February 25, 2018
wifi password: WESTSEVENTH 931-388-6514 [email protected] w7church.org West 7th Church of Christ West Seventh Street Church of Christ 405 West 7th Street Columbia, TN 38401
February 25, 2018
Welcome, Guests!
We are honored that you joined us and hope that you will be blessed by your time with us. Register - Guests, as well as members, are asked to register Gluten Free Communion is available in the foyer. Hearing Assistance is available; see an usher for assistheir attendance as the pads are passed down each row. Attended Nursery is provided for children younger than tance. two years of age. It is in the hallway as you exit the door to Information Center has details about ministries, classes, and more. It is in the hallway as you exit the door to the left the left of the pulpit. Quiet Bags for children are available at the coat rack and a of the pulpit. Cry Room is located in the Foyer.
Sunday Mornings Worship Coffee Fellowship Bible Classes Worship
8:00 9:10 9:30 10:30
Sunday Evenings
First & Third- HOME BIBLE STUDIES Group meets in Chapel @6 SecondCONNECT Meets in Teen Center @ 6 FourthHOME DEVOTIONALS Group meets in Chapel @ 6
Wednesday Evenings Bible Classes
7:00
Spanish Speaking Sunday Morning Bible Classes Morning Worship Wednesday Eve. Bible Classes Staff Barry England Randy Owens Alex Quintero Haley Schmidt Tucker Vincent
9:30 10:30 7:00
Office - 388-6514 Marriage/Family Preaching Spanish Speaking Children Student
Elders Bill Alsup 505-2282 Tom Anderson 615-351-6239 John Corn 540-230-8713 Kerry Couch 840-0445 Wade Denney 619-0544 Jerry Duggin 731-613-1876 Mike Kesler 388-6125 John Law 698-2236 John Simmons 381-8869 John M. Smith 388-5841
8:00 a.m. 9:10 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m
Today
First Worship Fellowship Bible Classes Second Worship Worship in Spanish
This Afternoon
2:00 p.m. Bridal Tea for Julia Denney
Tonight
HOME DEVOTIONALS
Or meet in the Chapel @ 6.
INTERVIEWS WITH SUCCESSFUL PARENTS The Young Families Class is focusing on parenting this month. The class is held interview style asking parents who have godly, adult children about their approaches to raising their family. The hope is to learn from these families to help us raise 100% of our children to walk with the Lord. All parents are invited to the Fireside Room at 9:30.
March 18
This will be our first special contribution for the year. The first $5,000 collected on this date will be divided between Churches of Christ Disaster Relief, Healing Hands International, and Nashville Inner City Ministry. The remainder collected will be allocated to our building debt. MISSION TRIP Kerry and Lisa Couch and Jeff Binkley will be in Peru on a mission trip from March 2 - March 10. THANK YOU Dear Small Groups of West Seventh Church of Christ, The residents of The Bridge thank you for spending time with them on Sunday, Feb. 4. Everyone enjoyed the visit and hugs that you shared on that day. God bless and please come again to visit. Thanks, The Bridge of Columbia SERVICE STATION We would like to supply snack bags for some Cox’s spring sports games. Please see the bulletin board to sign up and pick up an information sheet. BRIDAL TEA Ladies are invited to a Bridal Tea for Julia Denney on Sunday, February 25, 2:003:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room. Gift Registry: Ye Peddler, Target, Bed, Bath & Beyond.
WOMEN OF HOPE CONFERENCE March 2-3, 2018 at the Wilson County Expo Center in Lebanon. Register online at: www.hhi.org/womenofhope/register.
Everyone is invited to participate in a Pantry “Shower” for newlyweds, Alex and Sydney Robertson. Please bring items on March 4. There will be a cart in the Family Center during fellowship time for the items. Gift ideas: items to stock the pantry or gift cards to Kroger, Target, Lowes, etc.
LADIES RETREAT March 9-10. Contact Jill Jones with questions.
