South Shores Blog https://www.southshores.org General news and information from South Shores Church Tue, 19 Mar 2024 03:00:36 -0700 http://churchplantmedia.com/ Ukraine Updates December 2022 https://www.southshores.org/blog/post/ukraine-updates-december-2022 https://www.southshores.org/blog/post/ukraine-updates-december-2022#comments Fri, 09 Dec 2022 09:00:00 -0800 https://www.southshores.org/blog/post/ukraine-updates-december-2022 Watch the video below to hear the latest updates from Bogdan Mazur, our missionary partner from Lifesong in Ukraine. 

]]>
Watch the video below to hear the latest updates from Bogdan Mazur, our missionary partner from Lifesong in Ukraine. 

]]>
Ukraine Updates https://www.southshores.org/blog/post/ukraine-updates https://www.southshores.org/blog/post/ukraine-updates#comments Wed, 09 Mar 2022 15:00:00 -0800 https://www.southshores.org/blog/post/ukraine-updates

UPDATES AND PRAYER REQUESTS FROM UKRAINE

See the latest news, updates, and prayer requests from our brothers and sisters at Lifesong Ukraine.

UPDATE: MARCH 8, 2022, 6 PM CST—

PRAISE GOD, THE LIFESONG UKRAINE TEAM REMAINS SAFE.

Even while Chernigov and Kharkiv lie in ruins—two cities that are home and mission fields for many of our Lifesong staff members—the team is voluntarily risking their lives to continue meeting needs in and around hot zones.

Their main focus involves making the dangerous drive back and forth across Ukraine—evacuating civilians west and taking critical resources back east.

Each day, our team is evacuating over 100 people from combat zones to more secure locations in the west.

And each day, our team is delivering water, food, toiletries, medicine, basic clothing, and fuel to more than 1,000 people across four different locations in the east.

Words can’t express the admiration we have for our courageous Lifesong staff and church volunteers on the front lines identifying needs and carrying out this distribution. 

We are ministering to people’s physical needs first and also working with their souls by pointing them to Jesus as our Savior. -- DENIS Director of Lifesong Ukraine

The U.N. reports that Poland has already taken in 1.2 million refugees—a number that is only expected to grow. To meet the needs of displaced Ukrainians, we are actively setting up a refugee care facility with our trusted partners in Poland.

And even in the midst of this chaos, God is showing tiny glimmers of joy and grace. Today, on International Women’s Day, the women on our team received a bucket of tulips.

Please pray for Ukraine and specifically:

  • For the continued safety and courage of our drivers and front line staff and volunteers.
  • That operations in Poland would fall into place and that thousands of displaced Ukrainians would be reached.
  • For the Gospel to be shown visibly through the actions and words of our teams on the ground.
  • For wisdom, protection, and peace!
  • That God would be glorified and made known through this crisis, and bring it to a peaceful resolution.

Denis shares, “Thank you for your tremendous support, love, and care in times like this! Stand in this fight with us, for humanity and for God’s plan to be unpacked.” 

A few photos recently shared by our team:

A group loads into the van to make the long trip west.

Fuel and food to be sent to Kharkiv and Chernigov.
(Left) Two women receive food, water, and medicine. (Right) Women on our team with the tulips they were gifted in honor of International Women’s Day.
UPDATE: MARCH 3, 2022, 3 PM CST—

OPENING THE DOORS WIDER

Denis, Director of Lifesong Ukraine, was able to hop on another call with our team and share some encouraging updates and ministry plans. Listen along:

First and foremost, we’re thankful to report all the children and families we serve, as well as our staff, are currently safe.

While orphaned and vulnerable children remain at the forefront of our ministry, most of our traditional ministry avenues aren’t options in the current conditions. To continue bringing Gospel-centered care to the most vulnerable in Ukraine, the ministry is pivoting and refocusing on three main areas:

First, securing ministry sites and locations so they’re adequately protected and supplied. Every day, two metric tons of food and medical supplies are being distributed from our food banks among ministry locations, combat zones, and anyone in need.

Second, delivering relief resources to those who remain in combat areas, like Chernigov and Kharkiv. There are some from the ministry who have chosen not to evacuate so they can continue serving people in cities by delivering food and resources.

And third, evacuating as many as possible from combat zones to western Ukraine and across the border. Our team is blessed to have previously established relationships with churches and contacts in Poland. As millions of Ukrainians pour into Poland, it’s our desire to link arms with our Polish brothers and sisters to bring relief to those who have been displaced.

Please pray for Ukraine and specifically:

  • For those who remain in cities to stay safe and meet needs whenever possible.
  • For our team to wisely and effectively distribute the resources they’ve been blessed with.
  • That our team would have clarity and wisdom as they plan how to best care for refugees and the displaced.
  • For children around Ukraine who don’t have a loving adult in their life to help them through this crisis.
  • That God would be glorified and made known through this crisis, and bring it to a peaceful resolution.

Keep us in your prayers. We know it’s not our fight. It’s God’s fight.
Denis Poshelok, Director of Lifesong Ukraine

A few photos recently shared by our team:

(Left) Our team sent 1,100 pounds of flour to a local bakery in Chernigov that is baking and distributing bread for free. (Right) A look into our team’s food pantry.
A Lifesong volunteer delivering food. 

GIVE TODAY

Thanks to TMG Foundation and key partners, all of our fundraising and administrative costs are covered. 100% of your gift will directly support vulnerable children and families in Ukraine.

 
UPDATE: MARCH 3, 2022, 9:30 AM PST—

Many of you may have heard of the bombing in Chernihiv and have worried about Bogdan and his family. Bogdan moved his family west to Lviv (as well as many, many orphans). He is currently in Rivne delivering 1100 lbs of flour to a Christian baker who will bake bread to feed many people. Bogdan is very sad about the bombing of Chernihiv (his hometown) and the death it has caused. 

Thank you for your continued prayers. 
UPDATE: MARCH 2, 2022, 2 PM CST—

Now is the time to be good Samaritan! And we are all united to serve others!
--Bogdan, Lifesong Ukraine Team Leader

Where there are many needs, there are many opportunities to serve. The Lifesong Ukraine team is uniquely equipped to serve the vulnerable and hurting—it’s what they’ve been doing (and doing well!) for the last 20 years.

As the conflict continues, here’s how the team is meeting needs—

Evacuation. Our team is working to move more people in Kharkiv and Chernigov to safer locations in western Ukraine.

