Make your influence count for what matters. / Matthew 5:1-12
INSTRUCTIONS
SUMMARY
INSTRUCTIONS
I volunteered to write this brief article because I was blessed to be one of the 66 participants in the Route 66 class this year.
The class was not limited to this number; that fact was coincidence. It was also the largest Route 66 class size to date.
The class consisted of high school and college students, moms, preachers, counselors, seminary students, retirees, and many people with full-time jobs. People who cannot be physically present join in faithfully every day through Zoom. Our morning sessions are rapid-paced, interactive, and highly productive. The caliber of scholarship and love of teaching demonstrated by our primary and guest teachers is a delight to experience. Their preparation is evident, and they are diligent in ensuring that we approach the Word in full context as a cohesive whole.
One of my classmates shared, “I think we are living in a time where biblical literacy seems to be at an all-time low and falling. Route 66 has provided an amazing opportunity to dive into Scripture for almost 2 hours every weekday morning with amazing teachers. Deeper study and understanding of the Word leads quickly to a deeper love for the Lord and the application of the many truths learned. Route 66 has helped me feel more confident and capable as a discipler.”
You may be saying to yourself that the investment of time is considerable. I understand. It took me a year to work up the nerve to join the class. I waffled, and I waited, and I did some other things . . .while time kept on rolling. Fast forward to today, having now completed half the class, my only regret is that it took me a year to get started. And it is not any kind of sacrifice at all. It is a blessing!
If I could share one message about Route 66, it is this: Don’t miss the opportunity to dedicate this time for an amazing opportunity to grow in your knowledge of the Lord.
Another blessing you’ll receive is the people you take Route 66 alongside (live & virtual). It is such a great group that stretches across many seasons of life and time with the Lord. The discussions are rich, fun, and such a wonderful bonus.
Search your heart and see if you can find a way to make the Route 66 journey. It comes with a “no regrets” guarantee.
AUTHOR: Ann Dodd, Contributing Writer
He’s neither a ‘hopeless romantic’ nor embarrassed by romance. Love, marriage, and sex are part of His design to produce image-bearers who reflect His glory and care for each other. This unit will survey the story of romance in God’s plan, its intention for good, its limitations due to sin, and its ultimate culmination in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Join us at 7:00am in the Parlor at Colonial Baptist Church. (Come little early for coffee and a light breakfast.)
Do you have a health risk related to COVID-19? You can participate via Zoom using THIS LINK.
Immediately following the large group, we break into discussion / prayer groups. If you are not yet in a group, contact Scott Wylie.
The story of romance begins with the very first song in the Bible. Read Genesis 2:23-25. How would you describe God’s ideal for marriage in this passage?
When mankind fell into sin, it broke our relationships, including marriages. The woman will tend to desire her husband in idolatrous ways, and the man will tend to rule over his wife in prideful ways. Read Genesis 3:16. How do we see this play out in marriages today?
We look for connection and significance. Many of us turn to romance and love to try and satisfy these needs. But because of our selfishness, we miss out on the story God is telling. God is telling a story of grace in our romantic relationships, but it’s not ultimately about us. What do you think romance can look like when it’s about God and not us?
God hates divorce, because it tears apart what He has put together. Read Mark 10:2-9. Why do you think Jesus refers back not to the Law but to creation?
What was the main purpose of marriage? It wasn’t that married people would always be happy. Instead, God determined that loving a sinner was glorifying to Him. How can we find joy even when those we love fail us?
Marriage vows exist for the bad times. We need to promise to stick together in “worse… poverty… sickness.” Why do difficult circumstances often lead us to stop loving and serving each other?
The story of Christ and His Bride is messy and difficult. Hosea’s story is a picture of Christ’s love for the Church. Read Hosea 3:1-5. How would you feel if you were Hosea in this situation?
Jesus doesn’t just tolerate us; He lavishes His love on us. Read Ephesians 5:22-33. How does the Gospel empower married people to love and serve each other?
No one starts out married, and not all are called to marriage. Still, the members of the church are called to exhort and encourage one another. How can healthy marriages strengthen the entire local church?
When Christ returns, we won’t need marriage anymore. Read Matthew 22:30 and Revelation 21:9-10. How will Jesus’s return fulfill everything that earthly marriages foreshadow?
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