FBC Tallahassee
Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Veritas — Previous Series

 
Chasing Rabbits [05.01-05.08]
Think of this as "open line Wednesday." Bring your questions, quandaries, and comments—anything you'd like us to discuss—and we'll spend some time chasing rabbits. You're also welcome to send Josh your questions in advance.
 
[05.01]  Session 1
[05.08]  Session 2
 
 
Mean What You Sing [04.17-04.24]
While Josh is away on paternity leave, we will spend a couple of weeks examining some of our favorite worship songs. Learn the stories of the songwriters, the meanings of some obscure phrases, and the biblical and theological underpinnings of the lyrics. In the end, you will be enabled to enter worship and truly mean what you sing.
 
[04.17] Session 1
[04.24] Session 2
 
 
 
On a day when Josh and Kendra celebrate their 14th wedding anniversary, we will take some time for a relationship roundtable. We will discuss what is essential for healthy relationships and what you should (try to) avoid, with much of this having been learned the hard way. Be prepared to ask questions and share your own relationship wisdom. Along the way, we may begin to see what it means to "bear with one another" (Eph. 4:2; Col. 3:13).
 
 
Living Dangerously [03.27-04.03]
What if God has called each of us to a life of danger, rather than safety and comfort?
 
With a culture fixated on extending life, preserving youth, and safety devices for every situation, we can easily lose sight of the radical claim that Jesus has made on the lives of His followers (see Matthew 16:24-27). As Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote in The Cost of Discipleship, "When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die." We will spend the next two weeks looking at how the resurrection of Jesus enables us to live dangerously.
 
[03.27]  Session 1
[04.03]  Session 2
 
"We are so utterly ordinary, so commonplace, while we profess to know a Power the Twentieth Century does not reckon with. But we are 'harmless,' and therefore unharmed. We are spiritual pacifists, non-militants, conscientious objectors in this battle-to-the-death with principalities and powers in high places. Meekness must be had for contact with men, but brass, outspoken boldness is required to take part in the comradeship of the Cross. We are 'sideliners' — coaching and criticizing the real wrestlers while content to sit by and leave the enemies of God unchallenged. The world cannot hate us, we are too much like its own. Oh that God would make us dangerous!" Jim Elliot, missionary to Ecuador, martyred at age 28
 
 
 
After a great series on how to play defense, we're gonna take a night to let down our guard and just relax. And it's the first day of spring—so there's that.
 
 
Tactics in Defending the Faith [02.06-03.13]
Did you benefit from Greg Koukl’s teaching during Connections Weekend? (Or wish you could have?) Would you like more? Then join us as we go through Greg's in-depth, six-session Tactics in Defending the Faith DVD series. Learn practical ways to clearly and confidently communicate your Christian convictions.
 
Each participant will be provided with a 120-page manual and have the opportunity to practice and apply what is learned during each session. Greg's recent book, which is also titled Tactics and came out after this series was made, is not necessary for participation in this study, though you may find it to be very helpful for expanding on the content covered here.

[02.06]  Session 1: Learning the "Columbo" Tactic
[02.13]  Session 2: Refining the "Columbo" Tactic
[02.20]  Session 3: Perfecting the "Columbo" Tactic
[02.27]  Session 4: The "Suicide" Tactic
[03.06]  Session 5: The "Taking the Roof Off" Tactic
[03.13]  Session 6: The "Steamroller" Tactic
 
 
Critical Texts for Essential Doctrines [01.16-01.30]
Why do you believe what you believe? Where is that in the Bible? We will spend a few weeks looking at some of the most critical passages for understanding and defending essential doctrines of the Christian faith, including creation, the fall, the crucifixion, the resurrection, and the inspiration of scripture.
 
01.16  "In the beginning" (Genesis 1-3)
01.23  "He was raised" (1 Corinthians 15:1-19)
01.30  "God-breathed" (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
 
 
 
We're gonna break in the New Year with an evening of pizza and games.
 
  
This week, we'll take a closer look at Christmas by examining each of the characters associated with this holy day—the most popular, the misplaced, and the mythical.
 
 
James [11.28-12.05] 
A favorite source of practical guidance for living out the Christian faith, we will spend a couple of weeks studying the book of James. As always, the best way to prepare is to read through the entire book...more than once...using more than one translation.
 
 
 
Join us in the fellowship hall at 7:00 PM for dinner and packing OCC shoeboxes. Remember to bring a side dish, gift items, and a shoebox.
 
