Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Impact Thursday November 12th

This week we will be studying chapter 3 of Romans. Please read the chapter and review the study questions below. We are memorizing Romans 1:16-17 as a group. If you would like to recite the verse up front, you may receive a prize!

Also! We are making boxes for Operation Christmas Child:
click here for more information!

Romans 3
Discussion Questions

v. 1-8
1. Why were the Jews entrusted with the words of God?

v. 9-20
2. What evidence can you think of to support Paul's claim that no one is righteous?
v. 21-31
3. What does it mean for God to be just? How did God demonstrate his justice through his son Jesus Christ?

4. How is it possible that God is both just and gracious at the same time?

5. How do we uphold the law by faith? What does faithfulness look like in your own life?

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Operation Christmas Child - Homework

Greetings Impacters! This week we are participating in Operation Christmas Child. We’ll take time this Thursday to pack the boxes together and pray for the children who will be receiving our boxes. If you would like to participate, come to Impact with your items to pack and $7.00 for shipping. Here are a few helpful tips:

1. Some small groups are making one box and have already designated each person to buy something.

2. Other small groups are doing one box per person.

In either case, here are some suggestions for your box:

http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/Pack_A_Shoe_Box/

Other tips:
1. Find or buy a shoe box to send.
2. Not everyone has to bring wrapping paper, but there should be a few.
3. Wrap the lid separate to the box.
4. Have one item that is of some quality, like a little Lego set (Bionicles) or a doll.
6. Have some items that give one something to do, like crayons for drawing or origami paper.
7. Other fun stuff from a place like Diddams.

Ideas from Samaritan’s Purse website:

GIFT IDEAS
TOYS
small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, small Etch A Sketch®, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), Slinky®, etc.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES
pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.

HYGIENE ITEMS
toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth, etc.

OTHER
Hard candy and lollipops (please double bag all candy), mints, gum, T-shirts, socks, ball caps; sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries)

A PERSONAL NOTE
In a separate envelope, you may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. (If you include your name and address, the child may write back.)

DO NOT INCLUDE:
Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; out-of-date candy; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snowglobes or glass containers; aerosol cans

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Impact Thursday November 5th

Impact will meet this Thursday to continue our study in Romans with Romans 2. I am pleased to announce Joanie Tankersley as our guest speaker this Thursday. Joanie is pastor of community life at MPPC. Please read the chapter and bring your Bibles. There may be a prize for the first three people who can recite Romans 1:16,17.

Our speaker, Joanie Tankersley, has suggested the New Living Translation as
useful for understanding this week's text. It can be found at:

http://www.biblestudytools.com/nlt/romans/2.html


Discussion Questions:

God's Impartial Judgment, Romans Chapter 2:1-16:
1. Who do you think Paul is writing to?

2. Since Paul didn't use chapter divisions when he wrote the letter, review 1:29-32 and discuss what he is referring to when he says "therefore" in 2:1. What is the "therefore" there for?

3. What are the issues around judgment that Paul is concerned about?

4. How would you compare Paul's declaration in 1:16-17 with his comments in 2: 7-11?

The Jewish Law and True Circumcision, Romans Chapter 2:17-29:

5. What is Paul arguing with his invisible opponent about in regard to the Jewish understanding about the Jews' status before God and how they think it should influence God's judgment?

6. What is Paul driving at in his challenging questions in v.21-23?

7. Paul quotes, about Israel, "God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you." How have you seen the name of Jesus blasphemed today among non-believers because of Christians? In your own life?

8. How do verses 28-29 apply to Christians, today...to you?