living our mission: atonement lutheran church

http://www.atonewithchrist.com

Reggie Baylor Color Illustration

Images depicting parables of Jesus and Jesus teaching the people were created by the Reginald Baylor Studio and commissioned by the Bethesda Institute for Cross Road Journey, a curriculum designed to meet the spiritual needs of people with intellectual disabilities, and are used by permission of Bethesda Lutheran Communities.

http://www.reginaldbaylor.com

http://bethesdalutherancommunities.org

God you entrusted us with the great resources you have given us: your Word, the giftedness of your people here, and the opportunities to share your forgiving love. We pray for boldness and passion to pursue your purposes in all that we do. Fan into flame all these gifts, to carry out your mission through us.

REACHING OUR COMMUNITIES WITH THE GOOD NEWS ABOUT JESUS’ ATONEMENT AND GATHERING PEOPLE AROUND GOD’S WORD TO GROW IN FAITH AND SERVICE IN HIS KINGDOM.

Jesus Loves the Church

Jesus Reaches people through the Church

Jesus Gathers the Church

Jesus Grows his Church

Jesus Equips the Church to Serve

The Church Stewards God’s Resources

“I’m very special and I know I’m going up to heaven”-Atonement Scholar

Join the Conversation

When people ask, “where is your church,” what do you immediately think?

What does God say?

Luke 15:20 “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.”

Ephesians 2:19-22 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

Read further: 1 Corinthians 1:2, Hebrews 12:22-23, 28

Reflect on God’s message to you:

• Dig into the terms God uses to describe the church. How does it broaden your view of Atonement? Of yourself?

• Evaluate the problems that develop from merely looking at the church as a place, a denomination, a governance, or an establishment.

Challenge yourself to grow in this area:

Next time you are “at church” visualize what the “church” really looks like if it had no building. List specific ways you can better encourage each other to live as “the church.”

Pray – rely on God for results:

Lord of the Church, open our eyes to see the amazing thing you have assembled here at Atonement. Humble us with the awesomeness of this privilege. Make us truly a dwelling in which you live by your Spirit so that we may worship you with the reverence and awe you deserve. Amen.

The Church is not something we go to. It is something we belong to – it is what we are – no matter where we are.

https://atonewithchrist.tableproject.org

When people look at the buildings, programs, and performances of the churches around our world, what do they often mistake makes a great church?

What does God say?

Psalm 89:5-16 The heavens praise your wonders, LORD, your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones. For who in the skies above can compare with the LORD? Who is like the LORD among the heavenly beings? In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared; he is more awesome than all who surround him. 8 Who is like you, LORD God Almighty? …. The heavens are yours, and yours also the earth; you founded the world and all that is in it. Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, LORD. They rejoice in your name all day long;

Read further: Exodus 15:11, 1 Chronicles 16:24-29, Isaiah 40:10-26


• Comment on this: A church is no better than the God it reveals.

• If you constantly grasped the awe-inspiring work and presence of the Almighty God, how would your everyday life become different?


As you wake up each day, pause to reflect on God’s power and glory and consciously realize his presence in all activities and situations.

Pray about it – relying on God’s answer:

Almighty God, before whose presence the angels veil their faces, continue to reveal to me your power and glory so that I may humbly live in your presence with awe and reverence each day. Let my daily life reveal your majesty. Amen.

There is nothing more awe-inspiring than the true God whom the church is here to reveal.



God chose to love us, we didn’t merit it. There is nothing you can do to make God love you more…or love you any less

How does the world view the church? What blemishes does it notice?

What does God say?

Isaiah 61:11, 62:5 For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness… as a bride adorns herself with her jewels….as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you.

Romans 5:8; Ephesians 5:25-30 God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.…Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.

Read further: John 17:24, Ephesians 1:3-14


• Carefully examine the images these passages give to help you understand how you look in God’s eyes. Why is it so difficult to grasp this?

• Picture how your perceptions of who you are would change if you could constantly see yourself as God sees you.


Look at the people in church on Sunday and ask yourself how you should treat them in view of the fact that they are the bride that he gave his life for…then do it


Jesus, my bridegroom, thank you for making me beautiful – washed clean through your blood shed on the cross and dressed in your righteousness. Help me see myself as you see me and fill my day with confidence knowing your presence by my side and your unfailing love for me. Amen.



