Chelmsford Church of Christ

Sunday Lesson. January 8, 2006

4 Mar 2007 12:54:58 -0500

No Turning Back - Living the Surrendered Life. Lesson 10

Scripture reading - Mark 9:2-9.

After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.

Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.)

Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!"

Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.

As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead.

Listen to the lesson audio, or read the lesson notes(PDF) on our church web site.

Sunday Lesson. January 1, 2006

4 Mar 2007 12:54:58 -0500

What Does It Matter?

Scripture reading - Acts 4:13-22.

When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. "What are we going to do with these men?" they asked. "Everybody living in Jerusalem knows they have done an outstanding miracle, and we cannot deny it. But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn these men to speak no longer to anyone in this name."

Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard."

After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.

Listen to the lesson audio, or read the lesson notes(PDF) on our church web site.

Sunday Lesson. December 4, 2005

4 Mar 2007 12:54:58 -0500

No Turning Back - Living the Surrendered Life Lesson 9

Scripture reading - 2 Corinthians 11:7-9.

Was it a sin for me to lower myself in order to elevate you by preaching the gospel of God to you free of charge? I robbed other churches by receiving support from them so as to serve you. And when I was with you and needed something, I was not a burden to anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied what I needed. I have kept myself from being a burden to you in any way, and will continue to do so.

Listen to the lesson audio, or read the lesson notes(PDF) on our church web site.

Sunday Lesson. November 20, 2005

4 Mar 2007 12:54:58 -0500

No Turning Back - Living the Surrendered Life Lesson 7

Scripture reading - Mark 7:24-28.

Jesus left that place and went to the vicinity of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know it; yet he could not keep his presence secret. In fact, as soon as she heard about him, a woman whose little daughter was possessed by an evil spirit came and fell at his feet. The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter.

"First let the children eat all they want," he told her, "for it is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs."

"Yes, Lord," she replied, "but even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs."

Listen to the lesson audio, or read the lesson notes(PDF) on our church web site.

My apologies for delays in getting lesson audios on-line

4 Mar 2007 14:32:22 -0500

Recording the lessons is really the easy part of this job. After the recording is done, there are many steps to actually getting the lessons on-line and into this podcast feed.

Edit the audio to ensure it just contains the lesson itself.
Convert it from .MP3 format to .WAV format.
Equalize it. This is now much easier thanks to (free tool) The Levelator!
Convert it from .WAV format back to .MP3 format.
Load the MP3 audio onto the website.
Edit the lessons and RSS Feed to include information on the lesson and related scripture.
Check that all the editing is correct.
Repeat.

I hope you can forgive me for the big delays in getting these published and on-line. Just having The Levelator has reduced the amount of time by about 2 hours per lesson. Now I pray for time to catch up on all the recordings made in 2006.

Let me leave you with the scripture that led me to baptism in the 1990s. Acts 8:26-38

Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Go south to the road - the desert road - that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the book of Isaiah the prophet. The Spirit told Philip, "Go to that chariot and stay near it."

Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. "Do you understand what you are reading?" Philip asked.

"How can I," he said, "unless someone explains it to me?" So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture: "He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before the shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth.

In his humiliation he was deprived of justice. Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was taken from the earth."

The eunuch asked Philip, "Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?"

Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.

As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?" And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.

I hope that before long you can find your water and be born again in Jesus.

Sunday Lesson. November 13, 2005

John Gerstenlauer — 4 Mar 2007 12:54:58 -0500

Spiritual Leadership in the 21st century

Scripture reading - 1 Peter 5:1-4.

To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers-not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

Listen to the lesson audio, or read the lesson notes(PDF) on our church web site.

Sunday Lesson. November 6, 2005

4 Mar 2007 12:54:58 -0500

No Turning Back - Living the Surrendered Life Lesson 6

Scripture reading - Mark 6:30-44.

The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."

So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.

By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. "This is a remote place," they said, "and it's already very late. Send the people away so they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat."

But he answered, "You give them something to eat." They said to him, "That would take eight months of a man's wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?"

