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Justified By Faith
Read Romans 5:1-8.
“Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 1).
She shot her boyfriend! He was beating her up; she feared for her life. She claimed it was self-defense. Time and again, we justify our decisions and actions, the things we say and the way we respond to what is happening to us. At times it seemed like a raw reflex; it was spontaneous, but nevertheless, it was what caused us to draw on our resources and what we felt were our strengths.
What about when you turn the other cheek, when you go the extra mile, when you give your cloak as well as your coat, when you use a soft answer in responding to anger, when you endure hardness as a good soldier? Do you justify those times by your faith in God who gives you grace and strength and wisdom? The hope we have is because of the love of God that is shed abroad in our hearts. Thus our actions and reactions are to be justified by our faith! As Christians, let us act the way we do because we are who we are through Jesus Christ, our Lord! (Rodney Stearns)
“My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus blood and righteousness;
…………………….
On Christ, the solid rock I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.”
Justify your faith by living out the Lord Jesus within you!
Sept 6, 2020: Faith
PRINTED TEXT: 1 John 5:1 15
CENTRAL TRUTH: Faith in God is one of the most important principles in being an overcomer in the Christian life.
OBJECTIVE: By the end of this lesson we should be able to identify ways in which our faith in God should be demonstrated in our daily lives.
LESSON OUTLINE:
I. Victory Through Faith (I John 5:1 5)
II. The Witness of Faith (I John 5:6 12)
III. Assurance Through Faith (I John 5:13 15)
August 30, 2020: The Need
THE NEED
When we find a really good restaurant or read a really good book, what is our typical reaction? We want to tell somebody. And it should go without saying that we want to tell someone if we come across something they really need. The group of lepers who had found a source of food outside besieged and starving Samaria said to one another, “We do not well: this day is a day of good tidings, and we hold our peace . . . now therefore come, that we may go and tell the king’s household” (2 Kings 7:9).
If we have found new life in Christ, we have found the most wonderful thing in the world. But of course, many around us would not share our enthusiasm, considering the news of a clearance sale more exciting. How can we share with others what we have found? Should we try?
Be ready to give your class the answer on Sunday!
Aug. 26, 2020: The Master’s Commands
Read Matthew 10: 9-16
The Master’s Commands
“Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves" (vs.16).
Jesus was our perfect example. His preaching and teaching were sometimes pointed, and at other times couched in stories and allegories. He knew his audience and how best to speak to them. We do not have His wisdom! But we need to seek a measure of His wisdom when approaching others. Some will dismiss you immediately, some will be curious, and others will scoff and seek to argue. Others, prepared by God, will seek to know more. In any case, a gentle wind will leave a pleasant breeze, where pontificating may leave a fretful scar.
Will it stir the stormy waters or bring a peaceful calm;
speak as Jesus did and breathe a restful balm?
Will it greet the wayward son, or heap on bitter shame;
mend the broken fences, or seek to assess blame?
Will it lift a lowly spirit, or drag it farther down;
bring joy to others, or let them slowly drown?
Will it fuel an angry conflict, or give the gift of peace;
trifle with their feelings, or bring a sweet release?
Will it wound without a cure, or remind of God’s great love;
taste of empty words, or fill with joy above?
Take caution every day, that blessings flow from what you say
-Jan Hamilton
August 30, 2020: The Great Commission
PRINTED TEXT: Mark 16:14 20; Matthew 28:16 20
CENTRAL TRUTH: Christ's command to proclaim the gospel requires a ready response from every Christian.
OBJECTIVE: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to list things they can do to obey the Great Commission.
LESSON OUTLINE:
I. The Church's Task (Mark 16:14 20)
II. The Lord's Power (Matthew 28:16 18)
III. The Lord's Presence (Matthew 28:19, 20)
Christ Serves the Hungry
Read Luke 9:10-17
Christ Serves the Hungry
“Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them,
and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude” (v. 16).
Have you ever served in a shelter house for the homeless? I have not, but I know people who enjoy the ministry of helps. Three people come to mind. Our church honors those who help others, so my son-in-law has served meals at a downtown mission a few weeks before Christmas. My hairdresser goes one day a month to the same mission. She began this service with hesitation, but now it’s her sweet blessing to serve. My sister leads a Bible study for inmates at a prison, and she’s done this for many years. What impresses the women is that they can count on her being there; her faithfulness is appreciated.
The crowd who gathered to hear Jesus that day could not be called homeless, but they would have missed a meal and more of Jesus’ teaching if not for the miracle of feeding the 5000 (not counting women and children). With no grocery store nearby, Jesus took what was available – five loaves of bread and two fish – and turned these into a banquet for the multitude. With His blessing, all were satisfied. (Ann Coker)
Down in the human heart, crushed by the tempter,
Feelings lie buried that grace can restore;
Touched by a loving heart, wakened by kindness,
Cords that are broken will vibrate once more.
–Fanny Crosby
Taking one’s turn to serve others is no chore.