 
The Case for Christianity [09.26-11.07]
Can you give a reason for your faith? During this seven-week study, we will try to answer some common questions about and objections to the Christian faith. Using Lee Strobel's three-film collection, we'll see interviews with leading Christian scholars and scientists and have plenty of time to discuss your questions. And this is a great opportunity to bring others.
 
[10.10] The Case for Christ (part 2)
 
  
We're going out for pizza and bowling. Nothing. But. Fun!
 
 
Minor Prophets [08.15-09.12]
Even though we're separated from ancient Israel by thousands of years and thousands of miles, God's word to His people still speaks to us. During this study, we will look at some of the Old Testament prophets and hear the relevance of their message for us today.
 
[08.15] Jonah
[08.22] Nahum
[08.29] Habakkuk
[09.05] Haggai
[09.12] Malachi
 
 
 
The name says it all. We're gonna get together for free pizza and games. Feel free to bring others with you.
 
 
The Muslim faith—Islam—is growing rapidly in North America, but many Christians have little or no understanding of this world religion.  Be prepared to introduce Christ to Muslims in an effective and loving way.  We will look at the history of Islam, major doctrines, and guidelines for sharing your faith.
 
 
The Explicit Gospel [06.13-07.25]
The gospel of Jesus Christ is the greatest news ever proclaimed to humanity. Yet many believers have a limited grasp of the power of the gospel. During this six-week study, you will be challenged to grasp the centrality of the gospel for all of the Christian life, from the moment of salvation, through the lifelong process of sanctification, and continuing into eternity. We'll see how the glory of God reigns supreme over every moment in His plan for our lives and how the cross captures and resurrects our dead hearts.
 
[07.04] No Veritas tonight
 
 
 
Doctrine and Duty [05.02-06.06]
God's saving grace calls for fidelity to sound doctrine and a pursuit of holiness in the life of the believer. Join us as we study Paul's first letter to Timothy and receive first-century guidance to issues facing us still today—as individuals and as a church. Begin by reading all of 1 Timothy. Then come prepared each week by reading each passage below before the date on which we will discuss it. To get even more, read the passage several times during the week, preferably in more than one translation (e.g., ESV, HCSB, NASB, NIV).
 
 
 
A night of pizza and bowling before our next study begins.
 
 
Decision Making & the Will of God [03.14.12-04.18.12]
Should I take this job? Where should I live? What does God want me to do?
Life is filled with decisions, and God's Word provides guidance. Take part in this 5-week study as we explore how to determine God's will for you. It may be easier than you think!
 
    Being led by the Spirit - Rm 8:14; Gl 5:18;
    Mt 4:1; Mk 1:12; Lk 4:1
    Hearing God's voice - 1 Kg 19:12-13;
    Jn 10:6, 27
    Having inner peace - Php 4:7; Col 3:15
    Open and closed doors - Col 4:3; 1 Co 16:8-9; 2 Co 2:12-13; Ac 16:26-28
    Fleeces - Jdg 6:36-40; Gn 24:12-14; Ac 1:26
    Confirmations - Dt 17:6; 19:15; Mt 18:15-16; 2 Co 13:1-2; 1 Tm 5:19-20; Heb 10:28
3. God's Will(s) (3.28)
    Sovereign (His Plan) - Mt 10:29-30; 1 Pt 3:17; Am 3:6; Dn 4:35; Rm 9:19; Pr 16:33; 21:1;
    Eph 1:11-12; Dt 29:29; Rm 11:33-34; Ac 1:16; 2:22-24; 4:27-28; Rm 8:28-30; Jms 1:2-4;
    Rm 5:3-5
    Moral (His Rules) - Ps 119:9-10; 2 Tm 3:16; 1 Tm 2:3-4; 2 Pt 3:9; Eph 5:17-18; 1 Th 4:3-7;
    1 Pt 2:13-17; Php 1:29; 2 Tm 3:12; 1 Th 5:16-18
5. Now what... (4.18)
 
 
Taking a break for some fun and fellowship before we begin our next study.
 
