Sunday School

Stephens’s Martyrdom

Lesson Text: Acts 6:8-7:2A

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This week’s lesson continues with Stephen’s defense when he is before the Sanhedrin council. Because of his outspokenness, the council becomes enraged, and things quickly turn for the worst.

Thought to Remember:

One must either submit or resist Jesus

Lessons learned:

Stephens received a glimpse of heaven before he died. I believe that this is one of the glorious privileges that God grants faithful believers as they transition from earth to heaven. As I witnessed my father's transition, I noticed the expression of peace on his face at that moment. Likewise, I, too, want to glimpse into heaven and see my Lord standing, ready to deliver the words Well Done, my faithful servant.

My Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for all the examples of true believers like Stephen. Gives us the power that we need to live for You and witness to others. Allow us to fulfill Your intention on Earth because we desire to see Jesus standing by the Father as approval of our life. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.

Faith Inspires Gratitude

Lesson Text: Hebrews 12:18-29

The focus of this week’s lesson is the holiness of God and the grace of God that has opened the door to salvation through Jesus Christ.

Thought to Remember: Our faith in God inspires our gratitude

Lessons learned: As a result of this lesson, I challenge myself to become more thankful for God's grace even during difficulties that shake this world. Since grace is only available to the believer, I must serve God with love. I must never abandon this love, especially my first love for Christ. Like romantic love between a man and a woman, my first love for Christ involves passion, too. Therefore, I must continue a passionate pursuit of relevance and admonition of God all because of grace.

My Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You that we have access to You through the blood of Jesus. Help us to live for You in great reverence. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.

Faith Requires Mutual Love

Lesson Text: Hebrews 13:1-3 I Corinthians 13

The focus of this week’s lesson is the importance of love as the character of believers. Love is the key component of faith. Love becomes a practical and necessary part of the daily lives of believers.

Thought to Remember: We must have an attitude of love

Lessons learned: As a result of this lesson, I challenge myself to stop thinking like a child. A child is only aware of the present moment - the here and now. A mature believer, however, can view the world from a spiritual perspective. For instance, because of the blood of Jesus, God sees us dressed in the righteousness of Christ. In the same manner, I should see the world around me as an extension of God's love.

My Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, we are grateful for the gift of your son, Jesus, which has demonstrated your love for us. Please help us to demonstrate the same kind of love to those around us. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.

Stephens’s Arrest and Speech

Lesson Text: Acts 6:8-7:2A

This week’s lesson focuses on the courage to speak, as demonstrated by Stephen. He faces opposition and reflects the power and wisdom of the Spirit to speak the truth of Jesus the Messiah.

Thought to Remember:

Holy Spirit will aid you when you take a stand

Lessons learned:

The lesson reminds me of the Bigger Picture from a heavenly perspective. Stephen provided a heavenly perspective with his earthly work. Why? After being appointed a deacon to serve the Libertine (Freedmen) Synagogue widows, Stephen exercises faith with great power and miracles. Yet, his conviction came to fruition when nonbelieving Jews debated him in the Libertine Synagogue; there, he demonstrated power and wisdom under the leading of the Holy Spirit. The same is true when I face opposition in doing the will of God, and I must take a stand for what is right.

My Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for the Holy Spirit who gives us the power we need to live for You and witness to others about You. Allow Your will in heaven to become practical here on Earth by using us to perform it. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.

The Wedding at Cana

Lesson Text: John 2:1-11

Marriage in the Bible consisted of feasts of joyous celebrations with much wine that could go on for days. Culturally, running out of wine brought shame and embracement to the bridegroom family. Yet, Mary intervenes with a request from her son, Jesus. His intervention created a different joyous event and avoided a disaster.

Thought to remember: God saves the best for last!

Lesson Learned: The significance of Jesus' first miracle rests in the results. He transforms what seems disaster into a joyous and praiseworthy event. So, likewise, when I obey His words, the results will transform my life.

My Prayer: Dearest Heavenly Father, Your love, Your awesomeness, and Your miracles are true blessings to us. Thank You for Your miracles and help us not take them for granted, but share Your love and mercy with others. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

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The Word Became Flesh

Lesson Text: John 1:1-14

Jesus was more than a personification of God's revelation, but He was indeed God's perfect revelation of Himself in the flesh. Because He was both divine and human, His light illuminated our path toward God.

Thought to remember: Jesus is God, the I AM. He existed before the creation.

Lesson Learned: When Jesus walked the earth, many lacked the faith to believe that he was both divine and human. Likewise, many today lack faith. So, I must refrain from becoming like Philip when he asked Jesus to show him the Father. Jesus' reply is still valid today – he that hath seen me hath seen the Father. (John 14:9)

My Prayer: Dearest Heavenly Father, keep us in Your care, and remind us of the birth, life, death, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. We bless You, and we praise You. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Wisdom's Part in Creation

Lesson Text: Proverbs 8:22-35

This lesson opens with a personification of Wisdom as a woman. Proverbs 8 is Lady Wisdom calling out for people to listen to her message. Lady Wisdom tells us that she was with God initially and was instrumental in the universe's design.

Thought to remember: Wisdom is a life-giving source.

Lesson Learned: Wisdom is necessary as I walk toward the direction of Christ. Wisdom wants me to listen and follow her advice, leading me into a blessed life and eternal life forever. I, too, realize that the Word of God contains Wisdom.

My Prayer: Dearest Heavenly Father, I realize that God's Wisdom is precious and wonderful to have and to keep. Therefore, show us how to use Wisdom in our personal and collective lives. Help us see Jesus as true Wisdom for us to have each day. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Lesson on Angels including Heavenly Angels and Fallen Angels. What do the Scriptures say about angels?

God Preserves a Remnant (Lesson Text: Genesis 45:3-15)

Joseph demonstrates true forgiveness in this lesson while allowing God's providence to unfold in his life. Joseph acknowledges that God is always in control even when others have no knowledge of His divine plan. Remember, faithfulness brings us favor.

Thought to remember: God will always preserve His people.

Lesson Learned: Like Joseph, I must exercise forgiveness even when I cannot grasp the divine purpose for my current situation, but His Word reminds me that God has a divine plan for my life. Therefore, I must continue to trust because afterward, I will become like pure gold when He finishes.

My Prayer: Dearest Heavenly Father, You are a gracious and forgiving God, full of mercy and compassion. So we thank You for the good times in our lives. Help us to forgive our brothers and sisters. Allow us to render assistance in time of need like Joseph did for his family. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen!

Joseph Finds Favor (Lesson Text: Genesis 41:37-52)

Joseph did not run after fame. He did not bride his way to the top or manipulate his circumstances. Joseph relied on God. Even when he experiences a major setback, he continues to wait on God.

Thought to remember: God always works through men performing His tasks on Earth.

Lesson Learned: Joseph became an agent of revelation in a pagan culture. First, he was his father's favor, then he became a slave and was sentenced to prison. Finally, he was raised from his lowest point to the highest office next to Pharaoh. I, too, can become an agent of revelation despite my present situation if I trust God.

My Prayer: Dearest Heavenly Father, we trust that You will reward us in Your time and in Your way. Help us to do our very best in every responsibility we are given. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen!