1.22.11: Pilgrim’s Progress (12): Battling The Prince Of Darkness
On Sunday we resumed “Pilgrim’s Progress” in the Valley of Humiliation, where Christian immediately encountered the demonic fiend Apollyon. When Apollyon learned that Christian was from the City of Destruction, he announced that he was prince of that city and demanded allegiance. Christian informed the monster that he had chosen to enter the service of another prince — the King of princes. Apollyon bribed, threatened, and accused Christian but could not shake the pilgrim’s resolve. “To speak the truth,” confessed Christian, “I like His Work, His Wages, His Servants, His Government, His Company, and His Country better than yours. Therefore, quit trying to persuade me; for I am His servant, and I will follow Him.”
At this, Apollyon roared in rage and shot flaming arrows “thick as hail.” The combat lasted half a day. Despite his brave defense, Christian suffered multiple wounds and increasing weakness. Seizing his opportunity, Apollyon threw Christian to the ground, 
knocking his sword from his hand. “I have you beaten now!” exulted the fiend as he prepared to deliver the death blow.
But Christian, though crushed, was not destroyed. With the promises of God’s Word on his lips, he grasped his sword and thrust it into the monster. Apollyon backed away, mortally wounded. Echoing the battle cry that has carried countless Christians through spiritual warfare, the pilgrim struck again, proclaiming, “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us!” With that, Apollyon took wing and flew away, never to trouble Christian again.
For the young pilgrims in the class, Mr. Brunson sought to stress two main truths. First, God wisely allows us to experience trials “in the valley” in order to strengthen our love and faith. Second, the Word of God is our most reliable weapon when we engage in spiritual battle. We encountered three different ways the devil seeks to oppose us:
1) temptation
2) threat
3) and accusation
We also examined three biblical truths to counter these wiles:
1) True life is found in knowing and following Christ (John 10:9-10)
2) Christ raises the dead (Romans 8:28-29)
3) Christ is our advocate (1 John 2:1-2)
Parents, let me encourage you to take a few minutes with your children to follow up on these truths. Help them identify the unique sources of temptation and spiritual battle in their lives, and then help them locate at least one Scripture they can use to fight back. Finally, remind them of the glorious gospel, which declares that we are more than conquerors through the great Prince — the King of princes — who loved and died for us.
Remember to pray for the Mr. S & his family as they go to Africa to share the gospel.
1.15.12: Pilgrim’s Progress (11)–Equipping For The Jouney
Christian spends several days with the family in the Beautiful Palace being equipped for his journey. In the library he learns more about the Lord of the Hill — that he is the Son of the “Ancient of Days,” that he was not created (John 1:1), that he has done mighty acts, and that he has prepared eternal dwellings and rich rewards for his servants. In the armory Christian is equipped with helmet, shield, sword, and everything else he will need to withstand attack along the way. On the final morning he is led to the top of the palace from which he is able to see the Delightful Mountains — “a very pleasant mountainous country made beautiful with woods, vineyards, fruits of all kinds, flowers, springs, and fountains” (Pilgrim’s Progress, p. 71). Once he has reached those mountains, the sisters assure Christian, he will be able to see the Celestial City itself.
With that reassuring scene in mind, Christian leaves the palace and descends the steep hill into the Valley of Humiliation. The sisters give him gifts and bid him farewell as he continues along his path.
I ended Sunday’s class by telling the students that for us as Christians, every Sunday is a holiday in the Delightful Mountains. Our Sunday celebration meetings refresh us from our labors, strengthen us to wage warfare against sin, and — best of all — give us a fresh glimpse of Calvary, the most delightful mountain of all.
Parents, as you review this lesson with your children, talk to them about their expectation of Sunday. Is it the best day of the week for them? For you? Together let’s grow in our anticipation of this weekly holiday in the Delightful Mountains!
-Mr. Bozarth
1/8/12: Pilgrim’s Progress (10): The House On The Hill
This week youth pastor Dave Brewer started the class by praying for Mr. Sommerville and the North Africa team. He also challenged the class to commit to pray for Mr. Sommerville and the North Africa team. We are so thankful for Mr. Sommerville and for his years of service and investment in the 12:13 ministry. Let’s remember to pray for Mr. Sommerville, his family, and the North Africa team. Let’s pray together that “the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored…”(2 Thes. 3:1). Mr. Sommerville and his family will be greatly missed around here, but we are very grateful for the opportunity the Lord has given them, and we look forward to hearing how the Lord will use this North Africa team to bring glory to Himself!
