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Tampering With God's Most Sacred Gift
Lesson 8 - January 25, 2015
Printed Text: Genesis 9:1-6; Matthew 5:21-24; 1 John 3:11-18
Central Truth: Human life is sacred because we are made in God’s image.
Objective: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to tell how God’s definition of a murderer differs from that of the world.
Lesson Outline:
- Made in God's Image (Genesis 9:1-6)
- The Law of Christ (Matthew 5:21-24)
- Love vs. Hate (1 John 3:11-18)
Guidelines for the Home
Read Ephesians 6:1-4
“That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth” (v. 3).
How to Enjoy a Family Fight is the title of a book I have in my library. The author, Will Cunningham, creatively addresses various issues that every family faces. Volumes have been written by authors from nearly every field of study, giving advice about how to build a successful home. Many of these may be good resources for helping establish a home, but we must never forget the primary source of guidelines for the home is God’s Word.
God created men and women with distinct differences and complementary responsibilities in marriage and the family. The New Testament reestablishes God’s purpose for men and women in marriage and the family. Husbands are the head of the family and are commanded to love their wives; wives are to submit to their husbands. Children are to obey their parents, and parents are to discipline and instruct the children in love.
If we respect and follow these principles that God has established, we can expect our homes to be successful and enjoy long life. (Harold Carpenter)
When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
— John H. Sammis
God promises long life to those who respect His guidelines for the home.
This week's featured devotional is from the Saturday, January 17, 2015 entry of Opening the Word.
Photo credit: "The Old Home" by Kool Cats Photography over 3 Million Views used under CC BY 2.0 / Resized, cropped.
God's Plan for the Family
January 18, 2015 - Lesson 7
Printed Text: Ephesians 6:1-4; Colossians 3:18-21; Luke 2:46-52
Central Truth: Parents should be honored as spiritual guardians of their children.
Objective: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to list several ways a person can show honor for his parents.
Lesson Outline:
- God's Order for Children (Ephesians. 6:1-4)
- Guidelines for the Home (Colossians 3:18-21)
- A Beautiful Example (Luke 2:46-52)
The Sabbath: Holy Day or Holiday?
Lesson 6 - January 11
Printed Text: Deuteronomy 5:12-15; Nehemiah 13:17-22; Mark 2:23-28
Central Truth: God established the Sabbath for our benefit.
Objective: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to list at least three principles for choosing activities for the Lord's Day.
Lesson Outline:
- The Sabbath Established (Deuteronomy 5:12-15)
- The Sabbath Renewed (Nehemiah 13:15-22)
- The Sabbath Made for Man (Mark 2:23-28)
What's His Is His
February 8, 2015 - Lesson 10
Printed Text: Malachi 3:8-12; Luke 19:1-10; Ezekiel 33:13-15
Central Truth: Respect for others refuses to take what is rightfully theirs.
Objective: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to state three guiding principles in showing respect for the rights of others.
Lesson Outline:
- Robbing God (Malachi 3:8-12)
- Robbing Man (Luke 19:1-10)
- Restitution (Ezekiel 33:13-15)
The Needy Seek Christ
Read Mark 10:46-52
”And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me” (v. 48).
“They thought I was a corpse!” the rescued sailor said.
Trapped in water up to his chest in a cabin of the overturned boat, he little expected the pocket of air sustaining his life to last much longer. Hour after hour he stood atop a pile of mattresses, his muscles screaming for relief as the chilly water sapped his body’s warmth and strength. Awaiting death, he quoted Scripture and prayed for rescue.
Suddenly, he heard hammering overhead. With all his remaining strength, he banged back. When a diver’s headlamp pierced the darkness of his watery prison, he stretched out his hand and squeezed the diver’s fingers in a desperate, silent plea for deliverance.
The crewman could have succumbed to despair. Likewise, blind Bartimaeus could have permitted the crowd’s disapproval to deprive him of a miracle. But his need was great, and the Healer was passing by. He cried out and received his sight. Today, we can cry out to the Great Deliverer whatever our need. Jesus will hear the faintest heart cry and respond in love. (Joyce Cooper)
Reach out and touch the Lord as He passes by.
You’ll find He’s not too busy to hear your heart’s cry.
He’s passing by this moment your need to supply.
Reach out and touch the Lord as He passes by. — Bill Harmon
Have a need? Just reach out to Jesus by faith.
This is the Friday, December 19, 2014 devotional reading of Opening the Word.
Photo credit: "STATION SAN FRANCISCO (FOR RELEASE)" by Tidewater Muse used under CC BY 2.0 / Resized, cropped.