We come to love not by finding a perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly. Anonymous Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know... Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. John 14:1-4, 6-7 (KJV) Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going... Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him. John 14:1-4, 6-7 (NIV) John 14 What does GOD look like? Describe what a follower of Christ might look like from the outside (in CHRISTs words) How does CHRIST describe the believers relationship with Him (what metaphor does He use)? What is the purpose of our good works? What is a sign of friendship with God? Jesus no longer calls us servants but... ? What can a follower of CHRIST expect from the world and why? Why does Phil try to kill himself? a) He cannot gain Ritas affections b) He hates the groundhog c) Hes bored and wants to try it How does try to win over Rita? a) Proposes to her (ask to marry) b) Sings songs to her c) Memorizes her likes and dislikes What is the first evidence we see that Phil can remember from day to day? a) He begins to memorize Ritas drinks in the bar b) He makes sure that he wears different clothes every morning c) He begins to memorize poetry from day to day 21 min Journaling 1. At this point in the narrative, Phil has lived a thousand years worth of days. Always the same day. No matter what he does he wakes up in the same place, with the same people, at the same time. What would your feelings/insights be? 2. How would you live if everyday, no matter WHAT YOU DID, it wouldnt matter? Whatever you did, tomorrow would be the same. Why do anything? Why live at all? It is not how much you do, but how much love you put into the doing that matters. Mother Teresa It is not the fear of punishment, or the hope of everlasting reward, that leads the disciples of Christ to follow Him. They behold the Saviours matchless love, revealed throughout His pilgrimage on earth, from the manger of Bethlehem to Calvarys cross, and the sight of Him attracts, it softens and subdues the soul. Love awakens in the heart of the beholders. They hear His voice, and they follow Him pg480, DA, pub.1890 Nature of on e GOD What do these words mean... In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son... the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being... Hebrews 1:1-3 (NIV) Accustomed as they had been in Egypt to material representations of the Deity, and these of the most degrading nature, it was difficult for them to conceive of the existence or the character of the Unseen One. In pity for their weakness, God gave them a symbol of His presence. "Let them make Me a sanctuary," He said; "that I may dwell among them." Exodus 25:8. pg35, Ed, pub.1903 Accustomed as they had been in Egypt to material representations of the Deity, and these of the most degrading nature, it was difficult for them to conceive of the existence or the character of the Unseen One. In pity for their weakness, God gave them a symbol of His presence. "Let them make Me a sanctuary," He said; "that I may dwell among them." Exodus 25:8. pg35, Ed, pub.1903 Accustomed as they had been in Egypt to material representations of the Deity, and these of the most degrading nature, it was difficult for them to conceive of the existence or the character of the Unseen One. In pity for their weakness, God gave them a symbol of His presence. "Let them make Me a sanctuary," He said; "that I may dwell among them." Exodus 25:8. pg35, Ed, pub.1903 Accustomed as they had been in Egypt to material representations of the Deity, and these of the most degrading nature, it was difficult for them to conceive of the existence or the character of the Unseen One. In pity for their weakness, God gave them a symbol of His presence. "Let them make Me a sanctuary," He said; "that I may dwell among them." Exodus 25:8. pg35, Ed, pub.1903 Assignment 1. Draw the Sanctuary on a half page. Label it. 2. Write the verse where Jesus gives an I AM statement in connection with that part of the Sanctuary. for example: the veil (which had angels on it a reference to the dream of Jacob at Bethel) is clearly what Jesus is referring to in John 1: 51 A Christian should always remember that the value of his good works is not based on their number and excellence, but on the love of God which prompts him to do these things. John of the Cross What instrument does Phil take lessons for? a) Piano b) Saxophone c) Trumpet How does Phil prove hes a god? a) He tells everyones secrets b) Makes a waiter drop a tray of dishes c) Performs a miracle Phil embarks on a journey of... ? a) The local town b) self-improvement c) Across the U.S. end Journaling 1. The film ends up with a powerful message about living well. What is the point of the Christian message about conducting yourself with compassion even if there is no eternal reward? What is the purpose of doing good? What, if any, is the impact of saving a life (the same one) everyday if tomorrow you will have to do it again? Use Romans 12:1-2; Philippians 1:9-10; and 4:8 for Scriptural inspiration. Doctrinal Reflections The greatest spiritual practice is to transform love into service Sai Baba Love is unselfishly choosing for another's highest good. C. S. Lewis 1.Good Morning 2.Guided Learning Exercise 3.Hand in Homework 4.Finish Notes for Week 1.Good Morning 2.Guided Learning Exercise 3.Hand in Homework 4.Finish Notes for Week Desmond Doss How long did Desmond Doss risk his life for others? a) 12 minutes b) 12 hours c) 12 seconds How did God protect Desmond from satan? a) An angel appeared to help him b) Desmond became bullet-proof c) Enemy rifles jammed when aimed at him Why might God have protected Desmond? An unlikely relationship! Why should we do what is right? No truth does the Bible more clearly teach than that what we do is the result of what we are. To a great degree the experiences of life are the fruition of our own thoughts and deeds.... [Proverbs 26:2. Isaiah 3: 10, 11. Jeremiah 6:19.] Terrible is this truth, and deeply should it be impressed. Every deed reacts upon the doer. Never a human being but may recognize, in the evils that curse his life, fruitage of his own sowing. Yet even thus we are not without hope. pg 146, Ed, pub. 1903 No truth does the Bible more clearly teach than that what we do is the result of what we are. To a great degree the experiences of life are the fruition of our own thoughts and deeds.... [Proverbs 26:2. Isaiah 3: 10, 11. Jeremiah 6:19.] Terrible is this truth, and deeply should it be impressed. Every deed reacts upon the doer. Never a human being but may recognize, in the evils that curse his life, fruitage of his own sowing. Yet even thus we are not without hope. pg 146, Ed, pub. 1903 Journaling 1. Write on your thoughts (questions raised, emotional reactions, observations) to one of the video clips 2. In the case of Hoyt, it is a father-son bond. Imagine you are the son... Your mind is trapped inside a body. What is your experience like? 3. Desmond Doss suffered willingly to live what he believed. Make a list of things you'd be willing to do even if people laughed at you. Do them. Write about your experience. John 15