God doesn’t exist just to cater to my needs and desires but to reveal his grace and glory in the way he cares for us.

What evidence shows that we often think life revolves around us?

What does God say?

John 17:4,24 (Jesus) “Father, I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do…I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory…”

Ephesians 3:10-11 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms.

1 Peter 2:9,12 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light… Live such good lives among the pagans that…they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

Read further: Psalm 115:1, 16-18; John 17:1-5, 1 Corinthians 8:6


• Evaluate the primary focus of everything in your life – personally and as a church. What becomes obviously central?

• What might change if your every activity, relationship, and conversation was to give glory to God and reveal his greatness?


Analyze your life and determine how it reveals the greatness and glory of God. Regularly express it to others in your conversations throughout the day.


O Sovereign God, open my eyes to see your multi-faceted glory in what you have made and in your wisdom in watching over my part of the world. Let the everyday details of my life bring glory to your name. Open my mouth to declare the wonders of your love shown to me through your Son Jesus. Amen.



Jesus is head over everything for the church. Even the gates of hell will not overcome it.

Why does the church often seem so weak and powerless to the world?

What does God say?

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.

Ephesians 1:19-22 … his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

Matthew 16:18 Jesus replied … on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hell will not overcome it.

Read further: Romans 8:28, 37-39


• Describe the power that is behind the Church.

• How will that change our attitude as we face the future?


Daily review what God says about the Church. Realize you are the Church. Determine how it will affect the way you approach your day.


O mighty Ruler of heaven and earth who orchestrates everything, give me boldness to approach this day convinced that you are in it. Remind me of your unfailing love and fill me with the confidence to stand up against anything that tries to bring me down so that your name might be glorified. Amen



“We hope others recognize the blessings provided by those who came before and will join us in putting our love into action, reaching the community into which God has placed us. -Dave Timm

The Church is the extending hand of Jesus who reached out to the brokenhearted and sinners.

Why do people think the church is only for perfect people?

What does Jesus say?

Luke 15:9-10 ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.’

Luke 19:7-10 All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.”… Jesus said to him, “... the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Revelation 7:9-10 And there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb… 10 And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”

Read further: Matthew 9:11-13, Luke 7:36-50


• List those people who were rejected or marginalized by others that Jesus, the sinless one, felt comfortable spending time with. Who are those people today?

• Look at your life…our church…our school. Do our discussions and activities reflect Christ’s passion to reach those who don’t know Christ? How can this improve?


Watch for people that might be neglected or overlooked by others. Determine to be the one who shows them the heart of Jesus in the way you reach out to them.


Lord Jesus, Physician of souls, you extended your healing hand to the sick, the prostitutes, the demon-possessed, and the lepers. Free me from pride and selfish fears. Give me a heart like yours for all people. Let them be led closer to your saving love through my interactions with them. Amen.



What does it mean to you that over 4.5 billion people are facing death without knowing the only way of hope, and eternal life?

In today’s world why do so many embrace the idea that religion is merely a matter of preference, opinion, ethnicity and each is equally valid?

What does God say?

2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might 10 on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people

1 Timothy 2:3-6; Acts 4:12 ... God our Savior, … wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people…Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.

Read further: Romans 2:17, Ephesians 2:8-9, 2 Peter 3:9


• What are the passages saying to you about the 6+ billion people in the world of which less than one-third profess to be Christian?

• When does our concern for our plans, reputation, convenience, or comfort begin to matter more than extending a saving hand to the people around us?

Challenge yourself grow in this area:

Sit at a mall or anywhere there are plenty of people walking by. Look at each person and wonder what they think about God. Ask God to give you the eyes to see what he wants for them. Act on it.


O Lamb of God who was slain for me, open my eyes to the world that is dying without you. Give me the passion to do something about it – not only overseas but in my neighborhood. Amen



The Church’s main message is repentance and forgiveness of sins. Its main mission – making disciples who follow Christ.

When does it seem the church gets off track in its main mission?

What does Jesus say?

Luke 24:46-49 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.”

Matthew 28:18-20 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Read further: Acts 1:8


• Articulate what Jesus commissions us to do. Place it into the context of your life. What does it look like for you…. for the church…for the school?