 
We Are Church [01.4-02.29]
Are we doing church the way the Bible instructs us? Are we supposed to gather in a building once a week to sing a few songs and hear someone else talk about God? Are we really supposed to take Communion facing forward in silence, eating dry wafers, and drinking from tiny plastic cups? Is that the church Jesus asked His followers to create? Once again, we'll join Francis Chan as he encourages Christians to examine the early church and consider returning to the concept of church described in the Bible.
1. Fellowship (1.4)
2. Fellowship (1.11)
3. Teaching (1.18)
4. Teaching (1.25)
5. Prayer (2.1)
6. Prayer (2.8)
7. Communion (2.15)
8. Communion (2.22)
9. Communion (2.29)
 
 
This week we'll wrap up (ha ha) our study of Christmas and get to some of your questions, including why December 25th and what to make of Santa Claus.
 
 
We will spend the next couple weeks looking at the historical context and biblical account of Jesus' birth. Bring your questions...and a friend.
 
 
Sex & Marriage [11.30]
Yep, that's right. Zach will be with us this week to bring some unvarnished truth.
 
 
Join us in the fellowship hall at 7:00 PM for dinner and packing OCC shoeboxes. Remember to bring a side dish, gift items, and a shoebox.
 
 
Created and preserved by the hand of God, the Bible was written over a period of 1,500 years by at least 39 different authors. Its 66 books include a variety of literary types. Yet in spite of its diversity, the Bible is one unified story—the story of God's persistent love for sinful people and His passionate desire to redeem them as His own.
 
Read the Bible for Life will help you grasp this grand story of Scripture. You will learn how the various books of the Bible fit together to present that story and communicate God's redemptive message. And you will discover new skills for listening to, understanding, and responding to God's word in ways that will change your life.
 
Each Wednesday night, we'll discuss a new facet of understanding the Bible or genre of writing. During the week, you will have five daily readings with exercises that help you apply what you're learning. You can get your workbook from Josh ($5 each) or LifeWay. In addition, check back each week for a variety of articles to supplement your workbook.
 
    ~ Covenant
10. Conclusion (11.9)
 
 
Following up on last week's discussion of baptism, this week we will look at the other ordinance instituted by Christ. 
 
 
Baptism [08.24]
For a denomination labeled "Baptist," we sometimes lack a clear understanding of baptism. We will spend the next couple weeks exploring the foundations and purposes of our ordinances, beginning with baptism.
 
 
Before we launch into our fall study, let's enjoy some free pizza and a game night.
 
 
More Than a Carpenter offers arguments for faith from a skeptic turned believer and even addresses questions raised by today's popular atheist writers. You will be better equipped to give an answer.
 
 
Get Uncomfortable [06.29-08.03]
There is more to Christianity than some singing and sitting on Sunday mornings. God has given us—the church—a mission in the world. During this six-week study, you will be challenged to get uncomfortable as we explore the biblical link between evangelism and responding to dire needs in Jesus' name.
 
4. What's My Role? (7.20)
 
 
 
 
A night of pizza and bowling. More fun for some than others, but still nothing but fun.
 
 
Radical Together [05.04-06.15]
We've studied Radical.
We've gone to Secret Church.
Now it's time to get Radical Together.

Using David Platt's latest book, we're doing a six-week study of how a right understanding of the church fuels radical obedience among Christians. You can get a book from Josh for $5. Then read the designated chapter each week prior to our gathering.
 
One of the worst enemies of Christians can be good things in the church.
 
The gospel that saves us from work saves us to work.
 
The Word does the work.
 
Defining the tension of biblical discipleship.
 
Building the right church depends on using all the wrong people.
 
We are living—and longing—for the end of the world.
 
We are selfless followers of a self-centered God.
 
 
Taking a break for some fun and fellowship before we begin our next study.
 
Passover Seder [04.20]
Join us as we observe a traditional Passover Seder. We'll begin at 7:00.
 
Who is God? [03.02-04.13]
Using Francis Chan's BASIC series, we'll explore the weighty topic of the Trinity, distilling the reality of the nature of God into foundational truths. Seven unique sessions will provide challenging, innovative, and accessible discussions of the nature of God and what that knowledge means for those who believe in Him.
   1. Fear God (3.2)
   2. Fear God (3.9)
   3. Follow Jesus (3.16)
   4. Follow Jesus (3.23)
   5. Holy Spirit (3.30)
   6. Holy Spirit (4.6)
   7. Basic Living (4.13)
 
 
 
 
Nothing but fun! [02.23]
Taking a break. Having fun. Bringing a friend. Seriously.
 
Relationships 101 [01.05-02.16]
In January, we'll begin a new and in-depth look at relationships—from strangers and coworkers to friends and family to dating and marriage...and everything inbetween. Send questions and topic requests to Josh.
 