Stock in the pantry is very low. Several Food Pantry canned items are especially needed. Corn Meat (chicken & tuna) Beans Boxes of Crackers Fruit Breakfast cereal Peanut Butter
A BIG THANK YOU to everyone who donated items for the VBS gift baskets. Many items were donated and all are very much appreciated!
Striving to be completely committed followers of Jesus
Pray without ceasing...
Tucker Vincent
615-504-0680 [email protected]
Reported sick this week:
Terry Northcutt has been diagnosed with an aggressive prostate cancer. He will undergo further tests this week to determine his course of treatment. John and Karen Corn’s great-nephew, Sam Best, is having severe breathing issues.
Recovering | at home | extended illnesses: Tennie Chaffin Ramona Cherry Jeanette Cole Elizabeth Craft Betty Derryberry Cecil & Sarah Duncan Armando Galicia
June Gaskill Georgia Henry Mary Hunt Sue Jones Frances Lee Dolores Love Eva McMahan
Robin Miller Marie Oswalt Marguerite Porter Sammy Salters Molly Watts Juanita Westmoreland
Good Morning! I encourage you to participate in a home devotional tonight. Please take time to turn off your phones and spend time together. Our goal, as a staff, is to give you a meaningful moment together to study God’s word. I hope that this time is good for you and your family - so, find a comfy place, put away your phones, and enjoy spending time together! Have a great day! -Tucker Haley Schmidt
901-573-8055 [email protected]
Tips for a Successful Home Devotional
Family & Friends:
Tom Anderson’s mother - Rubye Anderson Kerry Couch’s mother - Verna Lee Couch Jeanine Denney’s mother - Jean Jolly Kim Forsthoff’s mother - Reba Ayers Mike & Sharon Greene’s daughter - Peggy Poe Georgia Henry’s sister-in-law- Patricia Ary Sue Jones’ sister - Annie Lee Whitwell Delores Lee’s sister - Janet Rodenmeyer Tesha Marchal’s granddaughter - McKenzie Bruens Bettie Pogue’s daughter - Melanie Semore Bettie Pogue’s son-in-law - Michael Semore Alex Quintero’s father - Juan Quintero Beth Robinson’s mother - Gaynor Perdue Tracy Robinson’s father - Guy Barber Beverly Simmons’ brothers - Chris & Mike Shankle Chuck Simpson’s mother - Peggy Simpson Rachel Thomas’ father - William Parker Tod Trulove’s mother - Joan Trulove Dee Westmoreland’s mother - Bonnie Jeffcoat Olivia Whiteside’s aunt - Martha Whiteside Greg Yokley’s mother Martha Belew Deborah Young’s father - John Spence
Discipling
l
Equipping
l
Put cell phones and electronic devices in another room. Have a Bible for each person (recommended for children: “The Beginner’s Bible” NIV). Gather in a comfortable place, but one where children can remain focused. Have children read scripture as much as possible; encourage participation. Allow children time to verbally answer the thinking questions. And remember, you may have to practice numerous times before children get in the habit.
Church Record
Sunday a.m. Worship 429 8:00 188 10:30 159 Worship in Spanish 15 Poplar Estates 6 The Bridge 23 Winterfest 38 Sunday Bible Classes 303
Serving
l
Loving
Sun. Evening Gatherings 147 The Bridge 14 Wednesday Bible Classes 199 Budget $21,000 Total Offering $19,146 YTD vs. Budget -$15,434
Order of Worship
TEXT: 2 Peter 1:1-11
What is the context; why did Peter write this letter? What do we need to know?
Song Leader..............................Wade Denney I Am Mine No More - 924 Welcome........................................Bill Stevens Porter King Scripture................................George Freeland Jay Winget James 5:13-16 Come, Le Us All Unite to Sing - 180 Awesome God - 908 Hide Me Away O Lord Prayer.............................................John Smith Bill Hall Jesus is Lord - 874 Communion & Offering..............Chad Williams Brad Beasley Fairest Lord Jesus - 137 Message.....................................Randy Owens Bring Christ Your Broken Life - 67 Shepherd’s Blessing....................John Simmons
You need to know _______________ You need to know ____________________________ You need to know ____________________________ You have ______________________________ – because of ____________________.