• What is the potential “cost” of carrying this out? …the potential cost of not carrying this out?

Challenge yourself to grow in this area: Look at your day as the canvass on which to carry out Christ’s commission. What specific changes will you make?


Immanuel, ever-present Lord, renew in me the awe of your life, death, and resurrection with its life-changing impact for me. Fill me with your Spirit to carry out my role in bearing witness to your grace and continuing your mission to make disciples everywhere. Amen.



The Church is Christ’s voice imploring people to be reconciled to God through faith in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.

What do most people in our country see as their purpose in this world?

What does God say?

2 Corinthians 5:12-20 Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men… For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died…God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

Romans 10:13-15 “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in?


• Explore the driving motivation behind Paul’s appeal to reach people with Christ. What stands out? Does it drive us?

• What does an ambassador do? Create a job description of what it means to be Christ’s ambassadors.


See yourself as Christ’s ambassador throughout your day. Determine what you could do to help people around you know the King you represent and be reunited with him. Act on your ideas.


King of Kings and Lord of Lords, fire us up with your incomparable grace in forgiving our sins. Let it touch the core of our being to be ambassadors conveying the wonders of the empty cross and the empty tomb. Use our efforts so others can escape condemnation and be restored to a rich, eternal relationship with you. Amen



The Church is the royal priesthood leading the people around them to glorify God.

Many people think Christians are different. Is that good?

What does God say?

1 Peter 2:9-12 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light… Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

Colossians 4:2-6 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Read further: 1 Peter 3:15-16


• Examine what your life says to others. If you were a book, what story would they be reading? How do they read our church and school?

• How can our church and school best deal with the doors God opens and make the most of the opportunities? Where do you fit in?


Determine to make the most of each of those opportunities. Look for the open doors God has placed in your life. Share your story of faith so you can lead to Christ’s story of grace.


All-knowing God, whose true glory is hidden in the darkness of the world, thank you for revealing your grace to me in the person of Jesus. Outfit me for my tasks as your royal priest and as salt and light to reveal your greatness to others. Amen.



“ We need to be thankful for the past and look towards the future needs of Gods Kingdom at Atonement and pray that He would lead us to look beyond our current needs to what will be needed to reach, teach, and equip future Christians at Atonement.

-Scott Severson

Church is a relationship with God, a brotherhood and sisterhood of faity – initiated by God and his working in our lives.

What makes a person join a church?

What does God say?

Isaiah 40:10-11 See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm…. He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young

John 1:12-13 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

Ephesians 2:19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household,


• Evaluate who initiates this relationship with God. What does that tell you?

• Re-evaluate the concept of church in terms of “God’s flock,” “fellow citizens with God’s people” and “members of God’s household.” How can that impact the way you see your relationship with other members?

Challenge yourself to live it:

Sit in the back of church one Sunday and look at each person asking, what does God want me to think of these people? What does he see? Resolve to celebrate your connection with them with the excitement of a family reunion, a fellow sports fan, or a fellow countryman in a foreign city.


Gracious Father, thank you for gathering me into your household. Help me find peace and security in knowing you have made me your child. Give me the resolve to walk in this world remembering the privileges and responsibilities of being a citizen of heaven. Amen.

-Scott Severson Join the Conversation


If the church is basically a gathering of God’s people around the Word, the place they gather hardly matters.

Why do people drop out from regular church attendance? Is it a legitimate reason?

What does God say?

John 10:27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

Acts 2:42-47 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer... Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.

Hebrews 10:22-25 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus… let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.


• Examine what drew the early Christian church to gather. Are we showing the same longing or not? Why or why not?

• List reasons why it is important for Christians to gather on a regular basis.


Look for ways this week that you can plan more regular encouragement gathering with other members. Especially include those who are not in the habit of doing so


Jesus, our High Priest, who opened heaven for us, give me the longing to gather before you with fellow Christians to hear your voice and to spur one another on toward a greater love and life in Christ. Amen.



Worship is none other than God’s people gathering to behold the glory of God and proclaim his grace to us in Christ.

What widely differing expectations do people have when they gather for worship?

What does God say?

Matthew 18:19-20 “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

Hebrews 12:22-24, 28 But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel…. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.

