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Break Into Small Groups
If your classroom is anything like mine, it can sometimes be too quiet. You might be waiting for a response to a question, and nobody is willing to answer. Let’s face it, not everyone coming into your classroom is fully awake and ready to interact (maybe that’s just me). If you end up answering your own questions very often, give this a try. Break into small groups. You can do this a couple of different ways depending on your class size. For the small class, ask your members to turn to a partner and share what they think. For a larger class, you can divide into groups of three or four. This causes your members to interact more with each other and not just rely on the few members that are willing to answer. I do not recommend doing this for every question but more frequently on questions where there is not such a cut-and-dried answer.
The Coming Messiah
Read Malachi 3:1-4
“Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts” (v. 1).
This prophecy was given about four centuries before its fulfillment. It is very obvious that John, the Baptist, was the fulfillment of this prophecy. He was promised to a childless couple who had long past given up on any hope of having children. The incredulous Zacharias was struck dumb because of his unbelief. His son John became a very important part of laying a foundation for the future ministry of Christ. Indeed, John baptized Jesus in Jordan and introduced Jesus as the one who would take away the sin of the world. Jesus came as the fulfillment of this prophecy. He came to satisfy the need for a perfect sacrifice. His initial entry into this world was not recognized by many of His own people, but His soon-to-be second coming will be seen by all and recognized by all when He comes on a white horse with tens of thousands of His saints. (Lonnie R. Witt)
The infant Christ came to redeem us from sin. He’s coming quite soon His reign to begin. — Lonnie R. Witt
Keep looking above; the King is coming.
A Picture of Christ
Focus Text: Deuteronomy 18:15-19; John 5:39-47
Central Truth: Jesus Christ is the central teaching of the entire Bible.
Objective: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to list several things which the Bible reveals about Jesus Christ.
Lesson Outline
1. The Scriptures Point to Christ
2. The Scriptures Reveal Christ
3. The Scriptures Testify About Christ
Celebrate Birthdays and Anniversaries
Perhaps you already celebrate each class member’s birthday or anniversary, but if you do not, here are some reasons and ways to start celebrating. Everyone likes to be remembered and acknowledged on a birthday. Most everyone likes to eat. Now I am not suggesting you make a big deal with presents, cake, and ice cream, but I am suggesting giving a card and possibly bringing a coffee cake or donuts. One way to make this affordable for you as the teacher is to set up a class benevolence fund. You can ask your fellow class members to chip in as needed or suggest a certain amount to be given. If remembering when birthdays are is not your strong point, ask someone in your class to be responsible for this. Make it happen, because you show you care by remembering. And that’s an important step in building relationships. “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care” (Zig Ziglar).
God’s Word Is Effective
Read Psalm 19:1-14
“Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward” (v. 11).
Descriptive nicknames and titles have frequently been used about the Bible, God’s Word. It has been referred to as “The Good Book.” It has been called “The Road Map to Heaven” or “The Christian’s Guide to Holy Living.” In each case God’s Word is seen to be filled with purpose and intention, inspiring those reading it to be better people. The evident fact is that God’s Word is effective, meaning it produces “a decided, decisive, or desired effect” through its admonitions and examples. In yesteryears, Bible reading and scripture memorization were common practice. It was believed that exposure to God’s Word would have a positive effect. It provided a warning, instruction, and encouragement that inclined people to step back, weigh their choices and regulate their behaviors. Parents started each day sharing verses from God’s Word with their children; school days were begun with teachers reading a passage from God’s Word with their students. Respect for God’s Word was instilled by giving it a place of priority; in turn, it effectively impacted many lives. It offers the same possibilities for those who will use it today! (Rodney B. Stearns)
Sweet are the promises; kind is the Word,
Dearer far than any message man ever heard.
Pure was the mind of Christ — sinless I see.
He the great example is, and pattern for me.
— W. A. Ogden
“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Ps. 119:11).