Adult Classes 9:30-10:15 Room 213 (College & Yg Prof. )
Gospel of Mark
Room 212 (Young Marrieds) Marriage God’s Way Fireside Room (Young Families) Chapel (Homebuilders)
Interviews with Successful Parents Gospel of Mark
Family Center
Acts
Auditorium
What do we do? ________________________________
Since _____________________________________ make every effort to become godly.
Bible Studies
TV Studio
1 & 2 Peter
Room 307 (Hispanic Class)
TONIGHT
Home Devotionals
See insert for devotional guide. Or meet in the chapel @ 6.
Remember Dori’s advice to Nemo? ____________________
The most important question: ________________________ Conclusion: Are you making every effort?
Van Driver - a.m............................Steve Cofer Van Driver - p.m............................Steve Cofer Nursery-8:00 a.m......................Willie & Kathy Robinson Nursery-10:30 a.m..........................Jill Powell
Wednesday Song Leader..............................John Simmons Prayer....................................Willie Robinson Van Driver..............................Jason Skidmore
(Messages are available at w7church.org, itunes, YouTube, Facebook or order a free CD at the Infomation Center.)
Spring is in the air, and flowers are starting to bloom! Isn’t it fun to watch things grow and see all of the beautiful colors God created? If you think about how plants grow, it’s very much like how we grow as Christians. What do flowers and plants need in order to make them grow? Can you plant a seed in the ground, water it once, and never water it again? What will happen? Like a seed that’s been planted, there are certain things we need so that we can grow in Christ. What are some of those things? Like the seed that will bloom into a flower, we need good soil. Soil is what gives the seed nutrients to help it grow. As children of God, we need Christ. Christ is our good soil. When a seed is planted, roots begin to grow. These roots help feed the seed so that it becomes a flower, and the roots also keep the flower from blowing away when it’s windy. The flower could not survive without the roots. Jesus wants to be rooted deeply in our hearts, so that we can continue to grow our faith. Let’s take a look at scripture. (John 15:4) Another thing the flower needs in order to grow is sunlight. The Bible is to us what sunlight is to flowers. God wants us to stay in His Word. As children of God, we should lean into His Word as a flower leans towards the sun. God’s Word gives us guidance, comfort, and strength. Let’s read Psalm 119:105. Water is also very important when you are gardening. Water is needed for the nutrients to get to the roots and for the flower to continue to grow. When we think about what water does for the growth of the flower, it is much like what fellowship with other Christians does for us. As children of God, we need fellowship. We need to worship together, and we need to encourage one another. Can you give an example of what it means to encourage one another? Let’s see what the Bible says about this. (Matthew 18:20-22) Planting flowers can be so much fun! But, if we don’t make every effort, our flowers won’t grow. We have to use good soil, get some “Sonlight,” and water every day. The flowers are like our faith, without making every effort, our faith will die. Can you find 2 Peter 1:5? Let’s read it together. The Do Daily Challenge: Help your child/children plant a faith flower to remind them to make every effort toward growth. After they water it each day, have them find a scripture to read, and ask them to explain it to you.
If using this guide in solitude, begin by thanking God in prayer for the time to privately connect with Him. Ask the Spirit to guide you into truth as you spend time in the Word. Write your answers to the questions, using additional paper if needed.
If using this guide with others, begin by thanking God in prayer for this opportunity to be together. Ask the Spirit to guide you into truth as you spend time in the Word. Discuss your answers to the questions.
Think about a significant project or goal you have successfully completed. (Read an extremely long novel, made a quilt, completed a degree, remodeled/built a house, other?) What kept you going when you became discouraged or wanted to quit? How can someone tell when you are trying hard and when you are half-hearted?
Begin by reading 2 Peter 5:1-8 together
Over the course of the next few months, we’re going to be studying these few verses together as a family. These verses serve as a Guide To Spiritual Growth for each one of us. Tonight, we’re going to be discussing 2 Peter 1:5 and talking about what it means to make every effort.
What is the most difficult thing you have ever committed to finishing?