Read further: Exodus 15:1-18, 33:11-19; Isaiah 6:1-8; Revelation 5:11-14, 7:9-12


• Explain what the passages say is so awe-inspiring in the gathering of God’s people, especially in worship.

• Make a list of things that make worship lose its luster. What would change that around?


When you come to worship next week, picture yourself as one among a vast crowd of worshippers that includes the very angels of heaven assembled to behold the glory of Jesus who is also presence in the midst of the crowd.


O Christ, Lamb of God, you are worthy of praise for you were slain so we could have life. Give us a profound sense of wonder and mystery at your holiness communicated to us through grace. Keep our worship focused on you and let our response be one of faith and joy in your presence. Amen.



The Church is one body having one Father and one Spirit and one Savior in common and here for one common purpose.

When does unity in the church break down or deteriorate?

What does God say?

1 Corinthians 1:10 I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.

Ephesians 4:1-6 I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Romans 14:19 Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.

Read further: Philippians 2:1-5, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18


• Determine why unity in the church is incredibly important.

• Identify those things that work toward the unity he refers to.


The church is full of different personalities, backgrounds, passions. Emphasize our unity by talking with each other about those key things we have in common. Recognize when we are becoming distracted, diverted or divided by less eternally important things.


Lord, we are less than perfect yet you have brought us together by faith in your Son. Build in us the love of what you have done that we are drawn closer and closer in unity around our common forgiveness, hope, joy, and purpose. Amen.



The Church is to be a mirror of the love Christ shows to us. How clearly do we reflect that?

Where do you see a lack of love in the church? Why?

What does God say?

John 13:34-35 Jesus said, “As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

1 John 3:1, 16 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!...This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers… Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

Read further: John 13:1-17, Romans 12:9-18


• Explain why our love for one another is an important part of our lives together as the church.

• List ways you could make that love real for others in your life… in the church… in the school.


Find the one or two people in Church (or at home) you have the most difficult time with. Think through ways you can imitate God’s love for them…then do it.

Pray about it- relying on God’s answer:

Jesus, fill me with an understanding of how wide, and broad, and high, and deep is your unconditional love towards me. Give me a heart like yours today to love those whom you love and be your ambassador to make it real in their lives. Amen



My faith is important to me…”because I have a better relationship with God. I love God very much being here, every day helps me more.

Atonement Scholar- 6th Grade

Our ability to do God’s work and accomplish his purpose is not dependent on our expertise and wisdom but on God’s power that is at work in his Word of truth.

What do people think makes a church grow?

What does God say?

Colossians 1:6; 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God’s grace in all its truth….I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.

Matthew 13:18-23 “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart... But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”

Read further: 2 Timothy 3:13-17


• Consider the image of the farmer and the seed. Describe how that helps you visualize how God grows the church.

• In growing Christians, what is God’s part? The church’s part? Your part?


Explain how God has made the seed of his Word grow and bear fruit in your life or the life of another. Tie it to real life stories.


Lord, Creator and Sustainer of faith, plant your Word deep in my heart. Send your Spirit to convict me of my sinfulness and then to grasp the greatness of being forgiven and accepted because of the work of your Son Jesus. Involve me in the sowing of that seed for others. Amen



Christian life is not about rules, regulations, and rituals (as valuable as they might be) but about a person - a growing relationship with Christ through his Word.

Why do people think the church is all about conformity to outward expectations?

What does God say?

John 6:23, 15:7 Jesus replied, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him… If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

Ephesians 3:16-19 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith...—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Acts 4:13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

Read further: 1 John 1:1


• What is God’s main goal – outward morality and conformity or inner change? Why?

• Explain why prayer is an important part of this relationship.


Find a quiet time each day to talk to God from your heart – much like a dear child can talk to an available, caring Father. Choose a special focus for each day. Suggestion: Mon – family, Tues – those who don’t know Jesus, Wed – your church family, Thurs – your church leaders, Fri – the less fortunate of the world, Sat – blessing Sunday’s worship preparations, Sun – the many-faceted blessings of God.


Holy Spirit, my ever-present Counselor, give me confidence through Jesus to draw near to God in full assurance and excitement that I too can talk to him as the dear Father who longs to listen to me his adopted child and heir. Amen.