Shelter. While most have traveled west, a few team members have chosen to stay in Kharkiv to continue serving those who can’t evacuate the city. They’re offering displaced people secure shelter along with food and other resources.

Refugees. Our team is actively planning how we can set up operations across the border, starting with moving some staff into one of Ukraine’s neighboring countries.

(At the time of writing, over 650,000 individuals are displaced, and that number is expected to increase exponentially.)

No one is more vulnerable than a child without a safe and stable family. Beyond helping orphaned children, our goal is to preserve families and prevent more children from becoming orphaned. Lord willing, providing resources and shelter to the displaced will keep many families together.

Please pray for Ukraine and specifically:

  • For those who remain in cities to stay safe and meet needs whenever possible.
  • For children in State-run orphanages to be cared for and to feel God’s peace.
  • That our team would have clarity and wisdom as they plan how to best care for refugees and the displaced.
  • For a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
  • That God would be glorified and made known through these events.

A few photos recently shared by our team:

A home next door to one of our transition homes was severely damaged during an attack on Chernigov. Praise God, the transition home itself (right) only had minimal harm.
Our team sheltering in western Ukraine gathers for corporate prayer.

GIVE TODAY

Thanks to TMG Foundation and key partners, all of our fundraising and administrative costs are covered. 100% of your gift will directly support vulnerable children and families in Ukraine.

UPDATE: FEBRUARY 28, 2022, 10 AM CST—

GOD HEARS, GOD CARES, GOD ACTS.

While there are still many needs to bring before God (see below for current prayer requests), we can already see the evidence of your faithful prayer. This morning, Denis Poshelok—director of Lifesong Ukraine—shared an update. Watch his message:

Praise God—all Lifesong staff and all of the children we serve are safe. There are bomb shelters and basements organized at each Lifesong ministry site, complete with food and backup fuel to last up to one month.

Our team, their families, children from the transition program, and any others who were able took shelter in secure locations between two cities: Chernigiv and Kharkiv. But as the conflict raged on and moved closer by the day, our leaders realized the best course of action was to evacuate to a safer location in western Ukraine.

Yesterday, between two caravans, a large group made the nearly 30-hour drive and all arrived safely in their new shelter until further plans are made. We are preparing further evacuation strategies for everyone who is in direct danger or feels uncomfortable staying.

A caravan of cars evacuating through Kyiv.

While supply chains are broken, God is using our connections via Lifesong Farms to help us get food and supplies. The team purchased enough food to provide food drops to over 100 crisis families, adoptive families, and orphanage graduates! They were beyond thankful to God for this provision.

Praise God for helping our team access vital resources and for the existing relationships He is using.

At the end of the day, this entire crisis has created a huge wave of need. Lifesong should lead the movement of serving both the displaced and those who will remain in the country during and after the crisis.
Denis Poshelok, Director of Lifesong Ukraine

Please pray for the following needs:

  • For swift and safe evacuation from high-conflict areas.
  • That our team can provide shelter and food to those who are suffering around them.
  • For strategic planning of our God-given resources and supplies so we can be prepared to serve many more.
  • For the 400,000+ displaced and refugees. Pray that our team could learn how to best serve them.

A few photos recently shared by our team:

(Left) Children we serve and mentor in a State-run orphanage read the Bible together as they take shelter in the orphanage’s bomb shelter. (Right) A basement in a State-run orphanage being used as a bomb shelter.
Previous Video Update:
]]>

UPDATES AND PRAYER REQUESTS FROM UKRAINE

See the latest news, updates, and prayer requests from our brothers and sisters at Lifesong Ukraine.

UPDATE: MARCH 8, 2022, 6 PM CST—

PRAISE GOD, THE LIFESONG UKRAINE TEAM REMAINS SAFE.

Even while Chernigov and Kharkiv lie in ruins—two cities that are home and mission fields for many of our Lifesong staff members—the team is voluntarily risking their lives to continue meeting needs in and around hot zones.

Their main focus involves making the dangerous drive back and forth across Ukraine—evacuating civilians west and taking critical resources back east.

Each day, our team is evacuating over 100 people from combat zones to more secure locations in the west.

And each day, our team is delivering water, food, toiletries, medicine, basic clothing, and fuel to more than 1,000 people across four different locations in the east.

Words can’t express the admiration we have for our courageous Lifesong staff and church volunteers on the front lines identifying needs and carrying out this distribution. 

We are ministering to people’s physical needs first and also working with their souls by pointing them to Jesus as our Savior. -- DENIS Director of Lifesong Ukraine

The U.N. reports that Poland has already taken in 1.2 million refugees—a number that is only expected to grow. To meet the needs of displaced Ukrainians, we are actively setting up a refugee care facility with our trusted partners in Poland.

And even in the midst of this chaos, God is showing tiny glimmers of joy and grace. Today, on International Women’s Day, the women on our team received a bucket of tulips.

Please pray for Ukraine and specifically:

  • For the continued safety and courage of our drivers and front line staff and volunteers.
  • That operations in Poland would fall into place and that thousands of displaced Ukrainians would be reached.
  • For the Gospel to be shown visibly through the actions and words of our teams on the ground.
  • For wisdom, protection, and peace!
  • That God would be glorified and made known through this crisis, and bring it to a peaceful resolution.

Denis shares, “Thank you for your tremendous support, love, and care in times like this! Stand in this fight with us, for humanity and for God’s plan to be unpacked.” 

A few photos recently shared by our team:

A group loads into the van to make the long trip west.

Fuel and food to be sent to Kharkiv and Chernigov.
(Left) Two women receive food, water, and medicine. (Right) Women on our team with the tulips they were gifted in honor of International Women’s Day.
UPDATE: MARCH 3, 2022, 3 PM CST—

OPENING THE DOORS WIDER

Denis, Director of Lifesong Ukraine, was able to hop on another call with our team and share some encouraging updates and ministry plans. Listen along:

First and foremost, we’re thankful to report all the children and families we serve, as well as our staff, are currently safe.

While orphaned and vulnerable children remain at the forefront of our ministry, most of our traditional ministry avenues aren’t options in the current conditions. To continue bringing Gospel-centered care to the most vulnerable in Ukraine, the ministry is pivoting and refocusing on three main areas:

First, securing ministry sites and locations so they’re adequately protected and supplied. Every day, two metric tons of food and medical supplies are being distributed from our food banks among ministry locations, combat zones, and anyone in need.

Second, delivering relief resources to those who remain in combat areas, like Chernigov and Kharkiv. There are some from the ministry who have chosen not to evacuate so they can continue serving people in cities by delivering food and resources.

