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Good Works
A Judgment of Works
When I was in eighth grade, we went on a class trip to tour an exhibit on the HMS Titanic. We saw pictures and footage of the building of that great ship, heard stories about the people who booked passage on its voyage, and even walked through life-sized replicas of the rooms. When I made it to the first-class cabin, I noticed the pale mannequin lounging in the corner and quickly went on to study the bed, chairs, clothing, and other curiosities. As I began to walk on down the hallway, a girl in the group behind me screamed. The mannequin had stood up to talk to them!
Of course, it wasn’t a mannequin at all. He was a slender actor who had covered his face and hands with white makeup. No one had looked closely enough to think he was anything other than a mannequin until he moved. The life in his limbs was our first clue that he wasn’t plastic.
These days, people stay awfully busy. We work and volunteer and play hard. As we run from one activity to the next, we rarely have time to notice people around us. Why should we expect anyone, including people not in the family of God, to tell we are Christians if the life in our limbs doesn’t show it? (Michelle D. Avery)
Is there life in your limbs?
Dorcas: A Woman of Good Works
Focus Text: Acts 9:36-42, Matthew 5:14-16
Central Truth: Good works are an evidence of a genuine saving faith.
Objective: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to identify several good deeds they can do for someone this week.
Lesson Outline:
I. An Exemplary Life (Acts 9:36-39)
II. A Miracle Realized (Acts 9:40-42)
III. A Command Given (Matt. 5:14-16)
Before and After Pictures
Following Christ
Jesus’ call is very simple. All He asked Levi to do was follow Him. There were no requirements and no application process. The only thing Jesus asked for was a response and commitment. On the surface, the response is also very simple. Levi simply had to stand up out of his seat and begin to walk with the Master. However, beneath the surface, we see a much deeper response and a greater commitment. Levi was leaving behind the only life he knew. He was leaving behind not only his occupation but also the source of his wealth as a tax collector. He was leaving his friends and the life style of feasts and parties.
Yet Levi saw something in Jesus that made all he was leaving behind seem worthless because what he was gaining had infinitely more value. No doubt the pull of Levi’s old life sometimes seemed very strong. Perhaps he had to deal with the implications of walking off the job and leaving everything behind. We don’t know that part of the story, but what we do know is that he stayed with Jesus and became one of the twelve apostles and a founder of God’s new Church. Jesus called a very diverse group of men to follow him. Perhaps the only thing they all had in common was their response and commitment to His call. (Kevin R. Askew)
Trust and obey For there’s no other way To be happy in Jesus But to trust and obey. — John Sammis
Have you left all and followed like Levi?
Paul: Saved to Serve
Focus Text: Acts 9:1-16
Central Truth: Christ calls us from self-centered righteousness to selfless service.
Objective: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to identify some areas of service in which they need to be involved.
Lesson Outline:
I. Confronted by Christ (Acts 9:1-5)
II. Submission to Christ (Acts 9:6-9)
III. Sent by Christ (Acts 9:10-16)