Jesus satisfies our hunger and thirst. He is the living water that becomes a spring of water welling up to eternal life in those who drink it and the Bread of Life that gives eternal life to those who eat of it.

Often it seem like being a Christian is as simple as joining a church. Why?

What does God say?

John 8:31-32 Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free…

1 Peter 2:2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.

Philippians 3:10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings.

Read further: Matthew 7:24-27, Hebrews 5:11-6:1


• Describe one essential characteristic of being a disciple of Jesus.

• If you measured your spiritual appetite by the quiet time you spend learning at the feet of Jesus, how would you rate it: lifeless… lukewarm… mediocre… craving… on-fire?


List all the opportunities during the week to be in the Word. Dedicate a special time each day to hear God speak to you in your reading of the Bible. Ask the Holy Spirit to open your understanding to the message he brings you.


Bread of Life, so many times I become distracted, rushed, or preoccupied by the attractions or distractions around me. Create in me such a hunger to continually feast on your Word that it becomes central to everything else in my life. Amen



Christ’s goal is not to make life easy for us but to deepen our dependence on him and strengthen us to fulfill his purposes.

Every year there are new books and methods of self improvement. What do you think of them? Are they the answer to our society’s challenges?

What does God say?

Jeremiah 31:33 “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts… they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the LORD. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”

1 Peter 1:3-4 In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.

2 Corinthians 3:18 And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory.

Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—.

Read further: John 4:7-14, 25-26; Ephesians 4:17-5:2


• Identify the patterns of this world that we often conform to. Pick out ones especially dangerous to your faith. Determine what to do about them.

• What does “transformed into his likeness” look like to you? …to others?


The home is the greenhouse for God’s word to be taught, modeled, and nurtured. Look for ways to build an awareness that Jesus is there. Let his Word transform your relationships beginning with those closest to you.


Lord of glory, I’m humbled and often ashamed when I consider your holiness. Because of the work of your Son on the cross, purify me and transform my thoughts and actions to be a mirror of yours to all those around me. Amen.



God’s “discipline” isn’t pleasant at the time, but later produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

Jesus reveals his dissatisfaction with lukewarm followers. What might be the causes?

What does God say?

Luke 13:6 Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any.”

John 15:2-8 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful… “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing… This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples… I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.”

Colossians 1:9-10 We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will… so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work.

Read further: Galatians 5:19-25; 2 Peter 1:5-8, Revelation 2:4-5; 3:14-17


• Identify phrases that show how important it is to God that our relationship with him bears fruit.

• Think through how that fruit becomes more abundant. What will that mean to your life?


Look at what your life is producing and determine if it is the kind of fruit God looks for – in your priorities and in your relationships. Make a list of those things you will look to God for …


Creator, Sustainer, and Refiner of my faith, nourish me at the core of my being, trim off those things that hinder my growth. Design into my life those things that will refine my faith so I may bear more fruit pleasing to you. Amen.



I believe the past has taught us two valuable lessons: Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is never put to shame, and it is not good enough to leave something behind; we must leave more behind than we received. -Wayne Bartelt

Living every moment of your life to display the glory, forgiveness, love, and purpose of the one who gave you his life – that is your calling.

Why do people sometimes find such conflict in who they feel they are?

Understanding God’s message to you

Psalm 139:4,14,16 You have searched me, LORD, and you know me…For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb… I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made…. all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

Romans 9:20-21 But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’” Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?

Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Read Further: Isaiah 45:1-13; Psalm 139:4, 16; Jeremiah 1:1-19


• Describe the comfort there is in knowing that you are uniquely fashioned by God.

• Evaluate what it means for you that he has prepared good works in advance for you to do. List some you have seen recently.


Determine to discover your unique design. See how it applies to every task and relationship in your sphere of influence. Find joy in seeing God accomplish his purposes through you at home, work, neighborhood, and church.


Architect of the universe and craftsman of my very being, help me make better sense of my life by understanding my unique design and accepting my specific function in the world you orchestrate. Help me follow your lead and live out your agenda by aligning my plans with yours. Amen.



Every activity can be transformed into an act of worship – when done for the praise, glory, and purposes of God.

Why does being a servant (or a slave) bring about negative connotations for people?

What does God say?

2 Corinthians 5:15; Romans 12:2 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again…. Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.

Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men… It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Luke 9:23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”

Read further: Matthew 20:20-28, Philippians 2:1-16, Hebrews 12:1-12


• Summarize in your own words the key element that gives Christian servanthood its joyful motivation and focus.

• List different aspects of the servant’s heart and mind. Compare them with your approach to the people and tasks God places in front of you.


Determine what your life would be like if you lived it outside of your own self-focused desires and lived it solely for the Lord. Test it out on each relationship, situation, and task in the next week. Keep notes.


Ancient of Days, who entered our world to give your life for us, help me to live beyond myself and live only for you as you have lived yours for me. Address my selfishness and help me understand the cross you would have me carry as I follow you. Amen



God didn’t intend the work of the church only for professionals but by the royal priesthood serving in church, home, and community.

Around the world what do different people think of when they hear term “priest?”

What does God say:

1 Peter 2: 9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

Ephesians 4:11 So Christ himself … pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up …. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Read further: 1 Timothy 4:9-16


• Get your head around the concept that the church is really a collection of priests who serve together. What practical application does that have for you? …for the church?

• Identify a key function of “pastors and teachers” as it relates to your priesthood. In what ways would you see that best carried out for your life? ...in the life of the church?


Envision yourself as the priest you are for a full day. How will you declare God’s praises and become a living sacrifice? Note the difference it makes in your concerns, thoughts, priorities, conversations, and actions.


Lord God, who provides gifts to your Church to accomplish your purposes for this world, equip me for what you have designed me to do and help me build others up in love for the work that brings glory to you alone. Amen



Look what God did through a handful of ordinary men in Jerusalem to begin to turn the world upside down.

When do people begin to view church membership like a card-carrying club membership with privileges catered to your personal pleasure?

What does God say?

Romans 12:4-5 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.

1 Corinthians 12:4-7 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.

1 Peter 4:10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.


• Define the purpose of each person’s individual gift.

• Rethink the view of church membership with the picture of members of the body (different parts or organs). Then compare it with an orchestra. What comparisons come to mind that better clarify the concept of membership?


Become more involved with the body of Christ. Try a number of ministries and check the fit. Take the encouragement and advice of others to see your gifts and weigh its impact on the purpose of the church for the reaching of souls with the message of the gospel.


Jesus, the Head of the body we call the Church, help me find my meaning from your purposes and understand my part in the body as a whole. Let me see that you are at work in what I do. Keep me from envy or pride and focus me on the common good. Amen.



You are the masks of God through whom God carries out his concern for the individuals around you.

When is the church’s presence most noticed and recognized by its community?

What does God say?

1 Corinthians 13:2-3 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge… but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Matthew 25:34-40 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat …I was a stranger and you invited me in…. Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Matthew 5:13 “You are the salt of the earth... In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Galatians 6:9-10 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.


• Discuss the attitude found in “doing good” to others. Where does that come from?

• Evaluate how these can be a bridge for reaching others with the good news of Jesus individually.… as a church… as a school.


Take inventory of all the blessings you have received from God. Evaluate whether you have been neglecting the needs of others in favor of your own comforts and pleasures. Determine to make God’s love more tangible by caring enough to address needs of neighbors and community.


Lord of love, sometimes life is so busy I get caught up in fulfilling my own needs and desires and become indifferent to the needs of others. Give me a generous heart and open eyes to see the “least of these” who need my help. Use me to reveal your love and provision in tangible ways through me. Amen



I am reminded of how blessed we are to be able to give. I’m reminded that what we’re giving is not ours anyway- that we’re only stewards of the blessing that we are given. -Atonement Member

Two questions from Jesus:“Who do you say that I am?”“What did you do with what I gave you?”

Although the concept of stewardship is getting widespread use in society, why does it not always bring the respect in the church?


1 Corinthians 4:1-2 This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.

Luke 19:12-26 He said: “A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return.” So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. “Put this money to work,” he said, “until I come back.” …Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it. 26 He replied, “I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what they have will be taken away.”


• Look up the definition of a steward. Paint the picture of what that means in describing your relationship with God and the promises he makes with it.

• The greatest possession God has entrusted to us is his message of the gospel. Evaluate how this affects the stewarding of the rest of the gifts God entrust to us.


