The first "Family Night" in Portland started with a delicious meal that everyone enjoyed. On the menu were steak soup and lentil soup, served with homemade bread rolls and vegetable sticks with ranch dressing. For the kids there were plates of mac and cheese, veggies, and hot dog wraps. Dessert was a perfect pumpkin cake with frosting.

After dinner, everyone gathered in the sanctuary, where David Lambert welcomed everyone and opened with prayer. Then Sola Adesope began the main activities by asking for six volunteers under the age of eighteen. They were hesitant at first, but six went forward. The challenge was to find Joel 2:21 in the Bible, and Serena Asaya found it first and read it aloud. The over-eighteen group went next. Among seven volunteers, Savannah Charles found Micah 7:18 first, earning cheers.

Brother Sola then introduced the evening’s Bible study, which was based on 1 Corinthians chapters 8-10. He explained that the Corinthian church had been dealing with problems, and Paul wrote to help them understand that their actions affected not only themselves but also their brothers and sisters in Christ. The congregation then separated into groups to discuss six questions drawn from those chapters. After fifteen minutes, the groups reassembled in the sanctuary, and a representative from each team shared their group's conclusions.

Question 1 focused on principles that should guide decisions. From 1 Corinthians 8, Paul’s message was that choices should reflect God’s character and set a good example, especially for those who are younger in the faith. It is important to consider whether an action could cause someone else to stumble--not just to feel offended, but to be hindered in his or her walk with God.

Question 2 discussed Paul’s authority as an Apostle. Some had questioned Paul's legitimacy because he was not part of Jesus’ earthly ministry. He reminded the Corinthians that he had seen the risen Christ and that they themselves were evidence of his work in the Lord. Paul’s defense was not about pride; it was to protect the credibility of the Gospel. His example of sacrificial leadership shows how believers today can serve others by giving up personal rights for the sake of helping others grow.

Question 3 compared the Christian walk to a race and a boxing match. Both require focus, training, and consistency. Just as athletes maintain discipline through routine, Christians need to stay consistent in prayer, Bible reading, and church attendance. Accountability is also important. Athletes have coaches, and believers have pastors, teachers, and mentors to help them stay on track. The Christian life takes discipline, but unlike a sport competition, all can win in the Christian race and encourage one another along the way.

Question 4 turned to the warnings from Israel’s history. The Israelites fell into idolatry and other sins because they forgot what God had done for them. Remembering past lessons keeps Christians humble and helps one avoid repeating mistakes. As one person shared, it’s better to learn from others' mistakes than to repeat them.

Question 5 asked how believers can “seek another person’s good.” In practical terms, this means being charitable, showing love, and putting others first. Paul’s teaching reminds Christians to balance personal freedom with responsibility to others. Brother Sola gave a simple example: if you visit someone and he or she serves you a meal that’s not your favorite, the right thing to do is to eat it with appreciation. Showing respect and gratitude matters more than personal taste.

Question 6 asked what everyday actions could take on new meaning if done “for God’s glory.” The discussion pointed out that when working with the right motive—to honor God—ordinary tasks become acts of worship. Whether at work, home, or somewhere with friends, every activity can reflect that motive. A sign on the wall of the church in Langley, B.C., Canada, said it well: “Work becomes worship when we do it with all of our hearts.”

From start to finish, Family Night was encouraging. Everyone enjoyed good food, fellowship, and thoughtful discussion centered on how to serve the Lord better and represent Him well in everyday life. It was a relaxed but meaningful time of learning and connection within the family of God.