What's In a Name?

• Big Mac
• Pistol Pete
• Iron Mike
• The Golden Bear
• The Big Unit
• The Rocket
• The Admiral
• The Mailman

It's a part of our culture to nickname our favorite athletes. We like to give them special names that refer to their unique abilities or their extraordinary achievements, names that describe their stature or their personality.

Believe it or not, men and women in Bible times were named the same way! Esau means "red" or "hairy." Moses means "to draw out" (Pharaoh's daughter drew him out of the bulrushes). Often when someone had a special encounter with God, He gave that person a new name to reflect the change in his or her character or purpose. Abram, "exalted father," became Abraham, "father of many nations." His wife Sarai became Sarah, "princess." Jacob, "the deceiver," became Israel, "prince of God." Simon became Peter, "the rock."

The Bible also gives us many names that describe the attributes (characteristics) of God. Here are just a few: the Almighty, the Creator, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, Righteous Judge, the Holy One. The Bible also tells us that one day God will give each of us a special name — a secret name — that no one else knows. It's just between him and us (Revelation 2:17). At that time, he will also write his own name upon us.

But God has given the most precious name to his Son, Jesus Christ, "that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:9-11). That's the Name above all names!

Finally, there is a special name that Jesus calls each of us – “friend”. Think of it, we have such a mutual, loving, intimate relationship that Jesus calls us “friend”. That ought to make you feel good all over.

THINGS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ....

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FOR PASTORS: LifeSpan Strategy Explained - http://www.lifeway.com/Article/Why-LifeSpan-can-make-a-difference-for-your-church
For further explanation, listen to Bret Robbe's audio file on LifeSpan - http://www.lifeway.com/Article/lifespan-spiritual-growth-strategy-pastors-churches

FOR CHURCH STAFF: 2012 GBREA meeting, January 19 & 20, 2012 at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, Marietta, Keynote speakers include Allan Taylor, Dillard Wilbanks, and Steve Parr - http://www.gbrea.org/templates/System/details.asp?id=39977&PID=890161

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: GBC VBS Jumpstarts 2012 - http://gabaptist.org/contentpages.aspx?parentnavigationid=4896&theparentnavigationid=4665&viewcontentpageguid=21295215-cf53-4da9-9def-823920d33a16

SMALL GROUPS: Rooms by James Rubart - See a video description at - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9rFrnRKQw4 See study material at- http://www.lifeway.com/Product/rooms-the-small-group-experience-leader-kit-P005459272

WOMEN'S MINISTRY: James: Mercy Triumphs by Beth Moore - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/james-mercy-triumphs-leader-kit-p005371580

PARENTING: Raising Boys and Girls, understand the differences in raising our sons and daughters (can also be a valuable training opportunity for children's and student leadership!) - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Raising-Boys-and-Girls

The Bible and Golf

Have you ever watched professional golfers and been awed by their ability to land a shot from two hundred yards away just a few yards from the hole? You wonder how they can judge the distance to the hole with such precision. Do they have an internal GPS system that enables them to guess the distances on the course with uncanny accuracy?

Not really. What they have is a yardage book. A yardage book is a map of each hole on the course that gives distances from various landmarks on the hole to the green. Decades ago Arnold Palmer and his caddy began drawing rough yardage charts with little pictures of trees, fairways, greens, sand traps and such of the various holes on all the courses they played. Jack Nicklaus was the pro who really made yardage books popular. Today along with the maps many pro golfers will keep what essentially is a personal journal of how they have played each hole of the course, what clubs they have used from various distances, what the wind was doing, and so on, and what happened to their shots.

Wouldn't it be nice to have yardage books for the tough decisions we make in life? Should I date this person or not? Should I go to this or that school? Should we buy this house? In our technological age, we want specifics. We want everything mapped out. We want to remove all the uncertainties from life. We want to be able to use our past experiences to predict exactly what will happen in the future. But God hasn't chosen to work with us in that way. He has given us an essential book of guidance that we can't do without, but we still have to use judgment in how to apply what it teaches. Most important, we need to be walking with God in prayer and trust. (by Craig Brian Larson)

There are several resources available to help your congregation to read 'life's yardage book'. As we approach the new year when many people commit themselves to reading the Bible through in one year, here are some options you can provide:

1. LifeWalk - a monthly devotional guide that leads a reader through the Bible while providing historical context and life application. - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/lifewalk-devotional-january-2012-P005107653-2012-01


2. Reader's Guide to the Bible: A Chronological Reading Plan - a plan that guides a reader through the books of the Bible set in chronological order plus gives 'coaching tips' for each day's reading. - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/readers-guide-to-the-bible-a-chronological-reading-plan-p005414497


3. Reading God's Story - the Bible companion piece to the Reader's Guide - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/reading-gods-story-P005306873


THINGS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ...


