Christian Outdoor Object Lesson 70: A Well Worn Saddle

Key Verse

“Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 WEB

Lesson

A horse and saddle are perhaps the oldest form of transportation besides going about on two feet. Little thought is given to the saddle beyond its name. Yet every horse rider can testify to its importance. The saddle is second in importance only to the bridle. The purpose of the saddle is to make the ride easier for the horse and the rider and to aid the rider in maintaining proper position astride the horse. A good saddle must fit both the horse and the rider, or it will cause injury.

An experienced rider has a worn and broken-in saddle. But it is not neglected, it must be oiled and tended regularly. A saddle well cared for can last a lifetime. All saddles may look similar to the untrained eye. But there are many types of saddles all suited for various types of riding. Yet they all perform the same important function – to link the horse and rider and to aid them in whatever quest they may find.1

The saddle is like the Bible in many regards. Any experienced Christian can tell of its importance. Far too many Christians let it sit on a shelf new and shiny like an unused saddle. The experienced Christian will have a broken-in, yet well-tended Bible. Other Christians will say they believe in the Bible, thinking salvation is in its pages. They place the Bible above its Author, yet can a saddle provide transport without a horse? The Bible is only a link connecting us to its Author in whom we find help (John 5:39-40).

The purpose of the Bible is to make our ride on this earth easier and to aid us in our connection to Jesus. It was especially designed for this purpose and we need it to maintain our relationship with him. As Paul the Apostle stated so eloquently in the key verse, every verse in the Bible is for our instruction and growth as sons and daughters of God so that we may be ‘thoroughly equipped’ for our quest of his Kingdom!

Questions

What does it mean to have a broken-in, yet well-tended Bible?

When asked if we believe in the Bible, what would be a good response?

Can those who never know of the Bible be saved?

Sources

1. Deborah Burns, (ed). Storey’s Horse-Lovers Encyclopedia. (North Adams, MA: Storey Communications, 2001): 343.



Written by David F. Garner

Photo Credit: Bhakti2 via www.pixabay.com

Christian Outdoor Object Lesson 38: The Brightest Light

Key Verse

"But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another" 1 John 1:7 KJV

Lesson

Note: Todays object lesson comes from the book Moving Mountains: A Daily Devotional by Amazing Facts.

An Amazing Fact: "The Torch" claims to be the world's brightest flashlight. It is currently being tested by the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s most powerful flashlight, with 4,100 lumens of "raw light power.” It is supposedly 100 lumens brighter than the record holder. It burns so hot that it can ignite paper, melt plastic, and even cook an egg. All yours for only $149!

Ever since the invention of the light bulb, mankind has continued to make more powerful and brighter lights. One of the brightest lights in the world (claimed by its owners) is the tip of Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas, which contains a fixed-position spotlight that points directly upward. Its beam is supposedly 42.3 billion candlepower.

But you don't need to go to Las Vegas to find the brightest light in the world. David writes in 2 Samuel 22:29, "For You are my lamp, O Lord; the Lord shall enlighten my darkness." From the first day of Creation when God proclaimed, "Let there be light" (Genesis 1:3), to the final book of Revelation, which tells us, "There shall be no more night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light" (Revelation 22:5), there is a clear association between our Lord and light.

Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life" (John 8:12). Then in John 12:36, Christ admonishes us, "While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of the light." The Word of God, the Bible, is also referred to as light. In fact, David says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105) You do not need the world's most powerful flashlight to find your way to heaven. God provides the light you need through the Bible. Turn on your light every day.1

Questions

Have you ever had a very bright light shined in your face? How did it feel?

What does light represent in the Key Verse?

How much light do we need to get to heaven?

Sources

1 Rittenour, Curtis, Shawn Brace, Stephen Hicks, John Krum, Anthony Lester, Laurie Lyon, Danae Schilt, Emily Simmons, Judy Thomsen, and Joelle Worf. Moving Mountains, 154. Roseville, CA: Amazing Facts, 2011.

Questions written by David F. Garner

Christian Outdoor Object Lesson 25: Small Words Great Power

Photo Credit: khongkitwiriyachan

Key Verse

Behold, the ships also, though they are so big and are driven by fierce winds, are yet guided by a very small rudder, wherever the pilot desires. James 3:4 (WEB)

Lesson

A handgrip, a shaft, and a blade; these are the main parts of a paddle. A paddle is a simple but indispensable tool for directing certain watercrafts and boats. A paddle and boat are one of the oldest forms of travel. Paddles can be used for two purposes, propelling a boat and steering it. For some boats, a single paddle can be used for both purposes, for other boats, one paddle is used specifically for steering and others for propelling it. Of course many boats have a rudder for steering. But historians tell us that rudders were adapted from a steering paddle.

Have you ever marveled at how easy a small paddle blade can quickly change the direction of a much larger boat? It is rather impressive how easily a paddle can propel a heavy boat. A few strokes and your canoe or kayak is going several miles an hour. One twist and the whole boat is redirected. Although small in comparison, the paddle has great power.

In James 3:4 the Bible uses this as an example of how the tongue is small but can have a great effect. The tongue is a very small part of the body, but it can bless or curse, it can heal or destroy. A few unthoughtful words can destroy a friendship or a reputation. Whereas, a kind word can brighten someone’s whole week. In a few minutes of anger, a person can speak words causing bitter feelings that last years.