When we surrender to Jesus, we take on His mission and His gospel. Not only do we receive these calls, but we are told to live them out in our lives (Mark 16:15). In our daily lives though, we miss the mark far too often when it comes to sharing the incredible news of the gospel with others. This is where making every effort comes into the mix.
What do you think Paul means by “make every effort” in 2 Peter 1:5?
As believers, we are supposed to be intentional with the gospel. However, if we’re being honest, we go through our busy daily routines without even thinking about how Jesus has changed our lives and how he could change the lives of the people around us. The leading factor in this mentality is our overwhelming schedules.
What are some of the things that may contribute to your busyness?
The early church was intentional about how they lived out their faith in a practical context (read Acts 4:32-34 for more background). However, American culture has crept into our spiritual lives. We have to be intentional about making every effort to share our faith with those we meet (even if we feel too busy to do so).
Read 2 Peter 1:1-10. This will be our text for these monthly devotionals, especially verses 5-7. Today we will focus on the words, “Make every effort” from verse five. Some translations use “all diligence.” What does that mean? How do you measure effort? What do we mean when we say “someone gave it their all?” He opens verse five saying, “For this very reason…” What is it? Read the preceding verses and paraphrase the reason in your own words.
What does it look like to make every effort at school, home, work, and on your teams/clubs?
What do you think would happen to your friend groups if you started being intentional about making every effort to point people to Jesus?
Are you making every effort to show your faith to those around you?
Make it real:
We have been charged with a call to go and share our faith and the good news of the grace that Jesus brings us. To make every effort is to live an intentional life that shifts our perspective so that Jesus may be seen and the fullness of His goodness is known through our actions and reactions.
The Greek word for add/supplement/supply in verse five was used to describe the generous person who provided the expenses of a chorus in an Athenian play. They would try to outdo one another in providing equipment and training to make their production the best. The word came to mean a “generous and costly co-operation.” So Peter uses a term familiar to his readers by saying, “Make every effort to be generous and co-operate....” So, do these attributes listed come from God or from our effort? Or both? Explain. Read verses 5-7 again. Which one would you say is already a strength for you? Which one do you already know you really need to add?
February 25, 2018
Welcome, Guests!
We are honored that you joined us and hope that you will be blessed by your time with us. Register - Guests, as well as members, are asked to register Gluten Free Communion is available in the foyer. Hearing Assistance is available; see an usher for assistheir attendance as the pads are passed down each row. Attended Nursery is provided for children younger than tance. two years of age. It is in the hallway as you exit the door to Information Center has details about ministries, classes, and more. It is in the hallway as you exit the door to the left the left of the pulpit. Quiet Bags for children are available at the coat rack and a of the pulpit. Cry Room is located in the Foyer.
Sunday Mornings Worship Coffee Fellowship Bible Classes Worship
8:00 9:10 9:30 10:30
Sunday Evenings
First & Third- HOME BIBLE STUDIES Group meets in Chapel @6 SecondCONNECT Meets in Teen Center @ 6 FourthHOME DEVOTIONALS Group meets in Chapel @ 6
Wednesday Evenings Bible Classes
7:00
Spanish Speaking Sunday Morning Bible Classes Morning Worship Wednesday Eve. Bible Classes Staff Barry England Randy Owens Alex Quintero Haley Schmidt Tucker Vincent
9:30 10:30 7:00
Office - 388-6514 Marriage/Family Preaching Spanish Speaking Children Student
Elders Bill Alsup 505-2282 Tom Anderson 615-351-6239 John Corn 540-230-8713 Kerry Couch 840-0445 Wade Denney 619-0544 Jerry Duggin 731-613-1876 Mike Kesler 388-6125 John Law 698-2236 John Simmons 381-8869 John M. Smith 388-5841
8:00 a.m. 9:10 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m
Today
First Worship Fellowship Bible Classes Second Worship Worship in Spanish
This Afternoon
2:00 p.m. Bridal Tea for Julia Denney
Tonight
HOME DEVOTIONALS
Or meet in the Chapel @ 6.
