Fundamentals: Moral Boundaries-- Questions for Discussion and Reflection

Dig Deeper

God has established moral boundaries to protect us from harm and provide for blessings. What insights do the following Scriptures provide for understanding the role parents have in shaping children’s views of moral boundaries?

Genesis 18:19--

Deuteronomy 6:4-9--

Joshua 4:19-24--

Proverbs 22:6; 23:13-19

Ephesians 6:1-4--

Colossians 3:20-21--

1 Thessalonians 2:10-12--

Application

The family is intended by God to be the first and primary environment where children to learn to yield to moral boundaries.  How is the Holy Spirit leading you to creatively communicate God’s Word with our children?

Memorize This

1 Thessalonians 4:3-4— It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable. © NIV

SonWest Round-Up Highlight Video

Thank you Linda Kolk, Karen Bottari and the SonWest Team for an awesome week!

Making Sense of the Levitical Laws

In the King James Version the phrase “Thou shall not” appears 362 times. God has established moral boundaries to protect us from harm and provide for blessings. Even though the Levitical laws were written to ancient Israel as they prepared to enter the Promised Land there is much benefit for us in observing God’s faithful care of His people.

Our conversation Sunday focused on the protection and blessings afforded ancient Israel as they obeyed God’s laws concerning skin diseases. The Levitical Laws sounded as strange to the cultures that surrounded ancient Israel as their medical treatments sound to us today. Science teacher and missionary Bob Hobrink in his book, Modern Science in the Bible makes sense of many of these Levitical Laws. You can read the first chapter of his book below:


 

Modern Science in The Bible: Amazing Scientific Truths Found In Ancient Texts By Ben Hobrink / Howard Books

Adopt-a-Family from Moore, Oklahoma

NMBC has adopted the Quick family from Moore, Oklahoma. Mike and Shannon Quick are parents to two boys, aged 13 and 8. Shannon lost her life protecting her boys during the May 20th tornado. The older son is currently living with his aunt, Mike's sister while Mike spends most of his time with his younger son who is in the hospital recovering from injuries that sustained during the tornado. The Quick family was recommended to us by the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma. You can drop of your donation for the Quick family using envelopes available in the FMC and Welcome Center. Gift card ideas include: Dick's Sporting Goods, Sears, Lowes, Kolhs, Walmart and Target.

Fundamentals: Moral Boundaries-- Questions for Reflection and Discussion

Dig Deeper

In the message Moral Boundaries, a chair illustration was used to demonstrate the necessity of grounding our beliefs on a “fixed point of reference.” This illustration originates from a broadcast featuring Frank Peretti which aired on Focus on the Family August 16, 2012. You can listen to that message at 1twentyeight.blogspot.com.  Mr. Peretti states that a true fixed point of reference must 1). Be separate from us and 2). Be immovable.

How does Jesus describe the Scriptures in the following verses? What confidence does this provide for you in making the Scriptures your “fixed point of reference”?

Matthew 5:17-18--

Matthew 24:35; Mark 13:31; Luke  21:35--

 Read the Apostle Paul’s address to the Areopagus in Acts 17:22-28. What does Paul present as the true “fixed point of reference”? How is this in contrast to the beliefs of the people of Athens? (22-23)

Read 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5. What three things are the will of God for believers in their sanctification?

What insights do the following scriptures provide for believers establishing healthy moral boundaries, especially in the area of sexual purity/intimacy?

Proverbs 7:6-27--

1 Corinthians 6:18--

Ephesians 5:3--

1 Timothy 2:22--

Hebrews 13:4--

Application

Moral boundaries are not limited to sexual purity/intimacy. Proverbs 20:1 warns, “Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise” and Ephesians 4:28, “Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.” What boundaries is the Holy Spirit leading you to establish or strengthen in your life?

Memorize This

1 Thessalonians 4:3-4— It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable. © NIV

SonWest Roundup!

SonWest Roundup kicks off Monday morning at 9:00 AM. Check out the video below to get a taste of the songs and themes of this summer's VBS then  pray daily for the children, parents, leaders and teachers who are participating.

 

Monday
Big Idea: God sent Jesus because He cares about me.
John 3:16

The first day will run smoothly.
Leaders will be filled with joy and enthusiasm.
Each child will be excited to come to VBS and feel welcomed, included, and valued.
Preschool children would be happy and peaceful all week.
Arrival and dismissal will run smoothly.
Every child attending will have a new excitement for how much they are loved by God and for the adventure of following Christ.