"How many loaves do you have?" he asked. "Go and see." When they found out, they said, "Five—and two fish."

Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to set before the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand.

Listen to the lesson audio, or read the lesson notes(PDF) on our church web site.

Sunday Lesson. October 30, 2005

4 Mar 2007 12:54:58 -0500

No Turning Back - Living the Surrendered Life Lesson 5

Scripture reading - Mark 5:1-20.

Listen to the lesson audio, or read the lesson notes(PDF) on our church web site.

Sunday Lesson. September 25, 2005

4 Mar 2007 03:42:39 -0500

The Works and Responsibilities of Elders

Scripture readings - Psalm 23, Isaiah 40:10-11, Psalm 100:3, Ezekiel 34:31.

Listen to the lesson audio, or read the lesson notes(PDF) on our church web site.

Sunday Lesson. September 18, 2005

4 Mar 2007 03:39:59 -0500

Effective Shepherd Leadership

Scripture readings - Ezekiel 34:1-16, Philippians 3:12-14, 1 Peter 2:5, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5.

Listen to the lesson audio, or read the lesson notes(PDF) on our church web site.

Sunday Lesson. September 11, 2005

4 Mar 2007 03:39:59 -0500

No Turning Back - Living the Surrendered Life Lesson 1

Scripture reading - Mark 1:9-11.

Listen to the lesson audio, or read the lesson notes(PDF) on our church web site.

Sunday Lesson. September 4, 2005

4 Mar 2007 03:39:59 -0500

Our God Is Able

Scripture reading - Romans 8:28-39.

Listen to the lesson audio, or read the lesson notes(PDF) on our church web site.

Next Men's Breakfast - Saturday February 25th. 7 AM - 9 AM

4 Mar 2007 03:39:59 -0500

Join us this Saturday, February 25th, for the Men's breakfast. We meet at 7 AM at the church building.

It's a great chance for good food, bible study, and getting to know each other better. Bring yourself, your bible, and a good appetite.

Hope we'll see you then!

Sunday Lesson. August 14, 2005

4 Mar 2007 03:39:59 -0500

He Who Has Ears

Scripture reading - Luke 20:9-20.

Listen to the lesson audio, or read the lesson notes(PDF) on our church web site.

New Service Schedule January 15th - February 12th

4 Mar 2007 03:39:59 -0500

The new service schedule starting on January 15th is now on the church web site. There's also a PDF version, if you want to print it for your fridge.

Then Jesus made a circuit of all the towns and villages. He taught in their meeting places, reported kingdom news, and healed their diseased bodies, healed their bruised and hurt lives. When he looked out over the crowds, his heart broke. So confused and aimless they were, like sheep with no shepherd. "What a huge harvest!" he said to his disciples. "How few workers! On your knees and pray for harvest hands!" Matthew 9:35-38.

Sunday Lesson. August 7, 2005

4 Mar 2007 03:39:59 -0500

Living In the Overflow of God's Love - Lesson 15

Love Never Fails. Scripture reading - Deuteronomy 7:7-8.

Listen to the lesson audio, or read the lesson notes(PDF) on our church web site.

Sunday Lesson. July 31, 2005

4 Mar 2007 03:39:59 -0500

Living In the Overflow of God's Love - Lesson 14

Love... Endures All Things.

Listen to the lesson audio, or read the lesson notes(PDF) on our church web site.

Sunday Lesson. July 24, 2005

4 Mar 2007 03:39:59 -0500

Living In the Overflow of God's Love - Lesson 13

Love always hopes. Scripture reading - Genesis 7:24-8:11.

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Sunday Lesson. July 17, 2005

John Gerstenlauer — 4 Mar 2007 03:39:59 -0500

The Community of God

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Sunday Lesson. July 10, 2005

4 Mar 2007 03:39:59 -0500

Living In the Overflow of God's Love - Part 12
Love... believes all things

Read the lesson notes(PDF).

