This past Sunday was our last 12:13 class before the two-month summer break…and we packed a lot in!
“Action Pack” collection for “Voice of the Martyrs.” Students in the class donated new and “gently used” clothing, toys, blankets, and other items to assist persecuted Christians in Pakistan. They also gave funds to pay for the shipping expenses. (See photo below of those who made donations.) I have been so impressed with the sacrificial generosity of these Middle School students — they are eager to serve others around the world!
Farewell to Graduating 8th Graders. Sad as it is, kids have to grow up some time…and our graduating 8th Grade students are leaving 12:13 to join the church’s high school ministry. We took a few minutes in class to thank them for their example and pray for their continued spiritual growth and impact as they enter high school.
Team Handstand Competition. It didn’t have a lot to do with today’s lesson, but it was fun to watch pairs of 8th Grade students compete to see who could stand on their hands the longest. Congratulations to Brenton Polk for outlasting the rest of his red-faced classmates!
The highlight of Sunday’s class was completing our journey through “Pilgrim’s Progress.” Christian and Hopeful were escorted by angels from the river of death up the steep hill to the Celestial City. Thanks to the strength of these glorious companions and the sweetness of their fellowship, the ascent was effortless. Along the way they were welcomed by a jubilant throng of Heaven’s citizens, accompanied by loud shouts and trumpet blasts. This is the “cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1) cheering us on in our race and eager to greet us when we reach the finish line.
As they approached the gate, the angels told the Pilgrims what awaited them in the Celestial City: thousands and thousands of angels, the Tree of Life, white robes, crowns of gold, and eternal life free from pain, sorrow, sickness, and death. Best of all, promised the angels, “every day your walk and talk shall be with the King.” The invisible Companion who had accompanied them along each step of their journey was about to show them His face!
We paused in our story to meet a new friend. A member of our church since 2004, Nadia Ibrahim was born with Cerebral Palsy. She and her dog Cooper are actively involved in the church — Nadia is often stationed at the front doors in her wheelchair, greeting people as they enter on Sunday morning. She graciously shared with the class how her life is affected by her disability and how much she is looking forward to Heaven — especially to dancing with joy before her King. We had a chance to pray for her and thank her for the way her joy and faith inspire us.
When they reached the gate the watchmen asked the Pilgrims to present their certificates, which were then carried to the King. “Open the gates!” cried the King. With that, Christian and Hopeful triumphantly entered the City. Their travel rags were transfigured as they entered the joy of their Master (Matthew 25:21). Their afflictions were over. They were safely home.
Surprisingly, John Bunyan’s classic tale does not end on that glorious note. Rather, the final paragraphs relate what happened to that other traveler, Ignorance, who had refused to respond to the Pilgrims’ gospel invitations. He crossed the dark river easily, thanks to a ferry man named Vain Hope, but received no welcome on the other shore. He trudged up the steep hill alone until he reached the city’s gate. He knocked confidently, expecting to be admitted. But when the watchmen asked for his certificate, he fumbled in his coat and shrugged. He had none. Rather than open the gate in welcome, the King commanded his angels — the same ones who had escorted Christian and Hopeful — to bind Ignorance hand and foot and throw him into Hell.
As we ended this final class, I gave each student a “New Birth Certificate” detailing what is needed to guarantee admission to the Celestial City. I soberly charged them to learn from the tragic fate of Ignorance and make sure they have their “certificate” firmly in hand. As Peter wrote in his first letter (see below), let us pray that our mighty Savior would guard each of these young pilgrims until they receive the glorious inheritance of salvation!
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” (1 Peter 1:3-5)
Enjoy the summer break…I look forward to starting our third year of 12:13 classes on Sunday, September 6!
Teaching Notes 6-28-09
Lesson Outline 6-28-09
New Birth Certificate
Pilgrim’s Progress 6-28-09
June 30, 2009
Biblical fellowship kept the Pilgrims alert and brought them safely past the Enchanted Ground and into the delights of Beulah Land. Here on the border of Heaven itself they enjoyed the vineyards and gardens planted there for the King’s enjoyment and the refreshment of Pilgrims. They rested there within sight of the gleaming City itself, conversing with the Shining Ones who walked in that country. With this description of Beulah Land, John Bunyan tried to capture the abundant joy that Christians experience who have learned to treasure Jesus Christ above all the pleasures of the world. (Taken from the King James Version of Isaiah 62:4, the word “Beulah” means “married” — married to the Lord, who delights in his bride, the Church.)