It is important whenever we speak that we think about our words. We should never speak the first thing that comes to our minds. Many people allow their feelings to determine what they say without thought for long-term effects. This is unwise. As Christians, we must do our best to control our speech. Everything Jesus said was meant to help the listeners, even his enemies. We should try to do the same.

Questions

Can you think of small word someone said to you that meant a lot or even changed your life?

What can we do when we get angry instead of saying hurtful words?

What simple words could you say to someone that would be meaningful?

Christian Outdoor Object Lesson 24: A Sharp Book

Photo Credit: Snufkin

Key Verse

For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 (WEB)

Lesson

Note: This lesson is best demonstrated by showing how much more easily a sharp knife cuts than a dull. Use each knife to slice through a piece of paper pointing out the ease with which the sharp knife works. This is best done just after saying the old saying, “a sharp knife, is a safe knife” third paragraph.

The Bible says God’s word is sharper than any two-edge sword. Some translations say a two edged dagger which is a kind of knife. Of course you know what a sword is, but we don't use them much anymore. A pocketknife is much more familiar to most of us. If not, a kitchen knife surely is. The thing about knives is that they have the same basic purpose as swords—cutting. So why does Paul compare God’s Word to a sword or knife? Well, it is rather simple.

A knifes sole purpose is to cut, to penetrate, to divide. It is used to get to the center or heart of something. It is also used to separate into parts. This is the same purpose of God’s Word, the Bible. It gets to the center, to the heart of people. It gets in behind the mask we put up. It gets to the root of our being. It separates the good from the bad, the light from the dark. It shows us sins we have tried to cover up, negative habits we try to excuse away. It helps us discern truth from error.

Have you ever felt like a verse in the Bible really hit home with you? Have you felt like a Bible truth struck to the core of what you were feeling? The thing about a knife is that to really work it must be sharp. In fact there is an old, wise saying that goes “a sharp knife, is a safe knife”. This is true because a sharp knife is actually easier to use than a dull one and makes it less likely that you will use so much force you slip and cut yourself.

Hebrews 4:12 says that God’s Word is even sharper than a very sharp knife. We might even say it is shaper than a razor blade. This is because a knife or razor can only cut physical things. But God’s Word can cut through spiritual things. It can cut through our soul to remove hurt and bring healing. It can cut through lies and get to the truth. It can cut away the bad parts of our character. It can pierce through all the shields we put up to hide our true selves. God’s Word cuts through to our deepest thoughts and intentions to bring them into the Light. To show us that we are sinners and that only faith in Jesus can redeem us.

Questions

Have you ever felt God’s Word at work in your life cutting away or exposing unwanted things? Would you like to share?

Can you think of an example it the Bible that seems to be sharp? How about Romans 3:10?

How can we use God’s Word the Bible as a knife to discern truth from error?

Christian Outdoor Object Lesson 10: Life's Map and Compass

Key Text

“Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1 (WEB)


Lesson


What is the allure of backcountry travel and recreation? For many it is the unknown, the sense of facing uncertainty and overcoming. There is a challenge in going to an unfamiliar place and surviving. The challenge is thrilling and enlivening. There is always an inherent amount of risk. The key is keeping the level of risk manageable.

There are many tools used by outdoorsman to manage risk and overcome challenges. Wearing proper clothing, carrying shelter, using a water filter, and having a fire source are all essential, fundamental ways of overcoming obstacles. But perhaps the most fundamental and clearly necessary tools are the map and compass.

The map and compass are what make outdoor travel possible. They have been in use for thousands of years. They are still in use today, perhaps more than ever before. Today the map and compass may look different but are still used together in a digital form called GPS. There is a map on the screen and an electronic compass telling direction.

Map and compass are so fundamental for good reasons. They enable us to travel to a previously completely unknown destination and find our way as if we have been there a dozen times. A skilled navigator can even get completely lost in the wilderness and pinpoint their location on a paper map with observation of the surrounding area. Map and compass or GPS allow us to travel confidently into the unknown because we trust the information they provide to be correct and reliable.

Another word for trust is faith. Hebrews 11:1 says faith is the evidence of things not seen. Faith is trusting that the Map and Compass for our life are correct and reliable. When we read the Bible stories about God's faithfulness we can have trust or faith that his promises are reliable. The more we follow the paths and trails on a map, the more confident we become that the map and compass are trustworthy. As we walk the Christian path we learn from experience that God’s Word is faithful. 

As our faith grows, it becomes the assurance of things we hope for such as heaven and Christ’s soon return. As we experience God’s steadfastness to his followers our faith becomes the proof of things we cannot see such as God’s providence and protection.


Questions

Have you ever had to rely on a map and compass or GPS? If so, did you doubt their accuracy? Or did you doubt your ability to use them?

Have you ever doubted the reliability of God’s Word? Or maybe you doubted your ability to have faith in God’s Word?

Do you long to have the type of faith described in Hebrews 1 that gives hope for things not seen?

What can you do to improve your faith in a map and compass? What can you do to increase your faith in God and his Word?


Written by David F. Garner

Photo Credit: David F. Garner