[Thought questions for When All Things Become New December 17, 2012] 1. What is utopia? Does the word ‘utopia” remind you of an ideal world where you would like to live? Or is the thought you associate most with “utopia” an unrealistic dream of a never-ever land? What about the millennium? Will that be utopia? What is … Continue reading –>
Key Thought : In the end, the righteous will be saved, review God’s judgments, see the final sentence upon evil, and dwell in a new heaven and earth in peace and joy. [Teaching plan for When All Things Become New December 24, 2012] 1. Have a volunteer read Revelation 20:1-5. A. Ask class members to … Continue reading –>
[Thought questions for Last Things: Jesus and the Saved December 19, 2012] 1. Pivot point: The cross. How were people saved before the cross? Or were they? Is the cross symbolic? If so, what does it symbolize? What does it mean? What is the reality behind the symbol? When in human history did God begin … Continue reading –>
Key Thought : Christ’s ministry in the heavenly sanctuary, the second coming, and the resurrection stand together as a message of hope for those who trust in Him. [Teaching plan for Last Things: Jesus and the Saved December 17, 2012] 1. Have a volunteer read Hebrews 8:1-5. A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what … Continue reading –>
[Thought questions for The Christian Life December 12, 2012] 1. The Christian. What is a Christian? By that definition, are you a Christian? Are you saved by your faith as a Christian? or by your works? What did the apostle James think about faith compared to works in the Christian life? Was he a legalist? … Continue reading –>
Key Thought : The Christian is to use the gifts of personal and material resources God has given them to reflect His benevolence. [Teaching plan for The Christian Life December 10, 2012] 1. Have a volunteer read I John 3:16. A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of … Continue reading –>
[Thought questions for The Law and the Gospel December 5, 2012] 1. The law and the gospel. Do the words “law” and “gospel” seem somewhat contradictory? Why? Does the concept of “love” belong to both the law and the gospel? Under all circumstances? Under any circumstances? When you’re in love, deeply in love, with someone, … Continue reading –>
Key Thought : God’s entire moral law reveals our sin and need of a Savior. The law and the gospel are inseparable. [Teaching plan for The Law and the Gospel December 3, 2012] 1. Have a volunteer read I John 2:3,4. A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of … Continue reading –>
[Thought questions for The Church: Rites and Rituals November 28, 2012] 1. Baptism. How vivid is the memory of your baptism? Did you feel triumphant? courageous? curious? scared? What about the week after your baptism? Had the feelings faded? Did you ever leave the church or become lax in observing key teachings of your church? If so, … Continue reading –>
Key Thought : Baptism, footwashing, and the Lord’s Supper are symbols of sharing Christ’s suffering, death, and life of commitment and service. [Teaching plan for The Church: Rites and Rituals November 26, 2012] 1. Have a volunteer read Acts 2:38. A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of … Continue reading –>
[Thought questions for The Church: In Service to Humanity November 21, 2012] 1. The essence of church. When did you go to church last? Were you blessed by being there? Were you able to share Christian love with someone who was there? What is church? Do you think Satan goes to church every week? According to … Continue reading –>
Key Thought : The church is not a human invention; it was created by God for the purpose of bringing sinners into a saving relationship with Him. [Teaching plan for The Church: In Service to Humanity November 26, 2012] 1. Have a volunteer read I Timothy 3:14,15. A. Ask class members to share a short thought … Continue reading –>
[Thought Questions for Arming for Victory November 14, 2012] 1. Arming ourselves. Before loading yourself down with shields and helmets, wouldn’t you like to be sure you’re really going to battle? I mean, what’s the use of building up your defenses if nobody is going to attack? Even more important, what kind of a battle … Continue reading –>
Key Thought : We are called to put on God’s armor of truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, and His Word for protection against Satan. [Teaching plan for Arming for Victory November 12, 2012] 1. Have a volunteer read Ephesians 6:14-17. A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea … Continue reading –>
[Thought Starters for Victory Over Evil Forces November 7, 2012] 1. Religious power. What wars can you think of that were fought in the name of religion or religious values? How much persecution had its roots in religious zeal? Have you seen the battle between Christ and Satan raging where you live and work this week? … Continue reading –>