 
 
 
Nothing but fun! [12.29.10]
 
Lost & Found [12.01.10-12.15.10]
According to recent research, the Christmas season is the time when people are most open to considering matters of faith (47%). During December, we will look at why young adults are leaving the church and, more importantly, how to bring them back.
 
 
 
 
Radical [09.22.10-11.10.10]
It's easy for American Christians to forget how Jesus said his followers would actually live, what their new lifestyle would actually look like. They would, he said, leave behind security, money, convenience, even family for him. They would abandon everything for the gospel. They would take up their crosses daily.
 
But who do you know who lives like that? Do you? Maybe it's time for us to reexamine the radical claims of Jesus.
 
 
Someone worth losing everything for [09.22]
Luke 14:25-33 | Matthew 4:18-22 | Luke 9:57-62 | Philippians 3:1-14
Examine what it means to give up everything in your life in order to follow Jesus Christ.
 
Too hungry for words [09.29]
Matthew 7:13-27 | Psalm 119 | John 3:1-21 | Rom. 3:21-26 | Heb. 5:11-6:3 | James 1:22-25
Discover how your response to the Word of God reveals the true nature of your relationship with God.
 
Beginning at the end of ourselves [10.06]
John 15:1-17 | Ex. 33:1-18 | Matt. 11:28-30 | Luke 11:1-13 | Luke 24:45-49 | Col. 1:24-2:5
Examine what it means to fully rely upon God's presence in your life.
 
The great why of God [10.13]
Psalm 67:1-7 | Genesis 1:26-28 | Luke 1:26-55 | Acts 2:42-47 | Acts 21:1-12 | Rev. 7:9-10
Investigate the relationship between God's blessing and His desire to be glorified in all the earth.
 
The multiplying community [10.20]
Matthew 28:16-20 | Mark 16:15-16 | Luke 24:46-49 | John 17, 20:21-23 | Acts 1:8
Examine the calling and responsibility you are given for making disciples of all nations.
 
How much is enough? [10.27]
Matthew 25:31-46 | Mark 10:17-31 | Luke 16:19-31 | James 2:14-26
Discover that living the gospel means reflecting God's compassion by meeting the needs of the afflicted in the world.
 
There is no Plan B [11.03]
John 14:1-6 | Matthew 9:35-38, 24:14 | Romans 10:11-14
Ponder the implications of Jesus being the only way for the lost to be saved.
 
Living when dying is gain [11.10]
Matthew 10:1-42 | John 15:18-25 | Hebrews 13:11-14
Contrast the risk involved in living for God with the reward He promises all those who do so.
 
 
 
2x4 [09.08.10-09.15.10]
 
 
 
 
 
Dating & Relationships [08.25.10-09.01.10]
Enough said?
 
 
 
 
 
Movie Night [08.18.10]
 
Nothing but fun! [08.11.10]
 
Let the Nations Be Glad! [06.16.10-08.04.10]
When it comes to world missions, there are only three kinds of Christians: zealous goers, zealous senders, and disobedient. We will be using John Piper's Let the Nations Be Glad! to explore the biblical foundation for missions and to ignite a passion for the unreached. If you would like to purchase the book and/or study guide ($5 each), please let Josh know.
 
 
 
 
Evangelism by Ambassador [05.26.10-06.09.10]
We know the gospel is to be shared, and we each feel some responsibilty to do so. So what's missing? For some of us, we develop great relationships...but never quite get around to talking about matters of faith, much less Jesus. For others, talking about Jesus and telling people they need him comes naturally...though getting to know them and actually caring about them doesn't. If the idea of "personal evangelism" evokes images of a public relations agent or product pitchman, then maybe it's time to return to the biblical concept of the ambassador.
 
 
 
 
Financial Stewardship [04.28.10-05.19.10]
Did you know that April is National Financial Literacy Month? It seems that everyone is concerned about how you spend your money, but none more so than God. Join us as we spend a few weeks looking at financial stewardship from a biblical perspective. We will start with what the Bible says about money, debt, and wealth and then get to some practical advice for how to handle "your" money, including debt reduction and living with a budget.
 
  
 
 
Going to vs. Being the Church [04.14.10]
What—or who—is the church? And what exactly is the church supposed to be doing? Join us as we study Luke's sequel to his Gospel of Jesus, the Acts of the Apostles, and see for yourself what the early church was all about and how the Spirit's work then informs us today.
 