INTERVIEWS WITH SUCCESSFUL PARENTS The Young Families Class is focusing on parenting this month. The class is held interview style asking parents who have godly, adult children about their approaches to raising their family. The hope is to learn from these families to help us raise 100% of our children to walk with the Lord. All parents are invited to the Fireside Room at 9:30.
March 18
This will be our first special contribution for the year. The first $5,000 collected on this date will be divided between Churches of Christ Disaster Relief, Healing Hands International, and Nashville Inner City Ministry. The remainder collected will be allocated to our building debt. MISSION TRIP Kerry and Lisa Couch and Jeff Binkley will be in Peru on a mission trip from March 2 - March 10. THANK YOU Dear Small Groups of West Seventh Church of Christ, The residents of The Bridge thank you for spending time with them on Sunday, Feb. 4. Everyone enjoyed the visit and hugs that you shared on that day. God bless and please come again to visit. Thanks, The Bridge of Columbia SERVICE STATION We would like to supply snack bags for some Cox’s spring sports games. Please see the bulletin board to sign up and pick up an information sheet. BRIDAL TEA Ladies are invited to a Bridal Tea for Julia Denney on Sunday, February 25, 2:003:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room. Gift Registry: Ye Peddler, Target, Bed, Bath & Beyond.
WOMEN OF HOPE CONFERENCE March 2-3, 2018 at the Wilson County Expo Center in Lebanon. Register online at: www.hhi.org/womenofhope/register.
Everyone is invited to participate in a Pantry “Shower” for newlyweds, Alex and Sydney Robertson. Please bring items on March 4. There will be a cart in the Family Center during fellowship time for the items. Gift ideas: items to stock the pantry or gift cards to Kroger, Target, Lowes, etc.
LADIES RETREAT March 9-10. Contact Jill Jones with questions.
Stock in the pantry is very low. Several Food Pantry canned items are especially needed. Corn Meat (chicken & tuna) Beans Boxes of Crackers Fruit Breakfast cereal Peanut Butter
A BIG THANK YOU to everyone who donated items for the VBS gift baskets. Many items were donated and all are very much appreciated!
Striving to be completely committed followers of Jesus
Pray without ceasing...
Tucker Vincent
615-504-0680 [email protected]
Reported sick this week:
Terry Northcutt has been diagnosed with an aggressive prostate cancer. He will undergo further tests this week to determine his course of treatment. John and Karen Corn’s great-nephew, Sam Best, is having severe breathing issues.
Recovering | at home | extended illnesses: Tennie Chaffin Ramona Cherry Jeanette Cole Elizabeth Craft Betty Derryberry Cecil & Sarah Duncan Armando Galicia
June Gaskill Georgia Henry Mary Hunt Sue Jones Frances Lee Dolores Love Eva McMahan
Robin Miller Marie Oswalt Marguerite Porter Sammy Salters Molly Watts Juanita Westmoreland
Good Morning! I encourage you to participate in a home devotional tonight. Please take time to turn off your phones and spend time together. Our goal, as a staff, is to give you a meaningful moment together to study God’s word. I hope that this time is good for you and your family - so, find a comfy place, put away your phones, and enjoy spending time together! Have a great day! -Tucker Haley Schmidt
901-573-8055 [email protected]
Tips for a Successful Home Devotional
Family & Friends:
Tom Anderson’s mother - Rubye Anderson Kerry Couch’s mother - Verna Lee Couch Jeanine Denney’s mother - Jean Jolly Kim Forsthoff’s mother - Reba Ayers Mike & Sharon Greene’s daughter - Peggy Poe Georgia Henry’s sister-in-law- Patricia Ary Sue Jones’ sister - Annie Lee Whitwell Delores Lee’s sister - Janet Rodenmeyer Tesha Marchal’s granddaughter - McKenzie Bruens Bettie Pogue’s daughter - Melanie Semore Bettie Pogue’s son-in-law - Michael Semore Alex Quintero’s father - Juan Quintero Beth Robinson’s mother - Gaynor Perdue Tracy Robinson’s father - Guy Barber Beverly Simmons’ brothers - Chris & Mike Shankle Chuck Simpson’s mother - Peggy Simpson Rachel Thomas’ father - William Parker Tod Trulove’s mother - Joan Trulove Dee Westmoreland’s mother - Bonnie Jeffcoat Olivia Whiteside’s aunt - Martha Whiteside Greg Yokley’s mother Martha Belew Deborah Young’s father - John Spence
Discipling
l
Equipping
l
Put cell phones and electronic devices in another room. Have a Bible for each person (recommended for children: “The Beginner’s Bible” NIV). Gather in a comfortable place, but one where children can remain focused. Have children read scripture as much as possible; encourage participation. Allow children time to verbally answer the thinking questions. And remember, you may have to practice numerous times before children get in the habit.