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Sunday Lesson. July 3, 2005

4 Mar 2007 03:39:59 -0500

Living In the Overflow of God's Love - Part 11

Love...always protects. Scripture reading - Genesis 3:1-3.

Read the lesson notes here(PDF).

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Sunday Lesson. June 26, 2005

4 Mar 2007 03:39:59 -0500

Living In the Overflow of God's Love - Part 10
mp3 Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth.

Sunday Lesson. June 12, 2005

4 Mar 2007 03:39:59 -0500

Living In the Overflow of God's Love - Part 9
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Sunday Lesson. June 5, 2005

4 Mar 2007 03:39:59 -0500

Living In the Overflow of God's Love - Part 8
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Sunday Lesson. May 22, 2005

4 Mar 2007 03:39:59 -0500

Living In the Overflow of God's Love - Part 7
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Sunday Lesson. May 15th, 2005

4 Mar 2007 03:39:59 -0500

Living In the Overflow of God's Love - Part 5
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Sunday Bulletin. May 15th, 2005

4 Mar 2007 03:39:59 -0500

The bulletin for May 15th is now on the Church website.

Lesson notes. May 8, 2005

4 Mar 2007 03:39:59 -0500

The notes from the fifth part of Scot's lesson Living in the Overflow of God's Love are now online.

Scot shows how God tells us that love has no pecking order.

Sunday Lesson. May 8th, 2005

4 Mar 2007 03:39:59 -0500

Living In the Overflow of God's Love -- Why We Love. Part 5
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Sunday Bulletin. May 8th, 2005.

4 Mar 2007 03:39:59 -0500

The bulletin for Mother's Day is now on the Church website.

We hope everyone has a happy Mother's Day.

Isaiah 66:12-14

Next Men's Breakfast - June 4th, 2005

4 Mar 2007 03:39:59 -0500

We had a wonderful men's breakfast at the church building on Saturday. This including food, singing, and studying God's word.

We've put The Steadfast Love of the Lord Never Ceases on the web site for those who couldn't attend.

As the last Saturday in May coincides with Memorial Day weekend, the next breakfast gathering will be at the church building on Saturday, June 4th starting around 8 AM.

We hope to see you there.

Lesson notes. April 24, 2005

4 Mar 2007 03:39:59 -0500

The notes from the fourth part of Scot's lesson Living in the Overflow of God's Love are now online.

This is a wonderful lesson on the dangers of Envy and what you can gain by leaving it behind.

Sunday Bulletin. May 1st, 2005

4 Mar 2007 03:39:59 -0500

The first bulletin of May is now on the Church website.

Since this is the first Sunday of the month, we have a potluck after the second service.

If you're in the area and want to enjoy food and fellowship, please drop by - guests are expected and welcomed.

We usually say grace around 1 PM and then get down to good food and conversation, ending when the last person leaves.

New Service Schedule May 8th - June 5th

4 Mar 2007 03:39:59 -0500

We've published the new service schedule for May 8th through June 5th. It's available at the Church web site.

Men's Breakfast. April 30th.

4 Mar 2007 03:39:59 -0500

Join us this Saturday, April 30th, for the Men's breakfast. We meet at 8 AM at the church building.
It's a great chance for good food, bible study, and getting to know each other better.
Hope we'll see you then!

Sunday Bulletin. April 24, 2005

4 Mar 2007 03:39:59 -0500

This week's bulletin from the Chelmsford Church. As always it's in PDF form.

Lesson notes. Sunday April 17th

4 Mar 2007 03:39:59 -0500

Scot has published the lesson notes for the third lesson in the series Living in the Overflow of God's Love.
You can also catch Scot on his blog The Adventurous Journey.

Lesson notes. Sunday April 10th

4 Mar 2007 03:39:59 -0500

Scot has published the lesson notes for the second lesson in the series Living in the Overflow of God's Love.

Sunday Lesson. April 3rd, 2005

4 Mar 2007 14:32:17 -0500

Living In the Overflow of God's Love -- Why We Love. See 1 Cor 13:4-8a

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