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Online Sunday School Workshops
http://www.sundayschoolhelp.org/Workshops-Gen.html offers two online workshops that may offer you some ideas to make your Sunday school a better program.
Four Laws of Romans 8:28
In "Doctrinal Discussion" Omar Lee writes:
The abundant life, someone has said, is governed by four laws as found in Romans 8:28. 1. The law of operation, all things work. God is not the author of inactivity in itself. We work for our bread; we work out our salvation; we work for the Lord. Even the universe follows laws of operation. 2. The law of cooperation, together. While some things do not appeal to us of themselves, they give flavor to other ingredients. For instance, vanilla is not appealing by itself, but put a certain amount in ice cream, and you have a delicious dessert! Not all the things in our lives may be appealing, but they may operate with other things to make us more successful Christians. 3. The law of compensation, for good. Not all things may look like they work together for good, but God's promises never fail! Job lost all, yet he gained all! Poison, steam, and lightning are instruments of death to some, but they can be made to work together for good. The poison can be made into a painkiller. the steam can produce work, and the lightning can in another form be light! 4. The law of limitation, that love God. The abundant life can only come to the one who loves the Lord abundantly. More than conquerors have all these laws working for them.
Source: Studies in Romans: Adult Teacher's Insights, page 50.
Treasure in Earthen Vessels
In "God's Word for Today" William Snider writes:
The Apostle Paul correctly told the Corinthians that we have the treasure of salvation in “earthen vessels” (2 Cor. 4:7). The provisions of the atonement do not address the impairments to our humanity. Paul called them “infirmities.” Sometimes these defects may have spiritual consequences for us and others. Often the devil will capitalize on these to shake our confidence in the work of God in us. It is impor-tant that we recognize and not dismiss these. Yet we must not despair because of them. God is aware of these flaws. He has made provision for our ongoing maturity. Think about this promise and His provision as you contemplate imperfect self. They do not affect His love for you.
Source: Studies in Romans: Adult Teacher's Insights, page 46.
Why did God predestinate us?
In "Biblical Perspective" Gordon Snider writes:
While verses 29 and 30 form the biblical basis for the Calvinistic doctrine of predestination, we must remember that Paul introduced these thoughts to encourage the believer facing suffering. Paul's emphasis was that God was the initiator in our salvation, even before we were born. His purpose in salvation was to conform us to the image of his Son. For Jesus, the way to glory was through suffering, and so it will be with us.
Source: Studies in Romans: Adult Teacher's Insights, page 47.
What is the meaning of predestination?
In "Word Focus" Glenn McClure writes:
The other word is predestinate. This word conveys the idea of limiting in advance or marking out beforehand.
It should be noted that the verses where this word occurs relate to God’s redemptive plan for those who are “in Christ,” that is, believers. So we can see that predestination is primarily a doctrine for the saints, not for sinners.
Here we need to ask the right question. It is not who are the objects of this predestination, but to what they are predestinated. The text simply says that the believers are predestined “to be conformed to the image of his Son.”
It is only natural that the believer should be Christlike, for in Him is our total salvation dependent.
Source: Studies in Romans: Adult Teacher's Insights, page 46.
Pray for Your Sunday School Superintendent
Heavenly Father, thank Your for my Sunday school superintendent and all the work that he/she does to make sure our Sunday school department runs properly.
You see the stress this person experiences when teachers are absent without warning or complain and argue over little things. Help me to be an encouragement by faithfully showing up each week and letting the superintendent know well in advance if I cannot come. Help me also to have such a sweet spirit that it gives joy to him/her.
Enable this person to have the strength and energy to serve in this position. Help them not to feel overwhelmed by the various administrative tasks for which they are responsible. Give this person creative ideas for how to encourage and train us teachers to disciple our students more effectively. Help us teachers to work together for the good of our church, but most of all because we love You, Lord.