And third, evacuating as many as possible from combat zones to western Ukraine and across the border. Our team is blessed to have previously established relationships with churches and contacts in Poland. As millions of Ukrainians pour into Poland, it’s our desire to link arms with our Polish brothers and sisters to bring relief to those who have been displaced.

Please pray for Ukraine and specifically:

  • For those who remain in cities to stay safe and meet needs whenever possible.
  • For our team to wisely and effectively distribute the resources they’ve been blessed with.
  • That our team would have clarity and wisdom as they plan how to best care for refugees and the displaced.
  • For children around Ukraine who don’t have a loving adult in their life to help them through this crisis.
  • That God would be glorified and made known through this crisis, and bring it to a peaceful resolution.

Keep us in your prayers. We know it’s not our fight. It’s God’s fight.
Denis Poshelok, Director of Lifesong Ukraine

A few photos recently shared by our team:

(Left) Our team sent 1,100 pounds of flour to a local bakery in Chernigov that is baking and distributing bread for free. (Right) A look into our team’s food pantry.
A Lifesong volunteer delivering food. 

GIVE TODAY

Thanks to TMG Foundation and key partners, all of our fundraising and administrative costs are covered. 100% of your gift will directly support vulnerable children and families in Ukraine.

 
UPDATE: MARCH 3, 2022, 9:30 AM PST—

Many of you may have heard of the bombing in Chernihiv and have worried about Bogdan and his family. Bogdan moved his family west to Lviv (as well as many, many orphans). He is currently in Rivne delivering 1100 lbs of flour to a Christian baker who will bake bread to feed many people. Bogdan is very sad about the bombing of Chernihiv (his hometown) and the death it has caused. 

Thank you for your continued prayers. 
UPDATE: MARCH 2, 2022, 2 PM CST—

Now is the time to be good Samaritan! And we are all united to serve others!
--Bogdan, Lifesong Ukraine Team Leader

Where there are many needs, there are many opportunities to serve. The Lifesong Ukraine team is uniquely equipped to serve the vulnerable and hurting—it’s what they’ve been doing (and doing well!) for the last 20 years.

As the conflict continues, here’s how the team is meeting needs—

Evacuation. Our team is working to move more people in Kharkiv and Chernigov to safer locations in western Ukraine.

Shelter. While most have traveled west, a few team members have chosen to stay in Kharkiv to continue serving those who can’t evacuate the city. They’re offering displaced people secure shelter along with food and other resources.

Refugees. Our team is actively planning how we can set up operations across the border, starting with moving some staff into one of Ukraine’s neighboring countries.

(At the time of writing, over 650,000 individuals are displaced, and that number is expected to increase exponentially.)

No one is more vulnerable than a child without a safe and stable family. Beyond helping orphaned children, our goal is to preserve families and prevent more children from becoming orphaned. Lord willing, providing resources and shelter to the displaced will keep many families together.

Please pray for Ukraine and specifically:

  • For those who remain in cities to stay safe and meet needs whenever possible.
  • For children in State-run orphanages to be cared for and to feel God’s peace.
  • That our team would have clarity and wisdom as they plan how to best care for refugees and the displaced.
  • For a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
  • That God would be glorified and made known through these events.

A few photos recently shared by our team:

A home next door to one of our transition homes was severely damaged during an attack on Chernigov. Praise God, the transition home itself (right) only had minimal harm.
Our team sheltering in western Ukraine gathers for corporate prayer.

GIVE TODAY

Thanks to TMG Foundation and key partners, all of our fundraising and administrative costs are covered. 100% of your gift will directly support vulnerable children and families in Ukraine.

UPDATE: FEBRUARY 28, 2022, 10 AM CST—

GOD HEARS, GOD CARES, GOD ACTS.

While there are still many needs to bring before God (see below for current prayer requests), we can already see the evidence of your faithful prayer. This morning, Denis Poshelok—director of Lifesong Ukraine—shared an update. Watch his message:

Praise God—all Lifesong staff and all of the children we serve are safe. There are bomb shelters and basements organized at each Lifesong ministry site, complete with food and backup fuel to last up to one month.

Our team, their families, children from the transition program, and any others who were able took shelter in secure locations between two cities: Chernigiv and Kharkiv. But as the conflict raged on and moved closer by the day, our leaders realized the best course of action was to evacuate to a safer location in western Ukraine.

Yesterday, between two caravans, a large group made the nearly 30-hour drive and all arrived safely in their new shelter until further plans are made. We are preparing further evacuation strategies for everyone who is in direct danger or feels uncomfortable staying.

A caravan of cars evacuating through Kyiv.

While supply chains are broken, God is using our connections via Lifesong Farms to help us get food and supplies. The team purchased enough food to provide food drops to over 100 crisis families, adoptive families, and orphanage graduates! They were beyond thankful to God for this provision.

Praise God for helping our team access vital resources and for the existing relationships He is using.

At the end of the day, this entire crisis has created a huge wave of need. Lifesong should lead the movement of serving both the displaced and those who will remain in the country during and after the crisis.
Denis Poshelok, Director of Lifesong Ukraine

Please pray for the following needs:

  • For swift and safe evacuation from high-conflict areas.
  • That our team can provide shelter and food to those who are suffering around them.
  • For strategic planning of our God-given resources and supplies so we can be prepared to serve many more.
  • For the 400,000+ displaced and refugees. Pray that our team could learn how to best serve them.

A few photos recently shared by our team:

(Left) Children we serve and mentor in a State-run orphanage read the Bible together as they take shelter in the orphanage’s bomb shelter. (Right) A basement in a State-run orphanage being used as a bomb shelter.
Previous Video Update:
]]>
All People. Everywhere: Unhindered https://www.southshores.org/blog/post/unhindered https://www.southshores.org/blog/post/unhindered#comments Wed, 13 Oct 2021 11:00:00 -0700 https://www.southshores.org/blog/post/unhindered Pick up your All People. Everywhere. Part II Booklet this Sunday!

We are continuing to provide rich resources and opportunities for Spirit-driven growth through engaging in God's Word with God's people. Find both parts of the study guide for our "All People. Everywhere." series.

 

unhinderedbookpart2

Download PDF Here

 

Miss Part I?

allpeopleeverywherepart1

Download PDF Here

 

EXCERPT FROM PART II BOOKLET

 

UNHINDERED

Nothing Holding Us Back

The book of Acts is inspiring! Even when the going gets tough, the gospel spreads, people believe, and new churches are started. God put a passion in the heart of Paul and others to bring the good news of Jesus to the world and God has ensured to see it through – in Philippi, Corinth, Athens, and more. If we have an Unstoppable God who wants All People, Everywhere to hear the gospel, then what could possibly get in the way?