Tuesday
Big Idea: Jesus’ power is big enough to help me-- no matter what.
John 16:33

The Holy Spirit will lead all that is said and done.
All of the workers will have strength and flexibility.
God will provide safety, protection and good health for all participants.

Wednesday
Big Idea: Jesus’ death and resurrection can rescue me from sin and give me eternal life.
John 11:25

Each child would understand and respond to the Gospel.
God will give discernment to teachers and leaders as they counsel children who make salvation decisions

Thursday
Big Idea: I can trust Jesus to take care of me every day.
John 6:35

Leaders will be filled with joy and enthusiasm.
Volunteers will know God better and love Him more by serving.
Children will be obedient to all authority while having FUN!

Friday
Big Idea: Jesus’ new command is to follow Him and love others.
John 13:34-35

Parents will experience Jesus and enjoy the closing ceremony.
Families will attend Family Sunday, July 28th.
Volunteers will sense God’s pleasure and satisfaction with their efforts.

Volunteers will feel appreciated and desire to participate next year.

"Fixed Point of Reference" Frank Peretti on Focus on the Family

This Sunday we begin a conversation on the fundamental, moral boundaries. God has established moral boundaries to protect us from harm and provide for blessings. In our culture of moral relativism however, these boundaries are too often, even by Christians viewed as infringing on our freedom. Last summer Focus on the Family broadcast a lecture by Frank Peretti entitled What We Believe. In his lecture he uses an illustration of a chair to demonstrate the importance of basing our beliefs on a “fixed point of reference.” Peretti's lecture is humors, thoughtful, and I believe a great foundation to understanding moral boundaries. You can listen to the broadcast here--

World Changers

Sunday, July 7th we welcomed 300+ students and leaders who were kicking off a two weeks with World Changers. The Asbury Park Press did a news article about World Changers last week. Faith Hicks, 18,from Jonesborough, Tenn. told the APP, "The main focus is sharing God's love and trying to witness to others who are doing his work." You can learn more about World Changers here. The APP posted pictures of various projects here. Below watch a video from Asbury Park Press Online:

Porn in the Dorm-- Parents, Equip your college bound son or daughter walk godly throughout the college years

Most students don't need to sneak around to see soft pornography -- they just have to show up to class! In

a world where sex education is as graphic as it gets, kids are being introduced to adult subjects from an earlier and earlier age. This generation of teenagers is growing up with both television so explicit it makes their parents blush and an Internet that's the closest thing to a 24-hour free peep show. It's no wonder that more teenagers are coming of age in a culture where pornography is not only accessible -- but acceptable. Politicians and athletes who would have been disgraced by sexual scandals just a few years ago are quickly forgiven and rewarded with television contracts, new campaigns, or big name sports endorsements. Adult entertainment, once confined to magazines and videos, is flourishing in the dark corners of technology where young people spend most of their time.

For college students, the use of pornography is especially problematic. Away from home and surrounded by friends, co-eds are incredibly susceptible to an addiction that can destroy their education, their relationships, and their future.

On July 17th the Family Research Counsel hosted a webinar featuring Dr. Pat Fagain's lecture, Porn in the Dorm: The Impact of Pornography on College Campus Life. You can watch the webinar here--

How to Stay Christian in College By J. Budziszewski / NAV Press College campuses are overtly hostile to the Christian faith, and many Christian students give in to defeat. But Professor J. Budziszewski will help prepare you and your parents for the challenges you will encounter, and how to successfully overcome them.

the Fundamentals: Community- Jesus Style (Mark 6:30-44) Questions for Reflection and Discussion

All four gospels report the account of Jesus feeding the five thousand (Matthew 14:15-21; Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17; and John 6:1-14). Most often the events of Jesus’ ministry are examined through the lens of the response of the crowds to His teachings and miracles. This study will focus on Jesus’ leadership (coaching) of His small community of twelve men-- the twelve disciples/apostles.

Read the four accounts of Jesus feeding the five thousand making a list of Jesus’ instructions to His disciples. What is the significance about each instruction?

Mark 6:30 and Luke 9:10 report that the apostles are returning to Jesus. Where did they go and what were were they doing?

 Matthew 10:5-8-- Mark 6:7-13-- Luke 9:1-6--

 In Mark 6:31 Jesus instructs His disciples, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest for a while.” John further reveals that after crossing the Sea of Galilee, they “went up on the mountain, and there (Jesus) sat down with his disciples” (John 6:3). Jesus frequently spent time away with His disciples. What does this tell us about the importance of retreat and rest?

