lesson loop 2.20.14

Middle School - "The Ascension"
We continued our "Messiah" study by looking at Jesus ascension in Luke 24, as well as the account in Acts 1. The main points were as follows:

1. In Suspense
The book of Luke ends leaving us in suspense, wondering what happens next. A couple things we can learn from the ascension:

• The disciples are blessed by Jesus
• The disciples are full of joy
• The disciples worship continually

Jesus can be worshiped by us because He shows Himself through the ascension to be our Prophet, Priest and King!

2. The Sequel

What happens in the book of Acts satisfies the suspense at the end of Luke. We find out that the disciples are commissioned by Christ to take the gospel to the ends of the earth by the power of the Holy Spirit.
3. He Reigns
Jesus reigns today in heaven, but He will return in the sky one day. Just as he ascended, he will one day descend. We can look forward to the day when He comes back, knowing he will make things right.


High School - "James 1:2-11"
We continued our study in the book of James, looking at "How to Endure Suffering".
We learned that James is addressing trials of various kinds, so no matter what trials you are going through, this chapter applies to us.
We learned that we endure suffering by choosing 3 things:

1. Pure Joy
   Everything is not joyous, but God is working all things together which gives us a pure or whole joy. We must "consider" this to be - this means we decide it to be. We may not feel happy emotions, but we can still have a state of joy.
   There is a formula we must remember so that we can have joy -
   Testing -> Steadfastness -> Maturity
   
2. Divine Wisdom
   All wisdom comes from God, and He promises to give wisdom to those who humbly ask in faith. We must not doubt but we must believe He has the wisdom to give us.
   
3. A Heavenly Perspective
   The kingdom of this world and the kingdom of heaven have different measuring sticks for success - Those who are the poor in spirit are rich in heavenly rewards, so we must only boast in our salvation and what we have in Christ - nothing material or earthly.