The final chapters of Acts, seem to suggest that there is a lot that could try to get in the way: religious persecution, corrupt government leaders, murderous conspiracies, shipwrecks, and even poisonous snakes. But through it all, even when Paul is sitting in Rome under house arrest, the author tells us that he was “proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.” (Acts 28:31)

It’s easy to think of things that might get in the way of the gospel spreading today: changing cultural norms, government overreach, physical limitations, or even financial obligations. But we believe that God is still just as unstoppable today and that His mission to reach all people, everywhere, has not changed. He has saved us to be part of a rescue team that reaches out into the world and points them to Jesus, growing fully devoted followers, and empowering them to be part of the mission, both in our church and beyond, for the kingdom of God. We don’t want anything to hold us back from pursuing those dreams.

Within this booklet, as we continue our series in Acts, called “All People. Everywhere.” there are daily Bible readings and group discussion questions, and you will also find articles, resources, and opportunities for prayer and dreaming about what else God might want to do through you and South Shores Church. We’d love to see everyone in our church prayerfully asking, “God, what do you want to do through me?” and “What do I think is hindering me from taking part in Your mission?”

If you’re new to South Shores Church, let this booklet help you get to know what makes us tick. Discover what is the passion and vision of a church awakened to the gospel of Jesus Christ and the mission God has for us. And if you’ve been with us for a while, may these pages, your time with God in His Word, and your time with others, spur you on to a passion for what God will do next through us.

 

Derick Zeulner

Associate Pastor

South Shores Church

]]>
Pick up your All People. Everywhere. Part II Booklet this Sunday!

We are continuing to provide rich resources and opportunities for Spirit-driven growth through engaging in God's Word with God's people. Find both parts of the study guide for our "All People. Everywhere." series.

 

unhinderedbookpart2

Download PDF Here

 

Miss Part I?

allpeopleeverywherepart1

Download PDF Here

 

EXCERPT FROM PART II BOOKLET

 

UNHINDERED

Nothing Holding Us Back

The book of Acts is inspiring! Even when the going gets tough, the gospel spreads, people believe, and new churches are started. God put a passion in the heart of Paul and others to bring the good news of Jesus to the world and God has ensured to see it through – in Philippi, Corinth, Athens, and more. If we have an Unstoppable God who wants All People, Everywhere to hear the gospel, then what could possibly get in the way?

The final chapters of Acts, seem to suggest that there is a lot that could try to get in the way: religious persecution, corrupt government leaders, murderous conspiracies, shipwrecks, and even poisonous snakes. But through it all, even when Paul is sitting in Rome under house arrest, the author tells us that he was “proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.” (Acts 28:31)

It’s easy to think of things that might get in the way of the gospel spreading today: changing cultural norms, government overreach, physical limitations, or even financial obligations. But we believe that God is still just as unstoppable today and that His mission to reach all people, everywhere, has not changed. He has saved us to be part of a rescue team that reaches out into the world and points them to Jesus, growing fully devoted followers, and empowering them to be part of the mission, both in our church and beyond, for the kingdom of God. We don’t want anything to hold us back from pursuing those dreams.

Within this booklet, as we continue our series in Acts, called “All People. Everywhere.” there are daily Bible readings and group discussion questions, and you will also find articles, resources, and opportunities for prayer and dreaming about what else God might want to do through you and South Shores Church. We’d love to see everyone in our church prayerfully asking, “God, what do you want to do through me?” and “What do I think is hindering me from taking part in Your mission?”

If you’re new to South Shores Church, let this booklet help you get to know what makes us tick. Discover what is the passion and vision of a church awakened to the gospel of Jesus Christ and the mission God has for us. And if you’ve been with us for a while, may these pages, your time with God in His Word, and your time with others, spur you on to a passion for what God will do next through us.

 

Derick Zeulner

Associate Pastor

South Shores Church

]]>
Resources for "The Talk"(s) https://www.southshores.org/blog/post/resources-for-the-talks https://www.southshores.org/blog/post/resources-for-the-talks#comments Tue, 20 Jul 2021 13:00:00 -0700 https://www.southshores.org/blog/post/resources-for-the-talks It’s not always easy to know how to talk to our kids about the big topics. And yet, instinctively we know that we can’t avoid them because the culture around us is ready to fill in the blanks.

In Proverbs 5 and 7, King Solomon broaches the tough topics of sex and temptations, in and out of marriage, with his sons with profound insight. But how are you going to tackle these topics with your kids? How are you going to guide them in God’s Word and God’s plan in a way they understand and at a level that’s appropriate to them? The truth is, it’s less about having “the talk” and more about regular conversations and special moments along the way.

I find that sometimes its nice to have a book to point to, read, and even ask questions about, then try to generate all that information (and wisdom!) on my own. Here are some recommended resources that I mentioned during this past Sunday's sermon.

 

PARENTING-RESOURCES---SEX

 

SEX, GENDER, & MARRIAGE

God’s Design for Sex Series by Stan & Brenna Jones

  • The Story of Me: Ages 3-5
  • Before I was Born: Ages 5-8
  • What’s the Big Deal: Ages 8-12
  • Facing the Facts: Ages 12 and up

Prepare your kids now for the pressures and relationships they’ll experience as teens and adults. Each book is age appropriate to help answer the questions they start to wonder about (where did I come from? How are babies born? What changes am I going through?) during that season, helping assist you in presenting God’s wonderful design for our bodies and sexual relationships in marriage.

 

PORNOGRAPHY

Good Pictures, Bad Pictures: Porn Proofing Today’s Young Kids by Kristen Jenson: Ages 8-12

Good Pictures, Bad Pictures Jr.: A Simple Plan to Protect Young Minds by Kristen Jenson: Ages 3-6

The idea of pornography was a difficult one to want to bring up with our kids, however with the prevalence of screens (in our kids’ hands or in the hands of others) we know that it’s not always about our kids seeking it, rather pornography and dirty photos/videos are seeking out them! This book (and it’s companion: Good Pictures, Bad Pictures Jr.) were great for introducing the concept as well as providing a response methodology that helps them take part in protecting their young minds if they see a “bad picture.”