 John 1:38-39; 2:12-- Matthew 17:1-8; Mark 9:2-8; Luke 9:28-36-- Luke 11:1-13-- Matthew 24:1-3; Mark 13:1-4; Luke 21:5-7--

 What motivated Jesus to cut short time with His disciples? (See Matthew 9:36; Mark 6:34) What is significant about how the food was distributed to the crowd? (See Mark 6:40)

 Application The feeding of the five thousand begins with the disciples finding Jesus to report “all that they had done and taught” (Mark 6:30). How is the Holy Spirit leading you to incorporate sharing of seeing God at work in your family time small group or ministry team?

 Memorize This:  Proverbs 13:20— Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. © ESV

Young Adult Summer LifeGroup... Wednesday Nights at 7:00

NMBC's Young Adult Life Group is beginning a new study tomorrow night (Wednesday July 10th) using Andy Stanley's The Best Question Ever. The group kicks off at 7:00 PM in the Griggs Counseling and Ministry Center (168 New Monmouth Road). You can listen to the podcast of first lesson above or watch the video here.

CBS News interviews Mission Discovery and the Keerans

Last week's Mission Discovery Team working at the Keeran's was interviewed by CBS News. You can watch the news report here.

the Fundamentals: Godly Friends-- (1 Samuel 18:1-4) Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1 Samuel 18:1 describers the friendship between Jonathan (firstborn son of King Saul) and David (the anointed future king), “the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as himself.” This is all the more striking given the custom of primogeniture, whereby the firstborn son is heir to the throne. Jonathan literally valued his friendship with David above the expectation of future kingship. This friendship serves as a model of godly friendship.

Dig Deeper

Read 1 Samuel 13:1 through 23:18 and 2 Samuel 1. (The Scriptures dealing specifically with Jonathan and David are: 1 Samuel 18:1-5; 19:1-7; 20:1-42; 23:15-18 and 2 Samuel 1:17-27).

What characteristics of friendship do you observe between these two men?

The Proverbs are rich with descriptions of the benefits of friendship with the wise and the folly of friendship with the foolish. What are some of these benefits of friendship with the wise?

Proverbs 13:20a--

Proverbs 17:17--

Proverbs 18:24--

Proverbs 27:6, 9, 10 & 17--

What warnings do the following Scriptures give concerning unhealthy friendships?

Proverbs 4:14--

Proverbs 13:20b--

Proverbs 14:8--

Proverbs 22:24-25--

Job 19:14--

1 Corinthians 5:9--

2 Thessalonians 3:6--

Application

Explore the friendships of Ruth and Naomi (Ruth 1:1-22), Elijah and Elisha (1 Kings 19:19-21 & 2 Kings 2:2-6) and Paul and Onesiphorus (2 Timothy 1:16, 4:19 and Philemon 1). What characteristics of godly friendship do you observe in these friends? How is Holy Spirit leading you to emulate these characteristics in your relationships?

Memorize This

Proverbs 13:20— Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. © ESV

4th of July

“I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.

“You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these states. Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even although We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not.”
                     
 -- John Adams, Founding Father and Co-Author of the Declaration of Independence

NMBC in the Star Ledger: Christian volunteers still coming to N.J. to help with post-Sandy recovery

New Monmouth Baptist Church in Middletown, which is helping Mission Discovery coordinate the summertime volunteer effort, also hosted groups from Oklahoma and Texas last week, New Monmouth church official Dennis Durant said.

They're evidence that many people understand how badly volunteers are still needed for New Jersey's recovery, Durant said. (More)

July Parent Link

Clubhouse (Preschool)

Big Idea: Up for the Challenge

Bottom Line: God does what He says He will do!

July 7^th-- Noah (part 1)

July 14^th--Noah (part 2)

July 21^st-- Gideon’s Army
July 28^th-- Gideon at battle

Since learning is so critical during the preschool years, Clubhouse seeks to partner with parents seizing every opportunity to give young children a great first impression of their loving heavenly Father who made them, and loves them, and of Jesus who wants to be their friend forever. 

A great way to make the Bible come alive to young children is to read with your child from an illustrated story Bible. Our favorite is the Jesus Storybook Bible available here. The Bible for Children has created colorful illustrated Bible stories that engage children. You can view the story of Gideon on a tablet or computer here. 

Club252-- (Elementary)

252 Preview: The Basics (June/July 2013) from Orange on Vimeo.

Jesus’ followers witnessed so many amazing things while He walked the earth with them. They saw Jesus perform miracles and they heard Him teach a whole new way of thinking. Through it all, God was preparing them to carry Jesus’ ministry into the world. He was teaching them the basics:

Wisdom – I need to make the wise choice.

