Catalyst Information for February 4, 2009

Announcements
THIS WEEK
Wednesday- Catalyst- 6:30-8:00pm
Thursday- No Dinner of The Following
NEXT WEEK
Wednesday- Catalyst- 6:30-8:00pm
Thursday- No Dinner or The Following due to Moldova Prep Meeting- 6:00-8:00pm
DOWN THE LINE
February 20-21- 30 Hour Famine ($10 due 2/18/09)
MOLDOVA
Thursday, February 12- Moldova Prep Meeting- 6:00-8:00pm
Saturday, February 14- Serve at Valentine’s Banquet- 5:15-8:30pm
Sunday, February 22- Church Café and Bakesale- 12:00-2:00pm
Wednesday, February 25- 2nd Payment of $200 due- 8:00pm

SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
This week we are focusing on John 16:5-15 at Catalyst. This takes place during the continuing "Last Supper" with the disciples. Here Jesus talks of His needing to leave so that the Holy Spirit (Counselor or Helper in most versions) will come and assist the disciples.
I am going to be talking about how the disciples were so caught up in their own situations ("how can Jesus leave us, we have given him the last 3 years of our lives?," "what about this kingdom that Jesus said we are building, how are we supposed to build this kingdom on earth when He's not even around to help?"
How often we get so focused on ourselves, our wants, and situations, that we forget and/or lose sight of the immensity of what Christ is doing!
From there we are going to move into the reason Jesus had to go away (1- because there would be no removal/atonement for sins if He didn't, and 2- the Holy Spirit wouldn't come to convince the world and unbelievers of guilt and need of Jesus).
Lastly, I will be challenging the kids with their responsibility in assisting the work of the Holy Spirit, namely witnessing to Christ!
1- Let the Holy Spirit lead your daily living as He is essential in your life and sanctification.
2- Never forget that the Holy Spirit is present in your life.
3- Be about living for Jesus in EVERY area of your life!
4- BE A WITNESS TO WHAT YOU HAVE SEEN AND EXPERIENCED!
You are not the judge, the lawyer, or the jury- but a witness!
5- Join the Holy Spirit in witnessing to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Jesus is the righteous covering of the individual’s sin of unbelief
Jesus’ offering of making them righteous that only comes through Him
Jesus’ defeat of Satan, their predicament of being on the side, and need to repent.
6- Lastly, Let the Holy Spirit do the work of conviction and transformation, you do the work of sharing!

So that is where we are headed on Wednesday. I know that's A LOT, and we'll see how far we get, but this is my general direction.

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
1- What are things that happen in your life that takes your eyes off of what Christ is doing in your life and the world around you?
2- What are some ways we as your parents can help you in helping you keep focused on Christ during these times?
3- Who is one person you want/need to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with this week?
4- What things do you need to make sure you share with them when you witness to them?
5- What thing(s) can we pray about right now in your life?