[Thought questions for The Everlasting Gospel December 23, 2014] 1. Where we are today. How long has it been since God made clear the essence of the gospel? Did He explain the gospel to Adam and Eve in the garden? How? Could you explain the gospel in 25 words or less? We are saved by faith, by the … Continue reading –>
Key Thought : We are indeed saved by faith which works by love and purified the soul. Every second God is using all His power, grace, and mercy to reconcile us to Him. [Lesson plan for The Everlasting Gospel December 29, 2014] 1. Have a volunteer read Luke 15:29-32. a. Ask class members to share … Continue reading –>
[Thought questions for Prayer, Healing, and Restoration December 16, 2014] 1. Words with power. One of my favorite texts growing up in Sabbath school is this week’s memory text containing these words, “the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” I repeated those words until they were embedded in my heart. But what did they … Continue reading –>
Key Thought : There is nothing that God cannot heal, transform, undo, bind up, or restore. Jesus is interested in the total person in a substantial, lasting healing. [Lesson Plan for Prayer, Healing, and Restoration December 15, 2014] 1. Have a volunteer read James 5:13-15. a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the … Continue reading –>
[Thought questions for Getting Ready for the Harvest December 9, 2014] 1. Parousia. Does the word “parousia” echo a sense of majesty and anticipation in you? Did it for New Testament Christians as they applied the word to the Second Coming of Jesus? What two conditions does James propose to Christians who want to be ready for … Continue reading –>
Key Thought : As we wait for the Lord to return, James encourages believers to strive to be patient in the face of evil and injustice and not to take heart. [Lesson Plan for Getting Ready for the Harvest December 8, 2014] 1. Have a volunteer read James 5:7,8. a. Ask class members to share a … Continue reading –>
[Thought questions for Weep and Howl December 2, 2014] 1. Weep and howl! Can you imagine the impression those words made on James’ readers and listeners? What if you went to church one week, and the pastor walked to the pulpit wearing his usual invisible robe of humility but places his hand in the open Bible … Continue reading –>
Key Thought : Meaningful relationships, job satisfaction, and a purposeful life gives one more happiness than wealth. [Lesson plan for Weep and Howl December 1. 2014] 1. Have a volunteer read James 5:1-5. a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is. b. What kind of wealth … Continue reading –>
[Thought questions for One Lawgiver and Judge November 26, 2014] 1. Introduction. Have you ever complained about a new stop sign in your neighborhood? Or about the lack of stop signs or posted speed limits nearby? Imagine that you live in the capital city of the United States, Washington, DC. What would the term “diplomatic immunity” … Continue reading –>
I thought that I would focus this week on the “not judging” part of the One Lawgiver and Judge lesson. After all, the phrase “judge not” is probably one of the most oft quoted and misquoted Bible verses of our generation. It sometimes serves as our “get out of jail free” card. The discerning of right and … Continue reading –>