Faith – I can trust God no matter what.

Friendship – I should treat others the way I want to be treated.

When we focus on these ideas, we can also begin to discover what God is doing in us to change the world around us. We’ll learn from Jesus’ teachings that we, too, can make a difference.

The monthly memory verse is: “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill can’t be hidden,” Matthew 5:14, NIrV. When we choose to love God by loving others, you will help God’s love shine on all people.

July 7^th-- Bible story, Jesus loves and forgives Peter for denying Him (John 18-21). Our Bottom Line is: God is doing something in me so I will love the people around me. When we love the way Jesus loves us, we forgive when others wrong us, we serve and help meet others’ needs, and we sacrifice what we want for what’s best for others.

July 14^th’s biblical principle, Jesus is teaching the people how to be kind to others, even people who mistreat you (Matthew 5:41-41). In Jesus’ time, the Roman guards could force people to carry their belongings for a mile. But Jesus taught that, to show God’s kindness to the guards, the people should go an extra mile. Our Bottom Line is: God is doing something in me so I will love people who are hard to love.

July 21^st’s Bible story, Jesus commands His followers to go into all the world and tell about God’s love (Matthew 28:16-20). Our Bottom Line is: God is doing something in me to show the world who He is. Each of Jesus’ followers had a story of when God had shown them love, and they were able to share that story with other people.

July 28^th’s Bible story, Jesus commanded that we should love God with all our hearts and love others as we love ourselves (Matthew 22:34-40). Our Bottom Line is: God is doing something in you to change the world around you. Often, one of the best ways we can love God is by loving His people. Regardless of who the person is or what they’ve done, God still loves them, and we can too.

Middle & High School

Big Idea: The Good Shepherd expects right action, right teaching, and right standing.

Bible Study: Near the end of his life, Paul wrote letters to Timothy and Titus, two of his most trusted disciples, instructing them in their efforts to model the Good Shepherd who guides His people into the knowledge of truth. In these letters, we learn what is expected from our pastors today, as well as how to pray for and support these pastors given to us by God.

Why is it important to know God's expectations for pastors? Why is it important to know how to pray and support our pastors?

Quote for Discussion: Discuss this quote together. How does this change your understanding of a relationship with Jesus?

 “Just as Christ submitted His whole life for our good, so we should submit our whole lives for one another's good. It's not as if there is some area of our life that is exempt from considering the interests of others better than our own. Specifically, we should give ourselves to our church publicly, physically, socially, affectionately, financially, vocationally, ethically, and spiritually” – Jonathan Leeman

Conversation Questions

Use these questions to begin thinking through and applying the lessons to your family life:


1. Why is it important for our family to pray for and support our pastor(s)?

2. How does the gospel drive our prayer and support for our pastor(s)?


3. How does our pastor(s) motivate our family to live on mission for God?

Download the One Conversation Guide for parents from the Gospel Project for Students here. 

the Fundamentals: Servanthood (John 13:1-16) Questions for Reflection and Discussion

In week one of the fundamentals: Servanthood, How to be Great, we summed up the Jesus’ teaching in Mark 10:43, “greatness requires meekness.” One thing we all have in common is a bent toward selfishness. None of us can do a selfless act of service to another and then truthfully declare, “Oh, that comes naturally to me.” In John 13:1-16, Jesus, at what has become known as “the Last Supper” gives His disciples a tangible example of Servanthood, demonstrating His love for them and providing an example to be followed. 

Dig Deeper

Read John 13:1-16. What conclusions to you make about the “mindset of a servant” from Jesus’ example and teaching?

In John 13:16 Jesus says, “Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.”  The word “messenger” is from the Greek word, “apostolos” used in the general sense of all Christ-followers. What additional insights are gained about the role of the messenger from the following Scriptures?

Matthew 10:24--

John 15:20--

2 Corinthians 8:23--

Philippians 2:25--

Application

As a youth pastor I continually challenged students to be spiritually “FAT”: Faithful, Available and Teachable. These qualities are necessary for anyone desiring to grow in servanthood, not just teenagers. Spend some time reviewing the following Scriptures and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in the areas in which He desires you to grow.

Faithful-- Servants never exempt themselves from the mundane or the menial. Nothing is beneath a servant. Read Colossians 3:23--

Available-- Servants make themselves available to serve. This means allowing for margin in their lives for service. Read 2 Timothy 2:4--

Teachable-- Servants simply are always on the lookout for ways to help others. Read Galatians 6:10--

Memorize This

Mark 10:43—But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. © ESV