FOR CHURCH SOFTWARE: Digital Church, solutions for online giving, online registration, online small group administration, church membership, etc - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Services/Digital-Church-Tools?type=services


FOR CHURCH STAFF: 2012 GBREA meeting, January 19 & 20, 2012 at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, Marietta, Keynote speakers include Allan Taylor, Dillard Wilbanks, and Steve Parr - http://www.gbrea.org/templates/System/details.asp?id=39977&PID=890161


FOR FAMILY MINISTRY: Secret Church Simulcast, November 4, 7:00pm - 1:00am, Bible study on family, marriage, sex and the gospel - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Secret-Church-Simulcast-with-David-Platt


FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Gospel Revolution: Recovering the Power of Christianity, an eight week study of power of the gospel on humanity - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/gospel-revolution-recovering-the-power-of-christianity-leader-kit-P005467771


FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Presence: Overwhelmed by God, a six week study on facets of God's presence in our lives - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/gospel-revolution-recovering-the-power-of-christianity-leader-kit-P005467771


FOR DISCIPLESHIP: James by Beth Moore, an eight week study for women on the book of James - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/james-mercy-triumphs-leader-kit-p005371580


FOR EVANGELISM: Bridges: Christians Connecting with Muslims, a six week study that equips Christians with understanding their Muslim neighbors and to lovingly share their beliefs with them - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/bridges-christians-connecting-with-muslims-leader-kit-P005189799


FOR PARENTS: Raising Boys and Girls: The Art of Understanding their Differences, a six session study to understand how our children develop as they grow - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/raising-boys-and-girls-the-art-of-understanding-their-differences-leader-kit-P005324579

Five Commitments of a Bible Study Leader

By Kay Harris, Discipleship Journal #141

Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 helped me pinpoint five commitments I want to keep as I teach the Word:

When I came to you, brothers, announcing the testimony of God to you, I did not come with brilliance of speech or wisdom. For I didn't think it was a good idea to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I came to you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. My speech and my proclamation were not with persuasive words of wisdom but with a powerful demonstration by the Spirit, so that your faith might not be based on men's wisdom but on God's power. (HCSB)

1. I will teach, not impress (v. 1).

I need to check my motives and my teaching style. Are my students new Christians? I must drop the religious lingo. My teaching methods also need to match the preferred learning style of the generation and gender I am teaching. For instance older adults may respond to a lecture format, while younger adults generally prefer lively discussion.

2. I will teach only Jesus (v. 2).

I must refrain from elevating my opinions above Scripture. As I share my experiences and tell what has worked for me, I need to ensure that what I am touting as truth is indeed from the author of truth.

3. I will be vulnerable so that in my weakness His strength is felt (v. 3).

Students are hungry for teachers who can relate to their needs for forgiveness, direction, and hope. While I do not need to share inappropriate details, I do need to let my classes know that I have sinned and I do struggle. Such transparency creates a safe environment and draws students to the only one who is perfect: God.

4. I will invoke the Holy Spirit’s presence and power (v. 4).

I can let a busy schedule or pure neglect keep me from praying about my lesson or for my class. Big mistake! After all, it is not my message that will reach hearts or change lives, but “a demonstration of the Spirit’s power.”

There are times I don’t feel as if the Holy Spirit shows up as I prepare or teach. But if I have sought Him through prayer, I can proceed with the assurance that He is working in my students.

5. I will build God’s kingdom, not mine (v. 5).

When I’ve spent hours studying, praying for, and standing in front of my students, it’s tempting to expect honor, a measure of dependence, and even allegiance from them. However, I want them to be dependent upon their relationship with God, not their relationship with me. I encourage my students to compare what I say with God’s word, and I’ve committed to admit when I am wrong.

