Key Thought: James, the Lord’s brother, gives us an excellent example of moving from unbelief to faith and action. He was a well-respected leader in the early Christian church.

[Lesson Plan for James the Lord’s Brother September 29, 2014]

1. Have a volunteer read John 7:2-5 and Mark 3:21.

a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
b. What did Jesus’ own family and friends think about Him at this time?
c. Personal Application: Have any of your family or friends felt that you were out of your mind for your religious beliefs and actions? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study: One of your relatives states: “Jesus was a good man, but He was self-deluded if He thought He was God. This whole Christian religion is based on a man who died.” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read I Corinthians 15:5-7.

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
b. What does Jesus’ resurrection and His personal talk with James afterward tell us about the changes that happened to James?
c. Personal Application: What can you do to help influence your family and friends to be more open to the gospel of Jesus? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “How do you influence a person who has been familiar with the Bible and the gospel for most of their lives to actually believe and accept its teachings?” How would you respond to your neighbor?

3. Have a volunteer read Acts 15:17-19.

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. Why did James have to address the issue of the application of circumcision and other Jewish laws concerning the Gentile converts?
c. Personal Application: Do we have “Adventist laws” that we try to put on new converts that may not be important for salvation? Share your thoughts..
d. Case Study: One of your friends states, “I heard on television that the ten lost tribes of Israel represent England and the United States. What does the Bible say about these lost tribes?” How would you respond to your friend?

4. Have a volunteer read Acts 15:15-21.

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. Was James telling the people that there were only three things they would need to do to be saved as Christians? What indications show that there was more to learn and follow based on Scripture?
c. Personal Application: How do your beliefs line up with your actions? Why do we sometimes tell our children to “Do as I say, not as I do.”? Does a corresponding lack of action tell us our faith is weak? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

Note: “Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.” MH p. 149.

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