Darlington, Wisconsin
T3: The Teen Timeline Bible Study: Lesson 8, Mar 25, 2009
I. Opening prayer as a full group – may use prayer in Leaders guide
II. Introduction:
A. Time Period Covered today -- The Early Church and The Church Today
B. Where are we on our Journey – Acts of the Apostles
C. Opening Question— “What am I willing to change in my life?” “What am I NOT willing to change?”
C. Verse to remember – Acts 2:42: “They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers.”
II Lesson 7 : DVD Disc 4 of 4, Session 8: The Church : Acts
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1. The Church 2. Dispelling the Myths 3. Acts of the Apostles |
4. Portrait Paul 5. Lectio Divinia 6. Conclusion |
III Small
groups:
Additional Questions (numbers match above):
What struck you most in the DVD segment today?
Consider Portraits:
a. Paul: p. 62 Leader’s Guide
See p. 103 Leader’s guide – Bible book timeline
1. The Church – disciple = one who sits at the feet, apostle = one who is sent. Luke 12:49 – I want to set the world ablaze. Is God calling you? What if Jesus really did not rise from the dead? --- Then this is a myth, salvation a joke, creed meaningless….. The apostles stole the body…theory…. Challenge to your faith and beliefs will happen….. You are a disciple and sometimes sent as an apostle YOU….
2. Dispelling Myths --- early church had to fight many myths vs fact. 12 Jewish fisherman for no reason invented the worlds biggest lie and then died for it with Joy. Jesus – Lord, liar, lunatic….only first one can fit logically. The Apostles lives proclaimed / testify to the truth – they were willing to give up everything and die for it = the truth. Head knowledge vs. Heart knowledge. Example of your life not your words that will convince people – the way you use your body and your gifts will proclaim whose YOU are. Jesus: “Do you trust me?” – when others introduce doubt.
3. Acts of the Apostles -- Acts 1: 8 – You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you… and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and Judea and to all the ends of the earth…which happens in ACTS. Now moving from the cross to all the world – sharing of the covenant with everyone. Witness = martyr. Would you go? Journey from Head to the Heart – long travel. 50 days from Easter the Holy Spirit descends and undoes Babel – instead of confusing so that they can’t make a name for themselves – now unites languages so that they can make a name for GOD. Chapter 9 – Saul comes on the scene.
4. Portrait: Paul -- Christian hunter, a man of the law, righteous man – head thing but not yet heart thing. God chooses Saul (Paul) the worst hater of Christians to change Saul’s car to opposite direction. At least Saul is moving. Are you moving at all? Judges 16:28. God often uses worst sinners: Moses (murderer), David (adulterer, and murderer), …. Humus = earth. Saul why do you persecute ME = the church. Portrait of surrender. Blinded by the light of God – Head to heart – called from disciple to apostle and you are sent forth. Peter went to Rome and Paul went everywhere else both to build the church. Paul’s letters evolve – I’m the best to I’m nothing, God is Big and I am small – humbleness. Learn the color coding categories of the salvation history so that mass readings will fit into this scaffold – scriptures will come to life!
5. Lectio Devinia -- 4 steps: 1. Lectio – read out LOUD, 2. “Chew on it” ruminate and meditate on it. 3. Speak in dialogue with God – not a monologue to God – ask AND Listen,
4. is to contemplate and quietly ponder how this will apply to your life. This will change your life! Mass will be a real meaningful experience not just something that you have to do! When you live in Christ, you meet the divine. I want forgiveness but I want to keep doing (sin) – not going to work – must give yourself completely – includes suffering. Blood and water bring life and not death – childbirth to Calvary.
6. Matthew 28:20 “I will be with you until the end of times.” Find the tabernacle / covenant – and proclaim that you are God and I am not. I am primary to you because you told me so. Doing the right thing. No to the false idols. Guide friends to Jesus when they are fearful. Say yes! No applause on earth – but the best reward in Heaven – God’s Love face to face with Jesus! “ I love you my faithful child!” Prayer.
IV Regroup:
Recap and summary:
Mass 4 parts:
1. Opening
2. Liturgy of Word
3. Liturgy of Eucharist
4. Closing
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