When you read the subtitle, "Christian Education", what was your first thought? Did you immediately think about a classroom setting where a teacher lectures about all things relative to a Christian worldview?
I believe it is one of our weaknesses as a culture that we have come to believe that to learn, one must sit in a classroom and be given information. What we have forgotten, or neglected, is that human beings are wired to learn through imitation in relationship! You know...."monkey see, monkey do"!
When children are first learning to write the letters of the alphabet, they are given a pattern to trace, to learn the motor pattern. How do you explain the letter "G" without explaining it and demonstrating it? The same principle holds true for everything from carpentry to clarinet. People learn by example! That is even true of "soft skills" like compassion and humility!
Does a person need to read and comprehend the whole Bible before they can start to live as a Christian? How does a person learn how life and community in Christ look before they have much information?
It takes a village to raise a child and a church to raise a Christian. In both cases, you have to make sure you choose the right kind of village or the right kind of church! Not every example will lead you in the right direction. Be careful little eyes, what you see.
As usual, I believe you will walk away encouraged and challenged by what we will discuss in this session of God’s Word.
So, View and See.....
Steve
Philippians 3:17-4:1
"Christian Education"
November 21, 2021 • Pastor Steve Feden • Philippians 3:17–21, Philippians 4:1
Philippians 1:1 6
August 29, 2021 • Pastor Steve Feden • Philippians 1:1–6
I am excited to put the magnifying glass over Paul's letter to the church in a Greek city called Philippi! This was the first European city to receive the news of Jesus! Philippians is one of Paul's "prison letters" - yes, he wrote it while in prison awaiting trial which could end in his release or his death! This makes it even more astounding that this letter is so full of encouragement, reassurance, and joy! How is that possible? Without giving away too much, I can tell you that this little (only 4 chapters) letter is as important to believers today in America as it was to the believers in Philippi in 62 AD when Paul wrote it. The thread of this letter will lead us to important discussions regarding mental and emotional health! Topics like anxiety, contentment, negativity, and ambition are touched on along the way. What is the thread that ties everything together? How can I find mental and emotional well-being in the world we live in? How do I live a properly "centered" life? In a culture of narcissism and hedonism, we need the Word of God to help us break free from......?? If you want the answer, then...... http://......view and See!!!! Steve
Philippians 1:7-11
September 5, 2021 • Pastor Steve Feden • Philippians 1:7–11
"Prayer: The First Step to Change" - Philippians 1:7-11 After considering the warmth of the relationship between Paul and the church people in Philippi, we will read and consider his prayer for them in vv 9-11. He has already said that he is confident in God to finish what He started in their lives. But he doesn't sit back and just wait for God to do it. He prays for the thing he knows God will do! There are four specific things Paul prays for the people, and his prayer is full of the potential that he knows is there because God is at work in their lives. That confidence is what undergirds the things he prays for. He is hopeful they will come closer and closer to reaching their potential! Potential for what? Others-centered living! Have you arrived at "full selflessness"? Are you as loving as Christ? If not, then you are in good company! And.....I think you will thoroughly enjoy the details of Paul's prayer. I promise you at least two surprises! http://.....view and See! Steve
Philippians 1:12-18
September 12, 2021 • Pastor Steve Feden • Philippians 1:12–18
We will begin the "body" of Paul's letter to the people he loves in Philippi. As we read, we will make some observations about the way Paul thinks and what he is modeling for the young believers he is writing to! How does Paul handle situations that are out of his control? How does he find joy when people are intentionally trying to hurt him? "That's great! But http://pastor.....your http://title....your spelling needs help! Didn't you mean w-e-a-t-h-e-r?" Did I? Maybe I meant exactly what it is written! How's that? If you have a chance to read all of Ch 1, you will notice three times Paul recognizes the uncertainty of his outcome. This could go "this way" or "that way". But he is ok with either way..."whether" it's "this" or "that"http://.....there is a greater focus that affords him emotional strength. He knows how to do the mental work of finding joy in his life -- genuine joy. Do you know the secret? If not, then..... http://.....view and See! Steve