much food to buy. RSVP by July 22nd if you are interested in coming.
44662 Willow Oak Court
California, MD 20619
Thanks,
Dagan Mayfield
806.224.3148
dmayfield@cornerstonepca.org
Teaching 1: John 1:1-18 (07/08/12 - 07/09/12)
Jesus' Final Introduction:
John is continuing a story that started "In the beginning (1:1)." This is a story that begins with God and the good work that he started. God is set on fixing the great evil and brokenness that has entered the world through humanity - we experience and participate in this darkness. The amazing reality is that Jesus is himself both God and man. Jesus understands what it is to grow up as a human and face rejection from the people around him (1:11). He made you, cares for you, and has come as a human person to fight for you, identify with you, and ultimately invite you into a perfect family that he already enjoys with the Father, Holy Spirit, and all the believers that have come before. This world needs a hero who can forgive and restore. The twist: we are not the heroes. In fact, nothing we bring to the table - our race, family, education, income, grades, athletic ability, nation, friends, church, knowledge, intelligence, or status - can get us in. There is nothing in our power that can make us "children of God (1:12)." The gospel takes root in our hearts "not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God (1:13)." There is another fact about becoming a child of God. Nothing we bring to the table - our shame, pride, evil thoughts, greed, self-centeredness, lust, doubt, fear, or brokenness - can keep us out. There is nothing you can bring to get you in, and there is nothing you can bring that will keep you out. This family is opened to us by the mercy of God in Christ. What amazingly Good News!
Take Home Questions:
John is continuing a story that started "In the beginning (1:1)." This is a story that begins with God and the good work that he started. God is set on fixing the great evil and brokenness that has entered the world through humanity - we experience and participate in this darkness. The amazing reality is that Jesus is himself both God and man. Jesus understands what it is to grow up as a human and face rejection from the people around him (1:11). He made you, cares for you, and has come as a human person to fight for you, identify with you, and ultimately invite you into a perfect family that he already enjoys with the Father, Holy Spirit, and all the believers that have come before. This world needs a hero who can forgive and restore. The twist: we are not the heroes. In fact, nothing we bring to the table - our race, family, education, income, grades, athletic ability, nation, friends, church, knowledge, intelligence, or status - can get us in. There is nothing in our power that can make us "children of God (1:12)." The gospel takes root in our hearts "not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God (1:13)." There is another fact about becoming a child of God. Nothing we bring to the table - our shame, pride, evil thoughts, greed, self-centeredness, lust, doubt, fear, or brokenness - can keep us out. There is nothing you can bring to get you in, and there is nothing you can bring that will keep you out. This family is opened to us by the mercy of God in Christ. What amazingly Good News!
Take Home Questions:
- Why is it important to us that God "became flesh"? Why does John write about it?
- What are some words and images that John uses to link this story with the history of God's people on the Old Testament? Why does this matter?
- How should the reality of God becoming fully man in Jesus the Messiah change the way we interact with the human beings around us, who are us made in His image? (See James 3:5-18)
Please contact me by phone or email if you have any questions,
thoughts, prayer requests, or suggestions.
Blessings,
Dagan Mayfield
806.224.3148
dmayfield@cornerstonepca.org
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