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?

Teaching Notes 01-08-12

Teaching Audio 01.08.12

Pilgrim’s Progress 10

Lesson Outline 01-08-12