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Education Ministry

Posted on February 8, 2008 ...

      According to Wikipedia "the American Dream can be defined as having the opportunity and freedom that allows all citizens to achieve their goals in life through hard work and determination alone. Today, it generally refers to the idea that one's prosperity depends upon one's own abilities and hard work." In light of this, the news segment that I heard this week detailing mid-life crisis would seem to indicate that the unhappiness of those reaching their mid-fourties is a testimony that either the dream or their abilities are flawed and they are left with a restlessness questioning their life decisions. To borrow a line from the Eagles, a band from my era, "What do you do when your dreams come true and it isn't quite like you planned?"
     As Americans we are accustomed to independence and to holding steadfastly to our right to make our own decisions. However, as American-Christians we can become so fixated on being in-control that we hamper the work of God's Spirit in our lives. Scripture tells us plainly in 2nd Corinthians 5:7 that we are to "walk by faith and not by sight" but for those pressed into the mold of self-determination, it is much easier to limit our walk to that which can be calculated, evaluated, and controlled, these elements are the antithesis of faith and will lead to a life that is, at best, a shadow of what God wants us to experience. There is a life of victory, significance, purpose, and achievement but it is not wrapped up in our abilities. Instead, as with most things in God's Kingdom it is almost the direct opposite and is founded in our voluntarily following the path that God has decided for us.
     This Sunday in our time together we will explore the "Illusion of Safety" that we are prone to base our decisions upon and the great price that we, many times, seem willing to pay for it. I hope that you join us as we examine God's Word to determine what it has to teach us about living a life that is full of empowerment, not regret, when we pause to examine it.

Teacher and Prospective Teacher Training- If you have considered teaching Sunday School but just don't feel comfortable in doing so, or if you have taught for a long time and are in need of some new ideas or methods, join us on Monday nights for 4 weeks starting Feb 25th as we look at planning lessons, presenting lessons, handling difficult class situations, where to find resources, and many other topics. The class will last from 6 to 7 pm and refreshments will be provided. Call the church office, or e-mail me at NorthClevBaptEdu@aol.com to register.