Church Record
Sunday a.m. Worship 429 8:00 188 10:30 159 Worship in Spanish 15 Poplar Estates 6 The Bridge 23 Winterfest 38 Sunday Bible Classes 303
Serving
l
Loving
Sun. Evening Gatherings 147 The Bridge 14 Wednesday Bible Classes 199 Budget $21,000 Total Offering $19,146 YTD vs. Budget -$15,434
Order of Worship
TEXT: 2 Peter 1:1-11
What is the context; why did Peter write this letter? What do we need to know?
Song Leader..............................Wade Denney I Am Mine No More - 924 Welcome........................................Bill Stevens Porter King Scripture................................George Freeland Jay Winget James 5:13-16 Come, Le Us All Unite to Sing - 180 Awesome God - 908 Hide Me Away O Lord Prayer.............................................John Smith Bill Hall Jesus is Lord - 874 Communion & Offering..............Chad Williams Brad Beasley Fairest Lord Jesus - 137 Message.....................................Randy Owens Bring Christ Your Broken Life - 67 Shepherd’s Blessing....................John Simmons
You need to know _______________ You need to know ____________________________ You need to know ____________________________ You have ______________________________ – because of ____________________.
Adult Classes 9:30-10:15 Room 213 (College & Yg Prof. )
Gospel of Mark
Room 212 (Young Marrieds) Marriage God’s Way Fireside Room (Young Families) Chapel (Homebuilders)
Interviews with Successful Parents Gospel of Mark
Family Center
Acts
Auditorium
What do we do? ________________________________
Since _____________________________________ make every effort to become godly.
Bible Studies
TV Studio
1 & 2 Peter
Room 307 (Hispanic Class)
TONIGHT
Home Devotionals
See insert for devotional guide. Or meet in the chapel @ 6.
Remember Dori’s advice to Nemo? ____________________
The most important question: ________________________ Conclusion: Are you making every effort?
Van Driver - a.m............................Steve Cofer Van Driver - p.m............................Steve Cofer Nursery-8:00 a.m......................Willie & Kathy Robinson Nursery-10:30 a.m..........................Jill Powell
Wednesday Song Leader..............................John Simmons Prayer....................................Willie Robinson Van Driver..............................Jason Skidmore
(Messages are available at w7church.org, itunes, YouTube, Facebook or order a free CD at the Infomation Center.)