 

PREVENTING ABUSE

God Made All of Me: A Book to Help Children Protect their Bodies by Justin & Lindsey Holcomb: Ages 2-8

This is a phenomenal book in helping children at a very young age to have a biblical understanding of their body, including their “private parts” without shame. This is an instrumental resource in helping protect your children from abuse through a very age appropriate and God-glorifying way. It helps open the conversation and can be a tool to check back in with your kids about how they are being treated by others when you’re not around.

 

SEX & RELATIONSHIPS FOR TEENS/20s

Chasing Love: Sex, Love, & Relationships in a Confused Culture by Sean McDowell: Ages 12-99

A fantastic book that helps center God’s sexual ethics in God’s Fatherly love for His people. Sean winsomely mixes current statistics, biblical truth, and pop-cultural references to engage young people in the issues that are driving the day. In this book he challenges the wisdom of the age (follow your heart’s desires) with a call to follow Jesus. It also includes answers to really tough questions about sex, singleness, marriage, and homosexuality.

 

]]>
It’s not always easy to know how to talk to our kids about the big topics. And yet, instinctively we know that we can’t avoid them because the culture around us is ready to fill in the blanks.

In Proverbs 5 and 7, King Solomon broaches the tough topics of sex and temptations, in and out of marriage, with his sons with profound insight. But how are you going to tackle these topics with your kids? How are you going to guide them in God’s Word and God’s plan in a way they understand and at a level that’s appropriate to them? The truth is, it’s less about having “the talk” and more about regular conversations and special moments along the way.

I find that sometimes its nice to have a book to point to, read, and even ask questions about, then try to generate all that information (and wisdom!) on my own. Here are some recommended resources that I mentioned during this past Sunday's sermon.

 

PARENTING-RESOURCES---SEX

 

SEX, GENDER, & MARRIAGE

God’s Design for Sex Series by Stan & Brenna Jones

  • The Story of Me: Ages 3-5
  • Before I was Born: Ages 5-8
  • What’s the Big Deal: Ages 8-12
  • Facing the Facts: Ages 12 and up

Prepare your kids now for the pressures and relationships they’ll experience as teens and adults. Each book is age appropriate to help answer the questions they start to wonder about (where did I come from? How are babies born? What changes am I going through?) during that season, helping assist you in presenting God’s wonderful design for our bodies and sexual relationships in marriage.

 

PORNOGRAPHY

Good Pictures, Bad Pictures: Porn Proofing Today’s Young Kids by Kristen Jenson: Ages 8-12

Good Pictures, Bad Pictures Jr.: A Simple Plan to Protect Young Minds by Kristen Jenson: Ages 3-6

The idea of pornography was a difficult one to want to bring up with our kids, however with the prevalence of screens (in our kids’ hands or in the hands of others) we know that it’s not always about our kids seeking it, rather pornography and dirty photos/videos are seeking out them! This book (and it’s companion: Good Pictures, Bad Pictures Jr.) were great for introducing the concept as well as providing a response methodology that helps them take part in protecting their young minds if they see a “bad picture.”

 

PREVENTING ABUSE

God Made All of Me: A Book to Help Children Protect their Bodies by Justin & Lindsey Holcomb: Ages 2-8

This is a phenomenal book in helping children at a very young age to have a biblical understanding of their body, including their “private parts” without shame. This is an instrumental resource in helping protect your children from abuse through a very age appropriate and God-glorifying way. It helps open the conversation and can be a tool to check back in with your kids about how they are being treated by others when you’re not around.

 

SEX & RELATIONSHIPS FOR TEENS/20s

Chasing Love: Sex, Love, & Relationships in a Confused Culture by Sean McDowell: Ages 12-99

A fantastic book that helps center God’s sexual ethics in God’s Fatherly love for His people. Sean winsomely mixes current statistics, biblical truth, and pop-cultural references to engage young people in the issues that are driving the day. In this book he challenges the wisdom of the age (follow your heart’s desires) with a call to follow Jesus. It also includes answers to really tough questions about sex, singleness, marriage, and homosexuality.

 

]]>
Unstoppable God Study Guide https://www.southshores.org/blog/post/unstoppable-god-study-guide https://www.southshores.org/blog/post/unstoppable-god-study-guide#comments Thu, 13 May 2021 17:00:00 -0700 https://www.southshores.org/blog/post/unstoppable-god-study-guide This Sunday we start an exciting new spiritual growth series in the Book of Acts. To help enrich this season, we want to help you bring God's Word into the week by giving you the opportunity to study along and uncover God's truth at home. This guide has helpful introductions to the series and Book of Acts, 5-a-day readings, discussion questions for groups, and a place for your sermon notes. Additionally we'll have a few experiences and experiments for you to try to help bring historical rhythms of the faith into your regular practice.

UG-facebook-cover

Click here to download the Unstoppable God Part I: Weeks 1-6 Study Guide.

Click here to download the Unstoppable God Part II: Weeks 7-12 Study Guide.

Send us an email if you'd rather us mail you a printed copy or be sure to pick one up this Sunday.

Interested in joining a Growth Group that's doing this study? Let us know!

uG-booklet UG-booklet2

 

Excerpt from the booklet:

Pandemic. Lockdown. Censorship. Government overreach. Consumerism. Tech obsession. Total self-autonomy. Gender and sexuality confusion. Racial wounds. Isolation. Fragmentation. Violence. Depression, drug use, and alcoholism.

How many times have you heard something that happened at school, on the news, or on your friend’s social feed and it caused you to cry out, “What’s next?” in disillusion and despair? Have you ever wondered, “How can the church possibly make it with everything that’s going on?”

During the next 12 weeks, South Shores Church is taking an important journey through the first 12 chapters of the book of Acts. In this book we see that Jesus’ mission to bring reconciliation between God and humans continues through the church because of the incredible power and plans of an UNSTOPPABLE GOD.

Join us as we following the travels, obstacles, and teachings of the disciples and witness how the Holy Spirit takes the unimpressive ingredients of the early church (uneducated fishermen without their teacher) and makes the impossible possible.

During this study you will

  • see the continuation of Jesus’ ministry
  • better understand the work of the Holy Spirit
  • learn how to follow Christ faithfully in the face of opposition
  • be challenged to pray for and share with the lost
  • and most of all, get excited about God’s continuing unstoppable work today.

Our hope is that seeing God’s work in the first century increases our faith for God’s work in the 21st century, so that when we ask the question, “What’s next?” it’s not in despair, but in a victorious sense of optimism for what God will do through His church at large and through us right here in South Orange County.