Congratulations to our Bible Bowl winners! They are… Leanna Benson, Omma Tso, Madeline Yi, and Grayson Lee. You will be forever enshrined in 12:13 class history and will receive your prize this week.
With the start of a New Year, Mr. Brewer and youth intern, Jacob Bozarth, challenged the class to begin reading one of three Bible reading plans for 2012. Each student should talk to their parents about which plan will work best for them. The three options that we have provided are, 1. Read the bible in one year, 2. Read the Bible in two years, or 3. Read the New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs in one year. If you have questions about the Bible reading for this year or about using any other plans please email Jacob Bozarth at jbozarth[at]covlife.org.
Mr. Bozarth taught this week’s lesson as we resumed Pilgrims Progress. Once Christian passed the lions, he was welcomed into the Beautiful 
Palace— a house “built by the Lord of the Hill for the relief and security of Pilgrims” (Pilgrim’s Progress, p. 64). Four sisters — Discretion, Piety, Charity, and Prudence — asked him many questions about his journey. When Prudence asked about his ongoing battles with sin, Christian described four practices that helped him conquer temptation…practices that even young pilgrims would benefit from:
- Thinking about the cross and Christ’s costly sacrifice for sin
- Meditating on the robe of Christ’s righteousness which we have received
- Reflecting on the “document” of our inheritance in Christ (sealed by the Spirit)
- Looking forward to the city towards which we are traveling
After extended discussion the four sisters treated Christian to a memorable meal. Though the food was delicious, it was the fellowship that most refreshed Christian: “All their conversation at the table was about the Lord of the Hill…” (p. 69). As a class we defined fellowship as the language of Christians, a language that centers on Jesus. Mr. Bozarth asked the students to evaluate the content of their own discussions around the dinner table or with friends. It’s a good question for us all: How often do we spontaneously talk about our Lord’s life, teaching, death, resurrection, or return?
12/18/11: BIBLE BOWL I! (1 Samuel)
During the month of December we have been studying a type of biblical literature called “Old Testament Narratives” with a specific emphasis on I Samuel. We have learned some very important principles of biblical interpretation as well as specific lessons from the lives if King Saul and King David.
On the Sunday before Christmas, students were challenged to pull their knowledge together and compete in a class-wide Bible knowledge tournament. The Qualifying Round allowed everyone to attempt the first 20 questions. Judging by the high scores, it was obvious that a lot of students had been studying hard during the month of December!
The top five teams from each grade then advanced to the Competition Round and answered 20 more questions. The Championship Round featured the top team from each grade (plus a “Wild Card” team including the three students with the highest individual scores)) in a revised format, competing head-to-head in answering ten tough questions. (Sample: “Which Philistine king made David his bodyguard for life?”)
Attitudes were exemplary despite stiff competition…but once again it was a team of girls who claimed the trophy as our Bible Bowl champions. What a fun way to wrap up our month-long study of the book of I Samuel!
In January we resume our journey in “Pilgrim’s Progress” as Christian battles Apollyon, escapes with his life from Vanity Fair, and is imprisoned by Giant Despair. In March we will focus on the book of Acts. All students will be encouraged to test their knowledge of that exciting New Testament book when we host “Bible Bowl II” on April 1!
Youth pastor Dave Brewer and youth intern Jacob Bozarth will lead the class beginning January 8. They are really looking forward to it — and for good reason. I can’t wait for them to experience the privilege of teaching this wonderful group of kids!
Leading the 12:13 class for the past 4 years has been one of the highlights of my pastoral ministry. I will treasure my memories of you — and in the months and years ahead I fully expect to hear that you are growing by leaps and bounds in your love for and knowledge of our Savior.
With my prayers, affection, and respect,
Mr. Somerville
12/11/11: The Greatest Story Ever Told: 1 SAMUEL (2)
Before continuing our study of 1 Samuel we learned a little more about how to interpret Scripture. Special Hermeneutics refers to those special rules that apply to specific types of biblical literature. For example, when reading Old Testament Narratives, it’s important to realize that narratives tell what actually happened, not what should have happened. Not all the characters we read about in the Bible are worth imitating. As a class we emphasized the fact that God is always the main character and ultimate hero of an Old Testament Narrative.
Despite his serious failures, David — one of the main characters in 1 Samuel — is worth our careful study and admiration. How many lessons there are to learn from his life! When God chose David to be the second king of Israel, he chose a man after his own heart. Throughout his life, David feared God and trusted God — no matter what.