But there was yet one more difficulty ahead…possibly the most terrible that Christian had faced in all his travels. The Pilgrims had to cross the deep, dark river of death.
What made this river unique was that the depth of its waters depended on the strength of one’s faith. For one with great faith in the King’s love and salvation, the waters seemed shallow. But for one plagued by doubts and fears, the water seemed deep.
As soon as he set foot in the water, Christian cried out, “I’m sinking! The cords of death have entangled me!” Despite Hopeful’s efforts to encourage him, Christian was surrounded by darkness and horror, convinced the King was punishing him for his many sins. Hopeful replied, “These troubles and distresses that you go through in these waters are no sign that God has forsaken you, but they’re sent to try you, to see whether you will call to mind that which you’ve received before of His goodness and depend upon Him in your distresses.”
Finally the darkness lifted. “Oh, I see Him again!” shouted Christian, “and He tells me, ‘When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you” (Isaiah 43:2). For the remainder of Christian’s crossing, the water seemed shallow, and he and Hopeful arrived safely on the other side.
Every Christian will suffer in life. Each one will have to pass through those dark waters of death. For some, like Hopeful, death will be no great trial. For others, like Christian, it may be filled with deep doubts and uncertainties. Either way, God’s promise is a solid rock: the river will not sweep over us. He will be with us when we pass through the waters…and he will be waiting when we reach the Celestial City’s golden shore.
As a class, we are attempting to complete one final service project before summer break. This Sunday we will be collecting new and “gently used” items to send to persecuted Christians in Afghanistan. Each student has been asked to bring $1 (for shipping) and at least one of the following items to our final class. Thanks for your participation!!!
Blanket
Bed sheet (Queen size, flat)
Jacket/windbreaker (adult or child)
Sweater (adult or child)
Gloves/mittens (adult or child)
Knit hat (adult)
Socks (adult or child)
Shoes
Solid color t-shirt (any child size)
Towel
Bar of soap
Sponge or foam ball
Stuffed animals
Small toys
Dolls
Paper, pencils, school supplies
Reminder: Sunday, June 28 is our last 12:13 class for the summer!
Teaching Notes 6-21-09
Lesson Outline 6-21-09
Pilgrim’s Progress 6-21-09
June 24, 2009
In today’s lesson from “Pilgrim’s Progress” Christian and Hopeful found themselves walking, as the Shepherds had warned, across Enchanted Ground. To keep themselves from falling asleep, they began to talk about Hopeful’s conversion. He shared how after being “shaken” by God’s Word, he had first resisted conviction, then sought to earn his salvation, before eventually seeing his need to be justified by Jesus. Listen to his humble prayer:
“God be merciful to me a sinner, and make me to know and believe in Jesus Christ; for I see that if His righteousness had not been, or I have not faith in that righteousness, I am utterly cast away. Lord, I have heard that You are a merciful God and have ordained that Your Son Jesus Christ should be the Savior of the world; and morever, that you are willing to bestow on such a poor sinner as I am — and I am a sinner indeed — Lord. Take therefore this opportunity, and magnify Your grace in the salvation of my soul through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.”
Ignorance, on the other hand, failed to see his need for justification by Jesus. When the pilgrims inquired about the basis of his hope, Ignorance assured them that his heart — a good heart — told him he was acceptable in God’s sight. Rather than listen to the Word of God, Ignorance took counsel with his own heart…and was deceived.
I ended the class by asking each student to consider this question: Who will carry their burden? Will they try to carry it themselves? Or will they entrust themselves to the One who carried the weight of our sin on His shoulders?
Audio 6-7-09
Teaching Notes 6-7-09
Lesson Outline 6-7-09
Pilgrim’s Progress 6-7-09
June 16, 2009
Sorry, guys, but the girls have done it again!
For the third time in a row, a team of 8th Grade girls — Sophia Khan, Megan Perdue, and Natalie Somerville — took home the Bible Bowl trophy, but not without some stiff competition. The contestants had to answer 50 questions like the following from the Book of Daniel:
- According to Bible scholars, what kingdom was symbolized by the bronze mid-section of the statue that Nebuchadnezzar saw in his dream?
- How many lords attended King Belshazzar’s feast?
- How many times a day would Daniel get on his knees and pray to God?
- In Daniel’s vision of the four beasts, who sat on a fiery throne with clothing white as snow?
- Which angelic “prince” had responsibility for Daniel’s people (Daniel 10)?
With 190 Middle School students packed into the Pastors College classroom the atmosphere was just a little chaotic, but I was very impressed with the biblical knowledge that the whole class displayed.
Congratulations to the girls! And let’s see if the boys can come back strong when we resume our Bible Bowl competitions in 2009-2010!
Looking ahead to our four classes in the month of June:
- June 7 — We will be back on the path of “Pilgrim’s Progress” with Christian and Hopeful as they near the end of their journey.
- June 14 — No 12:13 class. All the students will be invited to enjoy “Youth Sunday” in the main service.
- June 21 — Celestial City, Part I
- June 28 — Celestial City, Part II
As the pilgrims finally arrive at the Celestial City and rest from their wearisome journey, the 12:13 class will also be taking a rest for the months of July and August. This will give me time to prepare next year’s curriculum and allow families added flexibility for summer vacations. We will launch the 2009-10 year of 12:13 classes on Sunday, September 6!
June 4, 2009
What is your faith made of? When the pressure is on, will you stand strong…or will you crumble?
To get the answers to those questions, on Sunday we spent some time in the fiery furnace with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. We also dropped down into the lion’s den with Daniel. In both cases, we were amazed to see the strength of their convictions.
Daniel’s three friends refused to bow down to Nebuchadnezzar’s 90-foot golden statue (Daniel 3). When the king heard of their impudence, he went into a furious rage. Bow down to the image, he demanded, or be thrown into a fiery furnace. “And who is the god who will deliver you out of my hand?” Nebuchadnezzar was about to find out…
Though the furnace was heated seven times hotter than normal — enough to kill the executioners — it didn’t even singe the three friends. To his astonishment, the king saw all three of them walking around in the fire unscathed with a fourth man who looked like “a son of the gods.” Nebuchadnezzar called the men out of the furnace and gave praise to God. In fact, he sent a decree throughout the Babylonian empire warning that if anyone ever spoke against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, he would be torn limb from limb and have his house demolished! All because these men refused to bow their knee to an idol…
The same was true for Daniel. When political rivals coaxed King Darius into passing a law that prohibited prayer to anyone but the king for 30 days, Daniel wasted no time in getting down on his knees in front of an open window and praying to his God (Daniel 6). His enemies told the king, and Darius reluctantly consigned Daniel to the lion’s den. Early the next morning, after a sleepless night of worry, King Darius rushed to the mouth of the lion’s den. “O Daniel,” he cried, “servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?”
We know the answer. Our God is mighty to save! Daniel emerged from the lion’s den without a scratch, protected by an angel from God. His rivals were not so fortunate…when they were tossed into the den along with their wives and children, the lions overpowered them and broke all their bones before they even hit the floor.
Because of Daniel’s courage and conviction, because of his unflinching devotion to God, the most powerful king in the world sent the following message throughout his empire: “I make a decree, that in all my royal dominion people are to tremble and fear before the God of Daniel, for he is the living God, enduring forever; his kingdom shall never be destroyed, and his dominion shall be to the end.” (Daniel 6:26)
Daniel and his friends had one fear — a fear of the Lord. It kept them standing firm in the most severe tests of faith. May we be inspired and empowered by their example!
Teaching Notes 5-24-09
Lesson Outline 5-24-09
Daniel Part 3 5-24-09
May 27, 2009
On Sunday we dug deeper into our study of the prophets and the Book of Daniel. Though most readers associate the prophets with predictions of future events, that was only a very small part of the biblical prophet’s task. God’s prophets served as his spokesmen, his messengers. Bible scholar Gordon Fee writes, “They were like ambassadors from the heavenly court, who relayed the divine sovereign’s will to the people.” Their primary message was to urge Israel to keep its covenant with God. They reminded Israel of the blessings of obeying the covenant and warned Israel of all the curses they would incur for violating the covenant. Sadly, their voices often went unheard.
Our class studied three passages from Daniel this week that highlighted God’s unchanging sovereignty despite the boasts and mockery of worldly kings.
First we considered Nebuchadnezzar’s humiliation and restoration in Daniel 4. What a powerful hymn of praise this humbled king offers God after being restored to his right mind (Daniel 4:34-37)!
Next we observed Belshazzar’s blasphemies against the God of heaven in Daniel 5. After being called in to interpret the handwriting on the wall, Daniel made this indictment of the drunken king: “And you have praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood, and stone, which do not see or hear or know, but the God in whose hand is your breath, and whose are all your ways, you have not honored” (Daniel 5:23). That very night Belshazzar forfeited his kingdom and his life.
Finally we discussed Daniel’s vision in chapter 7 of the “Ancient of Days” and “one like a son of man” to whom was given “dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him” (Daniel 7:14). The clear message? Earthly kingdoms, no matter how mighty, will crumble and fall…but there is an unchanging King over all who reigns forever: “his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed” (Daniel 7:14).
What a joy it is to teach these Middle School students about their glorious King!
Audio 5-17-09
Teaching Notes 5-17-09
Lesson Outline 5-17-09
Daniel Part 2 5-17-09
May 22, 2009
For the third time this year, the 12:13 class is taking a month-long break from Pilgrim’s Progress to study a book of the Bible that typifies a certain type of biblical literature. In December we studied 1 Samuel as an example of Old Testament Narratives. In March we studied Acts as an example of New Testament Narratives. And today we began studying Daniel, a fascinating example of The Prophets.
Sixteen books of the Bible are categorized as prophetic books — four major prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel) and twelve minor prophets ( Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi). All were written between 760 BC and 460 BC during a period of cataclysmic military and political upheaval.
The Book of Daniel includes some of the most memorable and faith-building stories from the Bible. Its author, a young captive of war who served as a political leader and chief advisor to four kings in three different empires, is a man of courage, conviction, and humble dependence on the King over all. As Bible commentator E.J. Young writes, “God placed Daniel at the heathen court in order that he might declare to successive monarchs that the kingdoms of this world are temporal and fleeting but that the kingdom of God shall endure forever.”
Notes and visuals from this Sunday’s lesson are available by clicking on the links below.
Audio 5-10-09
Teaching Notes 5-10-09
Lesson Outline 5-10-09
Daniel Part 1 5-10-09
May 10, 2009
Did your mother ever tell you that her instructions had gone in one ear and out the other? She could have said that to Christian and Hopeful… Though the Shepherds in the Delightful Mountains had provided them with a map and specific warnings about the Flatterer, the pilgrims forgot all about their map and blindly followed the well-spoken dark stranger (dressed in a white robe) who offered to show them the way. Slowly their path turned further and further away from the King’s highway, and before they knew it they were entangled in a net. As we discussed in class, the world is full of flatterers (John Bunyan’s term for false teachers) who seek to lead us astray. What makes them so effective is that they turn us from God’s truth little by little, one small compromise at a time. To avoid their snare, we must follow the same instructions God gave to Joshua: “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success” (Joshua 1:8). God’s Word is our map!
As we have seen many times so far in our journey through Pilgrim’s Progress, the King showed mercy to his pilgrims — in two forms. First, he sent a Shining One to deliver them from the net. But then the Shining One disciplined them — and disciplined them severely — for their error. I explained to the class that discipline is an important part of God’s mercy, a fulfillment of his promise in Revelation 3:19: “those whom I love, I reprove and discipline…” When we stray from the truth, our loving Father will discipline us. In those moments may we respond as Christian and Hopeful did, groaning from the blows but grateful for the blessing of correction.
Soon afterward the pilgrims encountered a man walking toward them, walking away from the Celestial City. His name was Atheist. He laughed when they told him where they were going, saying that he had been searching for the City for 20 years with no success. He was now headed home to enjoy all those earthly pleasures he had given up during his pilgrimage. As Hopeful observed, this was another Flatterer — a false teacher seeking to turn them from their quest. Steadfast in their faith, they pressed on with “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).
In June we will spend three more Sundays talking about the final stage of Christian’s journey. But for the remaining four weeks in May we will study the Book of Daniel, concluding with Bible Bowl 3 on May 31!
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May 6, 2009
Middle School students spent the last two weeks participating in the adult service, but on Sunday the 12:13 class met again to continue “Pilgrim’s Progress.”