THINGS YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN .....

FOR SENIOR ADULTS: "Life Lessons from Mayberry", September 20-22, Ridgecrest, NC - glean wisdom from Andy Griffith and the underlying biblical truths on which it was based - http://ridgecrestconferencecenter.org/event/mayberry


FOR SENIOR ADULTS: Fall Celebration, October 18-21, Ridgecrest, NC - a great time of worship, Bible study, conferences, food, fun, fellowship, and friends - http://ridgecrestconferencecenter.org/event/fallcelebration-278


FOR MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT: Festivals of Marriage, October 7-9, 14-16, 21-23, Ridgecrest, NC - a beautiful fall getaway for enhancing a marriage - http://ridgecrestconferencecenter.org/event/festivalofmarriage

FOR WOMEN'S MINISTRY: James, Mercy Triumphs by Beth Moore - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/james-mercy-triumphs-leader-kit-P005371580

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Presence by JD Greear - based on Exodus 32 - 34, a study that focuses on the realities of God's presence, absence, and power - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/presence-dvd-leader-kit-P005371604

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Gospel Revolution: Recovering the Power of Christianity by JD Greear - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/gospel-revolution-recovering-the-power-of-christianity-leader-kit-P005467771

FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Living the Life by McQuilken Robertson - a study on God's commandment - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/living-the-life-1-member-book-P005371577

FOR COLLEGE/YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY: Relate: a biblical approach to our various human relationships - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/relate-member-book-P005126271


FOR COLLEGE/YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY: Secret Church with David Platt, November 4 - a study on family, marriage, sex, and the Gospel - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Secret-Church-Simulcast-with-David-Platt

'COURAGEOUS' Answers

We are less than two months away from the world-wide premiere of Sherwood Pictures latest project, "Courageous". By now, I assume you have heard or seen something about the movie. You may have taken advantage of an opportunity to see a special screening of it. I hope you have sensed the impact this movie holds on our fathers, our churches, and our communities.

Here are some answers to anticipated (and already asked) questions:

Q1. Where is a list of places where the movie is scheduled to be shown that opening weekend?

A1. The Courageous website (www.courageousthemovie.com) is a cornucopia of information and promotional help. On this site, you can type in your location's zip code and find out where the nearest scheduled theater is. You can also go ahead and pre-order your tickets on this site.

Q2. How do we go about reserving an entire theater for a showing of Courageous?

A2. On the website, you'll see a section that details how to be an Action Squad member for this purpose.

Q3. What can we do to get our church involved in using Courageous as a community outreach?

A3. There is a Church Campaign Kit ( http://www.lifeway.com/Product/courageous-church-campaign-kit-P005371570) that has some great ideas and resources to do this. It contains a copy of the small group study, Courageous Living; four sermon ideas; plus other promotional ideas.

Q4. Where can we get promotional material for the movie?

A4. The Courageous Starter Pack (http://www.lifeway.com/Product/courageous-starter-pack-P005422171) contains a large banner, various posters, and multiple samples of bulletin inserts, promotional tickets, etc. church members can use to promote the movie.

Q5. What small group study options are there?

A5a. Courageous Living is a 4 session study that is video supported (http://www.lifeway.com/Product/courageous-living-bible-study-leader-kit-P005371695). This can be used as a men's study or co-ed study.

A5b. The Resolution for Men (http://www.lifeway.com/Product/the-resolution-for-men-P005324584) is a study book that can be used in a men's small group that enjoys a book discussion approach.

A5c. The Resolution for Women (http://www.lifeway.com/Product/the-resolution-for-women-P005446991) is a study book similar to the book listed above that is targeted for women.

Q6. Will there be any other 'Courageous' themed studies?

A6a. At the beginning of next year, 'Honor Begins at Home' will be released. It will be an 8 week study that has clips from the movie and will contain a DVD copy of the movie.

A6b. Beginning next year, there will be a new approach to men's ministry that will be offered by LifeWay which will incorporate a series of studies to help men to live courageously. More information on this will be released shortly.

OTHER THINGS YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN ....