]]>
This Sunday we start an exciting new spiritual growth series in the Book of Acts. To help enrich this season, we want to help you bring God's Word into the week by giving you the opportunity to study along and uncover God's truth at home. This guide has helpful introductions to the series and Book of Acts, 5-a-day readings, discussion questions for groups, and a place for your sermon notes. Additionally we'll have a few experiences and experiments for you to try to help bring historical rhythms of the faith into your regular practice.

UG-facebook-cover

Click here to download the Unstoppable God Part I: Weeks 1-6 Study Guide.

Click here to download the Unstoppable God Part II: Weeks 7-12 Study Guide.

Send us an email if you'd rather us mail you a printed copy or be sure to pick one up this Sunday.

Interested in joining a Growth Group that's doing this study? Let us know!

uG-booklet UG-booklet2

 

Excerpt from the booklet:

Pandemic. Lockdown. Censorship. Government overreach. Consumerism. Tech obsession. Total self-autonomy. Gender and sexuality confusion. Racial wounds. Isolation. Fragmentation. Violence. Depression, drug use, and alcoholism.

How many times have you heard something that happened at school, on the news, or on your friend’s social feed and it caused you to cry out, “What’s next?” in disillusion and despair? Have you ever wondered, “How can the church possibly make it with everything that’s going on?”

During the next 12 weeks, South Shores Church is taking an important journey through the first 12 chapters of the book of Acts. In this book we see that Jesus’ mission to bring reconciliation between God and humans continues through the church because of the incredible power and plans of an UNSTOPPABLE GOD.

Join us as we following the travels, obstacles, and teachings of the disciples and witness how the Holy Spirit takes the unimpressive ingredients of the early church (uneducated fishermen without their teacher) and makes the impossible possible.

During this study you will

  • see the continuation of Jesus’ ministry
  • better understand the work of the Holy Spirit
  • learn how to follow Christ faithfully in the face of opposition
  • be challenged to pray for and share with the lost
  • and most of all, get excited about God’s continuing unstoppable work today.

Our hope is that seeing God’s work in the first century increases our faith for God’s work in the 21st century, so that when we ask the question, “What’s next?” it’s not in despair, but in a victorious sense of optimism for what God will do through His church at large and through us right here in South Orange County.

]]>
Just Killing the Canaanites? https://www.southshores.org/blog/post/just-killing-the-canaanites https://www.southshores.org/blog/post/just-killing-the-canaanites#comments Thu, 21 Jan 2021 11:00:00 -0800 https://www.southshores.org/blog/post/just-killing-the-canaanites  

If you've been doing the Cultural Detox readings in Judges and Deuteronomy, or listening to the sermons, or even making your way through the Old Testament on your own pace, you will come across some disturbing features like those found in Deuteronomy 7:

When the Lord your God brings you into the land you are entering to possess and drives out before you many nations—the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites, seven nations larger and stronger than you— and when the Lord your God has delivered them over to you and you have defeated them, then you must destroy them totally. Make no treaty with them, and show them no mercy.  Deuteronomy 7:1-2

What are we supposed to do with such passages? Even more, what are we supposed to do with a God that would command such actions?

Below are four different resources to help you think through these questions biblically with an eye to our sin, God's justice, God's mercy, and God's plan worked out through the cross.

lament (1)

 ---------------------------

Thinking Through Old Testament Violence by Andrew Judd

"It’s a matter of national security, but also the worldwide mission: if Israel is contaminated at this stage by false worship and idolatry then they cannot do their job as God’s spiritual lifeboat for the world."

God's Justice in the Land of Canaan by Kyle Dillon

"This is why it is so important for us to get our doctrine of humanity right. If we see humans as being basically good or innocent, then of course we will react with indignation to the Bible’s ḥerem laws."

The Canaanites: Genocide or Judgment? by Greg Koukl

"This was not carte blanche for genocide or ethnic cleansing, but rather a directive limited in time to the conquest, limited in scope to the Canaanites, and limited in location to the Promised Land."

Did God Commission Terrorism in the Bible? by John Piper

"Therefore, it is wrong, it is sinful today, to use violence and force and coercion to try to spread the faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. That is the mark: Faith is the mark of God’s people and it cannot be coerced by sword or bullet or bomb."

 

]]>
 

If you've been doing the Cultural Detox readings in Judges and Deuteronomy, or listening to the sermons, or even making your way through the Old Testament on your own pace, you will come across some disturbing features like those found in Deuteronomy 7:

When the Lord your God brings you into the land you are entering to possess and drives out before you many nations—the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites, seven nations larger and stronger than you— and when the Lord your God has delivered them over to you and you have defeated them, then you must destroy them totally. Make no treaty with them, and show them no mercy.  Deuteronomy 7:1-2

What are we supposed to do with such passages? Even more, what are we supposed to do with a God that would command such actions?

Below are four different resources to help you think through these questions biblically with an eye to our sin, God's justice, God's mercy, and God's plan worked out through the cross.

lament (1)

 ---------------------------

Thinking Through Old Testament Violence by Andrew Judd

"It’s a matter of national security, but also the worldwide mission: if Israel is contaminated at this stage by false worship and idolatry then they cannot do their job as God’s spiritual lifeboat for the world."

God's Justice in the Land of Canaan by Kyle Dillon

"This is why it is so important for us to get our doctrine of humanity right. If we see humans as being basically good or innocent, then of course we will react with indignation to the Bible’s ḥerem laws."

The Canaanites: Genocide or Judgment? by Greg Koukl

"This was not carte blanche for genocide or ethnic cleansing, but rather a directive limited in time to the conquest, limited in scope to the Canaanites, and limited in location to the Promised Land."

Did God Commission Terrorism in the Bible? by John Piper

"Therefore, it is wrong, it is sinful today, to use violence and force and coercion to try to spread the faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. That is the mark: Faith is the mark of God’s people and it cannot be coerced by sword or bullet or bomb."

 

]]>
Cultural Detox Study Guide https://www.southshores.org/blog/post/cultural-detox https://www.southshores.org/blog/post/cultural-detox#comments Thu, 14 Jan 2021 07:00:00 -0800 https://www.southshores.org/blog/post/cultural-detox As our church works its way through the Book of Judges over the next ten Sundays, we wanted to offer each person in our church, and especially our Growth Groups, the opportunity to study along and uncover God's truth at home. That's why we created a ten-week guide with 5-a-week readings in the Scriptures, group questions, and other spiritual experiences to make sure we not only reject the bad, but fill ourselves up with the good that God has for us -- replacing the 'likes' of the world, with God's own heart.

