Our Blog

Encourage Your Students

Teachers of adults in a church setting often have students for short time periods. The teacher or class may not have opportunity to know if a fellow class member is discouraged or troubled. Be positive! Be encouraging! Realize that your students may be fighting serious, life-altering battles. Be sensitive to the gravity of situations, but in all cases, be an encourager! Have an appropriate mantra for your class that has an encouraging, Scripture-based foundation, i.e., “God is working out His purpose,” “God is good,” “God loves us and does what is best for us.” But be aware of the possibility of minimizing a problem with a “godly” quote. Recognize that your class members have daily challenges, but help them know that when they come to your class, they will leave with a word of encouragement that has been spoken, based on God’s Word and His faithfulness!

May 18th, 2018|Categories: Teacher Helps|Tags: Encouragement|0 Comments

Riches are Fleeting

Read Jeremiah 17:9-11

“As the partridge sitteth on eggs, and hatcheth them not; so he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool”

(v. 11).

All it takes is a hurricane to prove the fact that wealth is not lasting. Multi-million dollar homes on the beach front are gone in a swath of churning water. Billions of dollars worth of investment in businesses, golf courses, automobiles, and infrastructure can be swept away in minutes.

Or take the catastrophe of a financial collapse or the sudden calamity of an investment scam. In a flurry of numbers, the amount dwindles, and the account holder is faced with the reality that little or nothing is left. And riches can be fleeting, not only because they can be lost in a natural disaster or deceitful scheme, but also if they are gained at the expense of someone else.

The partridge, a common sight in ancient times, was often accused of hatching chicks which were not her own. The prophet makes reference to this in his admonition to us that we take heed to our use of riches. Wealth improperly gained is not an asset.

We must not be like a creature only out for gain, no matter the process. We must recognize that riches are temporal and look after the bit that God assigns to us. Only then can we rest in the security from above. (Valerie A. Quesenberry)

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,

Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:

Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,

High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

— Dallas Forgaill

Riches, like eggs, are fragile and must be handled with integrity.

May 16th, 2018|Categories: Opening the Word|Tags: fleeting, riches, true wealth|0 Comments

Portraits of Bible Characters

The Bible centers around personalities. Augustine said it well: “The sacred record, like a faithful mirror, has no flattery in its portrait.” Sometimes the biographies of men and women outside the Bible seem to be too ideal and successful. But a journey through the pages of the Bible reveals those of like passion as ourselves.

The summer 2018 quarter studies "Portraits of Bible Characters." Join in this exploration of Abraham, Sarah, Moses, Gideon, Ruth, Hannah, Esther, Job, Jeremiah, Martha and Mary, Peter, Paul, and Dorcas.

May 14th, 2018|Categories: Quarter Topic|0 Comments

How Do Christians Handle Their Money?

Focus Text: Exodus 20:17 Proverbs 28:20-22; 1 Timothy 6:6-10, 17 Matthew 6:19-21; 1 Corinthians 6:12
Central Truth: Beware of the world’s perspective of get-rich-quick. It’s a sure road to destruction — and it’s forbidden by God.
Objective: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to list at least three reasons people shouldn’t gamble.
Lesson Outline:

Exploitation of Others (Exodus 20:17)
Unwise Risk-Taking (Proverbs 28:20-22)
Motivated by Greed (1 Timothy 6:6-10)
Misplaced Trust (1 Timothy 6:17; Matthew 6:19-21)
Leads to Addiction (1 Corinthians 6:12)

May 14th, 2018|Categories: Weekly Lesson Summaries|Tags: Christians, Money|0 Comments

Respect Your Students

Regardless of their “station in life,” students come to class with concerns and needs. Responses you see from a student are often reactions to situations of which you are unaware. As a teacher of adults, your relationship with the students in the class is key to the success of the lesson you come prepared to teach. By showing respect to students, you create an environment that is winsome and conducive to learning. Although time with the class may be in short segments, showing genuine concern and respect for everyone who comes to class is one way to demonstrate Christ’s love. Remember that each one is created in God’s image, and Jesus died for them. Showing Christ’s love in tangible ways to your students is a huge first step toward their success as a learner and your success as a teacher.

May 11th, 2018|Categories: Teacher Helps|Tags: respect, Student, Teacher|0 Comments

The Value of God’s Word

Read 2 Timothy 3:14-17

“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (v. 15).

Have you ever learned a skill you were not too interested in following? I recently helped a general contractor install a large recreational vehicle park. I learned to operate some heavy equipment, install plumbing, and do earth moving work. At the close of the project, I mentioned to the fellows who had taught me, “Hope I never need these skills again.”

There are areas of life though that we need! Not every believer is wise regarding finances, or relationships. Every Christian, who knows the Word of God, is wise regarding his eternal hope. Paul is encouraging Timothy to understand that the Scriptures give clear and strong teaching regarding salvation by faith in Christ. (G. Clair Sams)

I know not why God’s wondrous grace

To me He hath made known,

Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love

Redeemed me for His own.

But “I know Whom I have believed,

And am persuaded that He is able

To keep that which I’ve committed

Unto Him against that day.”

— Daniel W. Whittle

What is the most important study of your life? Do you long to study God’s Word?

May 9th, 2018|Categories: Opening the Word|Tags: Bible, God's Word, new skill, studying|0 Comments

Join our email list &
GET YOUR FREE TEACHING SAMPLES TODAY!