SUNDAY SCHOOL LEADERSHIP: 'EXCELerate Your Sunday School' Workshops around the state; find the closest one to you at - http://gabaptist.org/contentpages.aspx?parentnavigationid=9520&theparentnavigationid=4896&viewcontentpageguid=8b0dda97-1270-4907-a821-59c8df31a24b

PRE-TEEN MINISTRY: for samples, videos, and other 'stuff' check out FLYTE (Faith, Life, Together), www.lifeway.com/flyte

WOMEN'S MINISTRY: Two new Beth Moore studies, 'James' & 'So Long Insecurity' - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Popular-Authors/Beth-Moore?CID=RDR-BethMoore

WOMEN'S MINISTRY: '5 Conversations You Must Have With Your Son' - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/5-conversations-you-must-have-with-your-son-leader-kit-P005342723

9 Ideas for Reaching the Unchurched

^{Written by Richard E. Dodge}

Human nature is fascinating to observe. Behavior in anonymous places sometimes indicates whether people have a relationship with Jesus, but many people could be described simply as secular.

Secular people need Jesus. They have secular values and mindsets. Anyone who lives by secular values is not following the Holy Spirit’s leadership.

Here are some tips that might help you break through into the lives of secular people.

1. Communicate the basics. Most secular people have no idea what some of our biblical “lingo” means. Ask people whether they understand what you are saying when using biblical terms and concepts.

2. Deal with eternity. Secular people generally live for today. Communicate that everyone will spend eternity somewhere; the only question is where. Help lost people understand that the Christian life also brings excitement and happiness for today as well as a promise for tomorrow.

3. Talk about guilt. People today think more about what feels right to them and base their lifestyles on what seems good for the moment. They reject absolutes. Help them discover that actions have consequences and that our actions—sin—have absolute consequences—hell.

4. Get excited about your church. Talk about the positive things happening in your church. Address how your church helps families grow closer and helps children develop positive images of life and faith.

5. Connect with secular people. Some people just want a friend with whom they can talk freely. Others isolate themselves because they don’t trust strangers. Creating friendships may lead to connecting with the church and Christ.

6. Build trust. Suspicion and uncertainty plague some people because Christians they have known or stories about Christians have left them overly cautious. Let them know that your faith has brought you through difficult times. Keep your word when you make commitments.

7. Help them grow. Help people develop a more positive self-esteem and discover that they are people of worth. Encourage them and help them discover that Jesus Christ gave His life for them.

8. Explain the nature of humanity. God created each of us as people with a free will. People are free to act as they choose. That doesn’t mean God isn’t concerned about or in control of humanity. God has not abandoned humanity.

9. Open the door. Unchurched people often avoid the church because they just aren’t sure how to find their way in. Don’t be confused: It’s not the building; they can’t figure out how to break into the church family. Some classes and congregations act as if newcomers had to have an admission slip before they would be allowed into the “fellowship.” Others simply don’t make an effort to connect with newcomers. Newcomers need someone to connect with them and accept them unconditionally.

Harry Piland, former director of the Sunday School Division of LifeWay Christian Resources, once said that the church should be “the easiest place to get into and the hardest place to get out of.” Reaching secular people should be part of the fabric of today’s church. When we make reaching secular people a mindset and a practice, other unchurched people will discover that in fact, the church really is a great place.

THINGS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN .....

FOR LEADERSHIP TRAINING: "Transformational Class: Transformational Church Goes to Sunday School" Live Online Training Event, July 10. Meet as a training event or have your leaders tune in at home - http://www.lifeway.com/Event/Leadership-Training-Webcast-Transformational-Class-Live

FOR SENIOR ADULTS: "Life Lessons from Mayberry: It's all there in Black and White" at Ridgecrest Conference Center, NC, September 20-22 - http://ridgecrestconferencecenter.org/event/mayberry

FOR SENIOR ADULTS: "Fall Celebration at Ridgecrest", October 18-21 - http://www.lifeway.com/Event/Senior-Adult-Event-Fall-Celebration-in-Ridgecrest-NC-2011

COURAGEOUS NEWS: Find out where the movie is scheduled to be shown, purchase advance tickets, how to become a Action Squad member - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Courageous

UPCOMING SIMULCASTS: http://www.lifeway.com/n/Events/Simulcasts?type=events
- Beth Moore's "Living Proof Live", September 10
- David Platt's "Secret Church", November 4