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March 10, 2021: The Message to Carry
Read Acts 10:34–43.
"Him God raised up the third day, and showed Him openly"(v. 40).
This is an amazing passage of scripture, showing the Apostle to the Jews (Peter)being endowed with power to preach Jesus to the Gentiles. Peter had to overcome obstacles to get to that point, but he did conquer his reluctance and preached to these devout people. God was pleased with the message; the people listening had some scriptural background about the gospel (note: vs. 36–38) and were anxious for more truth.
From our key verse, we understand that the crucial message Peter preached, and that we are to convey, centers in the resurrection of Christ. This is still the power of the gospel message today. (Leonard L. Sankey)
"Death in vain forbids Him rise. Christ has opened paradise."(Charles Wesley)
The resurrection of Christ is the standard miracle of the New Testament.
March 8, 2021: Going With the Gospel
FOCUS TEXT: Acts 13:1 - 13
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURES: Isaiah 42:1-7; Jonah 1:1-17; 3:1-10; Acts 13:1-52; 2 Corinthians 10:14 -16
CENTRAL TRUTH: Effective witnesses are called and sent forth by the Holy Spirit.
OBJECTIVE: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to explain the importance of the call and empowering of the Spirit for taking the gospel.
LESSON OUTLINE:
I. Sent by the Spirit (Acts 13:1 - 4)
II. Empowered by the Spirit (Acts 13:5 - 12)
III. Ministering in the Spirit (Acts 13:13 - 49)
March 3, 2021: God Calls a King
March 1, 2021: Conversion Means “About Face”
FOCUS TEXT: Acts 9:1-16
CENTRAL TRUTH: God's grace saves us and equips us for His service.
OBJECTIVE: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to clearly and logically explain the plan of salvation.
LESSON OUTLINE:
I. A Rebel Persecutor (Acts 9:1, 2)
II. A Humble Penitent (Acts 9:3-19)
III. A Bold Preacher (Acts 9:20-31)
February 24, 2021: Punishment for Failure
Read Matthew 25:41-46.
“Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me" (v. 45).
It was in the 1800s when Charles Dickens faced a difficult situation. His father had mismanaged the finances of the household and, in accordance with English law, was sitting in a debtor's prison. Charles was only ten years old but had no alternative. He had to go to work to support the family. At this young age, he saw much poverty and injustice. The powerful, famous, and rich exploited the powerless with impunity. From these painful experiences, Dickens found the basis for many of his novels. He spoke to the issues of the day. Living in the British Empire during the industrial revolution, he knew from first-hand experience the ugliness of that age.
Possibly his story, which has been most read, is "A Christmas Carol." In this account, the infamously stingy Ebenezer Scrooge in his own greedy, selfish, and calloused manner runs roughshod over the lives of others. Scrooge sees no need to feel any moral responsibility for the welfare of his fellowman. Through this account, Scrooge tries to convince his readers that love and benevolence can change lives. The ghost of Jacob Marley conveys the understanding that eternal punishment awaits people like Ebenezer Scrooge.
Jesus pushed this message to a greater extent. The church has a moral obligation to minister to those in need. By our demonstration of love, compassion, and generous assistance in Jesus' name, we, in some spiritual way, are not only ministering to those in need but also to our Lord. The good works that are an expression of our relationship with Jesus Christ bring glory to God. (L.Gayle Woods)
The good works of a Christian are to be an expression
of our relationship with Jesus Christ
designed to bring glory to God.
February 22, 2021: Anticipating Christ’s Return
FOCUS TEXT: Matthew 25:1-13
CENTRAL TRUTH: The possibility that the Lord may return at any time should determine the priorities of our daily living.
OBJECTIVE: By the end of this lesson my pupils will be able to tell others how they can be ready for Christ's return.
LESSON OUTLINE:
I. The Waiting Virgins (Matthew 25:1-5)
II. The Coming King (Matthew 25:6-9)
III. The Just Reward (Matthew 25:10-13)