Determine if we are investing well the message he has entrusted to us. What is best way to spend our time, money, and energy for the spread of the gospel in our neighborhood and globally? How could we do it better at church…at school?


Dear Giver of all good, help us see the awesome treasure you have given us in the gospel. Provide us with insight so we can be responsible stewards with the Word. Bless our attempts to invest it so it brings you great return. Amen.



Offerings are a vital part of our worship as we give ourselves to him in response to the life he gives to us.


Malachi 1:6-9 “A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If I am a father, where is the honor due me? If I am a master, where is the respect due me?” says the LORD Almighty…”When you sacrifice crippled or diseased animals, is that not wrong? Try offering them to your governor! Would he be pleased with you?”

Malachi 3:10 “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”


What scripture says about offerings can be lumped into these guidelines.

1. Priority (first fruit giving) – Set aside your offering to God first when you receive your wages or gifts and live wisely off the rest.

2. Personal (freewill giving) – Sit down, calculate what you think would honor God in your offering and then cheerfully give it consistently.

3. Proportional (percentage giving) –Determine what you think would be a percentage that would please God and show your trust in him. As the blessings increase, challenge yourself to increase the percentage instead of the lifestyle.

4. Privilege (generous giving) – Look at the ways God can use you to make a difference in his gospel ministry or in the lives of others. See each as a privilege to extend his love to others and give freely.

Challenge yourself to grow in this area

Set a long range, hoped for goal of a percentage of your income that will go toward your offering. Determine a first step in getting there and schedule the increments to increase toward your goal.


God, my Father and supplier of all my needs, give me faith to step into a new level of trust and honor.



How can you leverage your business, your relationships, your positions, possessions, influence, wealth and talents to invest in making disciples of all nations?

How do people naturally view as the ownership and priority use of their possessions?


Matthew 6:25, 34 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. …But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Luke 16:9,13 I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings … “No one can serve two masters…You cannot serve both God and money.”

1 Timothy 6:18-19 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

Reflect on God’s message to you

• Consider all the possessions you have. How permanent are they? What will last after you (or this world) are no longer here? Evaluate how you might readjust the focus of your resources.

•Assess whether the good things you have in life are aligned with the greater things of God. Are we marshalling God’s resources for his glory to a world that does not know him?


Excel in this grace of giving. Giving is one of the more spiritual things we do. You want God’s involvement in the decision. Pray, study, reflect. Make a written commitment and stick with it. It saves having to wrestle the devil 52 times a year.


Ask God for direction in expanding your giving beyond what you thought possible.



Instead of asking “What can we spare?”Begin asking,“What will it take?”

If we see what we have as scarce resources, it often limits what we think possible. Sometimes a heart’s response to the Savior goes beyond the logic of this world. That is because the world doesn’t see the limitless God – the God of abundance. Our saving God has at his disposal all the resources of the universe and orchestrates it for the benefit of his Church – the people who belong to him. He is a God who “can do immeasurably more that we ever ask or imagine, according to his power that is a work within us.

What does God say?

2 Corinthians 9:6-11 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously…And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: “He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

Proverbs 3:9-10 Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.

Luke 6:38 “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

1 Corinthians 8:1-5 And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us….

Write down the encouragements God gives in these passages.



God wants us to partner with him in the greatest enterprise in all history – the expanding of his kingdom.

Take some encouragement from King David

1 Chronicles 22:17-19; 28:20 Then David ordered all the leaders of Israel to help his son Solomon. He said to them, “Is not the LORD your God with you? And has he not granted you rest on every side? … Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the LORD your God… David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished.”

1 Chronicles 29:2 Then King David said to the whole assembly: “…The task is great, because this palatial structure is not for man but for the LORD God. Besides, in my devotion to the temple of my God I now give my personal treasures of gold and silver for the temple of my God, over and above everything I have provided for this holy temple:… Now, who is willing to consecrate themselves to the LORD today?” Then the leaders of families, the officers of the tribes of Israel, the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds, and the officials in charge of the king’s work gave willingly... “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand….” LORD our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you. I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things I have given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you.

Have you noticed that God often shows his strength and glory most when we have the least, when we desperately depend on him to do what seems impossible to us (cf. Gideon, Jericho, etc)? May all we plan trust in his plans and his power to carry it out.

Ephesians 3:20-21

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.



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