Spring is in the air, and flowers are starting to bloom! Isn’t it fun to watch things grow and see all of the beautiful colors God created? If you think about how plants grow, it’s very much like how we grow as Christians. What do flowers and plants need in order to make them grow? Can you plant a seed in the ground, water it once, and never water it again? What will happen? Like a seed that’s been planted, there are certain things we need so that we can grow in Christ. What are some of those things? Like the seed that will bloom into a flower, we need good soil. Soil is what gives the seed nutrients to help it grow. As children of God, we need Christ. Christ is our good soil. When a seed is planted, roots begin to grow. These roots help feed the seed so that it becomes a flower, and the roots also keep the flower from blowing away when it’s windy. The flower could not survive without the roots. Jesus wants to be rooted deeply in our hearts, so that we can continue to grow our faith. Let’s take a look at scripture. (John 15:4) Another thing the flower needs in order to grow is sunlight. The Bible is to us what sunlight is to flowers. God wants us to stay in His Word. As children of God, we should lean into His Word as a flower leans towards the sun. God’s Word gives us guidance, comfort, and strength. Let’s read Psalm 119:105. Water is also very important when you are gardening. Water is needed for the nutrients to get to the roots and for the flower to continue to grow. When we think about what water does for the growth of the flower, it is much like what fellowship with other Christians does for us. As children of God, we need fellowship. We need to worship together, and we need to encourage one another. Can you give an example of what it means to encourage one another? Let’s see what the Bible says about this. (Matthew 18:20-22) Planting flowers can be so much fun! But, if we don’t make every effort, our flowers won’t grow. We have to use good soil, get some “Sonlight,” and water every day. The flowers are like our faith, without making every effort, our faith will die. Can you find 2 Peter 1:5? Let’s read it together. The Do Daily Challenge: Help your child/children plant a faith flower to remind them to make every effort toward growth. After they water it each day, have them find a scripture to read, and ask them to explain it to you.
If using this guide in solitude, begin by thanking God in prayer for the time to privately connect with Him. Ask the Spirit to guide you into truth as you spend time in the Word. Write your answers to the questions, using additional paper if needed.
If using this guide with others, begin by thanking God in prayer for this opportunity to be together. Ask the Spirit to guide you into truth as you spend time in the Word. Discuss your answers to the questions.
Think about a significant project or goal you have successfully completed. (Read an extremely long novel, made a quilt, completed a degree, remodeled/built a house, other?) What kept you going when you became discouraged or wanted to quit? How can someone tell when you are trying hard and when you are half-hearted?
Begin by reading 2 Peter 5:1-8 together
Over the course of the next few months, we’re going to be studying these few verses together as a family. These verses serve as a Guide To Spiritual Growth for each one of us. Tonight, we’re going to be discussing 2 Peter 1:5 and talking about what it means to make every effort.
What is the most difficult thing you have ever committed to finishing?
When we surrender to Jesus, we take on His mission and His gospel. Not only do we receive these calls, but we are told to live them out in our lives (Mark 16:15). In our daily lives though, we miss the mark far too often when it comes to sharing the incredible news of the gospel with others. This is where making every effort comes into the mix.
What do you think Paul means by “make every effort” in 2 Peter 1:5?
As believers, we are supposed to be intentional with the gospel. However, if we’re being honest, we go through our busy daily routines without even thinking about how Jesus has changed our lives and how he could change the lives of the people around us. The leading factor in this mentality is our overwhelming schedules.
What are some of the things that may contribute to your busyness?
The early church was intentional about how they lived out their faith in a practical context (read Acts 4:32-34 for more background). However, American culture has crept into our spiritual lives. We have to be intentional about making every effort to share our faith with those we meet (even if we feel too busy to do so).
Read 2 Peter 1:1-10. This will be our text for these monthly devotionals, especially verses 5-7. Today we will focus on the words, “Make every effort” from verse five. Some translations use “all diligence.” What does that mean? How do you measure effort? What do we mean when we say “someone gave it their all?” He opens verse five saying, “For this very reason…” What is it? Read the preceding verses and paraphrase the reason in your own words.
What does it look like to make every effort at school, home, work, and on your teams/clubs?
What do you think would happen to your friend groups if you started being intentional about making every effort to point people to Jesus?
Are you making every effort to show your faith to those around you?
Make it real:
We have been charged with a call to go and share our faith and the good news of the grace that Jesus brings us. To make every effort is to live an intentional life that shifts our perspective so that Jesus may be seen and the fullness of His goodness is known through our actions and reactions.
The Greek word for add/supplement/supply in verse five was used to describe the generous person who provided the expenses of a chorus in an Athenian play. They would try to outdo one another in providing equipment and training to make their production the best. The word came to mean a “generous and costly co-operation.” So Peter uses a term familiar to his readers by saying, “Make every effort to be generous and co-operate....” So, do these attributes listed come from God or from our effort? Or both? Explain. Read verses 5-7 again. Which one would you say is already a strength for you? Which one do you already know you really need to add?