 
 
 
Good News for the Rest of Us [01.06.10-04.07.10]
Of all the gospel writers, Luke offers a unique perspective on Jesus and his teaching, especially as it relates to those who find themselves overlooked or on the margins. Join us as we walk through Luke's account of the life of Jesus. Come prepared by reading each passage below before the date on which we will discuss it. To get even more, read the passage several times during the week, preferably in more than one translation (e.g., ESV, HCSB, NASB, NIV).
 
[01.06] Luke 2:41-4:13
[01.13] Luke 4:14-6:11
[01.20] Luke 6:12-7:50
[01.27] Luke 8:1-9:50
[02.03] Luke 9:51-11:13
[02.10] Luke 11:14-13:9
[02.17] Luke 13:10-14:35
[02.24] Luke 15:1-17:10
[03.03] Luke 17:11-18:34
[03.10] Luke 18:35-19:27
[03.17] Luke 19:28-21:38
[03.24] Luke 22:1-46
[03.31] Luke 22:47-23:56
[04.07] Luke 24:1-53
 
 
 
Christmas Clutter [12.02.09-12.16.09]
Are you ready for Christmas?
Not with decorations or even gifts. Are you spiritually ready? Let's remove the clutter that's built up around Christmas and connect anew with the story that changed the world and can change you...forever!
 
Join us as we walk through Luke's account of the life of Jesus, beginning in December with the story of his birth. Come prepared by reading each passage below before the date on which we will discuss it. To get even more, read the passage several times during the week, preferably in more than one translation (e.g., ESV, HCSB, NASB, NIV).
 
[12.02] Luke 1:1-38
[12.09] Luke 1:39-80
[12.16] Luke 2:1-40
 
 
 
 
REnew [10.21.09-11.18.09]
Do you feel like your spirit is running on empty?
Are you tired of just going through the motions of superficial spirituality?
Maybe it's time for you to REnew by exploring the spiritual disciplines of Bible study (read), meditation (reflect), memorization (recite), prayer (respond), fasting (refrain), and giving (return).
 
Read [10.21]
Don't let your eyes just move across the words in your Bible, verse after verse, as you dutifully "spend time in God's Word." Read and study the Bible with focus and determination to actually understand. Determine what the author is saying and what he means (interpretation); then move to what you should do in your life as a result (application). If you want to get serious about studying God's Word, a great resource is How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth.
 
Reflect [10.28]
When asked why he meditates, Dietrich Bonhoeffer replied, "Because I am a Christian." Beyond simply studying the Bible, spend time reflecting on and thinking about what you've read. Unlike Eastern meditation, which seeks to empty the mind and be detached from the world, this is a call to fill your mind with God's Word and become more attached to Him.
 
Recite [10.28]
In less than four minutes, this video shares the value of memorizing scripture. In addition, Seeds is a series of five CDs that combine powerful verses with great music (by the way, the link takes you straight to a song, so watch your volume).  And if you'd rather read a book, try His Word in My Heart: Memorizing Scripture for a Closer Walk with God.
 
Respond [11.04]
As God speaks to us through our study of the Bible, and we gain insight and deeper appreciation through meditation, we respond through prayer. Prayer is not about you changing God, but Him changing you. For an invaluable survey of prayer in the New Testament, use this Outline of Observations complied by Stand to Reason, which also put together some great resources on prayer.
 
Refrain [11.11]
John Wesley said, "Some have exalted religious fasting beyond all scripture and reason; and others have utterly disregarded it." Fasting (abstaining from food and/or water for a predetermined period of time) is a humbling act of denial meant to strengthen your dependence on and satisfaction in God and is often associated with mourning for sinfulness, repentance, and preparation to do God's will.
 
Return [11.18]
Join us for Thanks + Giving Dinner on the 18th. Same time. Same place. Special focus.
 
 
  
 
Decision Making & the Will of God [09.02.09-10.14.09]
Should I take this job? Where should I live? What does God want me to do?
Life is filled with decisions, and God's Word provides guidance. All young adults are invited to take part in this study as we explore God's will for you.
 
If you would like to review what we covered, download a copy of Josh's notes. You may also want to read Principles for Decision Making, which is a short introduction to biblical principles for decision making. For a more in-depth treatment, try Decision Making and the Will of God, or for a quicker read, you can't beat Just Do Something.
 
 
 
 
LiFE [07.15.09-08.26.09]