David’s encounter with Goliath is one of the most well-known stories in the Bible. Often we read it as if it were a moral lesson on courage. Actually, this story is all about God — the mighty God who can deliver his people from anything. David entered the battle because of his concern for God’s glory…he responded to Goliath’s taunts with a confidence in God’s help…and he conquered the giant in God’s strength, not his own.
David’s fear of God and trust in God are seen so clearly in the cave of Adullam when he had a chance to kill Saul (I Samuel 24). But to the utter dismay of his six hundred men, David did nothing more than cut the corner from Saul’s robe. Why? Because he refused to raise his hand against God’s anointed king. Instead he placed his trust in God for deliverance.
In Psalm 34, written after David was delivered from one of his many foes, David tells us what we can learn from his life experience: “Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord” (Psalm 34:11). May the Lord cultivate in each of us a heart like David’s, a heart that feared and trusted the Lord above all else.
Next Sunday we get to enjoy our first Bible Bowl competition of the year! In teams of three or four, students will be competing head to head to see who knows the most about the book of I Samuel. The winning team will be forever enshrined in 12:13 class history when presented with our Bible Bowl trophy!
2012 Bible Reading Challenge!
As announced in class, Mr. Somerville is again challenging all 12:13 students to consider reading through the entire Bible in a year! (Or two years, if you and your parents think that would be a better pace for you.)
A special pizza party and prizes await all those who meet their goal by midnight on December 31, 2012.
For a copy of the Bible reading plan, click below. May God open your eyes and heart to see amazing things in his wonderful Word!
Bible Reading Plan (1 & 2 year plans)
NT Bible Reading Plan (New Testament, Psalms, & Proverbs)
12:13 Holiday Schedule — Please Note!
- Sunday, December 11 — 12:13 Class on 1 Samuel (Part 2)
- Sunday, December 11 — 12:13 Christmas Outreach and Party!
- 6:00 pm — Meet at Flower Hill Community Center to pass out invitations to Christmas Eve service and sing Christmas carols. (We will not meet at 5:00 as Mr. Somerville mistakenly announced in class.)
- 7:00 pm – Meet in Events Center for hot cocoa, snacks, and games. $1 per student. Parents welcome (sorry, no siblings). Every student is encouraged to bring a homemade Christmas goodie to enter into the 12:13 Christmas cook-off competition.
- Sunday, December 18 — Bible Bowl on 1 Samuel
- Extended class time: 9:00-10:30 am
- 50-question Bible knowledge competition
- Students may compete in teams of 3 or 4
- Prizes for the winning teams!
- Note: December 18 will be Mr. Somerville’s last day.
- Sunday, December 25 (Christmas) — NO CLASS
- Sunday, January 1 (New Years) — NO CLASS
- Sunday, January 8 — 12:13 Class Resumes After Holiday Break
12/4/11: The Greatest Story Ever Told: 1 SAMUEL (1)
During the month of December we are taking a break from “Pilgrim’s Progress” in order to enjoy some in-depth Bible study. (We will resume Christian’s journey on the second Sunday in January.)
Scripture is a collection of 66 different books representing many types of literature. Because we read and interpret different types of literature in different ways, it’s important to know the distinctions. For example, if you read parables in the same way you read epistles or laws, you’re going to get some interesting results…
On Sunday I taught the class that there are at least 10 different types of literature in the Bible. Here is the list (with a sample of each type in parentheses):
- Old Testament Narratives (I Samuel)
- New Testament Narratives (Acts)
- Gospels (Mark)
- Parables (The Prodigal Son)
- Epistles (Ephesians)
- Laws (Deuteronomy)
- Prophets (Daniel)
- Psalms (Psalm 23)
- Wisdom (Proverbs)
- Revelation
After introducing these different types of biblical literature, I defined two important terms for this class of young Bible scholars:
- Hermeneutics: The science and art of biblical interpretation
- Exegesis: Using hermeneutics to reach a correct understanding of Scripture
Equipped with this new knowledge, we dived into the book of I Samuel (an example of Old Testament Narratives) and examined the life of Saul, the first king of Israel. He started off so well — handsome, humble, heroic, and full of the Holy Spirit. But perhaps the power went to his head, because soon pride was revealed in his heart. Unlike the prophet Samuel, who revered and obeyed the word of the Lord, Saul showed a tendency to bend God’s words to suit his own purpose. It ultimately cost him his kingdom…and his life.
Saul’s pride led to jealousy, murder, and witchcraft. The more God favored David, the more Saul hated him. He sought to pin him to the wall with his spear; he tried to kill him in bed with his sword. When David fled for his life, “Saul sought him every day” (I Sam. 23:14). But God opposed this proud king and protected David’s life.