Screen Shot 2021-01-14 at 7.32.23 AM

Click here to download the Booklet.

Send us an email if you'd like us to mail you a printed copy (much easier to write on).

judges-FB-cover

Below is an excerpt from page 2 of the booklet.

Why Study Judges?

INTRODUCTION TO ‘CULTURAL DETOX’

It’s not difficult to look out at the world and say, “This place is toxic!” – rampant moral decay, abandonment of truth, and an increasing extremism, ego, and division. What can be more difficult, however, is to admit where the toxins have seeped into us – into our values, our beliefs, and our actions.

Israel too faced this problem. Faced it and failed. God had rescued His people from captivity, given them His law, His presence, and the “promised land” – but upon entering, Israel, who was supposed to be a “kingdom of priests and a holy nation,” was far more influenced than influencer. They allowed the toxic culture seep into and become their own culture. The Book of Judges takes us through the downward spiral of a nation and its leaders as they abandon God and pursue the wickedness of the world around them. It’s a dark book, but the darkness only serves to contrast the character and nature of our great God. Time and time again, Judges shows that Israel is a sin-sick society in need of a Savior.

Judges today is a wake-up call to the church, to us, of what happens when we cozy up to the world and let its values infiltrate our own. It’s a calling to escape the toxic culture and embrace God’s radical grace to save and to lead us into new paths. It’s a true tale of the deadly impact of sin and the faithful God who still rescues. It invites us to unplug from the devices, apps and newsfeeds that fuel our departure from God’s ways and plug ourselves back into Him. This sermons series is the admission that we need a cultural detox. We need to start replacing the “likes” of the world with God’s own heart – His values, His loves, His word, Himself. This series calls on each of us to look inside, turn back to God, and find continuing deliverance and guidance in the Savior Jesus.

]]>
As our church works its way through the Book of Judges over the next ten Sundays, we wanted to offer each person in our church, and especially our Growth Groups, the opportunity to study along and uncover God's truth at home. That's why we created a ten-week guide with 5-a-week readings in the Scriptures, group questions, and other spiritual experiences to make sure we not only reject the bad, but fill ourselves up with the good that God has for us -- replacing the 'likes' of the world, with God's own heart.

Screen Shot 2021-01-14 at 7.32.23 AM

Click here to download the Booklet.

Send us an email if you'd like us to mail you a printed copy (much easier to write on).

judges-FB-cover

Below is an excerpt from page 2 of the booklet.

Why Study Judges?

INTRODUCTION TO ‘CULTURAL DETOX’

It’s not difficult to look out at the world and say, “This place is toxic!” – rampant moral decay, abandonment of truth, and an increasing extremism, ego, and division. What can be more difficult, however, is to admit where the toxins have seeped into us – into our values, our beliefs, and our actions.

Israel too faced this problem. Faced it and failed. God had rescued His people from captivity, given them His law, His presence, and the “promised land” – but upon entering, Israel, who was supposed to be a “kingdom of priests and a holy nation,” was far more influenced than influencer. They allowed the toxic culture seep into and become their own culture. The Book of Judges takes us through the downward spiral of a nation and its leaders as they abandon God and pursue the wickedness of the world around them. It’s a dark book, but the darkness only serves to contrast the character and nature of our great God. Time and time again, Judges shows that Israel is a sin-sick society in need of a Savior.

Judges today is a wake-up call to the church, to us, of what happens when we cozy up to the world and let its values infiltrate our own. It’s a calling to escape the toxic culture and embrace God’s radical grace to save and to lead us into new paths. It’s a true tale of the deadly impact of sin and the faithful God who still rescues. It invites us to unplug from the devices, apps and newsfeeds that fuel our departure from God’s ways and plug ourselves back into Him. This sermons series is the admission that we need a cultural detox. We need to start replacing the “likes” of the world with God’s own heart – His values, His loves, His word, Himself. This series calls on each of us to look inside, turn back to God, and find continuing deliverance and guidance in the Savior Jesus.

]]>
Christmas Eve 2020 https://www.southshores.org/blog/post/christmas-eve-2020 https://www.southshores.org/blog/post/christmas-eve-2020#comments Thu, 24 Dec 2020 13:00:00 -0800 https://www.southshores.org/blog/post/christmas-eve-2020 Christmas Eve at South Shores Church

Thursday, December 24, 2020

2:30 | 4:00 | 5:30 | 11:00 PM

OUTDOOR SERVICES* with Communion (Dress warm!)

*11 PM service may change location based on weather.

christmaseve2020-social

You are invited to join us as we celebrate the birth of our Savior. Each service is about 50 minutes in length and is fun for the whole family. There will be singing of Christmas carols and telling the Christmas story. This year, each service will feature communion.

For those at home, we will livestream the 4 pm service (on our site, YouTube, and Facebook), and will make it available on-demand for the rest of the evening.

]]>
Christmas Eve at South Shores Church

Thursday, December 24, 2020

2:30 | 4:00 | 5:30 | 11:00 PM

OUTDOOR SERVICES* with Communion (Dress warm!)

*11 PM service may change location based on weather.

christmaseve2020-social

You are invited to join us as we celebrate the birth of our Savior. Each service is about 50 minutes in length and is fun for the whole family. There will be singing of Christmas carols and telling the Christmas story. This year, each service will feature communion.

For those at home, we will livestream the 4 pm service (on our site, YouTube, and Facebook), and will make it available on-demand for the rest of the evening.

]]>
Leaving Normal Behind Questions - Week 4 https://www.southshores.org/blog/post/leaving-normal-behind-questions---week-4 https://www.southshores.org/blog/post/leaving-normal-behind-questions---week-4#comments Thu, 01 Oct 2020 18:00:00 -0700 https://www.southshores.org/blog/post/leaving-normal-behind-questions---week-4 GETTING STARTED

  1. If you could know one thing about what the future is like in five years, what would you want to know?

  

  1. Are there any people that you find a particularly difficult time getting along with? What helps and what hinders you in improving those relationships?

 

SOAK

Read Ephesians 2:11-22 three times asking the Holy Spirit to open it to you. Our goal is to soak in the Spirit, the scripture, and its surroundings.

 

  1. How do verses 2:1-10 set the stage for verses 2:11-22?

  

OBSERVE

Once we’ve soaked in the passage, we want to make sure we are able to see all that is really there; not interpreting, but taking note of what is present.