Many of the students had a fresh appreciation for the story after watching the youth ministry’s musical production “Pilgrim” over the weekend. Under the direction of Mrs. Cathy Mays, the teens of Covenant Life Church told the story of “Pilgrim’s Progress” on stage. And what an amazing job they did! As Christian fled the City of Destruction…foolishly followed Worldly Wiseman…learned the power of prayer from Gatekeeper Goodwill…lost his burden at the cross…survived his battle with Apollyon…experienced the King’s nearness and love in the Valley of the Shadow of Death…witnessed the martyrdom of his dear friend Faithful at Vanity Fair…wallowed in despair in Doubting Castle…feasted in the Delightful Mountains…stumbled blindly into the Flatterer’s net…and finally passed through the dark river to the Celestial City…this musical production powerfully portrayed the pitfalls and triumphs of the Christian life. In this remarkable production, the youth of Covenant Life Church reinforced the truths our class has been enjoying all year from John Bunyan’s amazing book. I thank God for the gift these youth are to our church and the example they are setting for the students in 12:13!
In Sunday’s class we rejoiced with Christian and Hopeful as they finally reached the Delightful Mountains. Early in his journey, Christian had caught a glimpse of these mountains from the roof of Palace Beautiful. Since then he had passed “through many dangers, toils, and snares” — but here he found a feast for his soul.
Strengthened by good sleep and godly company, Christian and Hopeful accepted the Shepherds’ invitation to see some important mountain views. First they scaled the hill called Error, where they were sobered to see the fatal end of those who wander from the truth of God. (As a class, we took a few minutes to identify some modern errors common in our culture — teachings from the Koran and the Book of Mormon that clearly contradict Scripture.) On Mt. Caution the pilgrims saw a group of blind men wandering among gravestones. When they learned that these travelers had been captured and blinded by Giant Despair, they wept loudly — wept with regret over their own detour in Doubting Castle and with gratitude for the King’s mercy in setting them free.
Before they left the mountains, the Shepherds showed them two final scenes — a glimpse into the mouth of hell and a gaze on the gates of the Celestial City. They gave them a map to guide them along the final stage of the journey, warned them to avoid the Flatterer and the Enchanted Ground, then bid them Godspeed. With their final destination now in sight, but reminded that deadly dangers still lay ahead, Christian and Hopeful continued on their way.
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April 30, 2009
In Sunday’s class we got back on the path with Christian toward the Celestial City…and quickly left it again as he and Hopeful took a near-fatal shortcut. As it turned out, the meadow they crossed belonged to Giant Despair, who arrested them for trespassing and threw them in his dungeon. They languished there for days without food or water, beaten without mercy and encouraged by the giant to escape their sufferings by taking their own lives.
Christian despaired of life and seriously considered suicide, but Hopeful encouraged him to persevere. Finally, after a night of earnest prayer, Christian remembered a key that he carried next to his heart — a key called Promise. As soon as he inserted it into the lock, the dungeon door flew open, enabling him and Hopeful to escape and get back on the path.
This sobering chapter provided an opportunity to speak briefly about the fact that even young people can reach a point of despair and be tempted to think that self-injury offers a way of escape from their troubles. We ended class by focusing on Jesus, the Savior in whom all God’s promises are fulfilled. Young people can experience deep doubts, crippling fears…
- Is God strong enough to help me with my problems?
- Does God even hear my prayers?
- Can God forgive me even after I sinned like that?
- Does God really care about me – does he even know I exist?
When our doubts and sorrows multiply, how liberating it is to know that “all the promises of God find their yes in him” (2 Corinthians 1:20)!
One other highlight of Sunday’s class came when we honored those students who have committed to reading through the Bible in a year (or two). After three months, over 20 students are on pace to complete this demanding challenge. What an honor it is to get to teach students like these!
There will be no 12:13 class during the next two weeks. On Sunday, 4/12 we will celebrate the Lord’s resurrection together as a church, and on Sunday, 4/19 I want to keep all the 12:13 students in the main service as I have the opportunity to preach from Ephesians 6:1-3. We will return to our 12:13 class on Sunday, April 26.
Praying that you and your family have a blessed Easter as you celebrate our Savior’s victory over sin and death!
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pilgrims-progress-4-5-09
April 11, 2009