Saul’s life ends tragically. “God has turned away from me and answers me no more,” he laments on the eve of his death (I Sam. 28:15). Pierced by Philistine arrows on top of Mt. Gilboa, he falls on his sword and takes his own life. “Thus Saul died, and his three sons, and his armor-bearer, and all his men, on the same day together” (I Sam. 31:6).
What do we learn from the life and death of this king? “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Prv. 16:18). Conquered by his enemy within, Saul reminds us of the deadly danger of pride.
Next week we will be encouraged to see God’s grace at work in a shepherd-warrior, the second king of Israel, a “man after God’s own heart”….
And on December 18 we will host this year’s first Bible Bowl! In teams of three or four, students will be competing head to head in a 50-question test to see who knows the most about the book of I Samuel. The winning team will be forever enshrined in 12:13 class history when presented with our Bible Bowl trophy!
Carols, Cookies, and Cocoa — Sunday, December 11!
- Date: Sunday, December 11
- Time: 6:00-9:00 pm
- Place: Meet at the Flower Hill Community Center (8100 Mountain Laurel Lane, Gaithersburg) at 6:00 to sing carols and pass out invitations to the Christmas Eve service. Return to the church (Events Center) at approximately 7:00 for Christmas goodies and fun.
- Cost: $1 per person (pay at the door)
- Attendees: 12:13 students, parents, and friends (Sorry — no siblings)
- Schedule:
– 6:00: Meet at Flower Hill Community Center. (Carpooling recommended)
– 6:15-7:00: Carol in nearby neighborhoods and give out invitations to Christmas Eve service (Parents and students will be organized in groups of 25 or so and supplied with songbooks)
– 7:00-9:00: Return to Events Center for hot chocolate, hot apple cider, snacks, and games - Christmas Goodies Competition! All students are encouraged to submit their favorite homemade Christmas goodies. Prizes will be awarded to the top chef in each grade. (The more entries, the more snacks for everyone to enjoy!)
- Please bring: Flashlights, warm clothes, $1/person, and entries for the Christmas Goodies Competition
- Parent Participation: Not required, but we would love to have as many parents participate as possible!
- In case of bad weather: We will post an announcement on this blog by 3pm on Sunday if bad weather changes our plans.
We look forward to sharing the joyful news of Jesus with your family and the surrounding community on December 11!
11/27/11: Pilgrim’s Progress (9): Facing The Lions
As night fell, Christian saw a beautiful palace just ahead on the narrow path…but then he saw the lions. For a moment he considered fleeing as Fearful and Mistrust had done. But then he heard the palace guard, Watchful, call out with these words: “Is your strength so small? Don’t fear the lions, for they’re chained. They’re placed there for the trial of faith, to find out where it is and to reveal those who have none. Stay in the middle of the path, and no injury will come to you.” Though trembling with fear, Christian acted on Watchful’s words and walked past the lions to safety.
Sunday’s passage from Pilgrim’s Progress provided a great opportunity to talk about the “lions” each Christian will face in following Christ. God strengthens the faith of his children with “trials of various kinds” (James 1:2). Maybe your parents announce that they need to sell their home because of the economy… maybe your grandmother is dying…maybe you need to confront a classmate but worry that you will lose her friendship as a result…maybe you need to confess a lie to your parents but you know there will be serious consequences.
These are real tests of faith. What enables us to press forward on the path? God’s promise that he has these lions on a chain! Though, like Christian, we may not be able to see that chain with our own eyes, we can trust the God who “upholds the universe by the word of his power” (Hebrews 1:3). And with each step forward, our faith grows stronger.
One of our 8th-grade students got to put this lesson to the test when invited to participate in a “Trust Fall.” Standing high on a table, arms crossed over his chest, body stiff as a board, he fell straight back…into the arms of 8 younger students (and a couple of strong dads). And he survived! But not without a little fear and trembling.
Jacob Bozarth, the youth ministry intern at Covenant Life who taught Sunday’s class, asked students to send me an e-mail this week (with parent permission) describing a “lion” that they have faced in the past year. Parents, take a few minutes this week to talk with your student(s) about the circumstances of life that are testing their faith — and yours. You’ll find some helpful discussion questions on the back of their weekly handout.
FOR DISCUSSION WITH PARENTS
- Talk about “lions” that have tested your faith – difficult circumstances that have forced you to depend more on God.
- How does an assurance of God’s mighty power help us to face our “lions”?
- Are there any “lions” crouching by our path today? How does God want us to respond?