  1. What words are used to describe the past condition of non-Jewish people? (vss 11-12)

  

  1. What words are used to describe the present condition of those in Christ (vss 13-21)?

  

  1. What words describe the goal of this incredible God-inspired unity? (vss 21-22)

 

 

MEANING

 

Now that we’re familiar with the passage, we want to get at its meaning. This isn’t about what it means to me, but what the author was intending to say.

 

  1. Why is it important for non-Jews to remember where they used to stand in relation to God’s people and plan? Wasn’t talking about their former spiritual death (2:1-3) enough? Why not? (vss 11-12)

  

  1. What has been changed for those who are “in Christ Jesus”? (vss 13-19) Why did this need to happen?

 

  1. What was so groundbreaking about these ideas? Who would they have refreshed? Who would they have challenged?

  

  1. In your own words, what is the main point of this passage?

 

  

APPLY

 

The goal of reading the Bible is transformation. We want to let the Word of God grow deep in us so that we can bear much fruit.

 

  1. How does this passage challenge or confirm your beliefs about unity in Christ?

  

  1. How does this passage challenge your conceptions of ethnic division and unity?

 

  1. What do you picture as the goal of the church and how will you take part in that? (v22)

   

Finish your time in God’s Word by using this passage as the subject of your prayer

]]>
GETTING STARTED

  1. If you could know one thing about what the future is like in five years, what would you want to know?

  

  1. Are there any people that you find a particularly difficult time getting along with? What helps and what hinders you in improving those relationships?

 

SOAK

Read Ephesians 2:11-22 three times asking the Holy Spirit to open it to you. Our goal is to soak in the Spirit, the scripture, and its surroundings.

 

  1. How do verses 2:1-10 set the stage for verses 2:11-22?

  

OBSERVE

Once we’ve soaked in the passage, we want to make sure we are able to see all that is really there; not interpreting, but taking note of what is present.

  1. What words are used to describe the past condition of non-Jewish people? (vss 11-12)

  

  1. What words are used to describe the present condition of those in Christ (vss 13-21)?

  

  1. What words describe the goal of this incredible God-inspired unity? (vss 21-22)

 

 

MEANING

 

Now that we’re familiar with the passage, we want to get at its meaning. This isn’t about what it means to me, but what the author was intending to say.

 

  1. Why is it important for non-Jews to remember where they used to stand in relation to God’s people and plan? Wasn’t talking about their former spiritual death (2:1-3) enough? Why not? (vss 11-12)

  

  1. What has been changed for those who are “in Christ Jesus”? (vss 13-19) Why did this need to happen?

 

  1. What was so groundbreaking about these ideas? Who would they have refreshed? Who would they have challenged?

  

  1. In your own words, what is the main point of this passage?

 

  

APPLY

 

The goal of reading the Bible is transformation. We want to let the Word of God grow deep in us so that we can bear much fruit.

 

  1. How does this passage challenge or confirm your beliefs about unity in Christ?

  

  1. How does this passage challenge your conceptions of ethnic division and unity?

 

  1. What do you picture as the goal of the church and how will you take part in that? (v22)

   

Finish your time in God’s Word by using this passage as the subject of your prayer

]]>
Leaving Normal Behind Questions - Week 3 https://www.southshores.org/blog/post/leaving-normal-behind-questions-3 https://www.southshores.org/blog/post/leaving-normal-behind-questions-3#comments Thu, 24 Sep 2020 16:00:00 -0700 https://www.southshores.org/blog/post/leaving-normal-behind-questions-3 GETTING STARTED

  1. What’s the biggest change you’ve gone through in your life?

  

  1. What doing you think are some of the greatest “good works” that Christians could be involved in?

 

SOAK

Read Ephesians 1:15-23 three times asking the Holy Spirit to open it to you. Our goal is to soak in the Spirit, the scripture, and its surroundings.

  1. How do we know who Paul is talking to in this section? (look to chapter 1)

 

OBSERVE

Once we’ve soaked in the passage, we want to make sure we are able to see all that is really there; not interpreting, but taking note of what is present.

  1. What words are associated with being “dead” in verses 1-3?
  1. What words are associated with being made “alive” in verses 4-10? 
  1. What words describe what we did? What words describe what God did?

 

MEANING

Now that we’re familiar with the passage, we want to get at its meaning. This isn’t about what it means to me, but what the author was intending to say.

  1. Why does Paul talk about what believers used to be? (vss 1-3) 
  1. What is Paul’s emphasis in speaking of our salvation? What does he work to make clear? (vss 4-9)
  1. For what purpose is our salvation? (vss 7,10)
  1. In your own words, what is the main point of this passage?

APPLY

The goal of reading the Bible is transformation. We want to let the Word of God grow deep in us so that we can bear much fruit.

  1. How does this passage challenge or confirm your beliefs about salvation?
  1. How does this passage challenge you to think about those who haven’t been saved?
  1. Look again at verse 10. What should this encourage you to look for and ask of God each day?

 

Finish your time in God’s Word by using this passage as the subject of your prayer.

]]>
GETTING STARTED

  1. What’s the biggest change you’ve gone through in your life?

  

  1. What doing you think are some of the greatest “good works” that Christians could be involved in?

 

SOAK

Read Ephesians 1:15-23 three times asking the Holy Spirit to open it to you. Our goal is to soak in the Spirit, the scripture, and its surroundings.

  1. How do we know who Paul is talking to in this section? (look to chapter 1)

 

OBSERVE

Once we’ve soaked in the passage, we want to make sure we are able to see all that is really there; not interpreting, but taking note of what is present.

  1. What words are associated with being “dead” in verses 1-3?
  1. What words are associated with being made “alive” in verses 4-10? 
  1. What words describe what we did? What words describe what God did?

 

MEANING

Now that we’re familiar with the passage, we want to get at its meaning. This isn’t about what it means to me, but what the author was intending to say.

  1. Why does Paul talk about what believers used to be? (vss 1-3) 
  1. What is Paul’s emphasis in speaking of our salvation? What does he work to make clear? (vss 4-9)
  1. For what purpose is our salvation? (vss 7,10)
  1. In your own words, what is the main point of this passage?

APPLY

The goal of reading the Bible is transformation. We want to let the Word of God grow deep in us so that we can bear much fruit.

  1. How does this passage challenge or confirm your beliefs about salvation?
  1. How does this passage challenge you to think about those who haven’t been saved?
  1. Look again at verse 10. What should this encourage you to look for and ask of God each day?

 

Finish your time in God’s Word by using this passage as the subject of your prayer.

]]>