Happy New Year! And welcome to the new class: Crosstrainers!
Crosstrainers is a triple entendre. The first meaning is, of course, referring to our key verse for the class, Luke 9:23. The second meaning is in reference to athletic training, crosstrainers being a kind of athletic shoe that is great for all types of physical activity; likewise, we as christians, having on the "crosstrainers" of the gospel of peace, can stand with confidence and a sure footing, when we are fighting spiritual battles (see Ephesians 6). Thirdly, Crosstrainers is about training in Christianity and popular culture, so we can more easily cross over into the popular world and share the message of love that the LORD has given us in terms that non-churched people can understand.
Our initiative for 2009 is "365 Holy Days" and is a play on the word "holiday" which comes from "holy day". Therefore, each Sunday will be themed by the nearest holiday; so this week our focus is New Year's Day, and new beginnings.
Scripture references: Genesis 1:1, John 1:1, Acts 9:1-19, Revelation 21:5
Gen. 1:1 - focus word: Beresheath, lit. "In the beginning"
JN 1:1 - focus words: En arkay, lit. "In beginning" or "At first"
Acts 9:1-19 - New beginning for Saul of Tarsus, became Paul that day. Focus discussion on the Lord's statement to Ananias regarding the showing to Paul of all that he must suffer for Jesus.
Revelation 21:5 - Focus on the final new beginning with the new heaven and the new earth. I'll be there.
Won't you come with me? Let's pray.